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Samsung plasma thinner but adds an extra dimension

The Samsung PNC7000 series of plasma TVs combines a thin depth with 3D capability.

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David Katzmaier
David_Katzmaier.jpg
David Katzmaier Editorial Director -- TVs and streaming
David runs CNET's home entertainment division, where he leads a team that covers TVs, streaming services, streaming devices and home audio. If he doesn't know something about the gear you use to keep yourself entertained at home, it's not worth knowing.
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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2 min read

The PNC7000 plasma combines a 1.4-inch depth with 3D capability. Samsung

Samsung

LAS VEGAS--Panasonic isn't the only plasma TV maker to include 3D compatibility among its 2010 CES announcements. While none of LG's plasmas offer the capability to interface with 3D glasses to create that stereoscopic illusion, two series of Samsung plasma TVs do: the flagship PNC8000 and this series, the step-down PNC7000.

The set is compatible with multiple 3D standards including both half- and full-resolution 3D, as well as the Blu-ray Disc Association's "Blu-ray 3D" standard. But such content is destined to be rare during the nascent launch of the new format, so Samsung also added a 2D-to-3D conversion system. It takes standard 2D content from the TV or other video sources and adds a dimension of depth. The best 3D experience will doubtless be had with actual 3D content, but we suppose having the option to add another faux dimension to 2D content will appeal to some viewers.

The PNC7000 also boasts a 1.4-inch depth, rivaling the slimness of some LED-based LCDs. It's still the thinnest plasma announced at the show, although Panasonic's expensive Z1 from last year is thinner, at an inch.

Like most other Samsung models in 2010, the PNC7000 will also offer the company's interactive feature suite, anchored by Internet @ TV (i.e. Yahoo widgets) and Samsung Apps. The widgets should operate similarly to last year's models' (although hopefully they're less sluggish now), while the Apps are Samsung's new proprietary content portal. As of now, it's not perfectly clear exactly how it will work; Samsung says that the first free apps will launch in the spring, with premium apps following in the summer. There's no word yet as to whether services like Netflix and Vudu will be free or premium apps. With other TV makers (like LG and Sony) offering the same functionality for free, we expect it will be difficult to charge a premium for standard streaming media apps like Netflix.

Samsung PNC7000 features:

  • 3D comatible
  • 2D-to-3D conversion system
  • slim 1.4-inch deep panel
  • Interactive capability with Samsung Internet @ TV and Samsung Apps

Samsung didn't specify screen sizes for the PNC7000 series, nor did it list pricing or availability beyond saying simply "2010." We'll update this section when we have more information.