Panasonic Introduces 2010 Multi-Format DVD Players

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic Corporation of North America, (NYSE: PC), a major developer of the DVD format, today announced two new DVD players, the DVD-S38 and the DVD-S58, both with multi-format playback, making them ideal for users who record their own discs on standalone DVD recorders in addition to watching commercially pre-recorded DVD discs. At the same time, Panasonic announced that its successful 2009 line of DVD recorders and portable DVD player would continue in 2010. The later features a 13 hour battery, making it an ideal travel companion.

Both new DVD players are advanced progressive scan DVD/CD players. The S58 features, Dolby® Digital and dts(TM) Digital Out for high quality audio. For premium picture quality, the S58 provides 1080P HD up-conversion.

The multi-format DVD-S38 and DVD-S58 play, DVD-R(1), DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW discs.

These two new players join a family of trusted Panasonic DVD products including the DVD-LS86 Portable DVD Player, and two DVD recorders, the dual VHS/DVD-DMR-EZ48V and the DMR-EZ28 that will continue in the line in 2010. Both DVD recorders include a digital tuner that can be employed as a source for digital television transmissions.

"With these two new DVD players, Panasonic provides consumers with options for their home theater systems that offer the best possible sound and picture quality," said Alex Fried, Panasonic Marketing Manager. "The S38 has all the attributes for a great entertainment experience, while the S58 delivers a step up in picture quality with its HD up-conversion technology. In addition, Panasonic is continuing to make available from the 2009 product line, two DVD recorders and the portable DVD player. We've found that the 13 hour battery featured on the portable DVD player is the perfect feature for the traveler."

The LS86 portable DVD player provides, in addition to the 13 hour battery, a multi-angle 8.5-inch LCD widescreen, with adjustable brightness levels for optimizing the image for individual user preference and varying ambient light. Other features support for DVD Video, High Mat, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and CD-R/RW discs, Dolby Digital and dts decoding, MPEG4 video codecs, JPEG still-image discs, MP3 and DivX.

The new S38 and the L58 DVD players are scheduled to ship in the Spring.

(1) Playback of Panasonic DVD-R discs recorded and finalized with a Panasonic DVD video recorder. Playback of some DVD-R discs may not be possible depending on the disc and the condition of the recording

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. 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.

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