PANASONIC ANNOUNCES MUCH-ANTICIPATED ADDITION TO ITS LX-SERIES OF LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERAS

New LUMIX DMC-LX3 Combines Enhanced CCD Technology, LEICA Lens, and a Wide-Range of Manual Shooting Controls For Increased Creativity

SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 21, 2008) – Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-LX3 digital camera, the successor to the highly-regarded and popular DMC-LX2. Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.

At the heart of the DMC-LX3, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD. Making the intentional choice to limit the number of megapixels to 10.1 on its CCD, Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation. As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and saturation is increased by 35 percent, when compared to Panasonic’s 10 MP digital cameras*, giving the DMC-LX3 outstanding image quality and a wide dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in low-light environments. The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9. The new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.

“With the strong response towards the DMC-LX2, Panasonic has taken its technology a step further by upgrading several key components that we think will make the LX3 another win,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the enhanced CCD and extensive manual and automatic functions, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for photographers looking for a full-featured compact digital camera with some DSLR-like characteristics and a wide-range of optional accessories.”

Another major upgrade to the LX3 is the F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens. The F2.0 is about twice as bright as a F2.8 lens and can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture clear, blur-free images in dimly lit environments. In addition, the 24mm lens captures approximately a 213% larger viewing angle than a normal 35mm camera and 136% larger compared to a 28mm wide-angle lens. The lens unit consists of eight elements in six groups with four aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces. As a result of the F2.0 lens, the LX3 produces high resolution and minimal distortion and artifacts – such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring.

The LX3 also incorporates the Venus Engine IV, which provides more advanced signal processing technology for producing higher-quality images with reduced noise in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing – as compared to the Venus Engine III.
The Venus Engine IV supports high sensitivity recording enabling the DMC-LX3 to record at up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and even up to ISO 6400 when using high sensitivity mode, enough to capture subjects in low lighting without using a flash**. The Venus Engine IV also supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode.

The easy-to-use joystick operation which was featured in its predecessor continues with the LX3, as its intuitive design makes selecting different settings on the camera, including focus, aperture and shutter speed – easy and quick. Other convenient design elements include a switch on the side of the lens barrel that allows the user to quickly change the focus modes between Manual Focus, Auto Focus and Macro Auto Focus. When choosing Manual Focus, the focus distance and the depth of field according to the zoom range and aperture is also displayed. For setting white balance, the LX3 provides a new color temperature display function, and still includes the Two-Axis white balance adjustment settings offered in previous models. Users can also customize and store their own personal settings of up to four unique functions and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.

Furthering its creative options, the LX3 also features a Film mode with six color types and three types of monochrome selections. Much like selecting from different film types, this function gives the user the flexibility and creative freedom to take more expressive digital photos. Also, when using the Multi-film mode, the LX3 produces a maximum of three images from a RAW file for the user to compare the different textures. Another new feature is the multiple-exposure feature, which lets the user create artistic photos by overlaying up to three consecutive images; while still viewing the last image on the 3.0-inch LCD screen. The LCD on the LX3 is new and improved with a 460,000-dot high resolution.

While the LX3 allows full manual control for more advanced photography, it also includes Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode (iA), including the new feature, AF (auto focus) Tracking. AF Tracking automatically tracks the image subject and locks it into focus, making it easier for anyone to capture sharp, well-focused photos. The AF Tracking technology also improves face detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves or turns their face. Other iA technologies include Intelligent Exposure, Digital Red-eye Correction, MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection (up to 15 faces) and Quick AF.

The DMC-LX3 has the ability to record High Definition (HD) video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps. With the newly added HD component output capability, still and moving pictures can be viewed by connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). In addition, the LX3 features Image Leveling, so when a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, this feature rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges.

A number of accessories are also available to further expand the flexibility of the LX3 as more than just a typical point-and-shoot camera. The optional Wide Conversion Lens (DMW-LW46) brings the maximum wide angle to 18mm. Other optional accessories include: ND Filter (DMW-LND46)***, the new PL Filter (DMW-LPL46), the high-end aluminum External Optical Viewfinder (DMW-VF1); the GN22 Compact Flash mounts to the LX3’s hot shoe – a new feature for the LX-Series.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3 will be available in silver and black in August 2008 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.95. For more information and to download the full specs, please visit www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

*Compared with Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX35 with 1/2.33” CCD.
** In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9( recording.
*** Requires a lens adapter DMW-LA4.

[Panasonic]

PANASONIC ADDS ULTIMATE ACTION LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA WITH LONG ZOOM AND 27MM WIDE-ANGLE LENS

LUMIX DMC-FZ28 Features AF Tracking, Latest Addition to
Intelligent Auto Mode, Helping to Capture Moving Subjects With Clarity

SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 21, 2008) – Panasonic today unveiled the LUMIX DMC-FZ28 digital camera, which boasts a premium 27mm wide-angle LEICA lens with an 18x optical zoom, ideal for tight indoor shots and long-distance action photos. The 10.1 megapixel digital camera also features an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), with the new AF (auto focus) Tracking function, making it easier for photographers at any level to shoot sharp, well-focused photos, even when the subject is moving – making it ideal for action shots.

The AF Tracking function, the latest component to be added to Panasonic’s iA system, allows users to lock focus on a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter halfway down. AF Tracking makes it easier to capture moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action shots. The AF Tracking technology also improves Face Detection (up to 15 faces), by providing continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure, even if the face is turned away from the camera.*

“The FZ28 packs a wide-angle lens and a high-powered zoom, so shooting outdoor events or vacation adventures is easy with this powerful camera,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Without sacrificing Panasonic’s reputation for high-quality lenses and innovative technologies, the FZ28 expands the Intelligent Auto Mode, allowing a user at any level to take high-quality photos.”

In addition to the AF Tracking functionality, Panasonic’s other iA technologies include:

• Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by instantly analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.
• Digital Red-eye Correction– This feature helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at night. Incorporated into the camera, the built-in flash emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.
• MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.
• Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
• Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.
• Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear.
• Quick AF (Auto Focus) – Starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera at the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

The high-quality, high-performance Venus Engine IV supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and 13 shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode. In High Sensitivity mode, the FZ28 can shoot up to ISO 6400 in extremely low-lit situations. The LUMIX DMC-FZ28 also is equipped with a 2.7-inch large, high resolution LCD with 230,000 pixels, and a high resolution electric viewfinder equivalent to 201,600 pixels.

The DMC-FZ28 also features High Defintion (HD) video capabilities with a resolution of 1280 x 720p at 30fps. Still photos can also be shot in a 16:9 aspect ratio for optimal full-screen viewing on a HDTV. Panasonic VIERA Plasma or LCD HDTVs also feature an integrated SD Memory Card slot, allowing users to easily view photos by simply inserting the SD Memory Card into the convenient SD Card slot built into the TV. Consumer can also enjoy watching videos in HD quality and view still images by connecting the DMC-FXZ28 via an optional Panasonic component cable (DMW-HDC2).

