Panasonic

Entrants in Six Categories Compete for Production Gear Valued at $5,000+

February 7, 2012--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic today debuted its second annual "Shoot It. Share It" on-line video competition for users of its popular AG-AF100 large image HD cinema camera. From February 6th through March 7th, Panasonic is accepting video contest entries from users of the AF100--the industry's first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder optimized for high-definition video recording--for the opportunity to showcase their creative work and win valuable production equipment.

At www.ShootItShareIt.com, contestants* can submit up to five videos (each up to five minutes in length) in six categories -- nature, short film, commercial, music video, documentary or student -- demonstrating their creative work with the AF100. A grand prize, consisting of a Panasonic 42" TH-42BT300U Pro Plasma Reference Monitor plus a Vocas Micro Four Thirds to Prime Lens Adapter (valued at more than $5,000), will be awarded to the contest winner. A Vocas Matte Box and Rail system will be awarded to each of the category winners.

From March 12th through April 4th, the public can choose among 18 semi-finalists (three per category) and vote on-line at ShootItShareIt.com for the first-place winner in each category. A panel of judges will select the grand prize winner.

The category winners and the grand prize winner will be announced during the NAB 2012 show in Las Vegas, NV (April 16-19), as well as on the contest web site. Read more

PT-LZ370U 3,000 lumen projector ideal for applications requiring high quality images

February 7, 2012 --(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic, a provider of professional projector solutions, today announced the PT-LZ370U, a full HD, 3,000 lumen LCD projector that delivers excellent image quality for applications such as lectures and presentations. With 1920 x 1080 resolution, the PT-LZ370U provides high definition projection for presentations with detailed images or when showing Blu-ray or HD content. In addition to presentation environments, the projector is ideal for applications that demand high color fidelity and fine detail reproduction, including engineering, R&D, and art history and film classes.

The PT-LZ370U has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio with a Dynamic Iris Pro system that is capable of analyzing the brightness level of each image and adjusting the lamp power, iris and gamma curve accordingly. The clarity of the full HD resolution is further boosted by Panasonic’s proprietary Detail Clarity Processor 3 technology and the Daylight View Premium feature, which measures the ambient light in the room and adjusts the brightness. For medical school and hospital applications, the projector is equipped with the DICOM Simulation mode to view X-ray images. Read more

The LUMIX TS4, the Optimal Outdoor Companion, Combines a GPS, Compass, Altimeter, Barometer with Waterproof(*2), Shockproof(*3) and Freezeproof Features, Allowing it to Excel in Photo and Video Capture Under Many Conditions

Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-TS4, the company's top-of-the-line rugged digital camera with features such as a built-in GPS(*1) system, compass, altimeter, barometer, plus outstanding toughness, including: waterproof(*2) to approximately 40 feet (12 meters), shockproof(*3) to approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters), freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14 degrees F, and dustproof(*2). Beyond its rugged design, the LUMIX TS4 also excels in photo and video quality, offering the best of both worlds with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm), a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine, and the ability to shoot 1,920 x 1,080 full-High Definition (HD) video in AVCHD and MP4 formats.

"The LUMIX TS4 is the latest addition to our successful line of rugged digital cameras, which offer users the freedom to take high-quality photos and video under a variety of conditions thanks to a design that is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof. Plus, with added GPS and compass capabilities, the TS4 is the perfect travel companion," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "Beyond its top-of-the-line rugged features, the LUMIX TS4 captures exceptional photos and videos, also making it the ideal 'worry-free' everyday digital camera for those life mishaps, like an accidental drop or a spilled drink." Read more

The Panasonic LUMIX TS20, With a Slim Profile, Also Shoots HD Video

Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announced the Panasonic LUMIX TS20 digital camera, which features a rugged design allowing for it to be waterproof*(1) to approximately 16 feet (5 meters), shockproof*(2) to approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters), dustproof*(1) and freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14 degrees F. The LUMIX TS20 (16.1-megapixel) features a flat and slim profile with a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and a 4x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 25-100mm). Even more, the LUMIX TS20's zoom extends to 8x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function, made possible by Panasonic's Intelligent Resolution technology.

The LUMIX TS20 can shoot 720p High Definition video in the MP4 format and the 4x optical zoom is available during video recording – making this digital camera a highly-capable model for shooting video. Plus, with a dedicated video record button, switching between still photos and videos is quick and seamless. The new LUMIX TS20 records dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30p MP4 format, which makes it easy for editing or sharing the videos. The recorded videos can be also directly uploaded to YouTube when the included software is installed. The LUMIX TS20 also features a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD with High Angle mode.

"The Panasonic LUMIX TS20 is an affordable rugged digital camera ideal for any user who is looking for a slim, durable digital camera that can take high quality photos and HD videos in a variety of situations, such as at a beach, hiking, snowboarding and more," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "Thanks to its waterproof, shockproof and dustproof features, the TS20 is capable of capturing photos and videos that not many digital cameras can, and with iA, it's also incredibly easy and intuitive to use."Read more

Panasonic LUMIX ZS20, the World's Slimmest Digital Camera with a 20x Optical Zoom Lens(*1), Also Features Full-HD Video Recording and Built-In GPS Capabilities

Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-ZS20, the newest member of the acclaimed LUMIX ZS-Series, and the world's slimmest digital camera with a 20x optical zoom lens(*1). With a powerful zoom, a 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and the ability to shoot full-High Definition (HD), the new LUMIX ZS20 builds on the series' success as an extremely versatile point-and-shoot model. With a newly-redesigned lens system, the LUMIX ZS20 features a new mechanical structure and optical system to further improve image quality and with Nano Surface Coating technology, the LUMIX ZS20 offers stunning image clarity with minimized ghosting and flare.

