News

4/9/2003

Panasonic Makes the Best DTV Experience Even Better With New Screens

The story of Panasonic HDTV at CEDIA Expo 2003 is a story of firsts. The six new high-definition models debuting here today take the best of Panasonic DTV and make it better, with the first digital cable-ready set and the first sets from Panasonic's new and inspiring flat panel series.

The 53-inch widescreen (16:9) projection high-definition PT-53WXD63 (diagonal screen measurement) is the first DTV set from any manufacturer to be digital cable ready. The PT-53WXD63 is the first to be certified by CableLabs. This TV can connect directly to a digital cable and terrestrial broadcast system. With the use of an authorized CableCARD (which may be available from some cable operators, at a fee)(1), this TV can receive digital cable services, including premium channels, without requiring a cable set-top box. The set also has Photo Viewer SD Memory Card and PCMCIA card slots for viewing still images up on the TV screen. The PT-53WXD63 also has HDMI (High Definition and Multimedia Interface), making it even more versatile in a home-theater set up. It is due by the end of September at an MSRP of $2,299.95.

The flat panel displays in Panasonic's series are equally as impressive as the projection set - and with their sleek, slim designs are perfectly suited for the consumer and custom installation market.

The 42-inch widescreen (16:9) TH-42PX20U (diagonal screen measurement) and the 50-inch widescreen (16:9) TH-50PX20U (diagonal screen measurement) progressive plasma displays are integrated with an NTSC tuner and two speakers. They also feature an industry-high Contrast Ratio of 3000:1; Photo Viewer SD and PCMCIA slots; PC input; new real black drive system; and a pedestal stand. Both can handle 1080i and 720p inputs from an optional ATSC set-top box or other HD sources. The TH-42PX20U has 1,024 by 768 pixels; is 29.8 inches high, 44.9 inches wide and 3.9 inches deep; and weighs 90.4 lbs. The TH-50PX20U features 1,366 by 768 pixels; is 34.3 inches high, 52.4 inches wide and 3.9 inches deep. The TH-42PX20U is due by the end of September, with an MSRP of $6,499.95 and TH-50PX20U will arrive the first week in October with an MSRP of $8,999.95.

Two LCD screens round out Panasonic's introduction of flat-panel displays at CEDIA. The 22 inch widescreen (16:9) TC-22LH1 (diagonal screen measurement) and the 32 inch widescreen (16:9) TC-32LH1 (diagonal screen measurement) both have HDTV display capability and can handle a high definition source. Each has the new pixel controller, progressive scan, 1280 by 720 pixels and an HDMI input. The TC-22LH1 is 15.2 inches high, 15.2 inches wide and 3.6 inches deep. The TC-32LH1 is 20.7 inches high, 35.7 inches wide and 5.7 inches deep. Both are due by the end of September, with an MSRP of $1,999.95 for the 22-inch model and $4,499.95 for the 32-inch model.

The 60-inch widescreen (16:9) PT-60LC13 (diagonal screen measurement) Digital Display Device is the largest Rear Projection TV in Panasonic's line-up in 2003. It includes all the features that one would expect from a Panasonic High-Definition Projection TV with a progressive 1280 X 720 native display, a progressive line doubler, 3:2 pulldown and a 3DYC digital filter. It incorporates the new PhotoViewer feature and includes a split screen 2 tuner Picture-in-Picture. The PT-60LC13 will start to ship the end of October and has a MSRP of $3,999.

www.panasonic.com