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Panasonic presents the strongest flat-screen range in the company's history (20/3/2005)

New VIERA generation entices with true-to-life pictures

Panasonic will be launching eleven flat screen TVs with picture diagonals from 20 to 50 inches step-by-step between now and the summer of 2005. This is not only the strongest flat screen range in the company's history. At the same time, it is a demonstration of how something with fascinating qualities can still be improved. Once again, with its new VIERA units, Panasonic is exceeding the limits of con-ventional television, and is setting new standards when it comes to picture quality, tone, networking and user-friendliness.

As before, the new VIERA models appeal with their elegant, timeless design, which gives an impression of high quality that lends a designer emphasis to any home environment. Beneath this exclusive exterior is concealed a large number of top future-proof technologies, which guarantee undreamt of television enjoyment. Panasonic puts the technical perfection down to the high level of in-house develop-ment. Marvellous pictures of this kind can only be achieved by the perfect matching of signal preparation and panel, as in the new VIERA generation.

What difference does ultimate picture quality really make? This was the question that particularly preoccupied the Panasonic engineers. The answer is that a really good picture is one which comes as close as possible to reality. For example, signal proc-essing with the new VIERA Colour Management System with 8.6 billion reproduci-ble colours makes the new VIERA plasma generation comparable with real life. The new VIERA plasma and LCD models are captivating, not only with maximum definition, but also with crisp and fresh, true-to-nature colours, which radiate vitality, not least because of their penetrative effect.

VIERA Plasma TV

500 Series: TH-50PV500 (5,799.- euro), TH-42PV500 (3,799.- euro) and TH-37PV500 (3,299.- Euro)

50 Series: TH-42PA50 (2,599.- euro) and TH-37PA50 (2,299.- euro)

The prices quoted are the provisional recommended prices including VAT in each case.

The new range of VIERA plasma TVs includes the three high-definition models of the 500 Series, and the 50 Series duo with standard resolution. With the new VIERA plasma models, the viewer can enjoy considerably improved brightness steps with a maximum of 2048 greyscales, 8.6 billion reproducible colours and a contrast ratio of 3000:1 (500 Series) or 4000:1 (50 Series).

The 500 Series, consisting of the TH-50PV500 with a screen diagonal of 127 cm, the TH-42PV500 (106 cm) and the TH-37PV500 (94 cm), is "HD-ready" with its HD panel and HDMI input. Display modes include interlaced mode with 1080 lines as well as full-picture mode with 720 lines. Those that do not like a mass of cables will be particularly pleased with the SD memory card slot. Just slot in the card, and the 500 Series models become a platform for your own video recordings or digital photos. The 50 Series with the TH-42PA50 (106 cm screen diagonal) and TH-37PA50 (94 cm) completes the plasma TV range.

Even with masters in the field, such as Panasonic's novel G8 plasma panel, a picture can only be as good as the signal processing behind it. A new signal processing technology is used for the first time with the VIERA Colour Management System, which follows in the footsteps of "Acuity", and which provides stunning pictures full of vitality, sharpness and a wealth of colour. Thanks to the new digital processor, the VIERA Colour Management System processes all the video signals with the highest precision at every step of the picture reproduction process, and ensures stunning pictures full of vitality, sharpness and a wealth of colour.

The two 50 Series models will be the first on the German market: the TH-42PA50 will be launched in March 2005 and the TH-37PA50 in April. The first representatives of the 500 Series will follow in May with the TH-42PV500 and the TH-37PV500. The VIERA plasma range will be completed in June with the TH-50PV500.

The main features of the VIERA plasma TV in summary:

- New G8 plasma panel - VIERA Colour Management System with 8.6 billion reproducible colours - Sub-pixel controller - Real Black Drive System - HDMI input and HD ready* - SD and PC card slot and recording facility on SD card* * for 500 Series

VIERA LCD-TV

500 Series: TX-32LX500 (2,799.- euro), TX-26LX500 (2,199.- euro)

50 Series: TX-32LX50 (2,299.- euro), TX-26LX50 (1,699.- euro) and TX-23LX50 (1,399.- euro)

4:3 model: TX-20LA5 (899.- euro)

The prices quoted are the provisional recommended prices including VAT in each case.

The VIERA LCD TV range consists of the 500 Series duo, three models in the 50 Series with 16:9 widescreen, and a 4:3 unit with standard resolution.

