Panasonic at CES 2010
Panasonic is showcasing its first Full HD 3D Home Theater System and a range of 3D-related products. Also announced were Panasonic's 2010 Full High Definition flat-panel VIERA TVs, Blu-ray Disc Players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, and HD Camcorders.
Panasonic revealed at today's press conference significant advances made in home networking technology including wireless data transmission of high-quality video, and a major expansion of internet connectivity for video and audio devices, for inside and outside the home, including VIERAR CAST services which will be found on many 2010 VIERAR HDTV and Blu-ray Disc Player products.
The company is demonstrating its end-to-end Full HD 3D technology - from solutions for capturing 3D video to authoring 3D Blu-ray entertainment software to displaying 3D entertainment content on 3D home theater systems. The HD 3D products include:
- Full HD 3D Camcorder - The Full HD 3D Camcorder records to a SDHC/SD Memory Card instead of tape. The twin-lens Full HD 3D Camcorder has been developed for 3D filming for independent filmmakers and professional videographers
The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder's optical section allows the convergence point to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.
Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the Full HD 3D camcorder will be offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs, Panasonic said.
Main specifications:
- Product Name: Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder (made-to-order)
- Suggested Retail Price for Main Unit: $21,000
- Available: Fall 2010 (made to order)
- Power Consumption: Under 19 W (main unit only)
- Weight: Under 3 kg (main unit only)
- Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card
- 3D Authoring Systems -- Panasonic is rapidly advancing the development of new 3D authoring systems, beginning with 3D image compression technology based on the MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Video Encoder.
- Full HD 3D Home Theater Systems - Panasonic has developed a Full HD 3D Home Theater System consisting of a VIERARPlasma Full HD 3D TV, 3D Blu-ray Player and Active Shutter 3D Glasses. Utilizing Panasonic's high-speed 3D drive technology and crosstalk reduction expertise, Panasonic's 3D system delivers a Full 1080p HD 3D image. Panasonic's Full HD 3D Plasma TVs will be available in 50", 54", 58" and 65" class sizes and will work in sync with Panasonic's 3D Blu-ray Disc Player and Panasonic's High-Precision Active Shutter Glasses.
The VT25 series includes four screen sizes ranging from 50-inches to 65-inches - the TC-P65VT25 class (64.8" measured diagonally), the TC-P58VT25 class (58" measured diagonally), the TC-P54VT25 class (54" measured diagonally) and the TC-P50VT25 class (49.9" measured diagonally). One pair of 3D Eyewear is included. In addition to providing 3D viewing, the VT25 series of VIERA HDTVs features the enhanced VIERA CAST service with Wireless LAN Adaptor ready on its USB port, video call capability, VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG digital still images and HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; VIERA Link, a PC input, two USB Ports, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, 24p cinematic playback, 600Hz Sub-field Drive (produces 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution), Infinite Black Pro display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, four HDMI connections a RS232C connection and ISFccc capability. In addition these TVs feature new phosphor science that allows the TV to switch quicker, providing a smooth 3D image. As with all the Panasonic Plasma HDTVs, the Full HD 3D models have a panel life of up to 100,000 hours and are mercury and lead free.
The VIERA G25 series includes the TC-P54G25, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally), the TC-P50G25, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), the TC-P46G25, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42G25, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally). The G25 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G25 line features a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G25 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life - up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.
The VIERA G20 series includes the TC-P54G20, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally) and the TC-P50G20, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally). Like the G25, the G20 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G20 HDTVs feature a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G20 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life - up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.
The VIERA S2 series introduces two larger screen sizes to the Panasonic family of Plasma HDTVs, a 58-inch class model (58" measured diagonally) - TC-P58S2 and a 65-inch class model (64.8" measured diagonally) -TC-P65S2. The S2 series is completed with the introduction of four additional screen sizes - the TC-P54S2, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally), TC-P50S2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), TC-P46S2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42S2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6 measured diagonally). Key features of the S2 series include 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, which eliminate traditional HDTV motion blur. The S2 series also includes VIERA Link and the VIERA Image Viewer. Other features include 1080p Full HD resolution, 2,000,000:1 native contrast, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and an anti-reflective filter. The S2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. The S2 series feature Clean Touch bezel,designed to keep the TV bezel looking its best with less fingerprints.
