Panasonic’s First CD Receiver with HD Radio Hits Store Shelves

April 2004 - Maintaining its position at the forefront of new and exciting technologies, Panasonic is proud to announce the availability of its first mobile CD receiver to include iBiquity Digital's HD Radio technology. This new digital AM and FM technology delivers new digital services simultaneously with the existing analog broadcast.

"This new product introduction further exemplifies our commitment to providing consumers with the very latest that consumer electronics has to offer," said Rob Lopez, national marketing manager for Panasonic car audio products. "And, with Panasonic's new CQ-CB9900U integrated HD Radio/CD receiver, users will find everything to receive HD Radio broadcasts included in the 1-DIN size CD receiver, with no add-on equipment needed."

Able to eliminate the multi-path noise and interference, which can cause the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today's radio, HD Radio technology lets consumers enjoy crystal-clear, pure digital audio quality. Result: Enhanced AM and FM fidelity for AM broadcasts that sound as FM does today and FM with compact disc-like audio quality.

In addition to providing enhanced audio quality, HD Radio technology gives listeners the ability to view artist name and song title as well as stock and news information, local traffic conditions, weather, and more -directly across the radio's LCD display. In the future, the technology will offer increased data capacity, surround sound or other multi-casting solutions.

Taking full advantage of the benefits digital technologies offer, the new CQ-CB9900U CD receiver also includes:

* Radio DSP (Digital Sound Processor) - Uses digital technology to produce less distortion, multi-path noise and pulse noise. This results in a cleaner signal and improved analog AM/FM sound quality.

* Sound Control EQ - Allows users to compensate for the auto environment and to personalize the system according to their sound preference. Referred to as SQ7, this seven-band graphic equalizer provides additional adjustability and one-touch equalizer settings, such as Rock, Pop, Vocal and Flat.

Colorful, high-definition 3DDM (3D Dot Matrix Display) graphics with blue illumination on the display bring an interactive element to the mobile listening experience and includes a variety of graphics that pulse and move to the beat of the music.

The receiver also has a black chrome faceplate that sits flush against the vehicle's dashboard, metallic rotary control knobs with blue backlighting and a large, easy-to-read LCD display.

Consumers can easily find out which Panasonic components are right for their cars by accessing the vehicle fit guide on Panasonic's mobile audio site. (Visit the home page at www.panasonic.com.)

SOURCE Panasonic