Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances, will unveil its stunning new range of Plasma and LCD Flat-Panel TVs at GITEX Dubai 2004, to be held at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) from October 3 to 7, 2004. The new range incorporates next-generation picture technology and stylish design to provide the most unparalleled home entertainment experience.
Panasonic has also announced a new name, "VIERA", to be used for its flat-panel TVs. The VIERA plasmas are available in three screen sizes: 50-inch TH-50PV30, which is the high-definition (HD) model, and the 42-inch TH-42PA30 and 37-inch TH-37PA30 as the standard-definition (SD) models, while the Viera LCDs are available in two sizes: 32-inch TX-32LX1X and 26-inch TX-26LX1X, both HD models.
The strongest characteristic of the VIERA range is its superior picture quality, developed by Panasonic after conducting extensive research into the characteristics of human visual perception. The wide range of this line-up shows Panasonic's strong commitment to the fast-growing flat-panel TV business.
"The Viera Series is set to be a market leader in the Flat TV market, with features that will outstrip the performance of competitors by far," said Yasuyuki Shimizu, Manager, Consumer AV, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE, Dubai. "The name Viera was coined from 'new visual era', as these new models invite viewers to explore a new kind of entertainment."
The Viera series combines Panasonic's advanced picture processing technology with leading-edge device technology that helps assure superior quality in all components from display panels to speaker units. Panasonic's system LSI technology also provides extremely precise processing of a wide range of signals while also supporting sophisticated networking capabilities. Panasonic's breakthroughs in each of these core technologies have been incorporated into the VIERA line.
This is complemented by an elegant, innovative design that makes the TVs a truly superb addition to any home. With a gracefully curved base, beautiful lines and a pearl-silver finish, the televisions are styled to make a dramatic and lasting impression. The stand, available as an option, appears to blend seamlessly with the plasma itself to create a composed, unified image.
"With their sleek appearance and crisp picture quality, flat panel TVs are the latest rage in the television market. Middle East consumers, with their large disposable income and eagerness to purchase the latest gadgets, represent a fast-growing market for flat panels. We foresee a boom in this market with 36 percent of total global TV sales revenue to come from flat panels by 2006, as more consumers shift preferences from traditional CRTs to next-generation plasma and LCD flat TVs," he added
In 2003, the worldwide flat-panel TV market reached 4.5 million units and is expected to reach 8 million this year 2004. The company estimates that the market will reach more than 20 million units by 2006. In addition, Panasonic expects that the share of the over-35 inch TV category will increase year by year in the global TV market, and PDP worldwide demand is expected to exceed 10 million units by the year 2008.
"To meet this market trend, we are strengthening our production capacity for PDP and plan to achieve to produce more than 4 million units per year. By leveraging on the strengths of the new Viera brand, we are aiming at capturing a leadership share of 30 percent in the global flat-panel TV market," continued Shimizu.
The Viera series is available through Panasonic's UAE distributor, Al Futtaim Panatech, part of the Al Futtaim Group.
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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$71.92 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. 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:
Suraj Padukone
Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE
Manager, Advertising & PR
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
PO Box 23345, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971.4.3988901
Fax: +971.4.3988941
Email: info@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com
© Press Release 2004