Panasonic's VIERA U2 series will be available in two screen sizes - the TC-P50U2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42U2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally). The U2 line of VIERA Plasma HDTVs feature 600 Hz Sub-field Drive, VIERA Image Viewer to watch digital still JPEG images, three HDMI connections, VIERA Link and 1080p Full HD resolution. The panels are lead and mercury free and are rated up to 100,000 hours, at which time they will achieve half brightness.
While Panasonic's focus in 2010 continues to be on High Definition 1080p HDTVs, the C2 series presents a line of 720- Plasma HDTVs which help Panasonic deliver on its promise to satisfy consumer demands for differing HDTV resolution options. The TC-P50C2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), TC-P46C2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42C2, a 42-inch HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally) offer high picture performance with a 600Hz Sub-field Drive that delivers razor-sharp resolution, VIERA Image Viewer for viewing and sharing digital photos with friends and family, music slideshow functionality, and VIERA Link. Like the other members of the 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTV line the C2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours.
- Wireless Full 1080p HD 3D Connectivity - At CES 2009, Panasonic announced the Plasma Display "Z series" which includes a wireless transmittance module based on the standard "Wireless HD 1.0".
At this year's CES 2010, the wireless 1080p Full HD 3D transmission system being introduced represents an evolution of current Wireless HD which can transmit uncompressed 1080p Full HD 3D signals standardized by the Blu-ray Disc Association. Panasonic plans to accelerate the process of standardization of uncompressed 1080p Full HD 3D signal transmission for next generation Wireless HD using this technology.
152-inch Full HD 3D display
Panasonic has developed the world's largest1) 152-inch 4K x 2K definition Full HD 3D plasma display. The display features a new plasma display panel (PDP) Panasonic developed with its new quadruple luminous efficiency technology. The Panasonic 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP creates a Full HD 3D world by faithfully reproducing 3D content such as Hollywood 3D movie titles.
Self-illuminating plasma panels offer excellent response to moving images with full movition picture resolution, making them suitable for rapid 3D image display. By employing the newly-developed ultra high-speed 3D drive technology, which adopts the quadruple luminous efficiency technology, the new panel achieves a higher illuminating speed, about one fourth the speed of conventional Full HD panels. This technology enables high-quality Full HD 3D display on the ultra large 152-inch 4K x 2K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) panel.
The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology, essential for producing clear 3D images. Compared to other display technologies that use line-at-a-time driving method), PDPs use frame-at-a-time driving method) that gives PDP TVs an advantage in crosstalk reduction in principle. Panasonic has successfully developed a technology to minimize double-image that occurs when left- and right-eye images are switched alternately.
The ultra-large 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP follows the development of the industry's first 103-inch Class size Full HD 3D PDP Panasonic introduced in 20087) and the home theater size 50-inch Class Full HD 3D PDP in 20098).
3D Content Zone
Panasonic is showcasing a wide range of 3D entertainment that has been created by Hollywood movie studios including Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney Pictures and DreamWorks for the big screen first and now for the home. In addition, Panasonic has joined forces with DIRECTV to bring consumers 3D content via DIRECTV satellite broadcasting services.
VIERA CAST /Internet-Enabled TV Corner
Panasonic has expanded the range of its Internet-enabled VIERA CAST features. Since its introduction in 2008, Panasonic?s VIERA CAST feature allows consumers to view targeted sites on a large HDTV, rather than a small computer screen. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC. VIERA Cast is accessed via a single button on the television remote control and there is no fee to use the VIERA Cast functionality.
This year, Panasonic is announcing major expansions to its offerings with Skype, Twitter, NetFlix, Fox Sports, and Pandora joining the growing list of VIERA CAST web-based offerings which already includes Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Picasa Web Albums, Bloomberg News and weather information.
Luminance Efficiency
Panasonic will showcase at CES 2010, its most recent development of a new Plasma display panel (PDP) that boasts quadruple luminous efficiency.
The new quadruple luminous efficiency panel evolved from Panasonic's NeoPDP developed in 20082) and NeoPDP eco panel developed in 20093) with twice and triple the brightness of its 2007 models, respectively.
Blu-ray and DVD players
Panasonic's new 3D Full HD Blu-ray Disc player, model DMP-BDT350, also received the Consumer Electronics Association?s esteemed Innovations Award for its 3D technology. The player outputs Full HD 3D imagery to compatible displays. The player also handles a wide variety of audio standards, and upconverts all standard definition video formats to 1080p. The BDT350 will also play standard Blu-ray Discs, DVDs and CDs.
The player utilizes technologies incorporated in Panasonic's proprietary UniPhier LSI chip, enabling the player to process the large quantity of visual information necessary to create a Full HD 3D image in 1920 x 1080 resolution. Adaptive Chroma Upsampling insures that colors will be faithfully reproduced; and all native digital DVD formats are upscaled to 1080p resolution quality.
The new Full HD 3D Blu-ray player incorporates all features expected in a high-end product, including VIERA Cast Internet link, BD Live, 7.1 channel lossless audio, as well as Dolby True HD and DTS HD audio formats. Digital still photographs and HD video can be easily viewed through the player's SD Memory Card slot. And VIERA Link enables all compatible audio and video products to be controlled with one remote.
Panasonic also introduced the DMP-BD45, DMP-BD65 and the DMP-BD85 BD players. The BD65 and BD85 combine high quality images with enhanced networking functions, including VIERA CAST?s Internet functionality and VIERA Link, which allows the consumer to operate their VIERA Link capable audio/video components with one remote. To further enhance the networking experience, the BD85 includes a Wireless LAN adaptor, while the BD65 features Wireless LAN capability (a wireless LAN adaptor- DY-WL10 is sold separately). The BD45 offers all the non-networking basic functions needed to fully enjoy the Blu-ray 1080p High Definition experience.
Each of the three models employs the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. Panasonic?s BD65 and BD85 feature a high definition audio decoder (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) to take advantage of the 7.1 channel surround sound now incorporated in Blu-ray Discs. The BD85 features HDMI Jitter Purifier which affords robust bass sounds faithful to the original. In addition, the B85 utilizes a Digital Tube Sound Simulator to produce the warm, realistic sounds associated with a tube amplifier. To further enhance the audio portion of the Blu-ray experience, the B85 uses gold plated terminals and the 192kHz-24 bit D/A converter.
The BD65, BD85, BD45 and 3D Blu-ray Disc Players include an SD Memory card.
BD65, BD85, and BDT350 include an USB slot for Easy connection with Wireless LAN Adaptor for wireless connection to online content such as VIERA CAST and BD-Live. USB memory with JPEG/MP3 and DivX movie data can also be enjoyed. (BD65 is not compatible with DivX)
Complimenting the HD audio codecs, the BD65, BD85 and BDT350 Blu-ray Disc players feature 96kHz surround re-master, a function that enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even improves the quality of the multi-channel audio data on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs. The BD85 further enhances the audio experience with 7.1 channel analog out to produce true 7.1 surround sound, thereby affording the consumer a home theater environment that rivals the movie theater. The BD45 is compatible for up to 5.1 channel decoding.
The BD85, BD65 and BD45 join the BD70V Blu-ray player which will continue as part of the line-up in 2010. The new Blu-ray players will be available in the spring of 2010.
Panasonic also introduced the second generation portable Blu-ray Disc players at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.
Both the new DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 players feature much of the same technology found in Panasonic's stand alone Blu-ray Disc players, including the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology. The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology that precisely processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces color data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems, resulting in faithful and sharp colors.
The B500 features an increased High Resolution WSVGA screen size to 10.1-inches, an expanded VIERA CAST internet functionality with Wi-Fi wireless LAN connection, an SD Memory card Slot that can playback digital still JPEG images and High Definition video (AVCHD), a USB port, Dolby Digital and DTS HD and VIERA Link, a technology that utilizes HDMI to enable control all VIERA Link combatable products with one remote. The B100 features an 8.9-inch High Resolution WSVGA screen, an SD Memory Card Slot for playback of JPEG images, an adjustable position screen, Dolby Digital and DTS HD. Both portable Blu-ray Disc players will be available in the Spring.
For 2010 Panasonic's VIERA CAST's content, found on the DMP-B500, has been expanded to include Netflix, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. Viera CAST continues to offer access to Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Picasa Web Albums, Bloomberg and a weather channel. VIERA CAST is accessed via an on-board Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi and therefore does not require any external set top boxes. The service is free, though there is a charge for movies streamed from Amazon Video on Demand and Netflix. Furthermore, as additional sites are added to the 2010 VIERA CAST service, they are added automatically.