Additional features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ28 include:

• Image Leveling – When a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. No computer needed!
Scene Modes – The DMC-FZ28 offers a total of 37 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film camera-like effects and ambiences to images. Additionally, the actual effects of the scene mode can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.
• Flash – Reaches a distance of 8.5 meters at the wide setting and 5.4 meters at the telephoto setting (ISO AUTO).
• SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 SE – Software application comes bundled with the DMC-FZ28 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ28 will be available in silver and black in August 2008 for a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information and to download the full specs, please visit www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW ADDITION TO FX-SERIES, COMPLETE WITH 14.7 MEGAPIXELS AND 28MM WIDE-ANGLE LENS

New LUMIX FX150 Features Manual Controls to Help Creative Photography

SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 21, 2008) – Panasonic today announced its newest addition to its FX-Series of LUMIX digital cameras with the unveiling of the stylish and feature-rich DMC-FX150. Equipped with 14.7 megapixels, the FX150 also boasts a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with F2.8 brightness and 3.6x optical zoom.

The FX150’s manual controls and creative-shooting features distinguish it from many of its ultra-compact competitors. For instance, the Manual Exposure mode lets users choose the shutter speed, giving the freedom to render artistic images of ordinary scenes. The multi-exposure function superimposes up to three consecutively shot images together while the user views the previous image on the LCD, creating a surrealistic effect that cannot be achieved with a single image alone. Furthermore, the manual bracketing function includes typical exposure and adds new color bracketing to capture color, monochromatic and sepia shots of an image simultaneously.

The FX150 also records original photos in the RAW file format and comes bundled with the SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE software application, enabling the user to freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even after shooting for greater editing and image development.

“With the FX150, Panasonic brings a unique type of ultra-compact camera to the market,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The combination of 14.7 megapixels, numerous manual controls and Intelligent Auto mode in a stylish, pocket-sized body creates an ideal camera for photo enthusiasts.”

In addition to manual controls, the FX150 also offers Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode that provides the user with automatic settings adjustments depending on the shooting environment. A new technology, called AF (auto focus) Tracking, has been added to the iA roster of features. AF tracking enables the camera to lock focus on a moving object. Additionally, AF Tracking increases Face Detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves while shooting the image*.

When the FX150 is set to iA mode, the following technologies engage automatically, no settings need to be made:

• Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by instantly analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.
• Digital Red-eye Correction– Helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at night. Incorporated into the camera, the built-in flash emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.
• MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.
• Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
• Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.
• Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear.
• Quick AF (Auto Focus) – Starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera at the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

The FX150 boasts the high-speed image processing system, the Venus Engine IV, which supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode. The FX150 can also record dynamic High Definition video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps. Other advanced features of the LUMIX FX150 include:

• Image Leveling – When a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. No computer needed!
• Scene Modes – The FX150 offers 24 different scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images and the Transform mode trims and stretches images to virtually transform the subject.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX150 will be available in silver and black and will begin shipping in August 2008 with a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information and to download the full specs, please visit www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES NEW SLIM LUMIX MODEL WITH ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE LENS AND POWERFUL 5X OPTICAL ZOOM

New LUMIX FX37 Offers Enhanced Intelligent Auto Technology, 10.1 MP and HD Video Recording Capabilities With a 25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Leica Lens

SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 21, 2008) – Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX DMC-FX37 digital camera with a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC lens, enabling users to capture almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance as compared to 35mm cameras. The 10.1 megapixel FX37, capable of High Definition video recording, also includes a powerful 5x optical zoom while maintaining a sleek, ultra-compact body and expands Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), Panasonic’s system of intuitive technologies that help consumers take better photos.

“Panasonic is committed to manufacturing innovative, high-performance LUMIX digital cameras that offer technologies that are advanced, yet easy to use,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The FX37 gives users big features – an ultra-wide angle lens, 5x optical zoom, and the enhanced Intelligent Auto technologies – while still packing all this into ultra-sleek body easy enough to slip into a pocket or small purse. With wide-angles, consumers are able to fit more into their frame, giving them increased flexibility when taking photos.”

Joining the LUMIX family, the FX37 comes with several of Panasonic’s proprietary features, including the new AF (auto focus) Tracking function, which expands the iA system. AF Tracking automatically tracks the subject in the frame by locking it into focus, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos. With AF Tracking, the FX37 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. AF Tracking also increases Face Detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject’s face moves – or turns to a profile.*

When the FX37 is set to iA mode, the following technologies engage automatically; no settings need to be made:

• Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by instantly analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.
• Digital Red-eye Correction– This feature helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at night. Incorporated into the camera, the built-in flash emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.
• MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.
• Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
• Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.
• Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear.
• Quick AF (Auto Focus) – Starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera at the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

The LUMIX FX37, which includes 50 MB** of internal memory, also features High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities, shooting with a resolution of 1280 x 720p at 30fps. Still photos can also be shot in a 16:9 aspect ratio for optimal viewing on an HDTV. Panasonic VIERA Plasma and LCD HDTVs also feature an integrated SD Memory Card slot, allowing users to easily view photos by simply inserting the SD Memory Card into the convenient SD Card slot built into the TV. Consumers can also enjoy watching videos in HD quality and view still images by connecting the DMC-FX37 via an optional Panasonic component cable (DMW-HDC2).

The new Venus Engine IV supports a faster response time, allowing the LUMIX FX37 to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.005 second, making it easier to capture spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The high-performance engine enables the camera to shoot up to 310 photos on a single battery charge.

Additional features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX37 include:

• Image Leveling – When a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. No computer needed!
• Scene Modes – The DMC-FX37 offers 25 scene modes to address the unique needs of a variety of shooting situations. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film camera-like effects and ambiences. Additionally, the Transform mode trims and stretches the image to virtually transform the subject to appear slimmer or stretched wider.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX37 will be available in silver, black, blue, pink, white and brown in September 2008 for a suggested retail price of $349.95. For more information and to download the full specs, please visit www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

With too much inventory and not enough demand, the HDTV makers are cutting prices yet again to clear out stock. After these guys finish slashing, you can expect other bigwigs like Pioneer, LG and Sony to follow suit. So before you shell out for that sweet new LCD or plasma set, make sure you're not overpaying and check out the chart of everything we know so far. [HD Guru]

*Note: The following are "minimum advertised prices". Street pricing, or what they actually charge in store after sales, etc., is usually much less.

Tru2way is actually the brand name for a common Java-based middleware stack and software platform (aka OpenCable, aka OCAP) that'll be supported across the entire cable industry (all the majors like Comcast and Time Warner others are way onboard). Hardware comes into play by way of CableCARD, the little card you can plug into your TiVo (or whatever) to get cable on it without a set-top box. It decrypts the encrypted signal the cable company sends out.

Up until now CableCARD has had some problems: It was meant to replace your set-top box, but besides crappy industry support, it was missing stuff like the programming guide and VOD. Tru2way aims to fulfill the original promise. Not only will tru2way be in half of all actual cable boxes by 2013 according to ABI Research—Time Warner already has a million boxes out there—TV manufacturers like Panny, Sammy and Sony are building tru2way sets that won't need cable boxes. (ABI principal analyst Steve Wilson tells us that Sony's agreement is particularly important in pushing tru2way forward, since it got the cable operators to agree to the same set of specs and common goals, like a full rollout by 2009.) So tru2way isn't vaporware—it's not a butter smooth road, but you will probably see it fairly soon(ish).

