Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer

We were told yesterday that Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TH-50PZ80Q plasma had made landfall in Chicago at Abt Electronics, and here we have the images to prove it. America's first live commercial tru2way deployment is underway, and this is the spot if you're looking to be among the first to indulge. All yours for $2,299 (the HDTV, that is) -- enjoy the pics below if you're far, far away from the Windy City.

Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer

[Thanks, Mark]

[brianbobcat Posted Oct 17th 2008 2:32PM]

Abt isn't just any retailer, they have a single location yet is the 3rd largest electronics retailer in the US. All from one location. They do expensive custom installs, many for celebs like Michael Jordan, for both the home and cars. When they opened up in their latest store, there were a bunch of home theaters for demos, but unfortunately most of those have been removed to make way for things like the Apple, Sony, and Bang and Olfsen stores. When I heard the other day that tru2way went live in Chicago, this is where I was gonna head to see it, and sure enough, someone already beat me to it.

-Brian

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 17th 2008 4:57PM]

I much as I hope/pray tru2way is supported by cable co's, I don't see it happening by "end of 2008" as we're already in mid-October.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 18th 2008 1:19AM]

A lot of cable systems now have OCAP headends. Tru2way is the same thing as OCAP. It does require upgrading the headend. In fact, Cisco and Motorola both offer OCAP cable boxes for MSO's to lease. Next generation HD boxes will be designed for Tru2way. They will be able to show the guide in widescreen which is nice. No more SD optimized guides :).