The members of the 500 Series family - the TX-32LX500 (80.0 cm screen diagonal) and TX-26LX500 (64.8 cm) - are "HD-ready" and include the new LCD AI technology as well as an SD memory card slot, which also enables recordings to be made on the popular exchangeable memory.

The 50 Series LCD models - the TX-32LX50 (80.0 cm), the TX-26LX50 (66.1 cm) and TX-23LX50 (58.3 cm) - complete the high-definition LCD family. The 32 and 26-inch models of the 50 Series also feature the new LCD AI technology, which improves the luminosity of the picture, gives more depth to black tones, and raises the colour gradation to a new record high.

The VIERA 50 Series LCDs will be launched on the German market in April 2005. The 4:3 TX-20LA5 model (50.8 cm) will follow in June, and the 500 Series in July.

The main features of the VIERA LCD-TV in summary:

- New LCD AI technology* - VIERA Colour Management System* - Sub-pixel controller* - HD ready and HDMI input** - SD and PC card slot and recording facility on SD card**

* TX-32/26LX500, TX-32/26LX50 ** 32/26LX500

The technical improvements at a glance:

Signal processing by means of the new VIERA Colour Management System: The new digital processor is responsible for the ultra-precision processing of all video signals at every step of the picture reproduction process from the input signal to the screen output. The components of the new VIERA Colour Management System are:

· 3D colour management system Based on a three-dimensional correction of the colour differentiation and brightness level, the new 3D colour management system provides even more precise control of colour, which, in turn, is responsible for the extraordinarily expressive pictures.

· 8.6 billion reproducible colours The new VIERA plasma screens display even generally dark pictures or scenes taken in glistening sunlight in rich detail. The new Real Gamma Controller increases the brightness nuances of each RGB colour from 1536 to 2048, and thus the number of reproducible colours to a full 8.6 billion. VIERA Plasma TVs are therefore ideally matched to the perception of the human eye.

· Sub-pixel controller The sub-pixel controller is an effective tool against pixels, which literally dance out of line, and make diagonal lines appear zigzagged or blurred. In contrast to conventional systems, which process the three RGB colour channels at one go, this system controls and corrects - when necessary - each individual pixel. With its pixel-by-pixel processing, the sub-pixel controller displays straight lines perfectly without artefacts.

The new G8 plasma panel:

Panasonic has called the new plasma panel precisely what it is: the eighth plasma panel generation, or G8 for short. The gas discharge efficiency has been considerably increased in the new G8 plasma panel. Compared with previous models, the brightness of the new plasma panel has been increased by up to 10%, and for panels with standard resolution by as much as 20%. The new VIERAs with the G8 plasma panel spoil the user with strikingly clear pictures and outstanding contrast ratios - even in well-lit rooms.

New LCD AI technology:

The new LCD AI technology increases the dynamic range of the new VIERA LCD-TVs by a factor of 2.8 compared with previous models. A maximum contrast ratio of 1800:1 and 2.36 billion reproducible colours are visible evidence that the Active Light Control and Active Contrast/Gamma Control together provide maximum performance. Whether digital photos from an SD memory card or scorching Formula 1 racing scenes - all types of picture benefit from the image-improving processes of the new LCD AI technology. This adapts the picture signals for the peculiarities of reproduction on an LCD-TV and ensures finely graded, true-to-nature colours at all times.

HD ready:

High-resolution program content will soon be the norm. With the HDTV-ready VIERA Plasma and LCD 500 Series, the viewer can enjoy the beautiful wealth of detail that this high-resolution format has to offer in all its glory. With HD panels (1080i/720p) and HDMI connectors, the new 500 Series is ready for the television of the future.

SD Video (MPEG4) recording/playback:

VIERA expands the horizons of the world of digital entertainment. An example of this is that television programmes can be saved directly on the SD memory card for later viewing in any convenient location with portable SD players.

Photo Viewer SD/PC card slot:

SD and PC card inputs on the front of the unit make it the easiest thing imaginable to use the large VIERA screens to watch recordings made on digital cameras or other devices, which use these exchangeable memory media.

The new sound system with Smart Sound Speaker System:

Thanks to ultra-slim loudspeaker units and two integral subwoofers, the new 500 Series VIERAs provide breathtaking sound with a rich bass.

www.panasonic-europe.com