Panasonic 2010 plasmas do 3D, Skype and catch-up TV

Panasonic has unveiled its 2010 range of televisions and AV in Melbourne this week and it should be of no surprise to anybody that 3D was the main focus of the event.

There were dozens of devices on display from TVs with iPod docks to "wireless" cinema systems, portable Blu-ray players, and what could be the best plasma the company has ever released.

The hero of the show was the VT20 3D plasma, which will be available in June. It features a host of features including USB recording, video-on-demand and streaming from a home network.

"Critically for Panasonic, we don't see technology innovation or appetite for the plasma category ending anytime soon. Plasma technology, as I'm no doubt you're aware, is still a very young technology. We believe very strongly that we haven't yet scratched the surface when it comes to growth of the plasma category or development of the technology," said Paul Reid, Panasonic's director of the consumer electronics group.

Panasonic announced a wealth of products including access to the company's web portal "Viera Cast", which will include Yahoo7's Plus7 catch-up TV service later in 2010, in addition to the existing YouTube and Picasa access.

Check for more details and pics from below.

The event was kicked off by Melbourne singer Paris Well, who performed on a scaffold 15 feet in the air with visible harnesses, which detracted from the spectacle somewhat. Especially as the DJ at the top didn't seem to be wearing one!

"Set malfunction", or a destructible wall of smoking foam bricks? You make the call.

The VT20 plasma will come in four sizes — the 50-inch due in June, and a 54-, 58- and 65-inch due towards the end of the year. They will come bundled with a single set of 3D glasses.

The event also yielded a huge range of Blu-ray players with the 3D DMP-BDT300 (AU$599) being the hero product. The range also includes three stand-alone Blu-ray players and two Blu-ray recorders, and all, bar the DMP-BD45 entry model, will include Viera Cast content and DLNA multimedia playback.

The glasses are "active", meaning they require battery power (coin batteries available separately) and they cost AU$199 each. By contrast, Samsung's battery-operated glasses cost AU$99.

Panasonic's Paul Reid demonstrates the 3D capabilities of the VT20 plasma.

The U20 is the company's entry-level full-HD plasma line. It features a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast level and a five-star energy rating — a first for plasma as far as we're aware. It will be available in May in sizes of 42- (AU$1199), 46- (AU1599) and 50-inch (AU$1799).

Want a cheap plasma? Then the X20 is your guy. It will come in sizes of 50- (AU$1399) and 42 inches (AU$999).

Panasonic is releasing LED LCDs for the first time, with the 42-inch D25 here available in June for AU$2499. It features Viera Cast streaming and three HDMI ports.

The Panasonic D25 (right) shows off its impressive off-axis performance versus a competitor's panel. Notice how the blacks are deeper and colours "truer".

Wireless and 3D, the SCZT2 is an up-to-date Blu-ray home theatre system which promises simple set-and-forget installation. It's available in June for AU$1999.

Panasonic's Skype demonstration simulated a call between the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge and er ... the "internationally renowned" footbridge to Flinders St Station.

When receiving a call a small Skype icon appears in the corner of your screen. If you choose to accept it you better be sure to have one of the AU$199 Panasonic Skype cameras strapped to your TV as well.