The biggest tru2way advantage for consumers is that the box becomes an option based on the capability of your TV. You'll finally get the program guide, VOD and other advanced features with a tru2way TV, without a black behemoth next to it. And, as is implied in the name, it allows two-way communication, something older CableCARD devices couldn't do. That means cable operators can offer a lot of the same interactive features as AT&T's U-verse IPTV service. Since it's a common platform for all cable operators, a developer's app that works for Time Warner will work for Comcast and vice versa, no messy porting required. And it's just Java, so there's not much of a learning curve, paving the way for lots of innovative apps (if the cable co. allows them), not to mention the obvious like local weather widgets, voting, news, RSS. ABI's Steve Wilson also mentioned an on-TV caller ID app similar to AT&T's.

The major catch is that this requires new hardware, either a new box (from the cable company) or a new TV (from you wife's pension fund). Cable dudes are going to cycle to the new boxes gradually, not replace them all at once, and that will take some time. Also, don't expect these wonderful new services to be wonderfully free, Wilson tells us. The super-sweet stuff is going to be part of higher-tiered services that are probably gonna cost you. And the boxes themselves might be pricey. There will lower levels with more basic interactivity, but those cheap-o boxes will have a slower rollout. (Though it'll be hastier in markets invaded by FiOS and U-verse according to Wilson.)

So, while CableCARD and tru2way aren't going to invade the country overnight, the way most people watch TV—even if they actually still sit on a couch in front of an actual boob tube—is going to change significantly in the next couple of years. But it's not like they have much of a choice anymore. Even now, people (mostly young whippersnappers) are changing the way they watch TV, whether or not the cable companies and telecoms go along. Time to evolve... or die.

While it looked like the Panasonic's better color reproduction, more accurate gamma, reduced power consumption and $1100 price advantage over last year's Kuros was going to give Pioneer a run for their money, the new Kuro has stepped up with improved noise reduction and matched color reproduction and power consumption to the Panasonic. Pile that onto what Kuro is most famous for—the blackest blacks on any TV anywhere.

Unfortunately, the King doesn't come cheap: At $5,000, it's $1,500 more than the Panasonic. For the full down and dirty, check out Gary's review. [HD Guru]

Toughbooks have been pulled from car fires, blown up and stopped bullets. Their outer strength is derived from magnesium shells; Panasonic says they are 20x stronger than the typical plastic laptop case.

After the design comes the testing, where only the fittest prototypes and models survive. Fittingly, the slogan of the Kobe plant is "Productive Destruction." Toughbooks are put through a battery of tests under MIL-STD-810F. Here are some of the highlights of the super rugged laptop testing:

Drop Test
Also known as the "Transit Drop Test," this procedure involves dropping the powered-down machine from three feet onto each face, edge and corner a total of 26 times. The computers are dropped onto two-inch plywood placed over a steel plate on top of concrete—the triumvirate of hard everyday surfaces. Visual checks and a Windows boot-up are done after each test.

Water Resistance
The Toughbook is placed in a water spray chamber for 12 straight hours, powered on but with its ports closed tight. Afterwards comes an inspection for water "intrusion."

Thermal Shock and Temperature
When shut down, the computer is subjected to three cycles of massive temperature swings, from a balmy 205º F to a chilly -60º F. Separately, Toughbooks are turned on, and tested actually operating at temperatures ranging from -4ºF to 140º F. For these tests, Panasonic uses special environmental chambers made by a company called Espec. (Hopefully they don't also build saunas.)

Altitude
With the help of an outside firm, Toughbooks are tested to see if they withstand the most challenging air pressure conditions that could be encountered in military aircraft.

Humidity
This test takes 10 whole days to complete. Toughbooks are placed in a chamber with extreme jungle-like humidity at temperatures fluctuating between hot (86ºF) and impossibly hot (140ºF).

Dust Resistance
Superfine silica flour is applied to the machines in a 140º F environment at a facility in Yokohama; this punishment goes on for 8 hours while the laptops are turned on. They pass the test if moving parts don't bind or become blocked, and relays and contacts continue to operate properly.

Vibration
Toughbooks are clamped to aluminum plates that simulate the mounting in vehicles, and then are subjected to various intensities of vibration while turned off and on. When on, the HDD also spins.

Hinge Durability
In a test you can easily envision, Toughbooks are put through 30,000 cycles of open-and-close-and-open-and-close, testing hinge sturdiness.

Keyboard
Nasty-looking typing machines pound Toughbook keyboards through their paces, testing them to withstand 25 million keystrokes. (Wonder how long they have to type before complete works of Shakespeare appear...)

Spills
Toughbooks are tested for their ability to fend off spills, one of the more common assaults to a laptop. Mil-spec requires them to withstand more than 6 ounces (200 cc) of... whatever.

Compression
At the development stage, Toughbook covers and bases are squeezed super hard, tested to withstand over 980N (100kgf) of pressure.

Electromagnetic Interference
During development, electromagnetic wave testing is performed in the plant's 10m radio-frequency anechoic chamber, used to check conformity with CISPR and FCC electromagnetic regulations.

Although not to the level of the mil-spec lines, whose testing is detailed above, Panasonic's business-rugged models—the kind our Benny Goldman tested in his own, uh, laboratory—are dropped from 3 feet, pelted with dust, doused with 6 ounces of liquid (half a can of Coke), squeezed, pounded on the keyboard, stretched open for hinge reliability, and shocked with an electrostatic discharge. Notebooks also go on racks at the Kobe factory, and are given massages. Using Panasonic-branded handheld massagers (what else?) testers check for vibration resistance as part of an "aging" process. The vibe simulates shaking during shipping.

The plant was established in June 1990 and began PC production in August 1991, now turning out an average of 2,500 to 3,000 Toughbooks a day. In 2007 production hit 660,000 units—Panasonic plans to ramp up output to 800,000 units this year and then 1 million units by 2010. The plant can turn out Toughbooks in up to 2,000 variations of memory, hard disk, LCD panel, software and shiny magnesium-alloy shell, in 10 different colors. Repairs are also carried out on-site 365 days a year.

A Matsushita warehouse in nearby Osaka holds $14 million dollars worth of components, about 2.2 million pieces in 60,000 varieties. The warehouse operates under a system it calls "5S" for five words in Japanese: seiri (arrangement), seiton (tidy), seisou (cleaning), seiketsu (cleanliness), and shitsuke (discipline). Like the factory, which requires all visitors to remove their shoes and don slippers as in a Japanese home, it's spotless.

Panasonic Unveils the HANDHELD Toughbook CF-U1, a Rugged Ultra mobile PC for FIELD WORKERS IN EXTREME Environments

Manufacturer of award-winning Toughbook® notebook computers introduces the first rugged UMPC equipped with the Intel® Atom™ processor; Reinvention of handheld computing pushes the benefits of enterprise mobile and wireless technology to new frontiers

Secaucus, NJ, June 25, 2008 – In response to the increasing demand for full-function handheld PCs for the mobile field worker, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today announced the availability of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1, the first ultra mobile PC (UMPC) to integrate the new low power Intel® Atom™ processor in a rugged handheld computer for use in the field. With the introduction of the extremely portable Toughbook CF-U1, remote workers are able to connect to critical information and applications in real time, thus improving organizational efficiency, increasing information accuracy, and enabling field-based decision-making. The CF-U1 reinvents handheld computing by integrating robust features previously only available on a full size Toughbook PC in a rugged UMPC form factor that can be used anywhere.

