New Panasonic Plasma Multimedia Display Features Innovative Design, Crisp 3D-Like images
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC) announces its latest component in consumer DTV products, the PT-42PD1-P widescreen 16:9 (1.78:1) Plasma Multimedia Display. The PT-42PD1-P is specifically designed to enhance the presentation of digital images. Only 3-1/2-inches thick, the impressive monitor creates a fantastic display when mounted to a wall. Its crisp, brilliant digital images appear almost three-dimensional. Dubbed ""Tau Series,"" the PT-42PD1-P shares parent company Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Ltd.ís worldwide designation for digital, perfectly-flat-screen television products. ""Panasonicís new plasma multimedia display represents an exciting leap forward in display technology,"" says Bill Mannion, General Manager of Panasonicís Television and Network Systems Division. ""The PT-42PD1-P is the result of Panasonicís efforts to re-engineer the conventional plasma display panel from the ground up. This cutting-edge technology is a complete departure from both CRT and LCD technology, making possible the type of thin, flat, large-screen monitor that will become the display device of choice for viewing digital media."" A plasma display, much like a fluorescent lamp, is constructed of two glass panels, only 1mm apart, each with its own electrodes. A gas - plasma - is injected between the panels. When voltage is applied to the electrodes, the gas becomes charged, resulting in whatës called the ""plasma phenomenon."" This generates ultraviolet rays, which strike the red, green and blue phosphors to create the image seen by the viewer. The new Panasonic PT-42PD1-P plasma display has a 42-inch diagonal screen and is only 3 1/2-inches deep. It can literally hang on a wall for viewing in a variety of new or conventional areas of the home. This plasma technology offers a wider viewing angle than other flat screen technologies. The display delivers ultra-bright (550 cd/m) and high contrast (550:1) images in the widescreen 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The perfectly flat screen provides the viewer with an image that is clear and sharply focused from corner to corner. Equipped with component video input terminals, the PT-42PD1-P can display Standard Definition (SDTV) digital television (DTV) formats (480i/480p). Component video inputs break the video signal down into its luminance (Y) and separate chrominance (PR and PB) elements, resulting in the highest resolution and color accuracy available from sources with component video outputs. The unit can also connect to a personal computer for multimedia applications, while S-video terminals allow the plasma set to serve as a monitor for watching videos, DVDs and TV programs as well. A newly developed power supply circuit, combined with enhancements in the panelís light-emitting efficiency, helps reduce power consumption while increasing heat-dissipation (eliminating the need for a fan.) Result, says Panasonic: high overall efficiency and a quiet environment for greater viewing - and listening - enjoyment. ""Panasonic has been demonstrating a Japanese-market version of plasma display technology since May 1998,"" says Mannion. ""This new plasma display is about 40 percent brighter than the one previously shown."" Thatís because the display controls brightness by regulating the discharge cycles, yielding a dramatic improvement in peak brightness. This technology expands the range of all images - from black to white peak - to deliver crisp, natural, easy-to-view pictures. An asymmetrical cell structure panel achieves both high brightness and crisp whites - a combination not possible with previous systems. Additionally, the Panasonic display has a greatly expanded color reproduction range. It accommodates eight-bit reproduction of 16,770,000 colors for vivid pictures with natural color gradation and highly delicate tones. The PT-42PD1-P comes with an attractive pedestal stand. The following optional accessories are available: external stereo speakers, wall-mounting kit and floor stand. The PT-42PD1-P 42-inch Plasma Multimedia Display is now available. Manufacturerís suggested retail price is $15,999.95. For more information, contact Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or visit the Panasonic Web site at www.panasonic.com.