In addition the design of the B500 and B100 has been refined. With a mono-arm design, the display angle of the B100 can be freely adjusted, while the photo stand-like design of the B500 allows for comfortable positions.
The company is demonstrating its end-to-end Full HD 3D technology - from solutions for capturing 3D video to authoring 3D Blu-ray entertainment software to displaying 3D entertainment content on 3D home theater systems. The HD 3D products include:
- Full HD 3D Camcorder - The Full HD 3D Camcorder records to a SDHC/SD Memory Card instead of tape. The twin-lens Full HD 3D Camcorder has been developed for 3D filming for independent filmmakers and professional videographers
The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder's optical section allows the convergence point to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.
Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the Full HD 3D camcorder will be offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs, Panasonic said.
Main specifications:
- Product Name: Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder (made-to-order)
- Suggested Retail Price for Main Unit: $21,000
- Available: Fall 2010 (made to order)
- Power Consumption: Under 19 W (main unit only)
- Weight: Under 3 kg (main unit only)
- Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card
- 3D Authoring Systems -- Panasonic is rapidly advancing the development of new 3D authoring systems, beginning with 3D image compression technology based on the MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Video Encoder.
- Full HD 3D Home Theater Systems - Panasonic has developed a Full HD 3D Home Theater System consisting of a VIERARPlasma Full HD 3D TV, 3D Blu-ray Player and Active Shutter 3D Glasses. Utilizing Panasonic's high-speed 3D drive technology and crosstalk reduction expertise, Panasonic's 3D system delivers a Full 1080p HD 3D image. Panasonic's Full HD 3D Plasma TVs will be available in 50", 54", 58" and 65" class sizes and will work in sync with Panasonic's 3D Blu-ray Disc Player and Panasonic's High-Precision Active Shutter Glasses.
The VT25 series includes four screen sizes ranging from 50-inches to 65-inches - the TC-P65VT25 class (64.8" measured diagonally), the TC-P58VT25 class (58" measured diagonally), the TC-P54VT25 class (54" measured diagonally) and the TC-P50VT25 class (49.9" measured diagonally). One pair of 3D Eyewear is included. In addition to providing 3D viewing, the VT25 series of VIERA HDTVs features the enhanced VIERA CAST service with Wireless LAN Adaptor ready on its USB port, video call capability, VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG digital still images and HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; VIERA Link, a PC input, two USB Ports, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, 24p cinematic playback, 600Hz Sub-field Drive (produces 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution), Infinite Black Pro display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, four HDMI connections a RS232C connection and ISFccc capability. In addition these TVs feature new phosphor science that allows the TV to switch quicker, providing a smooth 3D image. As with all the Panasonic Plasma HDTVs, the Full HD 3D models have a panel life of up to 100,000 hours and are mercury and lead free.
The VIERA G25 series includes the TC-P54G25, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally), the TC-P50G25, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), the TC-P46G25, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42G25, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally). The G25 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G25 line features a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G25 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life - up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.
The VIERA G20 series includes the TC-P54G20, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally) and the TC-P50G20, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally). Like the G25, the G20 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G20 HDTVs feature a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G20 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life - up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.
The VIERA S2 series introduces two larger screen sizes to the Panasonic family of Plasma HDTVs, a 58-inch class model (58" measured diagonally) - TC-P58S2 and a 65-inch class model (64.8" measured diagonally) -TC-P65S2. The S2 series is completed with the introduction of four additional screen sizes - the TC-P54S2, a 54-inch class HDTV (54" measured diagonally), TC-P50S2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), TC-P46S2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42S2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6 measured diagonally). Key features of the S2 series include 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, which eliminate traditional HDTV motion blur. The S2 series also includes VIERA Link and the VIERA Image Viewer. Other features include 1080p Full HD resolution, 2,000,000:1 native contrast, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and an anti-reflective filter. The S2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. The S2 series feature Clean Touch bezel,designed to keep the TV bezel looking its best with less fingerprints.
Panasonic's VIERA U2 series will be available in two screen sizes - the TC-P50U2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42U2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally). The U2 line of VIERA Plasma HDTVs feature 600 Hz Sub-field Drive, VIERA Image Viewer to watch digital still JPEG images, three HDMI connections, VIERA Link and 1080p Full HD resolution. The panels are lead and mercury free and are rated up to 100,000 hours, at which time they will achieve half brightness.
