Panasonic and Verizon Demonstrate an Industry-First at the International Consumer Electronics Show: Full HD 3D Video Over Verizon's FiOS All-Fiber-Optic Network

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Full-resolution high-definition 3D transmission via a premium TV service provider became a reality at this year's 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show. Verizon and Panasonic, a leader in Full HD 3D technology, are streaming Full HD 3D, currently the highest-possible resolution of 3D video, via Verizon's 100 percent fiber-optic FiOS TV service.  

The first-of-its-kind demonstration (in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center Room S228) was made possible through a technical collaboration between the two companies, with content streaming over Verizon's future-proof network to a Panasonic Blu-ray 3D player. Engineers from both companies worked closely to co-develop the required network, software and user-interface enhancements that make Full HD 3D possible over the bandwidth-rich FiOS service.  

(NOTE: To view a video a demonstration of the full-resolution HD 3D as shown in the Blogger Lounge of the CES, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_MZb-7iOmQ.)  

"We're proud of our work with Verizon to develop this Full HD 3D streaming capability," said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, chief technology officer, Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Panasonic has always believed that the best way to view 3D is via a Full HD, 1080p resolution image, but until now the only option available has been on Blu-ray Disc^™ media. Over Verizon's high-bandwidth FiOS network, we've now shown that this kind of innovation can be accomplished by a premium television service like FiOS as well."

Unlike some competing technologies, Full HD 3D transmissions preserve the complete 1080p picture resolution that consumers have come to expect from their HDTVs. Other solutions degrade the 3D image, typically reducing resolution by half.  In a demonstration at the Verizon-sponsored Blogger Lounge, FiOS engineers showed a selection of 3D content streaming to a Panasonic Full HD Blu-ray 3D Disc^™ player at a bit rate of up to 18 Mbps (megabits per second)  -- double the bit rate currently used by most cable providers.  

Tony Melone, chief technology officer for Verizon, said, "Delivering full-resolution 3D content is a natural fit for Verizon's FiOS network.  Built with the future in mind, FiOS was designed with the bandwidth headroom to grow along with consumer demand for the latest technologies. Verizon continues to deliver the future of TV and is once again redefining the consumer's at home-entertainment experience."

Last year, Verizon televised the first National Football League game in 3D, the New York Giants versus the New England Patriots, as well as the first Major League Baseball games in 3D, between the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners.

Verizon continues to drive the future of TV, with more than 140 HD channels and next-generation interactive services like social networking, DVR management via broadband or mobile phone, and an interactive media guide.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com and its Full HD 3D site at www.panasonic.com/3D.  Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon