Panasonic launches New 2008 VIERA range of Plasma’s and LCD’s

- Superior performance features, stunning aesthetics and eco-friendly technology straight from Japan.

New Delhi, July 13, 2008 - Panasonic, a leading Japanese manufacturer of electronic and electrical products for consumer, business and industrial use, has announced the launch and availability of its 2008 Viera range of plasma and LCD televisions in India. The 2008 Viera models are available with four major features, which include outstanding picture quality, exceptional ease of operation, enhanced sound effects and environment friendly plasma display panels with an improved panel life of up to 100,000-hours. In terms of both features and performance, this impressive new line-up reflects Panasonic’s quest to continually improve viewing quality, networking and environmentally conscious manufacturing, All the Panels are made in Japan.

Currently, Panasonic’s provides plasma screens in the Indian market ranging from 42-inch to 103-inch . For this year, Panasonic has introduced 3 new plasma variants, namely, TH-50PV80 (50 inch HD ready), TH-42PV80 (42 inch HD ready), TH-42PV8 (42 inch HD ready). In addition Panasonic will also be introducing shortly this year, 2 full high definition models, namely, TH-50PY850 (50 inches) and TH-65PY850 [65 inches]. All the 2008 models contain the TUF (Tough Under Force) glass panel that covers the front glass of the plasma TV screen providing protection against impacts (upto 4 joules). These models also feature over 900 moving line picture resolution, dynamic contrast of 1,000,000:1; and an extended panel life of up to 100,000 hours.

On the other hand, the 4 new Viera LCD variants are TX-32LX800 (800 series, 32 inch), TX-37LX80 (80 series, 37 inch), TX-32LX80 (80 series, 32 inch); and TX-32LE8 (8 series, 32 inch). The Viera LCD panel incorporate IPS Alpha technology with 178º wide viewing angle, contrast ratio of 10,000:1, energy-saving backlight, and Viera link for simple networking [Ease of Use]. In addition 2 more new models are expected to be launched shortly in the 37 inch [full HD] and the 26 inch category.

This year’s line-up of VIERA flat-panel TVs has been greatly strengthened with the addition of full HD plasma TVs with contrast ratio of 1000,000:1, a 100Hz double speed full HD LCD TV, SD card slot and Viera link options rounds out the line-up with high-quality images and extra versatility that draws on Panasonic’s own V-real 3 and V-real PRO 3 Technology.

V-real is the collective name for Panasonic’s black-box imaging technologies, which have now evolved into the V-real 3 and V-real PRO 3 of the 2008 VIERA models. In the process, Panasonic has redesigned every V-real device. The advanced V-real technologies owes its origins to the combination of fast action relay HD camcorder technology and moviemaking technologies developed in Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory [PHL]. Image quality has been scrutinized from every angle to give VIERA its deeply moving impact.

VIERA V-real 3 /V-real PRO 3 Processor is the key device that processes the video signal it receives and outputs the same as an extremely high-quality refined signal that helps create the beautiful, high-definition images that distinguish the VIERA range of Televisions. The VIERA V-real 3 /V-real PRO 3 Driver is the high-performance driver that controls the drive power to optimize panel performance in the new VIERA range. The resulting images show every motion clearly and express each step of gradation in delicate detail.

Impressive Picture Quality:

The wide-ranging colour reproduction of the new VIERA models lends rich expression to movie colours, while their high contrast ratios create deep, life-like blacks. Picture quality at this level stirs the emotions and adds to the excitement of watching sports, breathtaking landscapes, and beautiful flora and fauna. The VIERA range also features an advanced Anti-Reflection Filter provides pure,clear, colour range and crisp images while dramatically reducing reflections from external light.

A still image with 1080 lines resolution always looks brilliant when displayed on a large screen, but as soon as the picture starts to move, the picture resolution can decrease to a minimum of 300 lines. By using Intelligent Scene controller, VIERA Plasma’s accomplishes over 900 lines of moving picture resolution.

Ease of Operation:

In addition to brilliant picture quality, VIERA models offer ease of operation made possible by VIERA Link and the SD card slot. VIERA Link lets you operate other connected Panasonic AV components using only the VIERA TV’s remote control unit. The majority of the VIERA line-up is equipped with a slot for large-capacity SDHC Cards. Remove the SD Memory Card from your digital still camera, slip it in the slot, and you can view a slideshow of your photos on VIERA’s big, beautiful screen.

Environmentally Conscious Products:

Environmental consideration starts with the design stage, because Panasonic cares about the future of our earth. Lead-free plasma display panels and an improved panel life of up to 100,000-hours are examples of how VIERA production helps to conserve the earth and its resources. What’s more, functions now include a new ECO mode to help lower power consumption. The VIERA range of TVs adjusts the picture settings automatically depending on the ambient lighting conditions. The image brightness changes according to the level of room lighting to achieve an optimal energy-saving operation.

Price & availability:
Panasonic Plasma TH-42PV80 (42 inch HD ready) and TH-42PV8 (42 inch HD ready) are available at MRP Rs.74,990 & Rs.69,990 and Panasonic Viera LCD TX-32LX800 (800 series, 32 inch), TX-37LX80 (80 series, 37 inch), TX-32LX80 (80 series, 32 inch) and TX-32LE8 (8 series, 32 inch) are available at MRP Rs.54,900, Rs.59,900, Rs.46,900 and Rs.44,900 through all authorized Panasonic channel partners in India.

Photo Caption :
The man-sized plasma: Mr. Daizo Ito, Head of India Division, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd (Left) and Mr. Hidenori Aso, Chairman - Panasonic Sales & Services India Pvt. Ltd. (Right) unveiled the 103 inch man-sized plasma at a gala launch ceremony on Sunday at New Delhi.

About Panasonic:

Panasonic is a leading manufacturer of electronic and electrical products for consumer, business and industrial use. MEI is ranked 4th in Fortune 500 index for ‘Electronics and Electrical Equipments’ and ranked as a ‘World Super 50′ in Forbes. It is the world’s largest producer of consumer electronics and 34th largest company in the world with an annual spend exceeding US$5 billion on research and development. Panasonic has been delivering superior products and services in India since 1994. It has five manufacturing establishments and four sales companies in India. It currently provides consumer products, household & home Appliances, office automation products and electronic products. The focus of the Company is on making everyday office tasks simpler, convenient and more energy efficient.