Panasonic HD-Compatible Superflat System TV
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC) has announced its first HD-compatible 34-inch (diagonal screen size) direct-view flat-screen 1.78:1 (16:9) monitor. The new CT-34WDM60 takes Panasonic's celebrated SuperFlatôSystem television concept to the next dimension with an innovative screen design that diminishes the distortion resulting from the curvature of a conventional TV screen. Dubbed ""Tau Series,"" the CT-34WDM60 shares parent company Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Ltd.'s worldwide designation for digital, perfectly-flat screen television products. ""This is our first direct-view monitor created for High Definition Television,"" says Bill Mannion, General Manager of Panasonicís Television Division. ""Itís specifically designed to enhance the presentation of digital images via its pure-flat, high-contrast black screen."" When paired with an optional DTV set-top decoder, such as Panasonic's TU-DST50, the CT-34WDM60 allows viewers to enjoy HDTV (1080i) and SDTV (480i/480p) digital television broadcasts. Component video inputs break the video signal down into its luminance (Y) and separate chrominance (PR and PB) elements, resulting in the highest resolution and color accuracy available from sources with component video outputs. The CT-34WDM60 also features a built-in progressive scan converter that will enhance NTSC signals by progressively scanning the television picture - resulting in images without visible scan lines. The screenís 1.78:1 (16:9) aspect ratio is consistent with the widescreen HDTV broadcast standard. The SuperFlatôSystem TV features a 3D Y/C comb, velocity modulated scan, and Artificial Intelligence Picture Control. Aside from component video inputs, the monitor includes a component output, four sets of A/V inputs, three S-Video inputs, and both fixed and variable audio outputs for home theatre applications. ""Panasonic was the first to ship Digital TV products,"" says Mannion, citing the companyís August, 1998 introduction of its HD-compatible 56-inch widescreen projection monitor/TV as the first consumer DTV set to be brought to market. ""Panasonic has been instrumental in forwarding the DTV initiative from the outset,"" he continued, ""giving consumers the first taste of DTV with innovative TVs, monitors and a DTV-certified set-top box. Panasonic will continue to lead consumers into the digital age through education initiatives, innovative product offerings and our overall expertise in this area."" The CT-34WDM60 is scheduled for introduction in summer, 1999.