Netflix Goes Live on Panasonic's 2010 VIERA CAST™ Internet Content Service

SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, a leader in Full HD 3D technology and built-in TV web entertainment, announced today that streaming instantly from Netflix is now available to Netflix members via Panasonic's 2010 VIERA CAST™-enabled VIERA® HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players.

Netflix is the latest entertainment feature to be added to VIERA CAST, Panasonic's IPTV functionality. Earlier this year, Panasonic added Skype™ voice and video calling(1), Twitter and Pandora to an already robust list of popular entertainment and information options, including Amazon Video on Demand™, You Tube™, Google's Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg News and a weather service.

With more than 15 million members, Netflix, Inc. is the world's largest subscription service streaming movies and TV episodes over the Internet, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited TV episodes and movies from a catalogue consisting of tens of thousands of titles for as little as $8.99 per month.

For 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs, Panasonic also introduced USB connectivity which enables the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor (802.11b or faster), a keyboard for more efficient site navigation and communication, and USB memory which supports AVCHD video and JPEG photos.  VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC(2) and is accessed via a single button on the television remote control. There is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality (some VIERA CAST services such as Netflix and Amazon VOD have a separate fee structure).

"Panasonic is constantly looking to provide the best possible entertainment experience for our customers," said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice President Merwan Mereby. "The addition of Netflix to our 2010 VIERA CAST™ offerings now gives consumers access to the leading online movie subscription service right from their 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled VIERA® HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players.  The features now available on VIERA CAST provide consumers with access to a wide range of the leading entertainment and interactive sites which allow them to enjoy high definition movies and connect directly with family and friends right from their HDTV in the comfort of their own living room."

"Panasonic continues to provide consumers with unique and exciting products for enjoying entertainment at home," said Netflix Vice President of Business Development Bill Holmes. "Netflix is proud to partner with Panasonic to deliver movies and TV shows to consumers with the greatest convenience, selection and value."

2010 Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs featuring VIERA CAST:

VT25 and VT 20 series - Full HD 3D VIERA Plasmas

• TC-P50VT25– 50-inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P54VT25- 54-inch class (54.1 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P58VT25-58-inch class (58 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P65VT25-65 inch class (64.7 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P50VT20-50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)

GT25 series- Full HD 3D VIERA Plasmas:

• TC-P42GT25-42 inch class (41.6 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P50GT25-50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)

G25 series –VIERA Plasmas

• TC-P42G25-42 inch class (41.6 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P46G25-46 inch class (46 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P50G25-50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P54G25-54 inch class (54.1 inches measured diagonally)

G20 series – VIERA Plasmas:

• TC-P50G20- 50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
• TC-P54G20-54 inch class (54.1 inches measured diagonally)

2010 Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players featuring VIERA CAST™:

• DMP-BDT350 (Full HD 3D)
• DMP-BDT300 (Full HD 3D)
• DMP-BDT100 (Full HD 3D)
• DMP-BD85
• DMP-BD65
• DMP-BD70V (dual VHS/Blu-ray Disc player)
• DMP-B500 (portable Blu-ray disc player)

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is 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.  Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs.  Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom. 

Notes

(1) Skype is available exclusively on 2010 VIERA CAST enabled Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVS and requires the Panasonic Skype-enabled camera (TY-CC100W) which is sold separately (SRP $169.85) to make video calls.

(2) Access to a broadband internet connection is required to access VIERA CAST features

SOURCE Panasonic