Will Panasonic's plasma 3D really be any good?

[rded]

I just got back from MHT and got 1st hand experience on the Panny 50" 3D TV with matching 3-D BDP and 3-D glasses. It made a believer out of me. The technology IS VIABLE. The 3-D images on the grand canyon rapids demo was dead on and the water effects and splashes were eerie-realistic.

The Astro Boy demo was just crystal clear and vibrant! Despite fast moving action and multiple camera pans, I did not detect any choppy frame rates and jittery movements.

The 3-D glasses were light weight, ergonomic and comfortable The Downside is that it uses a battery(I forgot what size/model it was) vs the Samsung glasses that are re-chargeable via mini usb.

Now the good news regarding the New Panny BDP: It has dual 1.4 HDMI outs This allows practically everybody(at this point) to not have to upgrade their receivers to HDMI 1.4 compatible ones thereby running one hdmi out to receiver strictly for audio and the other hdmi cable to the TV.

The Price? $2500 for the 50 Inch 3-D TV and $400 for the BDP. I forgot to inquire on the price of the glasses.

Verdict: If you have to have it NOW! IMHO the technology is worth it but you will not be able to get your hands on 3-D bluray movies 'till April. I was told that there are 50 bluray titles in the pipeline- which is a pretty decent number. Unfortunately, consumers may have to double dip on titles they already have just to get the new 3-D experience

My advice: wait until December/Christmas season. The Manufactures and studios will most likely package up 3-D TV/BDP and movie combos. If they are shoving this technlogy down our throats the better make the pot sweeter and add incentives