Matsushita To Launch Widescreen LCD TV With Built-In DVD Audio/Video Player
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (MEI), best known for its Panasonic and National brand products, announced today that it will launch a new 15.2-inch widescreen LCD TV, featuring a built-in DVD audio/video player (TH-15DT1) in the Japanese market in December. The TH-15DT1 incorporates a new 15.2-inch LCD panel with a 16:9 (1.78:1) aspect ratio, which was developed exclusively for AV applications. The dynamic range of the brightness of this new LCD panel has been optimized so that it is 2.4 times better than in conventional LCD panels. The display has a contrast ratio of 400:1. This improvement was achieved through Panasonic's new ""Liquid Crystal Adaptive Brightness Intensifier"" (AI) technology, which enhances the television's ability to display moving images. In addition, a built-in DVD Audio/Video player can play DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, Video-CD and Music-CD discs. Panasonic's unique, advanced digital imaging technology offers exceptional picture quality not only from the progressive video source, but also from conventional terrestrial broadcasting. Through the use of a special ""Bass-ref Speaker System,"" powerful audio is provided for both DVD movie and DVD audio, which gives the sensation of actually being in the presence of the music. Also, a D2 terminal is included for BS digital broadcasting, which will begin in 2000. The compact TH-15DT1, which represents a new category in Panasonic's ""T (Tau)"" series, is positioned as a mini Dream Theater system integrating advanced digital technologies for high quality audio video and digital broadcasting. TH-15DT1 will be available in Japan in December, at a price of 300,000 yen. Source: M2 Communications