Don Lindich’s Sound Advice Blog

 The screen in the center is the world’s largest plasma HDTV… 152 inches!

Panasonic had a special press event Wednesday evening, the day before the show floor opened.  Front and center was a 152-inch plasma with 4 x 1080p resolution and 3D capability.  I wish I could do an online Vulcan mind meld a’ la Mr. Spock and share with everyone how stunning the picture was and how good 3D HDTV looks when it is done right.  This is going to be big, folks.  When you see it you are going to want it in your own homes, and you are going to be surprised that the price premium is as modest as I am told it will be.

I’ve never been keen on 3D up until now, considering it a gimmick more than anything else.  What makes 3D so spectacular now is the active shutter lenses used to deliver it, as well as the punch of high definition resolution.  Combine that 3D effect with HD resolution and you really feel like you are there.  You don’t just see depth… objects on the screen assume their natural real-world shapes and you almost forget you are watching TV… you are at the game or in the movie!   I am confident the Blu-ray producers will keep quality tip-top and provide a great experience, but I am a little worried about the image quality when cable and satellite start offering 3D channels… but that is another topic for another day.  Suffice it to say, having superior image quality will be key to providing a proper 3D experience that really makes you feel like you are there.

The TVs on the lower sides?  Mere 103-inch screens… meh.

Plasma is a perfect fit for 3D given the superior imaging and response characteristics of the physical material itself.  Panasonic has been plasma’s staunchest supporter and they stand to reap the benefits as 3D becomes more prevalent.  Their new plasmas are knockouts, too… more on those coming soon, keep checking back!