As different as standard resolution is to HD tv, HD tv is inferior to 3D TV. It is HD with each eye getting a differnent point of view.

Unlike the best theatre 3D format that is done with overlaping images on the screen that is then united with circular polarized "sunglasses", the Panasonic 3D is done inside "goggles" which give each eye seperate images.

BTW the guy that invented the circular plarized theatre 3D is the same guy who wrote Puff the Magic Dragon.

The "goggle" 3D tv will be released by Panasonic in 2010.

The effect is so smooth and convincing that you tilt your head to see around things. The movies and programs coded for 3D are using the effect respondsibly in that it is used for subtle effect and realistic imagery instead of throwing spears and spiders in your face.

Panasonic's competator SONY is teaming up and will be releasing 3D format on their Blu Ray discs. I am not clear if pre existing blu ray players can be updated simply with new firmware or if only new 3D blu ray players will play the 3D discs.

The new ultra thin PS3 game systems has a blu ray player whose functions can be updated via the wireless internet connect that is already built in.

After a year or two there will be more cable and broadcast programing that can be viewed in 3D rather than having to rely only on blu ray.

The goggles are a bit on the clunky side and not as trim as wrap around sunglasses but comfortable so you can watch while even laying on your stomach or up at the ceiling.

Whats next? smell-orama and stimu-tickle vision?
The Porn industry wants to know.

google searches of Panasonic 3D could provide more info than my brief review.