“Panasonic has always been at the forefront of making mobile computing technologies work for users in all conditions,” said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “We were the first to deliver rugged notebooks in a standard form factor, the first to create a rugged convertible tablet and we have made incredible leaps in mission-critical business computing with our innovations in semi-rugged desktop replacement and sub-notebook technologies. The ultra mobile rugged U1 is another example of how we take advances in mobile technology and make them reliable advances—with new product categories designed for users on the frontiers of mobility where value is truly driven for organizations.”

Customer Input Critical to Product Development
“Panasonic builds the new Toughbook CF-U1, but our customers designed it,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users. We’ve responded with a highly portable and durable device that offers integrated features such as an LCD touchscreen, solid state drive as well as an optional fingerprint scanner for user authentication. Data capture is enabled using 1D and 2D barcode and RFID readers and a 2-megapixel digital camera. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers full-shift battery life, a sunlight viewable screen and seamless connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G-mobile-broadband internet connectivity, all within an extremely rugged package for maximum reliability.”

Intel® Atom™ Enables Feature-Rich Computing in Small Form Factors
Intel Atom processors pack an astounding 47 million transistors on a single chip smaller than a U.S. dime (measuring less than 25mm), making the Atom Intel's smallest and lowest power consuming processor. The Atom is designed specifically for small devices and features support for multiple threads for better performance and increased system responsiveness all while delivering longer battery life.

“The Intel Atom processor delivers high performance at dramatically low power while maintaining PC compatibility and enabling the best internet experience in small devices,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Ultra Mobility Group. “Intel’s low power technologies, combined with Panasonic’s longstanding leadership in rugged PCs, are making it possible for mobile field workers to be more productive while reducing TCO for the IT manager.”

Engineered for the Walking Worker
Rugged UMPCs must be purpose-built and engineered for the environments in which they will likely be used. The Toughbook® CF-U1 will thrive in environments as diverse as construction sites, mining operations, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing facilities, railroad yards, city streets and storage warehouses. Further, the Toughbook CF-U1 is ideally suited for use by insurance adjusters, building inspectors, police officers, firefighters and other first responders. The Toughbook CF-U1 has several docking options that expand functionality whether in a vehicle, at a desk, or on the move.

“The entrance of the largest rugged notebook manufacturer onto the UMPC market is a key validation of the UMPC for enterprise applications,” said Venture Development Corporation analyst David Krebs. “VDC’s research validates that UMPCs will receive strong consideration for enterprise applications that require a balance of device portability and application richness and functionality that an x86 device with a full OS provides.”

Unlike most handhelds, the Toughbook CF-U1 operates on the full-function Windows® XP and Windows Vista® operating systems, giving users unprecedented remote access to feature-rich software applications in the field. The CF-U1 features a thumb-friendly and always-accessible backlit QWERTY keyboard that makes data input fast and easy. State-of-the-art Panasonic LCD technology enables sunlight viewability with low-power, white LED backlighting. Its fanless all-weather design also reduces noise, weight and eliminates points of failure; its twin, long-lasting, hot-swappable batteries enable battery replacement without disrupting operation; and its magnesium alloy chassis delivers protection from bumps and drops of up to 4 feet. The solid state drive contributes to reliability, while also expanding the CF-U1’s operating temperature range.

Wireless Options Offer Connectivity Virtually Anywhere
Throughout its history, Panasonic has been a leader in wireless technologies, recognizing the need for workers to be connected while on the move. Panasonic has more experience with embedded wireless solutions than any other manufacturer, providing customers with superior reliability, signal strength and throughput. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers seamless connectivity with:

* Optional integrated 3G mobile broadband for access anywhere with data coverage
* Draft-n compliant Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/draft-n) for faster speeds and greater range
* Integrated Bluetooth radios for simple connection to wireless peripherals
* Optional, next generation (SiRFstarIII based) GPS technology for improved accuracy, faster satellite acquisition time and lower power consumption.

Panasonic Toughbook® CF-U1: Select Features and Specifications

* Genuine Windows Vista® Business with Service Pack 1 (with XP downgrade option)
* Intel® Atom™ processor Z520 1.33GHz with 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache
* 16GB solid state removable drive (32GB optional)
* 1GB memory
* 5.6” WSVGA sunlight viewable touchscreen (1024 x 600 resolution)
* Anti-reflective screen treatment
* LED backlighting
* Extremely rugged
o MIL-STD-810F and IP54 compliant
o 4 foot drop approved
o Magnesium alloy chassis encased with ABS and elastomer
o Removable solid state drive
o Sealed all-weather design
o Rain-, spill-, dust- and vibration-resistant
o Rotating hand strap
* Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 Series (802.11a/g/draft-n)
* Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
* Interfaces:
o USB 2.0 x 1
o SD Card x 1
o Microphone x 1
o Headphone x 1
o Expansion Bus x 1
* Integrated options include 3G mobile broadband, integrated camera, fingerprint scanner, GPS, barcode or RFID readers
* Optional expansion modules for magnetic stripe reader & serial/ethernet/smartcard are expected in late 2008
* Approximately 9 hours of battery life
* 2.3 lbs (with strap and both batteries)
* 2.2” (H) x 7.2” (W) x 5.9” (D)

Panasonic Factory and Independent Quality Testing
Panasonic’s commitment to quality—at both the component and finished goods level—results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests before, during and after production, on every Toughbook® unit built. The Rugged Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 is MIL-STD-810F tested and is capable of withstanding shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, temperature extremes and thermal shock, and is IP54 compliant for water-, rain- and dust-resistance.

Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC will be available worldwide in August, 2008. In the United States, the base CF-U1 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $2,499 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.

About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook® line of notebook computers for fifteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless communications technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to business-rugged thin-and-light and ultraportable notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users—from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses—rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST 6X WRITE-ONCE BLU-RAY DISC MEDIA*

Secaucus, NJ (June 18, 2008) – Panasonic today announced that it has developed the world's first Write-Once Blu-ray Discs (BD-R) with 6X writing speed*. The new discs will be available in both 25GB** and 50GB capacities.

Panasonic, which introduced the world's first dual-layer 1X BD-RE Blu-ray Disc in 2004***, 2X BD-R/RE Discs in 2006, and 4X BD-R Disc in 2007, is now launching the first 6X BD-R to meet consumer demand to read and write large amounts of data at higher speeds. The new 6X discs have a maximum data transfer speed of an amazingly fast 216Mbps. This transfer speed, along with the discs' high capacity, allows consumers to use these discs for a variety of applications such as storing high-definition video or backing up PC data.

The new discs feature a wide power margin at any writing speed from 1X to 6X. This enables high-quality recording, even if the drive's laser power fluctuates, resulting in greater overall drive compatibility.

