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Built for speed

We're always a little skeptical of programs that promise to enhance Internet speed, because a lot of the time they just don't work, at least not in any noticeable way. Though we can't promise that Network Mechanic lives up to its claim of increasing network speed by up to 300 percent, we can say that it provided us with an impressively faster connection.

The program is easy to install and configure. Users simply choose which type of Internet service they have from among four choices and click Optimize Now. Windows has to be restarted in order for … Read more

Panasonic, Best Buy double down on 3D TV

Panasonic has announced its first 3D TV bundle available exclusively at Best Buy stores, featuring a plasma TV and 3D-compatible Blu-ray player. The bundle will cost $2,900 for a 50-inch TC-P50VT20 TV (a $2,500 value by itself) and 3D-compatible DMP-BDT300 Blu-ray player ($400), and also include one pair of 3D glasses (model TY-EW3D10U, $149). The Panasonic bundle and TVs will be "sold exclusively at select Best Buy stores via Magnolia Home Theater," according to Panasonic. The 50-inch model will be followed by 54-, 58-, and 65-inch versions later this year, though pricing has yet to be determined.

If the TC-P50VT20 sounds different from the TC-P50VT25 model that was CNET's Best of CES pick earlier this year, that's because it is--albeit just slightly. The two models are nearly identical: the VT25 has minor external styling differences (different color bezel) and includes an RS232 port and ISF calibration mode not found on the Best Buy version, but it's slightly more expensive. (See an early hands-on evaluation here.)

To drum up excitement for the 3D launch, the companies held a joint press event at the Best Buy store in Manhattan's Union Square. Immediately following the press conference, the first bundle was sold to customers Brad and Ashley, a couple from Manhattan's Upper West Side. (The timing of the sale had been pre-arranged by Best Buy beforehand.) With New York sales tax, the total came to about $3,100. Immediately afterward, they were bombarded by questions and interviews from the large group of media who had shown up to document the event.

In the end, despite the hype, this wasn't the first 3D TV actually sold in 2010.… Read more

Quick Take: Panasonic TC-PC1 series

Panasonic's TC-PC1 series is available in two screen sizes: the 42-inch TC-P42C1 and the 50-inch TC-P50C1.

While CNET has not reviewed the Panasonic TC-PC1 series, we have reviewed the company's slightly more expensive TC-PX1 series. The two series of 720p plasma HDTVs are very similar similar aside from a few key differences. The X1 series has a higher native contrast ratio spec (30,000:1 vs. 15,000:1) so we expect it to exhibit slightly better black levels than the C1. The X1 also has an additional HDMI input (for a total of three, while the C1 … Read more