Panasonic And Car Toys Launch First-Ever Mobile DVD Theater In U.S.
Panasonic and Car Toys have kicked off sales of a new mobile DVD theater - an in-dash DVD player, processor and rear monitor - the first of its kind available to U.S. consumers. ""The availability of the first in-dash DVD player is a landmark in consumer electronics and weíre pleased that Car Toys could help make it a reality,"" said Gene Kelsey, Vice President and General Manager of Panasonicís Audio Division. ""This is another example of how Panasonic is pushing the envelope in DVD hardware and applications. For the first time, passengers in the back seats will be able to enjoy DVD movies on the road, with sound coming from the carís speakers."" In addition to the mobile DVD theater system that was custom installed in a mini-van for use at the kick-off event, mobile DVD theater systems have also been installed in a sport utility vehicle and sedan for product demonstrations around the country. Product availability will be at additional retailers nationwide throughout the spring. At 7-inch x 2-inch x 6-5/8-inch (WxHxD), the new player, model CX-DV1500, fits in the dashboard like any double din-size car stereo and delivers the video and audio benefits of DVD-format movies with digital surround sound and conventional CD audio playback. The flat 7-inch diagonal LCD monitor, model CY-VM1500, is designed to be installed for rear passenger viewing between the front seats, in an overhead rear panel, or elsewhere in the back of the vehicle. While the system can use the automobileís existing speakers for audio playback, in full mobile theater mode, the DVD player can be combined with the CY-AC300 DolbyÆ Digital/DTSÆ (Digital Theater Sound) processor along with three amps to drive front and rear, center and subwoofer speakers. The unit has the special playback features for which the format is known, such as choice of picture framing (widescreen or pan-and-scan), rating, multiple language or directorís commentary tracks, and multiple subtitles, depending on the disc. The car DVD player features a 10-bit video DAC. And, with a 16-bit audio DAC, the CX-DV1500 can produce excellent CD sound.. Like Panasonicís home and portable DVD players, the CX-DV1500 lets users easily navigate disc menus and make playback choices with a wireless remote control. Stylistically matched to the metallic silver player, the remote is designed for ergonomics, with fewer, larger buttons than their stay-at-home counterparts. Other useful features include four-speed smooth-motion scan; auto switching Field/Frame still for crystal-clear, rock-steady still images - whether from a film or video source; digital audio output and RCA video and audio outputs. ""Itís very exciting to be the first retailer to have this product to offer to consumers,"" said Car Toys President and CEO Dan Bretter. ""Our sales staff and installers have vast expertise in consumer electronics products and are very eager to sell the first in-dash DVD player to consumers in the U.S. market."" ""Panasonic has been a leader in DVD since its inception,"" says Kelsey. ""We brought technical innovations to market that made DVD possible, marketed the first portable DVD player and now weíre on the leading edge once again as the first consumer electronics manufacturer to make mobile DVD theater available to the public."" Model Availability Suggested Retail Model CX-DV1500 Car DVD Player available in Spring, 1999 at a suggested retail price of $1,400.00 Model CY-VM1500 Car Monitor available in Spring, 1999 at a suggested retail price of $1,000.00 Model CY-AC300 Processor available in Spring, 1999 at a suggested retail price of $800.00 Consumers seeking more information on the companyís products can call Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or access Panasonicís home page at www.panasonic.com.