International Entertainment News: Panasonic Introduces Full HD 3D Consumer Plasma HDTVs and Improves Its Award Winning Line of VIERA(R) Plasma HDTVs

Panasonic Introduces Full HD 3D Consumer Plasma HDTVs and Improves Its Award Winning Line of VIERA(R) Plasma HDTVs

2010 Line Focuses on Enhancing the User's TV Experience With Expanded VIERA CAST(TM) Internet Accessibility, Improved Picture Quality, Luminous and Energy Efficiency and a Continuing Commitment to the Environment

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic Corporation of North America (NYSE:PC), the industry and technology leader in High Definition Plasma televisions, introduced its 2010 line of VIERA® Plasma HDTVs at the Consumer Electronics Show, including the premiere of Full HD 3D(1) television for the home environment. Building upon the award winning 2009 line of Plasma HDTVs, Panasonic showcased expanded internet functionality via the proprietary VIERA CAST IPTV functionality and NeoPDP technologies resulting in improved picture quality. Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, all 2010 models have improved power consumption and meet the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements. The 2010 VIERA line of Plasma HDTVs now achieve four times luminous efficiency. The 2010 VIERA line also features VIERA Link(TM) for increased networking and VIERA Image Viewer(TM) to allow for watching digital still and HD video on the Plasma screen.

Year after year, Panasonic has been dedicated to bringing new picture improving technologies to HDTVs and the 2010 line-up continues that trend. The educated consumer now demands blacker blacks, faster response time and the billions of colors that Panasonic Plasmas deliver. Panasonic has been recognized for having the deepest blacks in the industry and the 2010 class takes that a step further by creating new NeoPDP technologies providing a new infinite black filter with a higher efficiency panel that generates the best balance of black and white under brighter environments. The new panel named "infinite black" further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. In addition, a new panel structure and pre-discharge control technology contribute to realize an increased native infinite contrast level. Panasonic also continues its relationship with THX® Ltd., with 10 VIERA HDTV models achieving THX certification by the prestigious company founded by filmmaker George Lucas.

Panasonic's company wide commitment to sustainability and producing products that are ecologically sound is evidenced in the 100,000 hour life span of the Plasma HDTVs and the lack of lead or mercury in the panels. Improved power efficiency has been addressed with, among other technology advances, new and improved phosphor mixtures and more efficient electronics.

"When all is said and done, the consumer is most interested in great picture quality," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "There is no doubt that Panasonic Plasma HDTVs deliver tremendous picture quality. Our pledge to excellence and value have been affirmed by the critical acclaim our TVs have received from both the consumer and trade media, not to mention that Panasonic has been the market leader for the majority of the last three years. Panasonic continues to improve its technology, while providing such entertainment enhancements as an IPTV functionality, VIERA CAST and the VIERA Image Viewer that allows the consumer to view pictures on a large screen. Panasonic is totally committed to the success and growth of Plasma.

"And with our introduction of Full HD 3D in screen sizes ranging from 50 inches to 65 inches, Panasonic is bringing the last frontier of television into the home. We've gone from black & white to color to digital to high definition. Now with 3D, Panasonic is making television more realistic. 3D has proven quite successful in its theatrical form and we are confident that will successfully translate into the consumer electronics arena," added Perry.

Panasonic's proprietary IPTV functionality, VIERA CAST enhances the user experience by adding USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. In addition to the continuation of such favorite entertainment sites as Amazon Video On Demand(TM). Google's YouTube(TM), Picasa(TM) Web Album, Bloomberg and weather service; the 2010 VIERA CAST provides access to such targeted sites as Netflix(TM), Skype(TM)(3), Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. With ease of use as a major focus, VIERA CAST's interface implements quick keyword input (like a cell phone) to help retrieve favorite content faster and easier. Panasonic HDTVs employ VIERA Link - a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components using only the TV's remote control and helpful on-screen menus. In addition to operating a VIERA HDTV, video source (Blu-ray and DVD player) and home theater receiver; VIERA Link permits operation of a network camera, ideal for monitoring of a home/nursery. A VIERA Link capable Network Camera can be connected to select VIERA HDTVs and controlled via VIERA Link remote. Users can then watch their child, pet and/or property by installing the camera and networking to the VIERA HDTV via Ethernet cable.

As in 2009, all Panasonic VIERA HDTVs feature VIERA Image Viewer, a function for easy viewing of digital still photos and in some models, the ability to play back AVCHD video recorded on SD card.

For 2010, VIERA Plasma HDTVs are rated, as in 2009, to have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. This is more than 30 years of viewing when watched for 8 hours a day, before the TV reaches half brightness. To further improve picture quality, VIERA HDTVs feature some breakthrough consumer innovations like 600Hz Sub-field Drive and Infinite Black with improved contrast ratios. The prestigious THX certification is further proof of Panasonic's dedication to producing the highest quality viewing experience possible. THX works closely with Panasonic from initial product design phase to the final product rollout in the market. THX certification ensures that each display can present all HD and standard definition content to the maximum resolution with clean signal processing and accurate color, contrast and luminance levels. All THX Certified VIERA HDTVs also feature THX Movie Mode, a picture setting that recreates vivid studio colors, deep blacks and detailed images right out of the box.

