Panasonic has recently released their third generation of 3D Glasses. From what we can tell, only the medium size (the TY-EW3D3MU) is in stock at certain Best Buy locations, in limited quantities and sold in a 2 pack for around $200.
With this change over to the new version it begs the question "Is this new model worth buying and what are the improvements and drawbacks" We were fortunate to have obtained a pair of these new Panasonic models and were able to compare them with the old model for you.
The new model has a model number that ends in 3MU while the old model number ends in 2MU. The 2MU model weighs 29 grams or 13 grams heavier than the 3MU version. This is roughly the weight of two quarters, which is enough to notice on the face.
Designers removed the weight from the frames to make the product lighter and this could be a problem down the road. We wonder how long the smaller frames will last because they look more fragile. The hinges used to attach the lens frame to the temples are very small and the temples themselves are only thin plastic. Since the glasses are new, we have no way of knowing how durable they will be over time. For now, we count this as a disadvantage until we have had more time to evaluate the overall durability.
The other new option they added was the 3D to 2D feature. What this does is let you switch a 3D image into a 2D image. I assume this is for those who don't want to watch 3D TV for some reason. We have never heard feedback on a demand for this feature from 3D customers so it appears to be more of a marketing gimmick or a way to help differentiate their 3D Glasses.
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 lens surface area for the 2MU model is approximately 2.45 square inches (15.82 sq cm). This is smaller than most of the competitors. The SONY TDG-BR250 model features 20.12 sq cm, or 27% more area. The Samsung SSG-2100AB offers even more surface area at 20.63 sq cm. This represents 30% more surface area.
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.
One final area we would like to address is battery life. The 2MU model lasts 30 hours on full battery power and the battery needs two hours to recharge. The newer product takes just thirty minutes to charge the battery and the charge will last about 25 hours. Another option is to choose the turbo charge function. The glasses will charge in just two minutes. The turbo charge will last three hours, or enough time to get through even a long movie. We consider this capability to be a major improvement over earlier 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.
With this change over to the new version it begs the question "Is this new model worth buying and what are the improvements and drawbacks" We were fortunate to have obtained a pair of these new Panasonic models and were able to compare them with the old model for you.
The new model has a model number that ends in 3MU while the old model number ends in 2MU. The 2MU model weighs 29 grams or 13 grams heavier than the 3MU version. This is roughly the weight of two quarters, which is enough to notice on the face.
Designers removed the weight from the frames to make the product lighter and this could be a problem down the road. We wonder how long the smaller frames will last because they look more fragile. The hinges used to attach the lens frame to the temples are very small and the temples themselves are only thin plastic. Since the glasses are new, we have no way of knowing how durable they will be over time. For now, we count this as a disadvantage until we have had more time to evaluate the overall durability.
The other new option they added was the 3D to 2D feature. What this does is let you switch a 3D image into a 2D image. I assume this is for those who don't want to watch 3D TV for some reason. We have never heard feedback on a demand for this feature from 3D customers so it appears to be more of a marketing gimmick or a way to help differentiate their 3D Glasses.
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 lens surface area for the 2MU model is approximately 2.45 square inches (15.82 sq cm). This is smaller than most of the competitors. The SONY TDG-BR250 model features 20.12 sq cm, or 27% more area. The Samsung SSG-2100AB offers even more surface area at 20.63 sq cm. This represents 30% more surface area.
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.
One final area we would like to address is battery life. The 2MU model lasts 30 hours on full battery power and the battery needs two hours to recharge. The newer product takes just thirty minutes to charge the battery and the charge will last about 25 hours. Another option is to choose the turbo charge function. The glasses will charge in just two minutes. The turbo charge will last three hours, or enough time to get through even a long movie. We consider this capability to be a major improvement over earlier 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.
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3D Glasses Unlimited.com offers compatible Panasonic Small 3D Glasses and 3D accessories like a High Power Mitsubishi 3D Emitter Only.
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