Panasonic Announces Pricing and Availability for 2012 Blu-Ray DISCTM LineUp

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 6, 2012) – Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray Disc^TM format, today announced pricing and availability for an expanded 2012 Blu-ray Disc player lineup featuring four new Full HD 3D models – the DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320, DMP-BDT220, and two 2D Blu-ray Disc players – DMP-BD87 and the DMP-BD77. All four of the 3D models include Panasonic’s proprietary VIERA Connect^TM IPTV platform¹, while the 2D models feature IP VOD¹, a service that offers a targeted selection of sites including Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube^TM on TV

Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players (BBT01, BDT500, BDT320 and BDT 220) include an improved UniPhier chip processor, 24p output for VOD, an expanded VIERA Connect functionality, and FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec),192Hz/32bit Audio DAC (not available on the DMP-BBT01), Smartphone remote control capability, a new touchpad remote control (available on DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320),  2D-to-3D up-conversion², which can convert 2D images from VIERA Connect¹,  DVDs and Blu-ray discs into 3D with natural depth perception, a new slim design and a unique slot-in drive that is found in two of the models (the DMP-BBT01 and DMP-BDT320). The slot-in drive allows the user to insert a disc without the need for a tray and prevents inadvertently loading a second disc. In addition, the DMP-BBT01 introduces a new design concept and a greatly reduced form factor featuring a stand and enables operation either vertically or horizontally.

The DMP-BDT220 (SRP $149.99) and the DMP-BDT320 (SRP $199.99) are the first of the Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players to ship and are now available.  Also now available are Panasonic’s two 2D Blu-ray Disc^TM players -- the DMP-BD87 (SRP $119.99) and the DMP-BD77 (SRP $89.99). Panasonic’s two top-of-the-line Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players; the DMP-BDT500 (SRP $349.99) and the DMP-BBT01 (SRP $269.99) will be available in May.

The 2012 Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player line builds upon the company’s commitment to continually seek improvements to its state-of-the-art products. With that in mind, the 2012 lineup includes a number of improvements over last year’s models.

• The UniPhier single chip signal processing LSI employs a simplified circuit architecture that eliminates unnecessary wiring and reduces noise on the picture and sound signal to the absolute minimum. The UniPhier chip produces high clarity sound and turns off the analog video circuit when not needed – otherwise the analog video circuit is working even when not in use, causing interference to the other circuits.
• Adaptive Chroma Processing, a high quality image processing technology, precisely processes the video signal of each pixel in vertical and horizontal directions, resulting in a 50% increase in vertical color data processing as compared to 2010 models.  
• A redesigned DVD Super Resolution Processor helps produce natural pictures with no false contours, higher resolution for details and a reduction in noise, all resulting in richer gradation.

The new 2012 models can convert 2D content from VIERA Connect^{TM 2}, DVD discs and Blu-ray Discs into 3D images with stunning depth. Also new for 2012 is technology that allows for VOD 24p output, thereby synching with the original 24 fps (frames per second) video format and delivering film-like motion characteristics. Using 24 fps, each frame is uniformly converted, so more natural and flickerless images are reproduced.

Recognizing that audio is an essential component to any viewing experience, Panasonic has made a number of improvements to insure that the audio quality meets the same high standards as the video quality. To that end, the DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320 and the DMP-BDT220 utilize a 192kHz/32bit audio DAC, while the BDT500 also includes high-grade audio parts (gold plated terminals, high grade electric capacitor and insulator) to reproduce audio content that is faithful to the original. The BDT500 also provides for 7.1 channel output and includes twin HDMI outputs, allowing one to be dedicated for audio output. Not only does this result in less interference with the video signal, but the additional HDMI makes the BDT500 compatible with legacy amplifiers. Audio is further improved via Panasonic’s unique clock control technology that drastically reduces jitter during HDMI transmission, thereby lessening noise and delivering pure sound. Furthermore, the 2012 players are compatible with a variety of formats such as the lossless audio codec FLAC, an audio format similar to MP3, but lossless, meaning that audio is compressed in FLAC without any loss in quality. In addition, the Blu-ray Disc^TM players simulate the warm, comforting sound of tube amplifiers with six distinct sound environments,

Panasonic’s VIERA Connect^TM IPTV platform, now under the Smart VIERA umbrella, has been expanded and now utilizes cloud technology to offer access to a virtually unlimited collection of many of the most popular applications for social networking (including Skype™ voice and video calling, YouTube™, Facebook, and Twitter), video content (including Amazon Instant Video™, Netflix, Hulu^TM Plus, and Ustream), professional sports (including FOX Sports ,MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center), gaming (Accedo Funspot, Gameloft, and PlayJam), fitness (including BodyMedia, ifit, and Withings), music (including Pandora and Shoutcast) news and information (including AccuWeather, Associated Press, and WSJ Live) and more.

