3:22 AM
The Panasonic TY-EW3D3MU 3D glasses represent the manufacturer's third version of this product. As far as we know, only the medium size is currently available at Best Buy but there is a limited supply. They are available in packages of two and they cost around $200 per package.
Many people are wondering whether the new model has any updated features that are worth the upgrade. We got out hands on a pair and prepared this report comparing the new model to the old version and outlining the advantages and disadvantages of both.
The older version carries a model number ending in 2MU, while the new one is designated 3MU. The newer product weighs in at 26 grams, which is 13 grams lighter than the second-generation version. For comparison purposes, this is roughly equivalent to the weight of two quarters, so it is slightly noticeable.
One of the drawbacks to these new Panasonic models getting to such a low weight is they had to reduce the frame quite a bit. This is fine for weight but it makes us questions the durability of these glasses. The temples (what goes over ears) seem to be made of very thin plastic and the hinge, that lets the temples swing, looks to be very small as well. Obviously with these just hitting the market we were unable to determine the longevity and durability of them.
The ability to switch back and forth from 3D to 2D is a new feature but something we do not understand. We have not seen any indication that this feature meets any particular need and we do not know why anyone would want to use it. Since its only purpose seems to be a way to distinguish it from competitor brands, we rate this feature as a marketing gimmick and nothing more.
The earlier generation models were uncomfortable for anyone who had to wear them over a pair of prescription eyeglasses. They failed to sit properly and often slid down or fell of completely. The only way to get them to stay on was to hold the head in an uncomfortable tilted position. The newer version glasses are a much better fit for people with corrective eyeglasses. This is a welcome change and we count it as a benefit.
The fourth point we wanted to make is the lens size or surface area. The old models (2MU) had a surface area of 15.82 square centimeters or around 2.45 square inches. This is one of the smallest lens sizes on the market. For example the SONY TDG-BR250s has a surface area of 20.12 square centimeters and the Samsung SSG-2100AB has a surface area of around 20.63 square centimeters or about 27% and 30% larger respectively.
Unfortunately the new model (3MU) is not much better with a surface area of around 16.27 square centimeters or around 2.52 square inches which is about 2.8% larger than the old models. We are betting customers will still have the same problems and complaints they had had with the old models regarding the frame showing up in their peripheral vision and limiting their field of vision. We will have to wait and see if that is the case or not.
The last point we wanted to touch on was the battery life. The old models required 2 hours of charge and would last for a stated 30 hours. The new models will last for approximately 25 hours with only a 30 minute charge and you can do a quick or "turbo" charge of 2 minutes and the glasses will last around 3 hours. This is defiantly an improvement over the old "2MU" models.
Our overall review of the Panasonic TY-EW3D3MU 3D glasses is favorable and we consider them better than earlier models by this same manufacturer. Still, we believe consumers can find an even better option. The 3D glasses manufactured by Blick are designed to be compatible with 3D television models made by Panasonic. We recommend the Blick glasses because they offer 35% more lens surface area than the 3MU glasses by Panasonic.
Many people are wondering whether the new model has any updated features that are worth the upgrade. We got out hands on a pair and prepared this report comparing the new model to the old version and outlining the advantages and disadvantages of both.
The older version carries a model number ending in 2MU, while the new one is designated 3MU. The newer product weighs in at 26 grams, which is 13 grams lighter than the second-generation version. For comparison purposes, this is roughly equivalent to the weight of two quarters, so it is slightly noticeable.
One of the drawbacks to these new Panasonic models getting to such a low weight is they had to reduce the frame quite a bit. This is fine for weight but it makes us questions the durability of these glasses. The temples (what goes over ears) seem to be made of very thin plastic and the hinge, that lets the temples swing, looks to be very small as well. Obviously with these just hitting the market we were unable to determine the longevity and durability of them.
The ability to switch back and forth from 3D to 2D is a new feature but something we do not understand. We have not seen any indication that this feature meets any particular need and we do not know why anyone would want to use it. Since its only purpose seems to be a way to distinguish it from competitor brands, we rate this feature as a marketing gimmick and nothing more.
The earlier generation models were uncomfortable for anyone who had to wear them over a pair of prescription eyeglasses. They failed to sit properly and often slid down or fell of completely. The only way to get them to stay on was to hold the head in an uncomfortable tilted position. The newer version glasses are a much better fit for people with corrective eyeglasses. This is a welcome change and we count it as a benefit.
The fourth point we wanted to make is the lens size or surface area. The old models (2MU) had a surface area of 15.82 square centimeters or around 2.45 square inches. This is one of the smallest lens sizes on the market. For example the SONY TDG-BR250s has a surface area of 20.12 square centimeters and the Samsung SSG-2100AB has a surface area of around 20.63 square centimeters or about 27% and 30% larger respectively.
Unfortunately the new model (3MU) is not much better with a surface area of around 16.27 square centimeters or around 2.52 square inches which is about 2.8% larger than the old models. We are betting customers will still have the same problems and complaints they had had with the old models regarding the frame showing up in their peripheral vision and limiting their field of vision. We will have to wait and see if that is the case or not.
The last point we wanted to touch on was the battery life. The old models required 2 hours of charge and would last for a stated 30 hours. The new models will last for approximately 25 hours with only a 30 minute charge and you can do a quick or "turbo" charge of 2 minutes and the glasses will last around 3 hours. This is defiantly an improvement over the old "2MU" models.
Our overall review of the Panasonic TY-EW3D3MU 3D glasses is favorable and we consider them better than earlier models by this same manufacturer. Still, we believe consumers can find an even better option. The 3D glasses manufactured by Blick are designed to be compatible with 3D television models made by Panasonic. We recommend the Blick glasses because they offer 35% more lens surface area than the 3MU glasses by Panasonic.
About the Author:
3D Glasses Unlimited.com offers compatible Panasonic Kids 3d Glasses Glasses and 3D accessories like a High Power Samsung 3D Glasses Emitter.
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