Panasonicís New Line-Doubling Projection TVs Perfect For NTSC, SDTV Broadcasts
With the introduction of the digital TV-ready PT-51DX80 and sister model PT-61DX80, Panasonic offers viewers the chance to enjoy outstanding picture quality now and the flexibility to take advantage of digital television (DTV) programming - fast being adopted by networks for sporting events, movies and other programming - anytime down the road. The projection sets are compatible with both 480p (progressive) and 480i (interlaced) pictures, the two Standard Definition (SDTV) formats. ""These TVs represent a perfect, affordable bridge to digital TV, offering crisp detailed picture quality for today and upgradability for tomorrow,"" said Bill Mannion, General Manager, Panasonic Television and Network Systems Division. To take advantage of this new world of digital programming, owners of the 51- or 61-inch (diagonal) projection TVs need only connect a set-top DTV decoder, such as the Panasonic TU-DST50. But even without it, these impressive projection sets are poised to deliver scintillatingly rich NTSC pictures, thanks to their progressive scan doublers. Video Features Previously available only in expensive add-on boxes, these TVsí progressive scan line doublers can display all the information that makes up a TV picture in a single frame on-screen. Normally, alternating odd-even lines of picture information are displayed every 1/30th of a second, leaving it to the viewerís brain to form a single image. The line doubler does just what its name implies: it digitally merges both sets of lines to form a single, noticeably sharper picture every 1/60th of a second. Those whoíve never seen a line-doubled picture will find the results startling. Further assuring picture quality, particularly with SDTV broadcasts, are Panasonicís high-resolution projection CRT. By reducing the electron beam spot size over previous Panasonic models, these CRTs are up to the task of delivering the fine details necessary for full digital impact. The CRTs are complemented by a high-resolution lens and high-brightness screen that are similarly cut out for digital television, but improve NTSC picture quality as well. Less glamorous - but equally vital - picture boosting features include luminance noise reduction, which contributes to picture clarity; horizontal and vertical edge correction, which does away with dot warping on the edges of the picture; 3D Y/C luminance/chrominance comb filter, to effectively remove dot ""crawl;"" and a fine-pitch (0.72 mm) screen, which contributes to viewersí ability to detect every picture detail. The projection televisions are each equipped with two sets of universal component video inputs, required for connection to an external digital set-top box but also useful for delivering top picture quality from additional, similarly equipped video sources, such as a DVD player or satellite receiver box. Other jacks include four sets of A/V inputs (1 front, 3 rear) and two S-video inputs. Audio Features Although these PTVs are designed as the centerpiece of a home theatre, they offer substantial audio benefits in their own right. Their built-in amplifiers deliver 10 watts per stereo channel (20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 1% THD), and through digital signal processing the sets can produce a simulated surround environment. Both models incorporate SpatializerÆ audio processing to craft a more lifelike surround effect, based on how the ear perceives sound, from the setís two speakers. Both models have separate bass/treble/balance adjustments, and feature AI (Artificial Intelligence) Sound, which prevents drastic changes in volume between channels or between programs and commercials. And they are also SAP (Separate Audio Program) compatible. For home theatre situations, the televisionsí speakers can serve as the center channel in a DolbyÆ ProLogicÆ or Dolby Digital surround system. The sets also have both fixed and variable audio outputs, giving owners a choice between internal and external volume and tone control. Convenience Features A wide array of additional features make TV viewing more pleasurable. For example, twin-tuner picture-in-picture (PIP) lets viewers monitor two video sources at one time, broadcast TV and one external source, or two broadcast channels simultaneously without using a VCRís tuner. Channel labeling lets owners customize up to 48 channels with four-letter abbreviations, and scan through only those channels; auto programmable scan locates and pre-stores every receivable channel on the cable system; and programmable on/off timers can be used as sleep alarms or to deter burglars when no one is home. Parents can control their childrenís viewing habits in two ways. Parental Guidance control lets them lock-out objectionable stations, and even block channels 3 and 4 for up to 48 hours to prevent video game playing when homework needs to be done. And because these sets include the V-Chip, parents can also program the set to block individual programs of an objectionable nature. All television functions are handled with Panasonicís new ""Roller Guide"" menu system. Rather than icons covering the picture, a single graphic appears on the left of the screen and can be scrolled for the desired action. Sub-menus appear on a semi-transparent background so as not to impede viewing. Finally, the PT-51DX80 and PT-61DX80 feature the impressive Directorô home theatre remote control. The Director can operate most current audio and video components, making it a truly universal remote. The remote lights up whenever a button is pressed for easy use in the dark. Panasonicís new projection televisions adhere to government Energy StarÆ guidelines, so owners will know theyíre enjoying top picture and sound quality without straining the power grid or stretching their electric bill. The Panasonic PT-61DX80 and PT-51DX80 are scheduled for introduction in summer, 1999. Prices to be determined. For more information, contact Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or visit the Panasonic Web site at www.panasonic.com.