Panasonic Debuts New Line of Wireless Speakers and Expands Compact Stereo System Line for Superior Sound Quality and Enhanced Versatility

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announced six new personal audio units including three new streaming wireless speakers, many featuring Bluetooth® technology.  The HC Series, comprised of the SC-HC58, SC-HC38 and SC-HC28, features a USB cable connect and a dock that works with iPhone5/iPod touch (5th generation), allowing users to play music from a variety of sources including iPod/iPhone/iPad, while the new NE (Network Era) Series includes the SC-NE1, SC-NE3 and SC-NE5 and features the ultimate in sound quality with full wireless connectivity.

"Panasonic is committed to providing the listener with the highest quality audio products and the 2013 speaker and stereo system lineups produce unparalleled sound quality with the finest in design innovation," said Troy Livingston, Product Manager,  Entertainment Group, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America.  "We're always striving to make the listening experience richer and as easy as possible. With new, advanced networking features, users can listen to their music seamlessly in the home."

Panasonic's new NE series has the latest in advanced networking features with enhanced high-quality sound for the ideal listening experience as well as a curved aero stream port to control the airflow and reduce the noise emitted from the ports, resulting in clearer, more robust sound.  This new wireless speaker concept is designed with the consumer in mind, allowing for streaming music without the need to dock the device. 

The NE5 includes a lightening pin connection to seamlessly work with the iPhone 5 /iPod touch (5th generation).  It also includes a USB cable connect while the NE5 and NE3 can be synced through DLNA, AirPlay® and Bluetooth® for other Apple or Android devices.  AirPlay® allows users to wirelessly stream music from an iPad, iPhone, iPod or MAC/PC directly into the device through a wireless LAN network. 

The NE5, NE3 and NE1 all include a Nanosized Bamboo Cone Speaker, pure direct sound system, direct-vocal sound and 2-way Speaker System.  Providing rich and strong sounds from treble to bass, the 2-way Speaker System treats listeners to clear, well-balanced sounds.  The rigid lightweight Nanosized Bamboo Cone speaker with high acoustic velocity is used to achieve sounds with high sound pressure and clarity. Enclosed in the system is a three-inch Long Stroke Woofer which employs large-amplitude vibrations to produce the genuine deep base sounds.  The clearest treble sounds are also produced with the embedded one-inch Tweeter providing the listener with an unmatched audio experience.

The Panasonic HC Series of micro stereo systems improves upon 2012 with both high-quality sound offerings and smart networking.  The HC58 features the Nanosized Bamboo Cone Speaker and also includes a Dual Passive Radiator and Direct-Vocal Sound (found on HC38 as well).  Networking capabilities are also further advanced with a re-mastered Bluetooth® on the HC58 and HC38, easy setup for AirPlay® (HC58) and iPod/iPhone/iPad Connection through USB (HC58 & HC38) as well as a lightening pin connection on the HC28 to work with the iPad mini/iPhone5.  These sleek and slim devices featuring a pure direct sound system also include high-quality metal to enhance the luxurious look of the product.  The HC58 and HC38 can be wall-mounted with brackets included.

Additional advancements to Panasonic's 2013 compact audio lineup includes the new Panasonic Music Streaming App (not available on the HC28), allowing users to wirelessly stream music from a smartphone or tablet with just the press of a button.  The app, which is available in the Apple Store or through Google Play, provides users the option to choose which device they want to listen to their music on without the need for a physical connection to the device**.  Once the app is installed, a user can select from a list of all available devices and begin transmitting music wirelessly to audio devices.  The Panasonic Music Streaming App is available through DLNA, Bluetooth® or AirPlay®.

The Panasonic 2013 HC and NE Series Personal Audio products will be available in March 2013.  They will be on display in the Panasonic booth #9406 at the 2013 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 8, 2013 through January 11, 2013.

*"Made for iPod", "Made for iPad" and "Made for iPhone" mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, or iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod, or iPhone may affect wireless performance.

*AirPlay, the AirPlay logo, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

*The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license.

*Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

** LAN network must be set-up when using DLNA and/or AirPlay.

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.

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. In the 2012 Interbrand Annual Best Global Green Brands ranking, the Panasonic brand jumped four spots to number six: http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2012-Report.aspx. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicusa, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic