New Panasonic PianoDesk Digital Piano

Unique Piano Workstation Features Space-Saving Design, Slide-Out Keyboard And USB Port For PC Connectivity
October, 2001 -- Panasonic has set the stage for a new revolution in digital musical instrument products. The versatile PianoDesk(TM) digital piano is a full-featured, 32-note polyphony piano that offers built-in technology for digital networking. Designed to serve as a desk or workstation and for easy connection to a standard PC, the new Panasonic PianoDesk digital piano is a brilliant solution for those who yearn for a piano but simply don't have the room for one. As handsome a piece of furniture as it is a finely crafted instrument, the space-saving PianoDesk piano features a full 88-key keyboard that conveniently slides in and out like a drawer. With the sliding keyboard safely tucked away, the PianoDesk piano can serve as a home office center, computer desk or music composition workstation. Its unique, built-in USB* terminal allows fast and easy connection to a PC**. Using the included driver software***, users can record both MIDI and WAV audio files, and store them in electronic albums or share via e-mail. Never have form and function harmonized so beautifully.

The PianoDesk piano perfectly blends Panasonic's expertise in consumer electronics with innovative digital piano technology borrowed from its world-renowned sister brand, Technics," said Dan Slick, Assistant General Manager for Panasonic and Technics Musical Instruments. With more than 35 years of experience, Technics Musical Instruments Division is an industry leader in digital pianos, ensembles, organs and keyboards. "For the first time ever," continued Slick, "a digital piano has been designed to serve as a computer workstation that lets users work with both MIDI and WAV audio files, and even e-mail their performances directly from the source."

By connecting the piano to a PC and using the included specially developed NP10 On Stage(TM) software, users can compose, edit, store and e-mail music performances. The easy-to-use software graphically displays sounds and other functions with an animated keyboard, metronome and fun characters that "perform" the user's commands and compositions on a stage. PC-operated features include selectable key touch sensitivity (light, normal, heavy), brilliance control, and G-C-F# transposition capability.

The PianoDesk piano can record and play back both MIDI data and WAV digital audio files, giving users unprecedented creative flexibility. For example, a user might first create and save a musical composition as a MIDI file. Then, using a microphone (not included), he or she can simultaneously record vocals and piano accompaniment and save the performance as a WAV or MP3 file. With the touch of a button, the final down-mixed performance can be compressed**** and stored as a file in electronic albums. By attaching files to an e-mail message, users can send electronic recitals to friends and family.

Musicians will appreciate the responsive, natural feel of this instrument's keyboard. Natural Response Action technology replicates the key response of an acoustic piano with astounding realism. An acoustic grand piano's key touch changes naturally from one end of the keyboard to the other as a result of the thickness of the strings, the size of the hammers and the presence or absence of a damper. Natural Response Action replicates this progression by using four sets of graduated hammers, providing the tactile release in the middle of the keystroke that is characteristic of acoustic piano keys.

The PianoDesk piano's repertoire includes eight digitally sampled sounds - four different piano sounds, harpsichord, vibes, strings and pipe organ - plus digital reverb. The piano also features a standard, three-pedal design for soft, sostenuto and sustain. It is equipped with an 80-watt, two-speaker system.

In addition to the built-in USB port, the piano has terminals for phones x 2, MIDI In/Out, Line Out (RCA Pin), AUX In (RCA Pin) and microphone input. USB driver and NP On Stage application software on CD-ROM for PC are included, as are a matching piano bench and a handsome, removable, glass music rack. The piano cabinet's simulated, light maple finish complements any decor. The Panasonic PianoDesk digital piano, model SX-NP10, has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $3,499.00.+

Panasonic music products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. The company is a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE:MC) of Japan, one of the world's largest producers of innovative electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on Panasonic products can call the Panasonic Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA, or access the Panasonic home page at www.panasonic.com. Media can access press releases via the Panasonic Pressroom web site, www.panasonic.com/pcecnews, or through New Directions Public Relations' toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490.

* Non-included USB connection cable required.
** PC must have available USB port.
*** USB driver and application software for Windows(R) 98 and Windows(R) ME.
**** Compression systems: Windows(R) Media and MP3. Windows Media files can be played back with Windows Media Player 7.
+ All prices are in U.S. dollars.

SOURCE Panasonic