Panasonic 2011 TVs--3D, Internet and more (photos)

This slideshow will cover Panasonic's 2011 TV-related 3D, Internet TV (aka Viera Connect), and miscellaneous info from its recent line show. It consists of PowerPoint slides from the company's presentations, as well as a few photos. We've devoted a separate slideshow to plasma TV details.

First up: Panasonic does have a revamped pair of 3D glasses.

Back to the main Panasonic 2011 line show post.

It's hard to imagine, but the old 2010 models made me look even scarier.

The most obvious improvement is the lack of a gap on the sides, which in the 2010 version tended to let in some distracting light.

The new glasses are rechargeable via USB and employ a switch that clearly indicates when they're turned on--a nice improvement over the button on the older ones.

The number of 3D models will increase by 600 percent.

As an aside, when we asked Panasonic's product manager, "Why no 60-inch VT30?" we were told that it was a tough decision, but the company thought the two sizes (55 inches and 65 inches) adequately served the audience while maintaining the series' "exclusive" feel. Apparently, two sizes is more exclusive than three.

An explanation of a new smoothing option for 3D. It can be disabled.

Support for the "3D ecosystem" is a given from a company that also makes 3D cameras and camcorders.

...will be available on all 3D models. We don't expect to like it.

The landing page for Viera Connect will look familiar to Viera Cast veterans. The main difference, according to the company, is that Connect is "more interactive." In other words, it has more content, like Hulu Plus, than Cast (which, confusingly, will remain on the company's 2011 Blu-ray products).

A closer look at the options found on Connect.

The company says it will stream out-of-market games via app. Panasonic also touts Connect's gaming chops with Gameloft's Asphalt 2.

Move over, Wii Fit: VC has fitness too.

Who knew social networking had an abbreviation?

Like the 2011 Internet TV suites from LG and Samsung, VC will have apps and a market. In the latter you can also purchase physical merchandise, such as, evidently, a "fitness machine."

An interesting look at Viera Connect's content availability compared with Viera Cast. In short, don't expect much backward compatibility.

Here's the whole TV lineup in a color-coded features chart. Enjoy.

Another overview of the whole line shows what features have been added in 2011.

Panasonic was proud to point out that plasma took 1 percent of the 37-inch-and-up market share from LCD (combined CCFL and LED) in (roughly) 2010.

New GUI!

The remote gets a big button for this again.

Panasonic adds network streaming this year.

Viera Connect models will get an iOS/Android app for remote control...

...coming in spring/"TBD with Viera Tablet" respectively.

Back to the main Panasonic 2011 line show post.