New York –
Panasonic may not be ready to slash the prices on its new, and somewhat pricey,
3D plasma displays, but it is giving 3D-ophiles a $600 savings on the purchase
of a 3D system to make it worth their while.
Julie Baumann,
Panasonic display product manager, revealed Thursday during a press
demonstration for the company’s recently announced GT25 3D plasma display
series that the company is currently giving purchasers of Panasonic Viera 3D
plasma sets (either VT25 or GT25 series models) a free “3D Essential Package.”
The kit includes
two pairs of Panasonic active-shutter 3D glasses, and copies of the 20th
Century Fox movies “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” and “Coraline” on 3D
Blu-ray Disc. In addition, Panasonic is throwing in at no extra charge one of
its new DMP-BDT100 Blu-ray Disc players.
The glasses and
movies represent a $350 value while the 3D player carries a $250 suggested
retail, making the total value $600, she said.
Baumann said the
Essential Pack promotion began on Aug. 29 and is scheduled to run to the end of
October, although it’s possible the offer could be extended further.
Meanwhile, Bauman
said Panasonic is planning to come out with an updated version of its 3D
active-shutter glasses this autumn. The new and improved glasses will be
available in three sizes, are designed to be able to comfortably fit over
regular glasses if needed, and will have rechargeable batteries that connect to
a power source through a USB connection.
Baumann said the
company made several tweaks and adjustments to its first-generation glasses as
feedback came in from the field. Among other things, the new glasses have been
made lighter (39 grams) and shield light leakage from around the sides of the
eye.
The new glasses will carry a suggested retail of
around $179 and should be available in October in small, medium and large
sizes, she said.
