Panasonic Previews 720p-Capable Widescreen Projection Monitor/Receiver""Universal HDTV Monitor"" Displays All DTV Formats, Plus NTSC

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC) has previewed its latest consumer digital television product. When paired with a digital TV set-top box, such as Panasonicís TU-DST50, the new 56-inch (diagonal screen measurement) widescreen rear-projection monitor/receiver model PT-56WXF95 displays the astounding clarity and detail of the new digital high definition (HDTV) and standard definition (SDTV) television signals 480I (line-doubled to 480p), 480p, 1080I, and native 720p - without conversion. The setís built-in progressive converter also dramatically enhances the picture quality of todayís standard NTSC broadcast signal.Months before the commencements of the new digital television (DTV) broadcasts in key markets last November, Panasonic soared to the forefront of the digital television revolution with the introduction of the industryís first HDTV-compatible consumer television product to be brought to market, its first DTV set-top decoder box and their direct- view DTV monitors. In 1999, Panasonic is fulfilling its promise to deliver a 56-inch HDTV monitor, which directly displays both HDTV (1080i/720p) formats. ""I am proud to say that Panasonic continues to lead the industry in technology and innovation,"" said Bill Mannion, General Manager of Panasonicís Television and Network Systems Division. ""The new PT-56WXF95 represents Panasonicís commitment to bringing consumers the most choice, quality and versatility in order to enjoy the full range of this new digital technology.""The PT-56WXF95 features two sets of universal component video inputs (Y, PB, PR) in 480i, 720p, or 1080i formats. Component video inputs, designed to accept signals from digital video sources, such as Panasonicís all-format DTV decoder, separate the signals into their luminance (Y) and two color difference (PB, PR) elements. The result is exceptional picture detail and color accuracy.The set also up-converts or ""line-doubles"" conventional NTSC analog signals to 480p, dramatically enhancing the picture quality of todayís standard TV broadcasts. Its built-in progressive scan converter delivers remarkably sharp, detailed images without visible scan lines. The ""Big Picture""ÖIn Stunning DetailDazzling, intricately detailed images project onto a fine-pitch 56-inch diagonal screen. The screenís 1.78:1 (16:9) aspect ratio is consistent with the HDTV broadcast standard. A built-in protective screen shield helps prevent screen surface nicks and scratches.The PT-56WXF95 utilizes highly accurate digital convergence of the red, blue and green images that comprise a TV picture. A total of 165 points are converged on the screen, creating a sharp, focused image.Further enhancing the picture are a 3D-Y/C (luminance/chrominance) digital comb filter for clean color separation in the NTSC mode, velocity modulated scan for sharp transitions from black to white, and horizontal and vertical edge correction, to help produce clean, crisp images. The two-tuner, Picture-in-Picture feature allows an expanded view of two channels simultaneously, without the need to turn on a VCR or other tuner source. Unlike traditional P-I-P, which squeezes the second picture into an insert box, this setís 16:9 configuration allows two images to be displayed at full height side by side, filling the screen.This intelligent TV also features four display modes to accommodate 1.33:1 (4:3) images from traditional analog sources and your personal viewing preference. The 4:3 mode places an NTSC image in the center of the screen; the FULL mode stretches the 4:3 image horizontally to fill the screen and displays panoramic ""16:9"" images; the JUST mode will stretch (justify) the right and left edges of the 4:3 image to fill the entire screen; the ZOOM mode enlarges the picture uniformly to full-screen width, and then repositions the picture vertically.Home Theatre ConnectionsThe PT-56WXF95 offers exceptional versatility when it comes to connecting other home theatre components. Besides two sets of component video inputs, the television includes three sets of standard video inputs, two S-video inputs and both fixed and variable audio outputs for home theater applications.Home Theatre AudioTo capture the most enjoyment from digital television broadcasts, the PT-56WXF95 also provides a built-in four-speaker sound system that consists of two full-range speakers and two tweeters. Other new enhancements to the speaker system include increased power versus last yearís model, and SpatializerÆ 3D stereo audio processing. The Spatializer feature creates a three-dimensional, surround-sound effect from the setís built-in speakers. The center channel input allows the set to be used as a center speaker for DolbyÆ ProLogicÆ or Dolby Digital surround system. With Artificial Intelligence Sound Level Control, the television automatically compensates for severe increases in volume.Convenience FeaturesPanasonicís Roller Guide Menu lets users select the features they want without icons obscuring the screen. Individual feature graphics appear on a ""roller"" on the left side of the screen. Sub-menus are presented on a semi-transparent background for uninterrupted television viewing.Advanced Channel Search displays six channels simultaneously on the right half of the viewing screen while allowing you to view the current program on the left side of the screen. You can also program the six-channel display to search through all available channels or through your ""favorite channel"" memory.Channel Lock, Game Guard and V-chip program lockouts allow parents to restrict viewing of objectionable channels or programs. Other convenience features include a sleep timer; dual on/off timers and a trilingual menu (English, French and Spanish). The Directorô Home Theater remote control provides easy operation of the television and hundreds of other video and audio components (including satellite receivers, CD players/changers, A/V receivers and tape decks.) The remote features buttons that light up in the dark and a joystick-type control mechanism for up, down, right and left movements.The PT-56WXF95 is slated for introduction in September 1999, at a suggested retail price of $5,999.95.For more information, contact Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or visit the Panasonic Web site at www.panasonic.com.