Panasonic's adoption of newly-developed disc technology produces extremely level and well-balanced discs with highly precise signal grooves. This improves servo characteristics and enables the laser beam to focus to the right position even when the disc is rotating with 6X high speed, thus providing optimum reading and writing performance.

Specifications

6X BD-R

Format Name: Blu-ray Disc Recordable Format Ver. 1.3
Model Number: LM-BR25MDE, LM-BR50MDE
Data Capacity: 25GB, 50GB
Layer Constitution: Single Sided/Single Layer, Single Sided/Dual Layer
Recording Format: Phase Change Recordable
Laser Wavelength: 405nm （Blue-violet Laser）
Objective Lens Numerical Aperture (NA): 0.85
Disc Diameter/Thickness: 120mm x 1.2mm
Track Pitch: 0.32 μm
Minimum Mark Length: 0.149μm
Data Transfer Speed: 216Mbps(Max.)
Hard Coating

*As of June 18, 2008

**The capacity of Blu-ray discs is expressed in units of 1GB=1 billion bytes, but the capacity is slightly below that after formatting, so that the actual amount area that can be used will be less.

***Introduced in Japanese market only

[Panasonic and AVWatch]

Jun 18, 2008 04:01 ET
Panasonic Adds Two New HD Camcorders to Its Line — World's First AVCHD Models With a 3MOS System
New High Definition Camcorders Offer Increased Manual Functions for More Creative Use and Intelligent Auto Mode to Make Shooting More Intuitive

Panasonic HDC-SD100: World's First AVCHD Camcorder With a 3MOS System
SECAUCUS, NJ—(Marketwire - June 18, 2008) - Panasonic today expanded its High Definition (HD) suite of products, with the announcement of two new full-HD camcorders, the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100, the world's first* AVCHD camcorders with a 3MOS system which provides superb video image quality. The HDC-SD100 records to SD Memory Card, while the hybrid HDC-HS100 records to both SD Memory Card and to its internal 60 GB* hard drive. Both models include manual functions for the user wanting more precise control over zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed and white balance. The models also include Panasonic's new Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, an intuitive set of technologies that automatically activate, making video shooting an easy, seamless process.
"The camcorder market is moving swiftly to High Definition and superior image quality is now a must-have feature. Moreover, many consumers are also demanding higher-level features, and the ability to be more creative," said Zoe Susice, Group Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "For these users, we introduce two new full-HD 3MOS models — the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100 — with manual functions that give users the power to create dramatic, artistic images. At the same time, we also have our Intelligent Auto mode, which activates several technologies automatically, so the user doesn't need to make any adjustments, and shooting video is an easy and enjoyable experience."
The world's first AVCHD camcorders with a 3MOS system are newly developed by Panasonic and based on the company's 3CCD technology, an already-established and renowned system that provides excellent color reproduction. With their expanded light-receiving areas, the MOS sensors also significantly improve image quality, even in low lighting. The three MOS sensors process the red, green, and blue components of incoming light separately, so color reproduction is superb. These sensors also have about double** the light-receiving area of CCD sensors, so image quality when shooting in low light is much higher. Compared with a conventional 1MOS, Panasonic's new 3MOS system captures more vibrant, true-to-life colors, greater detail and richer gradation. This high-precision imaging element is first in the world*** to shoot in lighting as low as 2 lux and helps the SD100 and HS100 capture exceptionally clear, bright images.
Adding to the 3MOS sensor, Panasonic HD Advanced Pure Color Engine and a new Leica**** Dicomar lens — helps the SD100 and HS100 deliver the outstanding images in full-HD 1920 x 1080 recording*****. Full-HD recording, with its total of 2,070,000 pixels, provides exceptional image details and rich colors. The Leica Dicomar lens system used in camcorders comprise 12 lenses in 9 groups, including aspherical lenses to improve resolution and contrast and an LD (low-dispersion) lens to help prevent color bleeding. Also, a special multi-coating process is applied to all lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration, so images are crisp, clear, and free of flare and ghosting. The use of a highly refractive lens also made it possible to have both 12x zoom power and a compact body.
To maximize the capabilities of the new HD-level 3MOS sensor featured in the SD100 and HS100, Panasonic further enhanced the company's renowned Advanced Pure Color Engine image processor with the introduction of the new HD Advanced Pure Color Engine. A noise reduction circuit combines with the Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while reducing power consumption. The dynamic range is also about twice that in previous Panasonic models, which helps prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows and allows more natural color expression. Offering both higher image quality and longer battery life, the HD Advanced Pure Color Engine takes camcorder performance to new heights.
Panasonic's iA mode, automatically activates several convenient shooting functions at once, so the user does not have to manually change any settings. These include:
— Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) detects hand-shake and
then triggers the lens to shift to correctly align the optical axis,
helping to ensure videos are sharp and reduce blur. This happens at a rate
of 4,000 times per second.
— Face Detection automatically adjusts the exposure, contrast, skin
complexion effect, and focus so that faces are always clear. Face Detection
can detect up to 15 faces in a frame.
— Intelligent Contrast Control continually measures the ambient light
intensity and adjusts the contrast as it changes, helping to prevent a
washed-out look in bright parts of an image and black-outs in parts with
shadows.
— Intelligent Scene Selection which determines the shooting environment
and automatically selects the appropriate scene setting for optimal
results.

Both camcorders come packaged with HD Writer 2.6 software for Windows, and also support iMovie '08 for Apple, which let users directly edit the high-quality full-HD moving pictures they capture with their camcorders. The SD100 and HS100 are compatible with Panasonic's VIERA Link™, allowing users to connect the camcorder to a VIERA HDTV via an HDMI cable, and operate the camcorder using the TV remote control, and following on-screen prompts. Furthermore, users can also take the SD Memory Cards from the camcorders and slip it into the SD card slot on a Panasonic PZ850 series VIERA HDTV, or a Panasonic BD50 or BD30 Blu-ray Disc™ Player, and enjoy easy, instant large-screen viewing of stunning HD video.
Both Panasonic models will be available in September 2008 for manufacturer's suggested retail prices of $1,299.95 for the HDC-SD100 and $1,099.95 for the HDC-HS100. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com.
*1GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
** Compared with the HDC-SD9/HDC-HS9.
*** For HD camcorders as of June 18, 2008, shooting in Low Light mode at a
shutter speed of 1/25.
****Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, and
Dicomar is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
***** In HA/HG/HX mode. "Full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels" in
Panasonic home-use camcorders refers to video recordings with 1,920 pixels
in the horizontal direction and 1,080 pixels in the vertical direction.
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 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com.

[Panasonic.com and AV Watch]

*Flags of Our Fathers 2-Disc Special Edition in Blu-Ray - $15
*3:10 to Yuma in Blu-Ray - $15
*War in Blu-Ray - $15
*300 in Blu-Ray - $15
*Blood Diamond in Blu-Ray - $15
*Shooter in Blu-Ray - $15
*The Fifth Element in Blu-Ray - $15
*Training Day in Blu-Ray - $15
*The Last Samurai in Blu-Ray - $15
*A Knight's Tale in Blu-Ray - $15
*The Patriot in Blu-Ray - $15
*Syriana in Blu-Ray - $15

[Slick Deals]

Think you can do better? (You probably can.) Hit the comments. [Defective Yeti via BBGadgets]

As is the case with most companies launching similar products, the system is easily expandable, and Pana promises more content partners in the future, though not imminently. I would like to have some kind of a la carte movies-on-demand option, to compete with the new Netflix box, along with Vudu and other options, but Pana isn't talking about that yet. They do say they are exploring options along these lines, and while they won't name names, I see MovieLink or CinemaNow as worthwhile addition, and maybe Rhapsody, too.

