Panasonic Introduces Worldís First Portable DVD-Audio/Video Players

31-Jul-00

Expanding on the popularity of its portable DVD-Video models, Panasonic introduces the worldís first portable DVD-Audio/Video Players, models DVD-LA85 (with an LCD display) and the DVD-PA65 (without an LCD display). For a ""desktop theatre"" experience, users can add the new SC-HDX2 Amplifier Speaker System for enhanced stereo sound. ""Panasonic was the first to make DVD portable and, based on the continued success of Panasonicís portable DVD-Video players, the decision to bring DVD-Audio/Video portables to market was a natural,"" says Gene Kelsey, Vice President and General Manager of Panasonicís Audio Group. ""These players give consumers the best of both worlds: the ability to play their DVD-Audio and DVD-Video discs on the road, as well as enjoy them in the comfort of their own home."" Perfect for traveling and small enough to fit in a backpack, briefcase or handbag, both models measure less than 1-inch thick. The DVD-LA85 weighs only 1.3 pounds, while the DVD-PA65 weighs .7 pounds. Both models let users enjoy many hours of their favorite DVD-Audio and DVD-Video discs, thanks to a five-hour rechargeable battery pack (optional with the DVD-PA65). And, in addition to being perfect travel companions, both ultra-compact models also offer many of the same enhanced features found on Panasonicís full-size DVD-Video decks, allowing them to be connected to a standard television to optimize the performance of the most sophisticated home theatre. The primary task of these new models is also to help users experience the ""pure sound"" that only DVD-Audio can provide. DVD-Audio takes advantage of the digital technology originally developed for DVD-Video. It uses the advanced formatís vast data storage potential to deliver astounding sound enriched with the nuance, warmth and subtle overtones of a live musical performance. To accomplish it, two-channel DVD-Audio uses a sampling frequency of 192kHz - more than four times that of a CD - to extend the playback high-frequency response to an incredible 96kHz. The higher frequency reproduction gives live instruments their timbre or resonance, which is often lost on a compact disc. Additionally, a new digital-to-analog converter (DAC), based on MASH technology and refined by Panasonic for 192kHz/24-bit DVD-Audio use, gives the portables the ability to distinguish levels of sound using 24-bit quantization (vs. 16-bit maximum for CD). This reduces background noise to imperceptible levels.DVD-LA85With its built-in LCD screen, the DVD-LA85 is also ideal for watching DVD-Video discs ""on the go."" Imagine enjoying your favorite movies wherever and whenever you want without sacrificing any of the video and audio quality that only DVD can deliver. The DVD-LA85 provides a stunningly beautiful picture on a 7-inch diagonal widescreen LCD monitor, and can be adjusted at the touch of a button to change aspect ratios to accommodate 4:3 standard TV dimensions or the 16:9 widescreen ratio supported by many DVD titles. This model also benefits from a 10-bit video DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which minimizes digital artifacts resulting in better overall picture quality. For superb delivery of the audio soundtrack that accompanies a DVD movie, the DVD-LA85 has built-in, front-firing stereo speakers. Other features include Chapter Preview for refreshing your memory by sequentially playing the first 3 seconds of each chapter, automatically, until it catches up to the point where you left off, high-speed, 5-step Smooth Motion Scan to forward and reverse scan in 5 speeds up to 100 times normal speed, Repeat Mode, Title/Chapter Search with marker function, Skip Forward/Reverse and Auto Power Off/Resume Play. The DVD-LA85 also has a DTSÆ Digital Surroundô and DolbyÆ Digital dual decoder built-in to help convey all the benefits of 5.1-channel surround sound when playing DTS or Dolby Digital-encoded discs. With Panasonicís Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (VSS) feature, even consumers who donít have the room or the budget for a full home theatre audio system may still enjoy exceptional audio. Advanced VSS creates a simulated surround sound effect, downmixed from either a 5.1 channel or two-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, from the stereo speakers of any home audio system. Additionally, a Headphone VSS feature will provide a surround effect when listening through optional headphones. To avoid straining to hear the actors during noisy scenes, these models also include the Dialogue Enhancer feature, which boosts the volume of the center channel - where most of the principal dialogue emanates when playing a Dolby Digital 5.1 disc.For enhanced stereo sound, the DVD-LA85 also includes an amplifier speaker system. This system includes a compact 2-channel, 10W x 2 (60Hz-3000kHz, THD 1%, 6 ohms) amplifier, which incorporates Ta-Ke capacitors for exceptional sound clarity and neutral yet powerful audio, and a pair of 2-way Bass-Reflex speakers. Graphic on-screen menu icons make navigating the DVD playersí features and functions - such as language selection, title, elapsed time and chapter search - easy and fast. The portables also use S-Video, and composite video outputs and optical digital audio outputs for convenient connection to a TV and audio system for home enjoyment.The DVD-LA85 includes a built-in re-charger function, rechargeable battery pack, a multi-voltage AC adapter, audio/video cables and a compact 36-key, full wireless remote. DVD-PA65Possessing most of the great features of the DVD-LA85, the compact and ultra-lightweight model DVD-PA65 gives you the mobility of a portable with the performance of a DVD-Audio/Video home deck. This model has a 10-bit D/A converter and a newly-developed, high-performance multi-bit D/A conversion system for super high fidelity sound. It also features Advanced and Headphone V.S.S., Dialogue Enhancer, Chapter Preview, Hi-Speed Smooth Motion Scan, Title/Chapter Search with marker function, Skip Forward/Reverse, Auto Power Off/Resume Play, Repeat Mode and on-screen menu icons. Included with this model is a digital audio out (optical), 5.1 audio output, compact, 36-key remote, audio/video cables and an AC adapter.The DVD-LA85 and DVD-PA65 will be available October 2000 with suggested retail prices of $1,599.95 and DVD-PA65, respectively. Panasonic consumer DVD 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/PCX: MC) of Japan, one of the worldís largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Consumers seeking more information on the companyís products can call Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800 211 PANA or access Panasonicís home page at www.panasonic.com.

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