Panasonic Introduces New Plasma Displays For Consumer Market

21-Aug-00

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC) adds two new state-of-the-art plasma display panels to its extensive DTV line. The new Panasonic 42-inch (diagonal screen measurement) PT-42PD2-P and 50-inch (diagonal screen measurement) PT-50PD2-P widescreen displays measure 3.5 inches thick, and can be hung on a wall, built into an entertainment system or placed on their included pedestal stands.These multimedia displays are specifically designed to enhance the presentation of digital images. With a brightness level of 650 cd/m2, 16.77 million color-reproduction capability, and contrast ratio of 3000:1 - the new PT-42PD2-P creates images that are said to appear almost 3-dimensional. The larger PT-50PD2-P features a brightness level of more than 500 cd/m2 , and contrast ratio of 2300:1.A cinema-like 16:9 widescreen display with a wide viewing angle allows the picture to be enjoyed by everyone in the room, regardless of their position. With an array of 852 x 480 pixels, the digital-compatible PT-42PD2-P displays 480i/480p digital video as well as analog signals. The 50-inch PT-50PD2-P, containing 1366 x 768 pixels, is additionally capable of displaying high definition 720p. ""The new Plasma Tau models represent a giant leap in plasma display technology,"" commented Bill Mannion, Vice President and General Manager of Panasonic Companyís Television and Network Systems Division. ""Theyíre designed to deliver the full impact of digital content increasingly available from a variety of sources.""Both models feature 16W (8W x 2) (20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 10%THD) audio output power and are equipped with multiple A/V input jacks, including S-Video, component video and component audio, as well as a built-in RS232C serial interface and RGB input for versatile multimedia use.  Optional accessories include detachable stereo speakers, five-step adjustable-angle wall-hanging kit, and height-adjustable, wall-hugging pedestal stand. Panasonic plans initial shipments of the PT-42PD2-P in September and the PT-50PD2-P in November.Optional TU-PTA500 Tuner/Controller Offers Optimum Control And Ease Of Use In conjunction with the new plasma displays, Panasonic is introducing a multimedia controller/tuner, model TU-PTA500. The TU-PTA500 provides consumers with a single command center to access and control multiple A/V components and computer connections. The versatile 181-channel NTSC tuner can ""pass through"" 480i/480p/720p/1080i DTV signals from a DTV set-top box, and can also connect to a VCR, A/V receiver, DVD player, home theatre stereo system, digital camcorder and PC. The TU-PTA500 is expected to ship in September, and has a manufacturerís suggested retail price of $999.95.Panasonic consumer televisions 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), 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 phone Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800 211 PANA or access Panasonicís home page at www.panasonic.com.

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