As you can see in the video below, it's got enough entertainment at the start to get customers comfortable with the format, and the architecture leaves room for all those other services.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF ITS FIRST VIERA® CAST WEB-ENABLED PLASMA HDTV

YouTube™, Google's Picasa™ Web Albums and Bloomberg Sites Accessible Directly On-Screen

Secaucus, NJ, (May 20, 2008) - Panasonic, the industry leader in High Definition Plasma TV, announced today that its much-anticipated web-enabled PZ850 series of VIERA Plasma HDTV's will be available at retail beginning in mid-June. The flagship line's wide range of cutting-edge features is highlighted by VIERA CAST which provides access to some of the most popular content sites on the Internet today - YouTube, Google's Picasa Web Album and Bloomberg. The VIERA line was initially previewed at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in January 2008.

Panasonic's VIERA 1080p PZ850 series offers features designed for the most demanding videophile - enhanced contrast ratio, deeper blacks, faster response time and outstanding picture quality in four screen sizes - the 46-inch class TH-46PZ850 (46.0" measured diagonally), the 50-inch class TH-50PZ850 (49.9" measured diagonally), the 58-inch class TH-58PZ850 (58.0" measured diagonally) and the 65-inch class TH-65PZ850 (64.8" measured diagonally). Coupled with Panasonic's new VIERA CAST technology, the PZ850 series will give consumers on-screen access to a far broader range of unique content than ever before.

"Our VIERA PZ850 series really takes connectivity and home entertainment to a whole new level for consumers," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "In addition to delivering stunning, true-to-life High Definition movies and television programming that all of our VIERA HDTV's are famous for, our PZ850 series also allows you to seamlessly access an unending supply of content via the web via You Tube and Google's Picasa Web Album websites. Another terrific enhancement for the consumer is that when new web sites become available they will be automatically available on the TV.

"Imagine being able to press a button and see a family member's photos from their vacation right on your own large-screen Plasma or enjoy one of the many intriguing videos found on You Tube from the comfort of your easy chair," added Perry. "The VIERA PZ850 with VIERA CAST makes it all possible quickly and easily."

The PZ850 also makes it easy to enjoy your own High Definition digital still and video images in breathtaking 16x9 widescreen format by inserting an SD Memory Card into the HDTV. While all of Panasonic's VIERA HDTV's can display digital still images via SD card, the PZ850 features H.264 codec making it possible to enjoy HD video content from your HD camcorder by simply inserting an SD Memory Card into the TV.

In addition to the line's Internet and SD Memory Card capabilities, the PZ850 series delivers a number of other high-tech step-up features that will further benefit the consumer and strengthen Panasonic's Plasma leadership position.

The PZ850 series features a Pro Setting Menu, a must-have for videophiles who can benefit from access to professional calibration software. Images come to life like never before in crisp, true-to-life color, clarity and smoothness thanks to an enhanced native resolution contrast ratio of 30,000:1, a dynamic ratio of 1,000,000:1, 24p native reproduction, Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering (a technology that allows for accurate color reproduction essential for movies), and Studio Reference Mode (provides faithful reproduction of the subtle colors intended by film makers).

For the avid gamer, the PZ850 series also offers a Game Mode which minimizes the time lag when displaying game images on the Plasma screen. The addition of four HDMI connections and a PC input also gives users greater flexibility to connect peripheral components to the display.

Like all Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTV's, the PZ850 series panels contain no lead or mercury and deliver increased luminous efficiency and 100,000 hours of viewing time to half brightness (40+ years at 6+ hours viewing per day).

Additionally, the PZ850 series, as well as Panasonic's entire 2008 line of VIERA flat panels, features VIERA Link™, a means to control multiple AV devices with one remote.

Discussing the availability of YouTube content on the VIERA PZ850 series Plasmas at CES 2008 in January, Steve Chen, co-founder and CTO of YouTube, said, "We're dedicated to providing users around the world with a great YouTube experience, no matter where they are. Working with an industry leader like Panasonic will deliver the same terrific YouTube experience that users have come to expect from their computers; browsing, finding and watching millions of videos from the comfort of their living room."

Panasonic SC-BT100
Wireless Home Theater System with Integrated Blu-ray Disc Player

Product Features
High Quality Picture
Combining a PHL Reference Chroma Processor with advanced P4HD imaging technology, Panasonic's original digital consumer electronics integration platform, UniPhier® reproduces crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful
to the original movie. UniPhier® reflects the advanced encoding and authoring technologies developed by Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL) in collaboration with film industry professionals. With UniPhier® at its heart, the SC-BT100 provides a level of image and sound quality that meets Hollywood's stringent demands - so you experience movies just the way they were meant to be experienced.
*UniPhier is a trademark/a registered trade mark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

PHL Reference Chroma Processor
The PHL Reference Chroma Processor up-samples (4:2:0 to 4:2:2) the color information in decoded video signals. Using unique Panasonic technology, this innovative circuit faithfully reproduces the fine details and nuances of Blu-ray video streams that have been recorded with high quality image compression system. It generates images with all the clarity and depth that BD-Video movies have to offer.

P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD)
P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel. So that it can render progressive images superbly, expresses motion smoothly, and draws crisp diagonal lines.

Deep Color
The SC-BT100 is Deep Color ready, which means they can reproduce images with 12-bit, 4,096-step gradation. You enjoy exceptionally rich, natural-looking colors, with smooth, detailed gradation and minimal color banding.
*The TV must also be Deep Color compatible. Other TVs will display 8-bit, 256-step grada

1080/24p Playback
The SC-BT100 provides 1080/24p output. It reproduces movie images from a Blu-ray Disc in their original 24p form, with no need for conversion. You see movies in the same format used in movie theaters.
*24p stands for 24 frame/sec.
*1080/ 24p supported TV is required

Premium Sound Quality
Kelton Subwoofer
Thanks to a Kelton subwoofer, the SC-BT100 outputs deep, thunderous bass sounds that make viewing Blu-ray Discs a truly awesome entertainment experience. The Kelton subwoofer has two internal chambers. A drive unit mounted in the rear chamber vibrates the front chamber, causing a large, 10-inch Passive Radiator in the front chamber to vibrate and produce bass sounds. Because the front chamber functions as an acoustic filter, there is minimal unwanted noise. The thinness and high compliance of the passive radiator help achieve an extremely clean, powerful and responsive bass sound.

Bamboo Diaphragm Speaker
Use of rigid, low-density bamboo in the woofer and tweeter cones of the center and front speakers helps achieve a highly responsive sound. This system reproduces sounds from sources in high definition audio formats of Blu-ray disc with stunning clarity and fidelity.