While Panasonic's focus in 2010 continues to be on High Definition 1080p HDTVs, the C2 series presents a line of 720- Plasma HDTVs which help Panasonic deliver on its promise to satisfy consumer demands for differing HDTV resolution options. The TC-P50C2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally), TC-P46C2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and the TC-P42C2, a 42-inch HDTV (41.6" measured diagonally) offer high picture performance with a 600Hz Sub-field Drive that delivers razor-sharp resolution, VIERA Image Viewer for viewing and sharing digital photos with friends and family, music slideshow functionality, and VIERA Link. Like the other members of the 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTV line the C2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours.
- Wireless Full 1080p HD 3D Connectivity - At CES 2009, Panasonic announced the Plasma Display "Z series" which includes a wireless transmittance module based on the standard "Wireless HD 1.0".
At this year's CES 2010, the wireless 1080p Full HD 3D transmission system being introduced represents an evolution of current Wireless HD which can transmit uncompressed 1080p Full HD 3D signals standardized by the Blu-ray Disc Association. Panasonic plans to accelerate the process of standardization of uncompressed 1080p Full HD 3D signal transmission for next generation Wireless HD using this technology.
152-inch Full HD 3D display
Panasonic has developed the world's largest1) 152-inch 4K x 2K definition Full HD 3D plasma display. The display features a new plasma display panel (PDP) Panasonic developed with its new quadruple luminous efficiency technology. The Panasonic 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP creates a Full HD 3D world by faithfully reproducing 3D content such as Hollywood 3D movie titles.
Self-illuminating plasma panels offer excellent response to moving images with full movition picture resolution, making them suitable for rapid 3D image display. By employing the newly-developed ultra high-speed 3D drive technology, which adopts the quadruple luminous efficiency technology, the new panel achieves a higher illuminating speed, about one fourth the speed of conventional Full HD panels. This technology enables high-quality Full HD 3D display on the ultra large 152-inch 4K x 2K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) panel.
The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology, essential for producing clear 3D images. Compared to other display technologies that use line-at-a-time driving method), PDPs use frame-at-a-time driving method) that gives PDP TVs an advantage in crosstalk reduction in principle. Panasonic has successfully developed a technology to minimize double-image that occurs when left- and right-eye images are switched alternately.
The ultra-large 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP follows the development of the industry's first 103-inch Class size Full HD 3D PDP Panasonic introduced in 20087) and the home theater size 50-inch Class Full HD 3D PDP in 20098).
3D Content Zone
Panasonic is showcasing a wide range of 3D entertainment that has been created by Hollywood movie studios including Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney Pictures and DreamWorks for the big screen first and now for the home. In addition, Panasonic has joined forces with DIRECTV to bring consumers 3D content via DIRECTV satellite broadcasting services.
VIERA CAST /Internet-Enabled TV Corner
Panasonic has expanded the range of its Internet-enabled VIERA CAST features. Since its introduction in 2008, Panasonic?s VIERA CAST feature allows consumers to view targeted sites on a large HDTV, rather than a small computer screen. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC. VIERA Cast is accessed via a single button on the television remote control and there is no fee to use the VIERA Cast functionality.
This year, Panasonic is announcing major expansions to its offerings with Skype, Twitter, NetFlix, Fox Sports, and Pandora joining the growing list of VIERA CAST web-based offerings which already includes Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Picasa Web Albums, Bloomberg News and weather information.
Luminance Efficiency
Panasonic will showcase at CES 2010, its most recent development of a new Plasma display panel (PDP) that boasts quadruple luminous efficiency.
The new quadruple luminous efficiency panel evolved from Panasonic's NeoPDP developed in 20082) and NeoPDP eco panel developed in 20093) with twice and triple the brightness of its 2007 models, respectively.
Blu-ray and DVD players
Panasonic's new 3D Full HD Blu-ray Disc player, model DMP-BDT350, also received the Consumer Electronics Association?s esteemed Innovations Award for its 3D technology. The player outputs Full HD 3D imagery to compatible displays. The player also handles a wide variety of audio standards, and upconverts all standard definition video formats to 1080p. The BDT350 will also play standard Blu-ray Discs, DVDs and CDs.