PANASONIC 2010 VIERA PLASMA HDTVS

Full HD 3D

Panasonic's initial Full HD 3D televisions will ship in the Spring of 2010 with five models in the VT25 series. Panasonic's Full HD 3D televisions provide full 1080p resolution to both the right and left eye, thereby giving the viewer the ultimate 3D entertainment experience.

The VT25 series includes four screen sizes ranging from 50-inches to 65-inches - the TC-P65VT25 class (64.8" measured diagonally), the TC-P58VT25 class (58" measured diagonally), the TC-P54VT25 class (54" measured diagonally) and the TC-P50VT25 class (49.9" measured diagonally). One pair of 3D Eyewear is included. In addition to providing 3D viewing, the VT25 series of VIERA HDTVs features the enhanced VIERA CAST service with Wireless LAN Adaptor ready on its USB port, video call capability(2), VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG digital still images and HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; VIERA Link, a PC input, two USB Ports, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, 24p cinematic playback, 600Hz Sub-field Drive (produces 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution), Infinite Black Pro display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, four HDMI connections a RS232C connection and ISFccc capability. In addition these TVs feature new phosphor science that allows the TV to switch quicker, providing a smooth 3D image. As with all the Panasonic Plasma HDTVs, the Full HD 3D models have a panel life of up to 100,000 hours and are mercury and lead free.

G25 Series

The VIERA G25 series includes the TC-P54G25, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally), the TC-P50G25, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), the TC-P46G25, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42G25, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally). The G25 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability(2), THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G25 line features a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G25 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life - up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.

G20 Series

The VIERA G20 series includes the TC-P54G20, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally) and the TC-P50G20, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally). Like the G25, the G20 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability(2), THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G20 HDTVs feature a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G20 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life - up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.

S2 Series

The VIERA S2 series introduces two larger screen sizes to the Panasonic family of Plasma HDTVs, a 58-inch class model (58" measured diagonally) - TC-P58S2 and a 65-inch class model (64.8" measured diagonally) -TC-P65S2. The S2 series is completed with the introduction of four additional screen sizes - the TC-P54S2, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally), TC-P50S2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), TC-P46S2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42S2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally). Key features of the S2 series include 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, which eliminate traditional HDTV motion blur. The S2 series also includes VIERA Link and the VIERA Image Viewer. Other features include 1080p Full HD resolution, 2,000,000:1 native contrast, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and an anti-reflective filter. The S2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. The S2 series feature Clean Touch bezel,*designed to keep the TV bezel looking its best with less fingerprints.

* except for 58 and 65 inch class.

U2 Series

Panasonic's VIERA U2 series will be available in two screen sizes - the TC-P50U2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42U2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally). The U2 line of VIERA Plasma HDTVs feature 600 Hz Sub-field Drive, VIERA Image Viewer to watch digital still JPEG images, three HDMI connections, VIERA Link and 1080p Full HD resolution. The panels are lead and mercury free and are rated up to 100,000 hours, at which time they will achieve half brightness.

C2 Series

While Panasonic's focus in 2010 continues to be on High Definition 1080p HDTVs, the C2 series presents a line of 720- Plasma HDTVs which help Panasonic deliver on its promise to satisfy consumer demands for differing HDTV resolution options. The TC-P50C2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), TC-P46C2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42C2, a 42-inch HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally) offer spectacular picture performance with a 600Hz Sub-field Drive that delivers razor-sharp resolution, VIERA Image Viewer for viewing and sharing digital photos with friends and family, music slideshow functionality, and VIERA Link. Like the other members of the 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTV line the C2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours.

Availability and pricing will be announced 30 days prior to shipping.

MODEL FEATURES
----- --------
Full HD 3D with one
pair of 3D Eyewear
included; 1080p Full
HD Resolution;
Infinite Black Pro;
THX Certified; VIERA
CAST and Wi-Fi
Adaptor ready on USB,
video call
capability(2); New
Phosphor; VIERA Image
Viewer; VIERA Link;
Four HDMI
connections; PC
Input; Two USB ports,
RS232C and ISFccc;
1080p TV Lines Moving
TC-P65VT25 Picture Resolution
---------- ---------------------

Full HD 3D with one
pair of 3D Eyewear
included; 1080p Full
HD Resolution;
Infinite Black Pro;
THX Certified; VIERA
CAST and Wi-Fi
Adaptor ready on USB,
video call
capability(2); New
Phosphor; VIERA Image
Viewer; VIERA Link;
Four HDMI
connections; PC
Input; Two USB ports,
RS232C and ISFccc;
1080p TV Lines Moving
TC-P58VT25 Picture Resolution
---------- ---------------------

