Panasonic VT25 3D home theater systems headed to US with lower price tags

In case you were thinking of cracking open the piggy bank for a 3D plasma HDTV some time soon, there's some good news: Panasonic's VT25 systems will be arriving in the US this week and cheaper than the prices they went for in Japan.

Previously announced at CES 2010, the VT25 display is available in five sizes, ranging from 50- to 65- inches wide. Starting Wednesday, March 10, the VT25 bundle package includes 3D plasma screen, a DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray player and active shutter glasses. Now in Japan, that whole kit was selling for ¥430,000 ($4,766). In the United States, the whole package will sell at about $3,000.

Normally, a lot of tech products don't always sell for the equivalent price from country-to-country, currency-to-currency for various reasons. Sometimes it comes down to extra shipping costs or expected popularity.

The reason behind this price cut? The Wall Street Journal reports that it is partly due to Panasonic's "push to drive adoption of the technology." It's also because Panasonic didn't do too well last year in the TV department, so they're banking that some big price reductions might help in 2010.

Perhaps they don't expect Americans to be as inclined to jump on the 3D home entertainment bandwagon, especially in this economic climate. You have to admit that even $3,000 is a lot to spend on a home entertainment set-up these days, especially one that is 3D. While Hollywood is pushing the 3D factor these days, it will be awhile before you can have a home library of quality 3D films to entertain yourself with. But considering the discount and how much that bundle includes, it's still not a bad price.