The player utilizes technologies incorporated in Panasonic's proprietary UniPhier LSI chip, enabling the player to process the large quantity of visual information necessary to create a Full HD 3D image in 1920 x 1080 resolution. Adaptive Chroma Upsampling insures that colors will be faithfully reproduced; and all native digital DVD formats are upscaled to 1080p resolution quality.
The new Full HD 3D Blu-ray player incorporates all features expected in a high-end product, including VIERA Cast Internet link, BD Live, 7.1 channel lossless audio, as well as Dolby True HD and DTS HD audio formats. Digital still photographs and HD video can be easily viewed through the player's SD Memory Card slot. And VIERA Link enables all compatible audio and video products to be controlled with one remote.
Panasonic also introduced the DMP-BD45, DMP-BD65 and the DMP-BD85 BD players. The BD65 and BD85 combine high quality images with enhanced networking functions, including VIERA CAST?s Internet functionality and VIERA Link, which allows the consumer to operate their VIERA Link capable audio/video components with one remote. To further enhance the networking experience, the BD85 includes a Wireless LAN adaptor, while the BD65 features Wireless LAN capability (a wireless LAN adaptor- DY-WL10 is sold separately). The BD45 offers all the non-networking basic functions needed to fully enjoy the Blu-ray 1080p High Definition experience.
Each of the three models employs the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. Panasonic?s BD65 and BD85 feature a high definition audio decoder (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) to take advantage of the 7.1 channel surround sound now incorporated in Blu-ray Discs. The BD85 features HDMI Jitter Purifier which affords robust bass sounds faithful to the original. In addition, the B85 utilizes a Digital Tube Sound Simulator to produce the warm, realistic sounds associated with a tube amplifier. To further enhance the audio portion of the Blu-ray experience, the B85 uses gold plated terminals and the 192kHz-24 bit D/A converter.
The BD65, BD85, BD45 and 3D Blu-ray Disc Players include an SD Memory card.
BD65, BD85, and BDT350 include an USB slot for Easy connection with Wireless LAN Adaptor for wireless connection to online content such as VIERA CAST and BD-Live. USB memory with JPEG/MP3 and DivX movie data can also be enjoyed. (BD65 is not compatible with DivX)
Complimenting the HD audio codecs, the BD65, BD85 and BDT350 Blu-ray Disc players feature 96kHz surround re-master, a function that enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even improves the quality of the multi-channel audio data on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs. The BD85 further enhances the audio experience with 7.1 channel analog out to produce true 7.1 surround sound, thereby affording the consumer a home theater environment that rivals the movie theater. The BD45 is compatible for up to 5.1 channel decoding.
The BD85, BD65 and BD45 join the BD70V Blu-ray player which will continue as part of the line-up in 2010. The new Blu-ray players will be available in the spring of 2010.
Panasonic also introduced the second generation portable Blu-ray Disc players at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.
Both the new DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 players feature much of the same technology found in Panasonic's stand alone Blu-ray Disc players, including the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology. The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology that precisely processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces color data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems, resulting in faithful and sharp colors.
The B500 features an increased High Resolution WSVGA screen size to 10.1-inches, an expanded VIERA CAST internet functionality with Wi-Fi wireless LAN connection, an SD Memory card Slot that can playback digital still JPEG images and High Definition video (AVCHD), a USB port, Dolby Digital and DTS HD and VIERA Link, a technology that utilizes HDMI to enable control all VIERA Link combatable products with one remote. The B100 features an 8.9-inch High Resolution WSVGA screen, an SD Memory Card Slot for playback of JPEG images, an adjustable position screen, Dolby Digital and DTS HD. Both portable Blu-ray Disc players will be available in the Spring.
For 2010 Panasonic's VIERA CAST's content, found on the DMP-B500, has been expanded to include Netflix, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. Viera CAST continues to offer access to Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Picasa Web Albums, Bloomberg and a weather channel. VIERA CAST is accessed via an on-board Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi and therefore does not require any external set top boxes. The service is free, though there is a charge for movies streamed from Amazon Video on Demand and Netflix. Furthermore, as additional sites are added to the 2010 VIERA CAST service, they are added automatically.
In addition the design of the B500 and B100 has been refined. With a mono-arm design, the display angle of the B100 can be freely adjusted, while the photo stand-like design of the B500 allows for comfortable positions.
