Panasonic Expands and Enhances Commitment to 3D

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Corporation of North America (NYSE: PC), the industry and technology leader in Full HD 3D technology and High Definition televisions, introduced its 2012 line of Smart VIERA Full HD 3D HDTVs and Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players at the Consumer Electronics Show, while confirming the commitment to 3D technology.  Of the 17 models in the 2012 Plasma line-up 16 feature the 3D technology, while five of the 14 LED/LCD HDTVs provide 3D capability. In addition, Panasonic unveiled two new larger screen sizes in the LED family – 47 and 55 inches. Furthermore four of the six Blu-ray Disc players in the 2012 line are Full HD 3D.

Further cementing its reputation as a technology leader in the 3D arena, Panasonic has created an entire eco-system to create and display 3D images. Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL) sets the standard for authoring and mastering of 3D Blu-ray Discs with many of the current 3D titles now in the market coming from PHL. Panasonic's AG-3DA1, the industry's first fully integrated 3D camcorder recording to SD Memory cards, was used aboard the historic, final mission of the NASA Space Shuttle voyage and is routinely used in sports and other 3D television production. Also, a full line of 3D capable consumers and LUMIX digital cameras are available for consumers who want to shoot in 3D. Their images can then be easily shown on a Smart VIERA 3D HDTV. Panasonic also recently introduced its first Full HD 3D home theater projector, the PT-AE7000U.  The AE7000U is the world's first 3D projector to use transparent LCD panels driven at 480Hz, when combined with Panasonic's original Overdrive Technology significantly reduces crosstalk. At last year's CES Panasonic presented an immersive 3D High Definition Video Conferencing (HDVC) system. Further establishing its leadership position in the industry, Panasonic recently established a 3D Innovation Center, located in Hollywood at PHL, to engage with the entertainment and broadcast communities to enhance 3D production technologies and work flow and to foster collaboration with industry partners to develop new applications for 3D technologies.

"Avatar opened eyes to the immersive and captivating entertainment value of 3D in one's home, said Eisuke Tsuyzaki, Panasonic Corporation of North America Chief Technology Officer. "Panasonic is in the unique position of being involved in all areas of 3D, from production to what you see in your living room. We are 100% committed to the technology and confident in the knowledge that 3D TV is actually of to a faster start than the implementation of HDTV. For example there are multiple full time 3D channels available on cable and satellite, not to mention the large and varied content on 3D Blu-ray Discs. Also, the continuing popularity and number of theatrical releases can only bode well for the in-home acceptance."

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company:

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.  Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com and its Full HD 3D site at www.panasonic.com/3D.

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 Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/green_innovation.

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

SOURCE Panasonic