Panasonic Announces Plans For DVD-Audio Line To Bring New Global Standard For Music To Market

24-May-00

Panasonic offers a glimpse into the future of music by announcing plans for a full line of DVD-Audio/Video products under both the Panasonic and Technics brand names, with products arriving on store shelves beginning in July.Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company anticipates an enthusiastic acceptance for DVD-Audio products, based on the capabilities of the new format and the phenomenal success of DVD-Video. DVD-Audio uses the tremendous data capacity of the DVD format to produce the closest thing to truly pure sound that technology has yet achieved. To provide such musical fidelity, DVD-Audio uses linear Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) offering ultra hi-fi (up to 192kHz/24-bit) two-channel audio or up to six channels of hi-fi multi-channel sound and 74 minutes or more of play time on a CD-size disc. DVD-Audio players also play DVD-Video discs and compact discs.The company will introduce DVD-Audio players in July to the U.S. market, under both the Panasonic and Technics brands. As previously announced, the Panasonic DVD-A7 will have a suggested retail price of $999.95, and the Technics DVD-A10 will have a suggested retail price of $1199.95. Technics will also introduce a line of DVD-Audio-ready components, comprised of the SA-DA8 ($599.95) and SA-DA10 ($799.95) DVD-Audio-ready receivers and DVD-Audio-ready speakers, SB-T300 ($599.95 pair) and SB-AFC300 multi-purpose speaker for front, center or surround sound ($149.95 each), which are necessary to gain the full fidelity of the DVD-Audio format.A new in-dash mobile DVD-Audio/Video head unit (Panasonic model CQ-DVR909) featuring Center Fold, a distinctive fold-out center channel speaker, will also be available in July, at a suggested retail price of $1999.95. Panasonic is also introducing DVD-Audio-ready speakers for mobile applications.Beginning this Fall, Panasonic will expand its DVD-Audio line to include a micro component system with DVD-Audio/Video player. This diminutive system will feature an audio cassette deck, AM/FM tuner, and two front speakers with built-in subwoofers. An optional multi-channel package that includes a small three-channel amplifier and three DVD-Audio-ready speakers (for center and surround) will also be available. Prices and model numbers for the micro system and optional multi-channel package will be announced soon.Also in the Fall, Panasonic will introduce a portable DVD-Audio/Video player for audiophiles on the go. Pricing and exact availability to be determined.Panasonic and Technics consumer electronics products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (MECA). MECA is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE: MC - news) of Japan, one of the world's largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. Prices are in U.S. dollars. Consumers seeking more information on the company's products can phone Panasonic's Customer Call Center at 800 211 PANA or access the Panasonic home page at http://www.Panasonic.com or the Technics home page at http://www.technicsusa.com. Source: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Read More:
http://www.Panasonic.com
http://www.technicsusa.com