Panasonic Corp. will work with U.S. electronics provider Best Buy for its launch of 3D televisions in the United States. The official launch of Panasonic’s 3D ventures in the U.S. will be on Wednesday, and Best Buy will be the main promoter of the products in the market.
Best Buy will setup viewing areas at its retail outlets across the country, where consumers can try out the Panasonic 3D products. Panasonic is aiming to sell half a million 3D televisions in the United States in their first year on the market, and expects a 50-inch Viera model to retail in the region for $2,500.
Consumer interest in 3D has been on the rise due to high-profile theatrical releases of 3D titles, such as James Cameron’s Avatar or Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Panasonic is in 4th place in the global market for flat-panel televisions (behind Samsung, LG Electronics and Sony).
Result for: theatrical releases
Image Entertainment has announced that it has canceled its upcoming HD DVD releases and added that it was dropping HD DVD completely to focus on Blu-ray.
Image is one of the biggest suppliers of independent titles and had supported both HD formats. Over the past two years the company released a large variety of music, special interest and theatrical releases on both formats.
Of the more notable films that have been dropped from their HD DVD releases are ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ and a few IMAX films.
Blu-ray releases are not affected by the decision and will be released on time.
