Leading manufacturer caters to sports-driven seasonal demand for high definition ready plasma TVs

08 June 2006- Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics, announced the launch of its brand new line up of VIERA televisions today (Thursday, 8 June, 2006) at a press conference held at the Emirates Towers' Hotel as it looks to capitalize on the rapidly growing demand for plasma technology in large screen sizes of flat panel TVs. The new VIERA line-up hosts some of the most advanced technology as Panasonic offers unsurpassed large screen viewing for sports fans looking for truly immersive action and movie buffs craving a high impact experience.

"The Panasonic brand is gearing up to grab up to 40 percent of the world's plasma screen market, which is expected to grow 200 percent from current figures to touch 10 million by the end of 2006, and hit 25 million by 2010." said Shimpei Tsujigami, Product Manager, Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

The new line up VIERA plasma TVs highlights unique characteristics of plasma technology such as excellent handling of fast-paced movement, dynamic contrast, bright crisp images and natural colors. Panasonic's own Real Black Drive System provides an excellent 10,000:1 contrast ratio in dark areas, achieving exceptionally deep and rich blacks with superb depth. VIERA's patented Motion Pattern Noise Reduction detects and optimizes noise-generating motion patterns, resulting in clear sharp images with outstanding gradation even under a barrage of movement, and a Sub-Pixel Controller eliminates jagged or blurred diagonal lines and produces smoother edges.

"Panasonic has  complemented its existing 65 inch model by launching its new  50 inch  flagship model along with the 42 inch and 37 inch in the Plasma TV range ,  all geared towards maximum utilization of upcoming technology. In response to rising market demand, Panasonic has also tailored its VIERA line up to include high quality Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) range for the enjoyment of TV in smaller screen sizes. The new models offering 32, 26 and 23 inch displays carry the HD (High Definition) ready label in readiness for the new paradigm of HDTV. The new VIERA range offers enhanced VREAL technology to optimize visuals," Tsujigami added.

V-REAL is the collective name for original technologies developed by Panasonic to enhance total image quality. From input to display, VIERA uses all-digital video signal processing to create crisp, vivid and smooth images that are both visually appealing and capable of delivering tremendous emotional impact.

Panasonic's V-REAL technology bases itself on a completely redesigned viewing panel, where all major components have been revamped. Further, a V-REAL high performance driver optimizes the performance of the panel, allowing it to display breathtaking images with crisp detail, smooth motion and finely nuanced gradation. The V-REAL panel and driver are supported by a processor that enhances the incoming video signal, and outputs an extremely high-quality video stream resulting in beautiful, high definition images that are a VIERA hallmark.

Panasonic's VIERA screens feature the 1080i digital processing chipset that upgrades conventional feeds such as from analog providers to near HDTV quality. The 1080i chipset is available in all models of Panasonic's VIERA lineup and ensures that consumers enjoy crisp viewing with sharp visuals no matter the video feed from the service provider.

"All models in the newly introduced VIERA family host world-first 'Viera-Link' control that combines HDMI technology with Panasonic's Digital Control Solution to allow multiple devices such as DVD Recorders, Home Theatre Systems and televisions to be operated seamlessly via a single remote control. Viera-Link aims to enhance the consumer TV viewing experience by eliminating the need for multiple remote controls and offer simple connection among AV equipments," Tsujigami added.

HDMI is a standard for connecting different types of digital video and audio components with superior digital picture and sound quality where a single cable carries the video, audio and control signals. By using Panasonic Viera-Link compatible components, the entire home theatre system can be networked to respond a single remote control button, and begin playback immediately.

"With our new VIERA line up, we are renewing commitment to offering unsurpassed visual clarity across a range of models and screen sizes to cater to the rapidly evolving demands of a diverse and increasingly discerning market," Tsujigami concluded.

-Ends-

About Panasonic
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (MEI) best known for its Panasonic brand, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronics products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company posted consolidated sales of US$81.44 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information, visit the Matsushita web site at http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html. Panasonic Gulf FZE (PGF) is MEI's first subsidiary company in the Middle East, followed by Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE (PMM), which is the regional marketing headquarters of MEI for operations in the Middle East and African countries. 

For further information please contact:
Ajit Nair
Corporate Communications Department
Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE
P.O.Box 17985, Jebel Ali,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +971 4 8819880
Fax: +971 4 8814311
Web site: www.panasonic.co.ae

Or

Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345
Dubai
UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
Email: info@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2006