X

New Panasonic 3D plasmas shrink prices, screens

Panasonic's newest 3D plasma TVs lower the price point and add a smaller, 42-inch model.

David Katzmaier Editorial Director -- Personal Tech
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
Expertise A 20-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs since the days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. Prior to CNET he worked at Sound & Vision magazine and eTown.com. He is known to two people on Twitter as the Cormac McCarthy of consumer electronics. Credentials
  • Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
David Katzmaier

The new Panasonic GT25 series seems at first glance like a 3D version of the existing G20/25 series (pictured). Sarah Tew/CNET

Panasonic has announced the availability of two 3D-compatible plasma TVs as part of the new GT25 series. Both are less expensive than the company's current 3D TVs, the excellent VT20/25 series.

The 50-inch TC-P50GT25 carries an MSRP of $2,099.95, while the 42-inch TC-P42GT25 lists for $1,699.95. The 42-inch model is the smallest 3D screen size yet for Panasonic. Both sizes will be available in late August, according to the company.

While the new TC-P50GT25 does cost less than the existing TC-P50VT25, which is currently going for about $2,600 from authorized online retailer BestBuy.com, the same retailer has the nearly identical TC-P50VT20 selling for $2,100. For that reason, among others, we expect the actual selling price of the new TC-P50GT25 to be somewhat less than $2,000.

In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if the 50-inch GT25 hit the same price point as the competing Samsung PN50C7000 (about $1,800). In case you're keeping track, the recently announced Samsung PN50C490 (a 720p model for about $1,000) is still the least expensive 3D-compatible plasma TV.

The GT25 series will have the same VieraCast functionality found on the VT25 and G20/25 series, and it wouldn't surprise us if the GT25's specs--and 2D picture quality--mirrored those of the G20/25 models. Unlike the VT20/25 models, the GT25s will not include 3D glasses, which currently retail for about $150 each.

We have requested a review sample from Panasonic.