Bamboo Paper
Sound Velocity (m/s) 2380 1900
Specific gravity 0.37 0.40

Vertical Symmetrical Configuration
The SC-BT100's front and center speakers feature a vertical symmetrical configuration, with the tweeter in the center and the woofers arranged directly above and below it. The sound seems to emanate from a single point. This reproduces a sound so clear and transparent that when you're listening to an orchestra, for example, you can easily pinpoint the location of each instrument.

Whisper- mode Surround
In the past, when you were watching a movie late at night with the volume turned down, the surround effect would be lost. Not with Whisper-Mode Surround. It compensates for the sound pressure level of the low-frequency component (which contains the signals that affect the surround effect), so you're enveloped in a rich surround sound even when watching movies at low volume.

Compatible for New All Audio Codec*
The SC-BT100 is compatible with the newest Dolby®TrueHD and DTS-HD™ 7.1-channel surround sound formats. Sit back and enjoy the incredibly rich, clear and faithful surround sound these high-data formats make possible.

New Medial Friendly
Integrated Universal Dock for iPod®
Just slip your iPod® into the built-in cradle and enjoy. With the BD theater system's awesome picture and sound quality, you'll love listening to the music and watching the images on your iPod®. There are no iPod® or USB cables to connect, so it's super easy and your room stays tidy and uncluttered.

iPod® Music / Video Capability
iPod® Music Playback and iPod® On-Screen Display for Music Menu
Panasonic's BD theater is a great way to listen to the music on your iPod®. The list of songs on your iPod® can be displayed on the TV screen, and you can use the remote control from the home theater or a VIERA TV to select and play them.

iPod® Video Playback
Use the iPod's screen to select a video, then sit back and enjoy awesome large-screen viewing and thunderous surround sound.
*To enjoy iPod® Video contents, please connect your home theater sound system with composite video cable.

Enjoy Multi Channel Contents of Set-top Box
Connect a set-top box to your BD theater with an optical audio cable, and you can view cable programs and other content on your large-screen TV, while enjoying 5.1-channel surround sound.
*The video output of the set-top box must be connected to the TV, and the set-top box must be connected to the SC-BT100 via an optical audio cable.

HD Networking with SD Memory Card
Linking with an HD Camcorder
The SC-BT100 can play back AVCHD-format images shot with an HD camcorder, such as the Panasonic HDC-SD9. Images recorded onto the camcorder's SD Memory Card are output directly from the SC-BT100's HDMI terminals in their original, high-quality 1920 x 1080 resolution. The SC-BT100 also provides an AVCHD Direct Navigator function that makes it easy to search for particular scenes.

Linking with a Digital Camera
The SC-BT100 can play back JPEG still images on an SD Memory Card, such as those recorded with a Lumix DMC-FX55 digital camera. The SC-BT100 can output the images to 1920 x 1080 resolution - ideal for a full-HD TV - and output them via the HDMI terminal* Using the Slideshow playback feature, you can play a music CD at the same time you're showing the photos, so viewers enjoy both beautiful images and your favorite music.
*JPEG and other still image sources converted to 1920 x 1080 resolution, while of high quality, will exhibit somewhat lower subjective image resolution than true, native 1080p full HD sources.

Easy to Use & Set-Up with VIERA LinkTM
New Seamless GUI
As the types of media continue to increase, the VIERA LinkTM capability continues to evolve. The newly enhanced VIERA LinkTM displays a menu on the TV screen, making it easier to operate the connected equipment. For example, you can display a menu with a list of the movies or music stored on your iPod®, and use the VIERA remote control unit to select one and begin playback.

Auto Theater Setup
When you connect your BD theater system to a VIERA TV via an HDMI cable, the TV settings (menu language, aspect ratio, and so on) are automatically loaded into the home theater system. This saves you the trouble of making those settings manually.
・VIERA LinkTM is a new name for EZ SyncTM.
・Not All 2008 VIERA LinkTM features are compatible with all 2006/2007 EZ SyncTM products.

Blu-ray Global Site
http://panasonic.net/blu-ray/

Blu-ray DiscTM Home Theater Sound System
SC-BT100

1. Premium Sound Quality with Full Audio Codec for Blu-ray Disc
2. High Quality Picture with Full-HD 1080p and Premium Live Experience for 7.1ch Surround with 5 Speakers
3. Enjoy Your iPod® Music and iPod® Video*1 with Integrated Universal Dock for iPod®*2
*1 iPod Video function is limited in case of connection to TV through composite Video output.
*2 Made for iPod, iPod® not included.

Home Theater Receiver
• Home Theater Mode: Total Output Power of 1250W
Front: 250W x 2 (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
Center: 250W (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
Surround: 125W x 2 (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)
Subwoofer: 250W (100Hz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
• Home Theater Mode: Total Output Power of 472W
Front: 104W x 2 (120Hz - 20kHz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)
Center: 101W (120Hz - 20kHz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)
Surround: 34W x 2 (120Hz - 20kHz, 3 ohms, 1 % THD)
Subwoofer: 95W (45Hz - 120Hz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)
• Digital Amplifier
• Whisper-mode Surround
• H.Bass
• Surround Enhancer
• Real Center Focus
• EQ (Flat, Heavy, Clear, Soft)
• Subwoofer Boost
• Subwoofer Level Control
• Quartz-Synthesized Digital Tuning System (AM/FM)
• AV Remote Control
• ENERGY STAR® Qualified

[BD Features]
Video Features
• PHL Reference Chroma Processor
• P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD)
• Precise Pixel Generation
• 16-Level Motion Detection with Pixel-Based Motion Adaptive
• Diagonal Processing
• Detection of 3:2 Pull-Down Progressive Processing
• i/p Conversion for 1080p* Playback
• Up-Conversion to 1080p* Playback
* HDMI connection required.
• 1080/24p Playback
• Deep Color
• 148.5MHz/12bit Video D/A Converter
• Digital Noise Reduction (3D-NR/ Integrated NR)
• Picture Mode (Normal, Soft, Fine, Cinema, User)
• Picture Adjustment (Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, Color, Gamma Correction)
• Advanced Progressive Scan* (4:4:4 Signal Processing/4:3 Shrink Function/Letterbox Zoom & Shift)
* To enjoy a progressive scan picture, a TV with progressive scan capabilities must be used.
• Variable Zoom
• Multi-Format Playback (Blu-ray Disc, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW*1, DVD-R*1, DVD-R Dual Layer*1, +R*1, +R Double Layer*1, +RW*1, CD, CD-R/RW*2, MP3*3 and JPEG)

Audio Features
• Built-in Dolby®Digital Plus, Dolby®Digital True HD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio and Linear PCM
• Dolby® Pro Logic® II ( Movie, Music) (for Disc/iPod®/Digital In/FM/AM/AUX)
• DTS Neo :6 (Cinema,Music) (for Disc/iPod®/Digital In/FM/AM/AUX)
• 192kHz/24bit Audio D/A Converter
• Dynamic Range Compression

Other Media Features
• iPod® On-Screen Display for Music Menu
• iPod® Music Playback
• iPod® Video Playback
• High Definition Movie & Picture Playback via SD Memory Card Slot

Input/ Output
• 1 HDMI Terminal with VIERA LinkTM
• 1 Digital Input (Optical)
• 1 Component Video Out
• 1 Video Out
• 1 Wireless Rear Terminal
• 1 Analog Audio Input for AUX
• 1 Phone Out

