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.
Panasonic 2000 Television Line Offers More Screen Sizes, More Digital TV Models
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC) announced at CES 2000 its exciting new line of television products for 2000, highlighted by a broad range of Tau PureFlatô flat-screen products and an impressive series of digital TV* models. ""Our television line-up this year is truly extraordinary,"" said Bill Mannion, General Manager of PCECís Television and Network Systems Division. ""From exceptional-quality analog sets in new screen sizes to the breadth of our digital line, Panasonic has one of the strongest assortments of television products in the industry. The 2000 line-up comprises an expanded variety of screen sizes in core, step-up and deluxe models, with products ranging from a 9-inch (diagonal screen measurement) portable to a new 65-inch digital projection TV/monitor. Whether analog or digital, direct-view or rear-projection, one thing remains constant throughout the line: picture quality so incredible, it must be experienced for oneself. Enhancements in video, audio and convenience features can be found throughout the line. Feature system with amplifier and surround sound, V-chip, 2-tuner split-screen PIP, and component inputs. These features are found on more Panasonic models than ever before. The new televisions will be available in a variety of screen sizes (measured diagonally), including 20-inch, 24-inch, 27-inch, 32-inch and 36-inch models. Digital-ready as well as analog sets will be available in the larger, 32-inch and 36-inch sizes. One of the highlights of this yearís new offerings is a comprehensive line of Tau PureFlat televisions - models with perfectly flat screens - to complement Panasonicís popular PanaBlackô and SuperFlatô series televisions. The Tau PureFlat sets represent the next step in the evolution of the companyís celebrated SuperFlat System televisions, which were introduced in 1991. All the new Tau PureFlat sets feature a newly designed, high-tech silver colored cabinet. Optional matching stands will be available. Among the new Tau PureFlat sets, model CT-36HX40 is a first-class crowd pleaser. The 36-inch (diagonal screen measurement) digital-ready television can display 1080i and 480p. Sporting an exquisite silver cabinet, the set features 2-tuner split-screen P-I-P, new Open Dome speaker system, component video inputs and multiple S-video input jacks. The CT-36HX40 will be available this summer. In 1999, Panasonic introduced its first 16:9 direct-view, digital-compatible Tau monitor: the highly successful CT-34WMD60. This year, a new 34-inch 16:9 Tau model, the CT-34WXF50, will feature a built-in NTSC tuner, 16:9 widescreen monitor, 3-speaker audio system (7W x 7W x 7W), progressive scan converter, two sets of component video inputs as well as component video out, and much more. In projection televisions, Panasonic asserts its leadership position with a dazzling array of choices. Twelve new projection sets debut this year, including both analog and digital-compatible models. All offer exceptional picture quality and advanced features. With extremely attractive MSRPs, these models are destined for success. The show-stopper model is the new PT-65WX50, scheduled for introduction later this year. The breathtaking 65-inch, 16:9 set is fully digital-ready, able to display 1080i, 720p and 480p. The PT-65WXF50 has a manufacturerís suggested retail price of $6,499.00. Additionally, digital-ready (1080i/480p) projection sets in 51-inch, 56-inch and 61-inch screen sizes are planned for introduction in the summer. 2000 will see the continuation of two outstanding DTV models: the PT-56WXF95 16:9 HDTV projection TV/monitor - the only native 720p-compatible monitor currently on the market - as well as the impressive PT-42PD1-P 42-inch, wall-mountable SDTV plasma display. Product introductions are scheduled throughout the year, beginning in February. Panasonic 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. * In order to view DTV programming in its native resolution, the TV must be connected a set-top decoder by the component video inputs (Y, PRPB) and switched to DTV mode. As with conventional broadcast TV, an over-the-air antenna may be required.? ?An external over-the-air antenna will be required. The television must be equipped with a composite video input or an s-video input to receive an NTSC signal. Component video inputs are required to receiver converted DTV signals.