The two 2D players (DMP-BD87 and DMP-BD77) features IP VOD, a targeted internet solution that offers consumers access to Netflix, CinemaNow, Vudu and YouTube.

Connectivity and ease of use continue to be of prime importance to Panasonic. The entire 2012 line features easy connection to other DLNA-equipped products and VIERA Link, which provides connectivity to other VIERA Link-compatible products and NAS compatibility. This year’s players are also compatible with the NTFS format HDD. Five of the six Blu-ray Disc players provide built-in WiFi, while the DMP-BD77 is wireless ready. To personalize the experience, the new multi-user mode allows one to register four users and each can record individual, favorite settings. They can also select a personal icon from 16 pre-installed images, or photos from an external source. To further personalize the player, there is the option to customize the home screen with any image the consumer chooses. Also new this year is the ability to use any Smartphone³ as the remote control. There is also a new touch pad remote control that offers simple, intuitive operation.

Always mindful of the impact on the environment, the 2012 models are ENERGY STAR  qualified. Additionally the DMP-BDT320 features a Smart Eco Sensor which detects the user’s movement and switches to the quick start mode (boot time 0.5 seconds) automatically. When a user is within16 feet of the player it is in ECO mode, using approximately 0.1 watts. When motion is detected within 16 feet the player turns on the quick start mode (approximately 3.2 watts). The BDT 320’s new slim design also cuts down on packaging, thereby saving on paper and allowing more players to be placed on a pallet which can reduce carbon emissions due to transportation.

“Panasonic is always working to improve its technology, design, and commitment to providing the consumer with the best possible video and audio experiences. We are also very mindful of the need to provide products that are user friendly and easy to operate,” said Alex Fried, Product Manager, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “Features such as the slot-in drive, home screen customization, enhancement of VIERA Connect^TM allow consumers to easily personalize their entertainment experience to fit their lifestyle. And a feature like the slot-in drive is one that makes it extremely easy for the user to insert and play the disc.”

About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, 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, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company’s portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more.

Source: Panasonic

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Panasonic to broadcast Olympic Games London 2012, Live & Full 3D

Osaka, Japan - Panasonic Corporation, the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) announced their partnership agreement to make the London 2012 Olympic Games the first ever live 3D Olympic Games. The partnership will produce the first HD 3D live broadcast in Olympic history, and will allow audiences around the globe to witness the world’s greatest sporting event in immersive 3D.

The 3D broadcast will include major events such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, athletics, gymnastics, diving and swimming, and will be produced and delivered to participating rights-holding broadcasters around the world. OBS will be in charge of producing more than 200 hours of 3D coverage during the London 2012 Olympic Games by utilizing Panasonic’s state-of-the-art 3D production technologies including the AG-3DP1, a P2HD professional fully-integrated twin-lens Full HD 3D camera recorder.

"The Olympic Games has always been a pioneer in the development of TV broadcasting technologies, and has been on the cusp of innovation since the first live over-the-air broadcast was introduced in London 1948. Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Host Broadcaster since the first digital broadcast in Barcelona 1992, right through to the first HD broadcast in Beijing 2008. Now we are proud to announce the partnership with the IOC and OBS to create another successful era in Olympic broadcasting with the first live 3D Olympic Games at London 2012. There is no doubt that the Olympic Games will provide some of the best content for the 3D market in the future, and that 3D TV will drastically change the way we experience this great sporting event in our living rooms," said
Takumi Kajisha, Managing Executive Officer of Panasonic.

"For the past two decades, Panasonic has been a valued partner of the Olympic Movement and of the Host Broadcasting organization,? said Manolo Romero, Managing Director of OBS. “We are now proud to announce this partnership to realize the first ever live 3D Olympic Games, and we are confident that this unprecedented broadcast will be a great success in no small part due to the 3D technologies provided by Panasonic. Ultimately, we believe this production of the first live 3D Olympic Games will make the London 2012 Olympic Games one of the most significant in the history of broadcasting technology."

In the spirit of the Panasonic Olympic slogan “Sharing the Passion?, Panasonic is not only making it possible for broadcasters and people around the world to share in the excitement of the Olympic Games through this 3D broadcast, but also through its state-of-the-art digital AV equipment technologies ranging from professional broadcast systems to consumer products such as Full HD 3D TVs, 3D Blu-ray Disc players, and home entertainment systems.

Official Worldwide Olympic Partner. Panasonic is proud to support the Olympic Movement - aimed at promoting world peace through sports - as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category for more than 20 years since The Olympic Partner (TOP) Program commenced for the Calgary Olympic Winter Games in 1988. Under the slogan of "Sharing the Passion," Panasonic will contribute to the success of the Olympic Games through its technology. In 2007 Panasonic renewed the partnership with the International Olympic Committee through to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

About Panasonic. Panasonic Corporation 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 8.69 trillion yen (US$105 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges.

Source: Panasonic Global

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