Speaker System
• 5 New Satellite Speakers
• Wall Mounting Holes

Front:
• 2-1/2" Woofer x 2, 2-3/8" Cone Tweeter (Bamboo Diaphragm)
• Magnetic Shielding for Home Theater Use

Center:
• 2-1/2" Woofer x 2, 2-3/8" Cone Tweeter (Bamboo Diaphragm)
• Magnetic Shielding for Home Theater Use

Surround:
• 2-1/2" Full Range Speaker

Subwoofer
• 10 inch Passive Radiator /6-1/2 inch Woofer (Kelton Type)

*1 Discs recorded and finalized on DVD video recorders/cameras.
*2 This unit can play CD-DA format audio CD-R and CD-RW. It may not be able to play some CD-R or CD-RW due to the condition of the recording.
*3 For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for personal use. Playability may vary depending on conditions and discs.
*Energy Star is a U.S. Registered Trademark

BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER DMP-BD50 FACT SHEET

BD-Live
The DMP-BD50's Ethernet terminal is a gateway for Internet connection, which paves the way to an entirely new form of movie-plus-Internet entertainment. In the future, BD-Live users will be able to participate in quizzes and challenge each other to interactive games that are linked to bonus movie content on BD discs. BD-Live also supports other interactive functions, such as Picture-in-Picture and Audio Mixing.

Interactive Functions
Picture-In-Picture
With Picture-in-Picture, a small sub-window is displayed over the main image. There are four examples of Picture-in-Picture modes, each offering distinct functions. They include Enhanced Commentary, Backstage Pass Function, Peek Behind The Animation and Audio Mixing.

Enhanced Commentary*
BD media goes considerably beyond the kind of audio commentary provided in many DVD movies, such as a director discussing the film. Enhanced Commentary makes it possible, for example, for the director or actors to appear in the sub-window (as if they are standing in front of the screen) and point to actors or equipment as they make their comments.

Backstage Pass Function*
This lets you access additional information provided about people, places or things in a BD movie. Use the remote control to select an element highlighted on the screen, and a sub-window opens with the information. For example, there could be notes about the clothing or accessories an actor is wearing or the restaurant in which a scene is set.

Peek Behind The Animation*
While playing back a movie with dubbed-in voices - for example, a feature-length animation - this feature lets you watch in a sub-window as the actors read their parts. You can see the actors' gestures and expressions as they speak, giving you an inside look at a whole facet of moviemaking you've never seen before.

Audio Mixing*
The Audio Mixing function lets you choose which soundtrack to listen to: the one from the content playing in the main window, the one from the sub-window, or both at the same time. The sub-window soundtrack can also be reproduced in 5.1-channel surround sound.

*Depending upon program contents.

Other BD-Live Possibilities
The future is expected to bring a host of imaginative new features. For example, the DMP-BD50 will be able to connect directly to the Internet and download additional content from Websites to an SD Memory Card for more viewing and playing enjoyment.

HIGH-DEFINITION PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY
UniPhier®
Combining a PHL Reference Chroma Processor with advanced P4HD imaging technology, Uniphier, the Precise Digital Video processor reproduces crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. The beautiful images are complemented by an exceptionally pure, accurate sound achieved through Audio Re-master and other leading-edge audio technologies. Uniphier reflects the advanced encoding and authoring technologies developed by Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL) in collaboration with film industry professionals. With Uniphier at its heart, the DMP-BD50 provides a level of image and sound quality that meets Hollywood's stringent demands - so you experience movies just the way they were meant to be experienced.

Precise Digital Video
PHL Reference Chroma Processor
The PHL Reference Chroma Processor up-samples (4:2:0 to 4:2:2) the color information in decoded video signals. Using proprietary Panasonic technology, this innovative circuit faithfully reproduces the fine details and nuances of Blu-ray video streams that have been recorded with high quality image compression system. It generates images with all the clarity and depth that BD-Video movies have to offer.

P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD)
To get the best HD images from a BD-Video disc, you need a player that renders high-quality progressive images, expresses motion smoothly, and draws sharp diagonal lines. The DMP-BD50's P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimum processing to every pixel in the video data on the disc. The result is images with exceptional resolution.

Deep Color*
The DMP-BD50's HDMI output is Deep Color compatible. While the earlier HDMI V.1.2 offers 8-bit, 256-step gradation on 4:4:4, HDMI V.1.3 enables video signals to be sent on 12-bit, 4,096-step gradation at any format. This helps the DMP-BD50 reproduce natural looking colors with smooth gradation and minimal color banding.
*An HDMI™ V.1.3 compatible TV is required.

1080/24p Playback
The DMP-BD50 provides 1080/24p output (via HDMI) for Blu-ray titles and DVD titles. It reproduces movie images from a Blu-ray Disc in their original 24p form, with no need for conversion.

HD Audio Format Decoding and Output
The DMP-BD50 is equipped with decoders for the high-quality, lossless Dolby® TrueHD and DDTS-HD Master Audio™ audio formats. These formats theoretically contain the information to reproduce original sound sources in their entirety. Connection to an AV amplifier with 7.1-channel input capability enables sound quality on the level of a studio master system.

Audio Re-master for All Media
The DMP-BD50's Audio Re-master function compensates for data lost in the compression process used in BD and DVD recording. This helps create a fuller, richer sound that is extremely faithful to the original. It also brings re-mastering to the Blu-ray Disc for the first time ever.

HD Networking with SD Memory Card
The DMP-BD50 comes equipped with a slot for SD Memory Cards. Just take the SD Memory Card from your HD camcorder or digital still camera, and you're ready to view high resolution photos and motion images on your TV.

Linking with an HD Camcorder
The DMP-BD50 can play back AVCHD-format images shot with an HD camcorder, such as the Panasonic HDC-SD9. Images recorded onto the camcorder's SD Memory Card are output directly from the DMP-BD50's HDMI terminal in their original, high-quality 1920 x 1080 resolution. The DMP-BD50 also provides an AVCHD Direct Navigator function that makes it easy to search for particular scenes.

Linking with a Digital Camera
The DMP-BD50 can play back JPEG still images on an SD Memory Card, such as those recorded with a Lumix FZ3 digital camera. The DMP-BD50 can output the images to 1920 x 1080 resolution - ideal for a full-HD TV - and output them via the HDMI terminal*. Using the Slideshow playback feature, you can play a music CD at the same time you're showing the photos, so viewers enjoy both beautiful images and their favorite music.

VIERA LinkTM
Seamless GUI
You Can Control Your Blu-ray Disc™ Player with the TV Remote Control*
When the TV is on, the VIERA Link function lets you switch to home theater mode using just the Panasonic VIERA TV's remote control unit. Simply press the VIERA Link button on the TV's remote control and select "BD Player" on the VIERA Link Menu screen. The BD player's menu will display on the TV screen, and you can begin playback of a Blu-ray Disc or select from the Blu-ray disc menu.
*VIERA LinkTM is a new name for EZ SyncTM.
*Not All 2008 VIERA Link features are compatible with all 2006/2007 EZ SyncTM products.

BD Global Website
http://panasonic.net/blu-ray/