Beyond the quality of its lens, the LUMIX ZS20 integrates an enhanced built-in GPS(*2) functionality, making it easy for users to pinpoint locations where photos were taken and share with family and friends on internet maps. Map data can be installed onto the LUMIX ZS20 via a bundled DVD, giving the camera detailed worldwide maps of major regions on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise. A user can copy the map data of a designated city to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and get quick geographic information to know their location and if any landmarks are located nearby. More than one million landmarks and 82 countries/regions are covered in the bundled DVD map. Geo-tagged images are automatically sorted and can be played back along a map so that users can literally trace their photographic journey. Many GPS cameras show only the latitude and longitude of where a photo is taken, but the LUMIX ZS20 shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark – all of which is saved in the EXIF data. Read more

We're just back from the consumer electronics extravaganza in Las Vegas where we saw some amazing new gadgets and gear including new TVs, tablets, smartphones and new high tech automobiles. Much of the technology we saw may not be available for some time (if at all) but we did see some trends that will sooner or later make many of your high tech possessions obsolete.

Future TVs Will Be Sharper

A year ago at CES 2011 we saw just a few 4K resolution HDTVs but at this year's show we saw lots more. Full HD is defined as 1920 x 1080 but he next generation standard will double that to 3840 x 2160 which they are calling 4K (4K x 2K). Just as everyone who saw HD when it first came out could see a big difference between its higher resolution and older standard definition TVs, once you see 4K TVs you'll want one. Yes, it will take new production equipment, new distribution methods and present all kinds of challenges but isn't that what the industry thrives on?Read more

New LUMIX SZ7 and SZ1 Digital Cameras Offer HD Video and 25mm Wide-Angle Lens in a Compact Body Designed to be Portable and Easy-To-Use

January 2012 – Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX SZ-Series of digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-SZ7 and the LUMIX DMC-SZ1, which combine a powerful 10x optical zoom with a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, in a slim and compact body, making it extremely portable and easy to carry. The LUMIX SZ7 (14.1 megapixels) can also shoot full-High Definition, 1920 x 1080 60i videos and with Light Speed AF, it has a super-fast focus response time of approximately 0.1 second – making it easy to capture spontaneous must-have photos. The LUMIX SZ1 (16.1 megapixels) features 720p HD video recording capabilities, and both models are easy to use thanks to Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which automatically chooses the best camera settings for natural, beautiful images.

"As more and more people revert to their smartphones because of convenience to take spur-of-the-moment digital photos, Panasonic is introducing two digital cameras that are not only small and compact, but also offer high-end imaging features such as a wide-angle LEICA lens, extremely fast Auto Focus speeds, and High Definition video, giving the consumer outstanding image quality." said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "Panasonic’s SZ7 and SZ1 are extremely compact in size, but offer features that are typically only available in much larger digital cameras, such as a 10x optical zoom, and with new features such as Panorama Shot and Miniature Effect, the SZ-Series is also fun to use."Read more

2012 Models Focus on Enhancing the User's TV Experience With Expanded VIERA Connect™ Internet Accessibility, Targeted Web Browser Support, Superior FULL HD 3D, Pristine Picture Quality and Eco Advances

January 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its history and tradition of producing award winning Plasma HDTVs, Panasonic introduced the company's 2012 Smart VIERA line of HDTV Plasmas defining the core of a new IPTV lifestyle at the Consumer Electronics Show. The advent of Smart VIERA HDTV centers on five main points: Networking, Easy Operation, Picture Quality, Eco and Design elements. With 17 new models, ranging in screen sizes from 42-inches to 65 inches, Panasonic expanded its 3D line-up for 2012.

Also new for 2012 is a cloud-based architecture to increase the VIERA Connect IPTV platform to an unlimited number of apps, thereby cementing its reputation for creating innovative and cutting edge products and focusing on providing the consumer with the ultimate in home entertainment. New to select VIERA TVs is the inclusion of a browser, further enhancing the internet platform, as well as the addition of "3D Real Sound" with 8-Train Speakers to further enhance sound quality. In addition, Panasonic continues its commitment to the environment by improving the panel luminance efficiency, as well as producing mercury and lead free panels. To further improve the in-home 3D viewing experience, Panasonic introduced its latest generation of lightweight 3D glasses. Weighing only 27 grams, the latest generation 3D glasses utilize Bluetooth technology and feature a rechargeable battery. Read more

January 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic has developed a 20-inch 4K2K (3,840 x 2,160 resolution, approx. 8.29 million pixels) IPS Alpha LCD panel, the smallest(*1) as a 4K2K-resolution display. The new panel has the world's highest pixel density of 216 pixels per inch (ppi) and the thickness of only 3.5 mm, the thinnest in the world(*1) . A prototype panel will be unveiled at the 2012 International CES to be held in Las Vegas, United States from January 10 to 13.

IPS Alpha panels are suitable for making ultra-high definition displays because of their simple pixel structure(*2) - one of the characteristics of the IPS panels(*3) - as well as their high contrast ratio, excellent color reproducibility with rich gradation and the industry's highest-level light transmission rate that were implemented by Panasonic's unique IPS-Pro technology(*4).

The 4K2K IPS Alpha LCD panel employs two new technologies, "Pixel structure with ultra-high aperture ration structure" and "New liquid-crystal molecular orientation process technology". Read more