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CES: Panasonic's GT30 series plasmas tout THX

The Panasonic GT30 series is the company's second-best line of plasma TVs, adding THX to its list of features.

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.
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David Katzmaier
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Panaosnic's GT30 series is the comapny's second-best plasma and the least-expensive with THX certification. Panasonic

Update Feb 4, 2011: Pricing and availability have been revealed along with preliminary word that THX certification also applies to 3D mode.

LAS VEGAS--THX Display certification has been one of the saving graces of higher-end Panasonic plasma TVs over the last few years, making up for the relatively inaccurate color and sparse picture settings available in other modes. Among the company's lineup of 2011 plasmas, THX is available starting on the GT30 series.

According to a trustworthy leak a THX picture setting is available in 3D as well as 2D modes, much like the PX950 series.. In any case we expect the setting to be adjustable, unlike THX on LG, and provide an accurate default picture without too much fuss.

The GT30 is missing many of the step-up extras found on the flagship VT30, including an "Infinite Black 2" panel, 24p playback, and an included pair of 3D glasses. Given the performance differences between the G25 and VT25 from 2010, we don't expect the GT30 to deliver as impressive a picture as the flagship VT30.

With the exception of THX, the GT30 seems to have essentially the same picture quality specs as the less-expensive ST30, so those two might be closer in performance. Of course, there's no way to know for sure until we can review one.

Otherwise the GT30 and ST30 have similar feature sets, including 3D capability and the Viera Connect Internet suite. Check out the writeup of the ST30 series for more details.

Panasonic TC-PGT30 series features:

  • Plasma TV
  • 3D compatible
  • THX certification
  • Infinite Black panel
  • Short throw phosphors
  • 3D-compatible SD card slot
  • Viera Connect Internet suite

Panasonic TC-PGT30 series models:

  • Panasonic TC-P50GT30: 50-inch, available March, $1899
  • Panasonic TC-P55GT30: 55-inch, available March, $2199
  • Panasonic TC-P60GT30: 60-inch, available April, $2799
  • Panasonic TC-P65GT30: 65-inch, available April, $3599

Update Jan 7, 2010: I spoke with Panasonic's rep at the booth and found out a few more preliminary details about the new plasmas, including conformation that the ST30 an GT30 use the same panel, and so should exhibit very similar picture quality aside from THX. Check out the notes at the bottom of the VT30 writeup for more info.