Panasonic Consumer Electronics Unveils DVD-Audio Players, Music Format For The 21st Century

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), which changed how consumers watch movies as the first to bring DVD video players to market, now redefines how theyíll listen to recorded music as it becomes the first company to introduce DVD-Audio players in the United States. Taking advantage of the digital technology originally developed for DVD-Video, DVD-Audio uses the advanced formatís vast data storage potential to deliver ""super recordings"" enriched with the nuance, warmth and subtle overtones of a live musical performance.Panasonic unveiled two players today under the Panasonic and Technics brands, with tentative delivery planned for this fall.DVD-Audio promises to be the audio standard for the 21st century with its enhanced dynamic range, full 5.1-channel surround sound capacity, and ability to deliver video as well as audio. ""DVD-Audio carries digital audio into the next millennium,"" said Gene Kelsey, Vice President and General Manager of Panasonicís Audio Group. ""It heralds a new age by bringing superior audio performance, multichannel applications and navigation capabilities to the audio format. And we are pleased that Panasonic is taking the lead in introducing DVD-Audio in the U.S. first."" DVD-Audioís potential for concert-hall fidelity is astounding. With a sampling frequency of 192kHz - more than four times that of CD - DVD-Audio can reproduce those frequencies that lend live instruments their timbre or resonance - and are often lost on compact disc. The crash of cymbals, for example, produces frequencies well above 20kHz - inaudible to the ear but important to the integrity of the music. DVD-Audioís frequency range will help retain every instrumentís distinct expression.DVD-Audio is also capable of 24-bit resolution (vs. 16-bit maximum for CD), reducing background noise to imperceptible levels.Like DVD Video, DVD-Audio is fully surround sound compatible. It can decode music recorded in up to 5.1 channels (including a subwoofer) giving listeners the ambience and enveloping effect of a live performance, and artists a new way to express themselves creatively. Also like its video cousin, DVD-Audio uses a CD-size disc and is capable of single- or dual-layer capacity on one or both sides. At its highest resolution (192kHz/24-bit 2-channel PCM), the format can store 74 minutes of music on a single-side of a single-layer disc. Depending on resolution, that figure can balloon to 400 minutes - or more than 6-1/2 hours of music. An 8-cm disc is also an option, for music singles or other short programs.The extensive storage space not only permits extended-range audio, but full MPEG-2 video, still images, and text. When connected to a television or computer monitor, and depending on content, ""listeners"" can enjoy music videos with unparalleled audio (and DVD-quality video), view ""photo albums"" of the band and its members, or read track titles, song lyrics and liner notes on the screen. Internet URL addresses embedded in the disc can also link directly to relevant Web sites when the player is connected to a PC. And visual menus can help users navigate the offerings on a disc.In addition to DVD-Audio discs, the Panasonic and Technics models can play DVD movies, compact discs and Video CDs.The DVD-Audio players are expected to be available this fall. Manufacturers suggested retail pricing has not been determined.For more information, contact Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or visit the Panasonic Web site at www.panasonic.com.