Panasonic Announces Timing And Pricing For New DTV-Certified Set-Top Box With NTSC Tuner

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC) announces the retail launch of its new DTV-certified set-top box, which allows consumers to enjoy the crisp, brilliant images of the new digital TV signals. Model TU-DST51 receives and decodes all 18 ATSC broadcast formats, and also receives current analog (NTSC) signals. The built-in NTSC tuner is a new feature for the Panasonic unit. The TU-DST51 will be available in September, with a suggested retail price of $1099.95. Panasonic was the first consumer electronics company to market a line of digital television products to consumers, beginning in August 1998, with the retail introduction of its HD-compatible 56-inch widescreen, rear-projection monitor/receiver. The company's first set-top box was welcomed by retailers and broadcasters across the country, in October, 1998, and continues to be utilized by key television stations to monitor outgoing DTV signals in the growing DTV broadcast markets. ""The TU-DST51 was designed to complement our very successful 42-inch Plasma and 34-inch CRT widescreen digital TV monitors,"" says Bill Mannion, General Manager of Panasonic's Television and Network Systems Division. ""With its built-in NTSC tuner, the TU-DST51 allows consumers to enjoy the best technology today, as well as the digital technologies of the future."" Utilizing the Panasonic-developed single-chip Digital TV decoder and designed for maximum flexibility, the TU-DST51 can receive and decode all 18 ATSC DTV formats. These include Standard Definition (SDTV) 480-line interlaced (480i) and progressive (480p), High Definition (HDTV) 1080-line interlaced (1080i) and 720-line progressive (720p). An NTSC tuner allows the unit to work with both current analog as well as digital-compatible TVs and monitors. Of course, the TU-DST51 is fully equipped for home theater applications. In addition to component video outputs (which allow for the best possible picture when connected to component inputs on a digital-compatible television) the set-top DTV decoder features a composite video output as well as an S-video output. Audio delivery is exceptional as well. The DTV decoder can provide 5.1-channel DolbyÆ Digital (AC-3Æ) surround ñ the DTV standard ñ in addition to two-channel stereo. Two RCA-type audio output jacks are joined by an Optical DolbyÆ Digital output for the highest quality surround sound, so viewers with surround sound speakers and a Dolby Digital processor or receiver will enjoy lifelike, ambient sound from DTV broadcasts that use digital soundtracks. The new DTV decoder is poised for use with future audio and video components by virtue of its built-in IEEE-1394 digital interface. This interface will allow connection to a digital VCR, such as Panasonic's model PV-HD1000, to capture digital broadcasts without loss of picture quality. The TU-DST51 is easy to use, sharing the Roller Guide Menu System found on Panasonic's DTV-compatible televisions. With this system, users can select the features or display mode they want to access without icons covering the screen. Instead, the graphics appear on a ""roller"" on the left side of the screen; directional keys on the remote control advance from one graphic to the next. Sub-menus are presented on a semi-transparent background for uninterrupted television viewing. Other useful features include built-in closed captioning, auto programmable channel scan and rapid tuning between two channels. The DTV decoder includes Panasonic's Directorô Home Theater remote control, which operates hundreds of brands of both video and audio components. The remote has lighted keys for easy use in darkened rooms. Currently, there are more than 60 stations in over 30 markets, which are conducting DTV broadcasts, with the ability to reach nearly 50 percent of total U.S. households. The new Panasonic TU-DST51 DTV decoder is the ideal choice for consumers who wish to enjoy the best quality NTSC right now, as well as the total digital television experience in the future. Consumers seeking more information on the company's products can call Panasonic's Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or access Panasonic's home page at www.panasonic.com. Media interested in Panasonic press releases can gain information via the Panasonic Web site or through New Directions Public Relations' toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490. Bill Mannion, General Manager can be reached at 201 348 7743.