Panasonic to Film US Speedskating Team in Full HD 3D as Part of New Partnership

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic, a worldwide leader in the development of High Definition and Full HD 3D TV technologies, announced today that it has become the Official Audio & Video Equipment partner for US Speedskating through the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

As part of the sponsorship, Panasonic will capture US Speedskating competitions and practices in the coming months in Full HD 3D to create the first living 3D chronicle of an Olympic sport. Panasonic is leading the development of Full HD 3D TV for the home and worked closely with Hollywood studios to develop a 3D HD home entertainment standard. The company's first Full HD 3D Home Theater system will debut in 2010. More information on Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology for the home is available at www.panasonic.com/3D/.

"As a worldwide Olympic sponsor, we are proud to support US Speedskating as the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver approach," said Bob Greenberg, Vice President of Corporate Brand Marketing for Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Speedskating is a fast, highly visual, and exciting sport that takes center stage in the world of sports during the Olympics. Panasonic is also on the verge of taking center stage in the next generation of home entertainment with the debut of our Full HD 3D Home Theater system. We are looking forward to capturing the high speed action of Speedskating in Full HD 3D video and showcasing the truly immersive, blur-free images that consumers will be able to enjoy when this amazing technology makes its debut next year."

US Speedskating is honored to add Panasonic to our list of sponsors as we head toward the 2010 Olympic Winter Games," said Bob Crowley, US Speedskating Executive Director. "The ability to bring Panasonic technology to our team as they prepare for these Games can only add to their potential for competitive success. Featuring the high speed, the power and grace, and the athleticism of speedskating will provide a terrific platform for the Full HD 3D technology that Panasonic has developed. Our Olympic Team is very appreciative of this support."

The sponsorship also includes a range of print and online branding initiatives as well as promotional elements including the appearance of Panasonic's Full HD 3D Truck Tour at select US Speedskating events across the US and the use of Panasonic products in an upcoming US Speedskating sweepstakes details of which will be announced at a later date.

About Panasonic

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America markets a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of 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 newly-launched Full HD 3D site at www.panasonic.com/3D. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

Panasonic is proud to support the Olympic Movement - aimed at promoting world peace through sports- as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category for more than 20 years since The Olympic Partner (TOP) Program commenced for the Calgary Olympic Winter Games in 1988. Under the slogan of "Sharing the Passion," Panasonic will contribute to the success of the Olympic Games through its technology. Panasonic renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for a further eight years to 2016. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

About US Speedskating

US Speedskating is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union as the governing body for the sport of speedskating in the United States. Its mission is to be one of the premier speedskating organizations in the world through excellence in leadership, development and performance. To date, US Speedskating has won 75 Olympic medals, making it the most successful winter sport in the U.S. In addition to its elite programs, US Speedskating is responsible for the grassroots development of speedskating. For additional information about US Speedskating please visit www.usspeedskating.org.

SOURCE Panasonic