PANASONIC DEBUTS VIERA FLAT-PANEL DISPLAYS

Panasonic’s Most Extensive Flat Panel Display Line Ever Includes Integrated HD Cable-Ready Plasma Sets and Newly Designed, Ultra Bright LCD TVs

With the launch of its VIERA series, Panasonic, a leader in digital television continues to advance flat-panel display technology to new levels of performance. In its strongest flat-panel display line ever, the company is introducing ten High Definition and Enhanced Definition models, in screen sizes ranging from 14 inches to 50 inches (diagonal screen measurement).

The VIERA plasma line features new designer cosmetics, a fully integrated ATSC tuner for high definition reception, built-in CableCARD slot – Panasonic was the first manufacturer to receive certification from CableLabs for an integrated digital television set (DTV) that connects directly to cable television systems and receives digital services without requiring a set-top box - and HDMI (High Definition and Multimedia Interface) input. The three high definition plasmas feature a 3000:1 contrast ratio for a brilliant, razor-sharp picture, while the two enhanced definition displays provide a 4000:1 contrast ratio.

The VIERA LCD line includes three 4:3 displays and two High Definition models with 16:9 widescreen displays. The creation of this special collection, and the broad range of technologies it incorporates, confirms Panasonic’s strong commitment to the fast-growing flat-panel market.

The worldwide flat-panel TV market reached 4.3 million units in 2003 and is expected to reach 13.8 million units in 2005. Recognizing this growth potential and in order to meet the rapid increase in market demand, Panasonic is strengthening its product line-up and production capacity for flat-panel displays.

“We are committed to continually creating breakthrough technology in flat-panel displays,” said Ed Wolff, Vice President, Panasonic Display Group. “One of the reasons Panasonic developed the VIERA series was to affirm this commitment to the flat-panel market and to build upon the superior quality and reputation we have established in the flat-panel display arena. The concept behind VIERA can be summed up by the phrase ‘beyond borders’ the borders of conventional television. That is the philosophy that motivated Panasonic’s thinking in developing the VIERA name and line — pushing the borders of technology and design.”

Viera Plasma Televisions

Among the new digital flat-panel displays being introduced at the 2004 International CES are three High Definition plasma models, TH-50PX25U/P (50-inch diagonal screen measurement), TH-42PX25U/P (42-inch diagonal) and TH-37PX25U/P (37-inch diagonal), all featuring an ATSC integrated tuner, 3000:1 contrast ratio, Picture-in-Picture, SD Memory Card slots and HDMI input. With the use of an authorized CableCARD, these models are also able to receive digital cable television systems services directly from the cable operator1 without requiring a separate cable box.

Models TH-50PX25U/P and TH-42PX25U/P offer both SD Memory Card and PCMCIA slots, while the 37PX25U/P features an SD Memory Card slot.

Two Enhanced Definition sets, TH-37PD25U/P (37-inch diagonal) and TH-42PD25U/P (42-inch diagonal) complete the plasma line-up. They feature an integrated ATSC tuner, 4000:1 contrast ratio, HDMI input, 3/2 pulldown, two-tuner Picture-in-Picture and SD Memory Card slots.

Viera LCD Televisions

The VIERA LCD line includes three 4:3 sets: models TC-14LA2, TC-17LA2, and TC-20LA2, and two HD 16:9 displays: models TC-26LX20 and TC-32LX20.

All new LCD models feature a three-line digital comb filter. HD models TC-26LX20 and TC-32LX20 deliver a resolution of 1280x 768, and include an HDMI input, and PCMCIA and SD Memory Card slots to aid in network connectivity. All of the LCD flat panel models have a brightness of 450cd/m2 and a 170-degree viewing angle. The TC-17LA2, TC-20LA2, TC-26LX20 and TC-32LX20 feature a 500:1 contrast ratio, while the TC-14LA2 delivers a 450:1 contrast ratio.