The Super Bowl Won't Be Broadcast in 3D?

There has recently been some news that was released that might have quite a few football fans disappointed. If you were getting excited about seeing the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steeler’s Super Bowl showdown on February 6 on a 3D TV, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that won’t be happening. Super Bowl XLV will not be broadcast in 3D.

Consumer Reports have confirmed that Fox Sports, the executive rights holder of the Super Bowl game this year, will not be offering viewers the opportunity to watch the big game in 3D. So don’t plan on running out and buying a 3D TV for the game, unless you simply want a new TV for the Super Bowl and happen to want 3D as well.

So, why is Fox not broadcasting the biggest game of the year in 3D? Well, honestly, it’s really not a huge surprise. Over the past year, there has definitely been a low adoption rate of 3D HDTVs. That low adoption rate is really one of Fox Sports main reasons for not broadcasting the game in 3D. The network stated, "Unfortunately, given current levels of adoption, there is no business model that makes sense for producing a show as complex as the Super Bowl in 3D at this time. 3D requires an entirely separate production at significant expense without generating incremental revenue to offset the additional costs. We prefer to focus all our energy on doing the best possible HD production possible, which this year features more than 40 cameras," said the network.

In the past year more than a million 3D HDTVs were sold, which wasn’t as many as the TV industry had hoped, but it still shows that 3D is definitely beginning to integrate itself into the home. 3D is an industry that continues to expand. In 2010 there were a lot of very successful 3D movies in theaters including Toy Story 3 and Alice and Wonderland. In 2011 there will be at least 16 3D films in theater, and most, if not all of them, should be released on DVD in 3D as well. TV channels are also slowly beginning to broadcast in 3D. As of February 14, ESPN 3D will begin broadcasting 24/7 in 3D.

Fox Sports obviously didn’t feel that broadcasting Super Bowl XLV in 3D was important or profitable enough, but you can’t help but wonder if things might be different if ESPN had gotten the broadcasting rights. Oh well, I guess we will never know.

So, no you can’t watch the big game in 3D, but if you’re still looking for a 3D TV, here are a few of the top 3D HDTVs available.

Panasonic TC-P54VT25
$2,795 from Amazon.com

Panasonic offers a variety of different features with the TC-P54VT25. It has an incredibly vibrant display and offers very realistic 3D and 2D images. The only thing that I can really be critical about when it comes to this 3D HDTV is that there is no 2D to 3D conversion, but besides that, it is an excellent option.

LG 55LX9500
$3,399 from Amazon.com

LG created a masterpiece when it comes to the 55LX9500. It is incredibly thin and has excellent picture quality. The problem with the 3D TV by LG is that it doesn’t come with a pair of active shutter glasses, which really stinks. Another issue is that it is very expensive, but if you can get around that, it is a wonderful choice.

Sony XBR-60LX900
$4,249 from Amazon.com

Sony’s XBR-60LX900 3D HDTV is a fantastic TV. It offers excellent SD and HD content display, as well as having very nice 3D effects. It also is extremely thin and quite chic. The issue is that like the LG 55LX9500, the XBR-60LX900 is very pricey and may simply be too expensive for buyers.

Samsung UN55C9000
$3,499 from Amazon.com

The UN55C9000 3D TV from Samsung is a great TV. It is incredibly thin and light for a 55-inch TV. The issue with the TV is that the 3D images simply are not as immersive as were expected, but it’s still a fantastic option if you’re looking for a 3D TV.

It’s kind of disappointing that the Packers and the Steelers big game won’t be available in 3D, but even though you won’t need a 3D TV for the game, that doesn’t mean you should put off looking for one if you’ve been thinking about making the jump to 3D. These four 3D HDTVs are the top of the line. They are some great options that you should definitely look into.

Panasonic Adds New Features Their 2010 Viera TVs

Panasonic has added Netflix streaming and a Blu-ray player to their 2010 lineup of HDTVs. This Netflix feature will be free for existing Netflix customers. These new TVs will also come with Viera Cast Internet service, which will allow you to surf the internet right from your TV. Panasonic has even added USB connectivity to their Viera-enabled TVs, so that users have the ability to hook up a keyboard or a wireless LAN adaptor for easy navigation.

Merwan Merbey, vice president of Panasonic North America stated, “The addition of Netflix to our 2010 Viera Cast offerings now gives consumers access to the leading online movie subscription service right from their 2010 Viera Cast-enabled Viera HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players. The features now available on Viera Cast provide consumers with access to a wide range of the leading entertainment and interactive sites, which allow them to enjoy high-definition movies and connect directly with family and friends right from their HDTV in the comfort of their own living room."

Viera Cast was introduced by Panasonic at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2008. They had hopes of offering YouTube, Picasa Web Albums, and Bloomberg News. In 2009 at the CES they added Amazon Video on Demand to their content. Now in 2010 Panasonic has added access to Twitter, Skype, Fox Sports, Pandora, and Netflix.

There are five different Viera HDTV series from Panasonic that will have the Netflix capabilities, including: VT25, VT20, GT25, G25, and G20. From those series there will be 13 different sets available to choose from. Netflix capabilities will also be available on seven of Panasonic’s Blu-ray models.

If these aren’t the type of TVs that you’re looking for, check out some of Panasonic’s other TVs like the Panasonic TC-PVT25 3D TV.

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Planning your next trade show or big event and looking for a Plasma Rental, or large screen Monitor Rental? Then call 800-736-8772 for affordable AV Rentals nationwide!

Panasonic TC-PVT25: Named Best 3D TV of CES

3D technology is growing in popularity. We’re seeing it show up in gaming devices such as the Nintendo 3DS, in laptops such as HP’s Envy 17, and in televisions such as the Panasonic TC-PVT25. The public seems to continue to be intrigued by 3D technology, so I believe it will continue to be prevalent as technology advances.

Picking the right 3D HDTV can be difficult though. There are many different things that you must consider. Although there are big name brand 3D TVs are everywhere, you may not have to look any further than the Panasonic TC-PVT25. It was named the best 3D TV of CES.

There were several advantages that helped make the TC-PVT25 the top choice. First off, the TC-PVT25 is an extension of Panasonic’s extremely popular TC-PV10 series that was released last year. This 3D model features improved black level and enhanced picture quality. It not only offers a fantastic 3D experience, but also delivers a great 2D picture as well. Panasonic is even nice enough to throw in a pair of 3D glasses, which most other retailers do not do.

There are four different sizes that Panasonic offers: a 50-inch, a 54-inch, a 58-inch, and a 65-inch screen. All models feature Panasonic’s VIERA CAST IPTV functionality and are THX certified. This series of 3D TVs range from $2,599-$4,299.

If you’re looking for a 3D TV, this is a great series to consider. Panasonic’s TC-PVT25 series is excellent. The price tag may seem a little high, but if you really want a 3D TV, you’re just going to have to accept that it’s not going to be the cheapest purchase. If you really want to make the leap to 3D, this is a definite consideration.

Check out other 3D TVs like Samsung's PNC7000 Plasma.

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Planning your next trade show or big event and looking for a Plasma Rental, or large screen Monitor Rental? Then call 800-736-8772 for affordable AV Rentals nationwide!