Panasonic to Launch PZ600 Series 1080p HD VIERA Plasma TVs

- Four new models including the world’s largest 103-inch PDP TV for home -

Jul 19, 2006, Osaka, Japan - Panasonic, the brand for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known, today unveiled four new models in the PZ600 series VIERA plasma TVs. The new models, with screen size of 50, 58, 65 and the world’s largest 103 inches, feature 1080p (progressive) high definition (HD) plasma display panels producing pictures at 1,920 × 1,080 pixel resolution. The four models support terrestrial, broadcast satellite and 110-degree CS digital broadcasts in Japan.

The 50-inch TH-50PZ600, 58-inch TH-58PZ600 and 65-inch TH-65PZ600 models will be available on the Japanese market on September 1. The 103-inch TH-103PZ600 will be built to order with sales scheduled to commence on September 1 and delivery to start from late September.

Mr. Shunzo Ushimaru, Director of Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand in Japan, said, “Our VIERA TVs have become synonymous with high-quality images and real life theater experience. We are proud to introduce the new 1080p VIERA lineup which brings home entertainment to new heights. The new TVs offer easy operation with the VIERA Link and the convenience of wireless multimedia connectivity via SD Memory Card.”

“Since Plasma is a self-illuminating device, it offers superior characteristics on several measures including dynamic contrast, accurate color reproduction, quick response time for sports and programs with fast-moving images and a wider viewing angle. These features make the plasma panel an ideal device for a large screen TV. Our technological breakthroughs enabled us to develop and achieve mass production of 1080p HDTVs with 103, 65, 58 and 50 inch screens,” said Mr. Ushimaru.

The new top-of-the-line VIERA 1080p HDTVs highlight Panasonic’s prowess in technological development, production know-how and IC technology. For example, the new models incorporate the newly developed 1080p PEAKS (Picture Enhancement Accelerator with Kinetic System) plasma panel which achieves blacker blacks and a stunning 4,000:1 contrast in dark surroundings. To maximize the performance of the panel, the new 1080p PEAKS driver supports 16-bit image processing that produces razor-sharp motion pictures and displays 100 percent more shades of gradation than the previous model1). The images are so vivid and true-to-life that they can evoke emotion and feelings in the viewers.

The PEAKS system includes the new 1080p PEAKS Processor system LSI which is based on Panasonic’s proprietary integrated architecture for digital consumer electronics. The new LSI incorporates the HD Optimizer that detects and reduces MPEG noise as it receives digital HD broadcast signals, producing crisp and clear images. The LSI also enables various features such as the Wide Intelligent TV Program Guide. Users can now browse, in one view, all the current and upcoming programs available on 19 channels for up to eight days (12 hours/day at a maximum). That makes it easy for them to search and record favorite programs.

The VIERA Link simplifies control of the home theater system. Using just one VIERA remote control, the user can command various HDMI-connected home theater components such as a DIGA DVD recorder2) or an AV amplifier3). The remote adopts universal design concepts making it easy to operate for the young and old. The new VIERA 1080p HDTVs have three slots for HDMI cables that support 1080p input.

The new TVs have an SD Memory Card slot for networking versatility with other SD-enabled devices. MPEG2 moving pictures shot with SD Video Cameras4) or JPEG still images (DCF format) stored on the SD Memory Card can be viewed on a large VIERA screen just by taking it out from a camera and inserting it directly into the slot. The new models further support the SDHC (SD High-Capacity) Memory Card.

Positioning the PZ600 series as the new flagship of VIERA TVs, Panasonic will continue to lead the large-screen flat display TV market which is expected to grow further worldwide.

1) TH-65PX500.
2) DMR-EX550, EX350, EX250V and EX150
3) SU-XR57 and SU-XR700
4) SDR-S200, S100 and S300

About Panasonic
Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of US$76.02 billion for the year ended March 31, 2006. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, New York (NYSE:MC), Euronext Amsterdam and Frankfurt stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net.

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Akira Kadota

International PR

Panasonic

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