Full HD 3D with one
pair of 3D Eyewear
included; 1080p Full
HD Resolution;
Infinite Black Pro;
THX Certified; VIERA
CAST and Wi-Fi
Adaptor ready on USB,
video call
capability(2); New
Phosphor; VIERA Image
Viewer; VIERA Link;
Four HDMI
connections; PC
Input; Two USB ports,
RS232C and ISFccc;
1080p TV Lines Moving
TC-P54VT25 Picture Resolution
---------- ---------------------

Full HD 3D with one
pair of 3D Eyewear
included; 1080p Full
HD Resolution;
Infinite Black Pro;
THX Certified; VIERA
CAST and Wi-Fi
Adaptor ready on USB,
video call
capability(2); New
Phosphor; VIERA Image
Viewer; VIERA Link;
Four HDMI
connections; PC
Input; Two USB ports,
RS232C and ISFccc;
1080p TV Lines Moving
TC-P50VT25 Picture Resolution
---------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
Resolution; VIERA
CAST and Wi-Fi
Adaptor ready on USB,
video call
capability(2);
Infinite Black; THX
Certified; VIERA
Image Viewer (video
and photo capable);
VIERA Link; Three
HDMI Connections; PC
Input, Two USB ports;
600 Hz Sub-Field
Drive; 1080p TV Lines
Moving Picture
TC-P54G25 Resolution
--------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution; VIERA
Image Viewer
(photos); 600 Hz Sub-
field Drive; Anti-
reflective filter;
VIERA Link; Three
TC-P65S2 HDMI connections
-------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution; VIERA
Image Viewer
(photos); 600 Hz Sub-
field Drive; Anti-
reflective filter;
VIERA Link; Three
TC-P58S2 HDMI connections
-------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution; VIERA
Image Viewer
(photos); 600 Hz Sub-
field Drive; Anti-
reflective filter;
VIERA Link; Three
HDMI connections,
TC-P54S2 Clean Touch bezel
-------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution; VIERA
Image Viewer
(photos); 600 Hz Sub-
field Drive; Anti-
reflective filter;
VIERA Link; Three
HDMI connections,
TC-P50S2 Clean Touch bezel
-------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution; VIERA
Image Viewer
(photos); 600 Hz Sub-
field Drive; Anti-
reflective filter;
VIERA Link; Three
HDMI connections,
TC-P46S2 Clean Touch bezel
-------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution; VIERA
Image Viewer
(photos); 600 Hz Sub-
field Drive; Anti-
reflective filter;
VIERA Link; Three
HDMI connections,
TC-P42S2 Clean Touch bezel
-------- ---------------------

1080p Full HD
Resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution; 600Hz
Sub-field Drive;
VIERA Image viewer
(Photo); VIERA Link;
Three HDMI
TC-P50U2 connections
-------- --------------------

1080p Full HD
resolution; 1080p TV
Lines Moving Picture
Resolution ; VIERA
Image Viewer
(photos); 600 Hz Sub-
field Drive; Anti-
reflective filter;
VIERA Link; Three
TC-P42U2 HDMI connections
-------- ---------------------

720p HD resolution;
600Hz Sub-field
drive; VIERA Image
Viewer (Photos);
TC-P50C2 VIERA Link
-------- -------------------

720p HD resolution;
600Hz Sub-field
drive; VIERA Image
Viewer (Photos);
TC-P46C2 VIERA Link
-------- -------------------

720p HD resolution;
600Hz Sub-field
drive; VIERA Image
Viewer (Photos);
TC-P42C2 VIERA Link
-------- -------------------

(1) Current 3D content will be limited and may include certain Blu-ray Disc(TM) titles and satellite programming. Additional equipment and/or subscription fees may apply. 3D Blu-ray 3D Disc Player and discs sold separately. 3D Eyewear required for viewing - One pair included with TV purchase."

(2) Optional camera required.

(3) To conduct a Skype video call on a VIERA CAST HDTV, a specially-designed high-performance Panasonic camera, which is sold as a separate accessory, is simply plugged into the television. The camera includes a special microphone system that can easily pick up sound from couch-distance. Plus, it will deliver up to 720p high definition video quality depending on the consumer's internet bandwidth.

* THX certification is pending final testing and approval by THX Ltd.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic.

Source: Panasonic

CONTACT: Chris De Maria, Panasonic, +1-201-348-7182,
demariac@us.panasonic.com; or Blayne Murphy, Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9763,
blayne.murphy@cohnwolfe.com; or Jeff Samuels, Panasonic, +1-201-392-4571,
samuelsj@us.panasonic.com

Web Site: http://www.panasonic.com/

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International Entertainment News

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Panasonic Introduces Full HD 3D Consumer Plasma HDTVs and Improves Its Award Winning Line of VIERA(R) Plasma HDTVs

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