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Panasonic, Blu-ray Disc & 3D proposal: All coming together

It seems everything is coming together, well if the proposal goes well that is. We are on about Panasonic proposing Blu-ray Disc as standard for 3D imagery which in our eyes is the only way forward. Read more

Panasonic to Make Sanyo a subsidiary

We reported on Monday that Panasonic Corp had a preliminary agreement for purchasing Sanyo Electric Co LTD; the move has now gone one step further. Sanyo is very close to now becoming a subsidiary of Panasonic, this move will create the world’s largest consumer electronics maker. Read more

New Panasonic 11 Series VIERA Plasma TV’s

While a number of other TV manufacturers drop Plasma TV’s from their line, Panasonic are still committed to offering consumers this type of screen. Panasonic have announced the launch of a new plasma range, the 11 Series. Read more

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a digital SLR camera which looks much the same as any other SLR camera, but it is what’s on the inside where it all matters. The G1 is a Micro FourThirds camera, this means that there is no mirror or optical viewfinder like you would find on a traditional D-SLR. Read more

Panasonic to takeover Sanyo

The world’s largest consumer electronics firm, Panasonic Corp, have now reached a preliminary agreement for purchasing Sanyo Electronic Co. Both presidents of Panasonic and Sanyo are to hold a conference on November 7. Read more

Panasonic update Toughbook T, Y and F-Series today

Today, Thursday, sees Panasonic update their Toughbook T-Series, Y-Series, and F-Series. These laptops that are known for being rugged all weigh less than four pounds. You have to remember that these laptops are not as tough as their military siblings, so just be a bit careful.

The new Toughbook F8 will replace the aging but great Y7, this weighs just 3.7 pound and comes with a Read more

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Micro Four Thirds camera

When it comes to digital cameras we all know that Panasonic are the cut above the rest and there is no doubting that the new unveiling of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Micro Four Thirds camera will be a very popular one.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a very cool cam indeed is the first non dSLR that has interchangeable lenses and of course with Micro Four Thirds standard in mind, Panasonic are definitely thinking of those who love interchangeable lenses.

Key features include 12-megapixel Live MOS chip, continuous-shooting speed of 3fps for an unlimited number of JPEGs and seven raw, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and many of its accessories will be released sometime in November with an expected price of around $800 or lower. Read the full article over on CNET.

Hand on with Panasonic’s DMP-BD35 & DMP-BD55 Blu-ray players

We mentioned in an earlier post that Sharp had a couple of new Blu-ray players coming on to the market. Well seems like Panasonic wants to join the party by showcasing their DMP-BD35 & DMP-BD55 Blu-ray players at CEDIA 2008.

As with the two Sharp Blu-ray players, these two from Panasonic are also hard to tell apart. We will have to go inside the player to what the differences are.

The Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray player has BD Live (Profile 2.0) no firmware upgrade required. The player comes with an SD card slot, which allows you to view audio or jpeg files.

See more images at Engadget

Panasonic SA-BX500 AV receiver debuted at CEDIA

Panasonic are to introduce their new SA-BX500 AV receiver at the CEDIA show this week, but I am not sure if audio fans will stop to look. This audio receiver is nothing special, so you might miss it and just walk past the Panasonic stand.

Maybe you should take the time to stop and have a look, because if you are an audio geek then the Panasonic SA-BX500 AV receiver will certainly push your buttons. This is because of its bi-amplification/bi-wiring feature.

So what features have Panasonic decided to go with, well how about 7×130-Watt amplification to start with. Ok so you want more, how about HDMI connectivity (3 inputs, 1 output). The receiver supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. The SA-BX500 AV receiver goes on sale in October and will cost $799.

Source - Engadget

Panasonic 3MOS HDC-SD100: Three-CMOS camcorder

When it comes to camcorders, Panasonic have been a little stubborn in the technology that they use. For a while now they have stuck with CCD technology, where brands such as JVC have switched over to CMOS sensors.

Well it looks as though Panasonic have had a change of heart with the HDC-SD100. The camcorder is now using a three-CMOS instead, Panasonic are calling this 3MOS.

The there CMOSes that Panasonic have used in the HDC-SD100 camcorder are 1/6in in size; this is the reason why Panasonic are able to use three. For a full review visit Trusted Reviews.

Panasonic launch a huge 103 inch HD TV

If you looking for a new Panasonic full HD TV look no further than the TH-103PZ800, it’s got a huge 103 inch screen, that actually is treated so that you can watch TV with bright sunlight and it will not ruin your viewing experience.

The full HD panel is 1920×1080, 10000:1 contrast ratio, Analog / Digital TV tuner, but unfortunately you have to buy the speakers separately as this TV does not come with speakers built in.

You will also find that this model has HD optimize which will reduce MPEG noise, also included on this huge TV is Ethernet, port, SD slot card, Viera Link, EPG, 4 x HDMI with quite a few other AV connections, it also has DSP with support from color correction in real time.

If you want to know where this TV will sit its weighs in at 348kg so be sure to have it sitting somewhere safe. If you want to purchase this TV then it is only available in Japan and will set you back a whopping 56, 00,000 Yen which is about $ 56000.

Source: akihabaranews

Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds: 50% slimmer cameras

Olympus and Panasonic are to launch Micro Four Thirds; this is a new mirrorless format for DSLRs. This lens mount is based on the Four Thirds standard and will use the same advanced standard as the 18 x 13.5-mm sensor.

There is one major difference with the new Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds, they will be 50% slimmer that other cameras. The reason that these new cameras will be able to be so thin is because of the removal of the mirror box.

The new system should also allow the lenses to be much smaller as well, this is thanks to a 6mm smaller lens mount. Now that the mirror box has been removed, there will not be an optical viewfinder, so you will have to track your subject using the LCD display.

For those of you who know a lot about cameras, you will know that this announcement from Olympus and Panasonic is huge. Dpreview Reviews Editor, Phil Askey says “This is without doubt the most exciting digital photography announcement this year. It’s fair to say that this “extension / addition” to the Four Thirds standard is finally able to deliver on the original promise of that format; considerably smaller and lighter lenses and bodies.”

As yet there are no details or model information, but we will keep you informed.

Seven new LiMo open-source phones launched

Things are beginning to heat up in the world of open-source mobile systems, as a number of companies have launched seven more cell phones which are based on the LiMo (Linux for Mobile) software platform.

With these seven new phones, the total number of LiMo phones now stands at 21.

The new phones have been launched by Motorola, NEC and Panasonic, with NEC launching the most. Firstly there is the Motorola Motozine ZN5, then we have Panasonic Forma P906i and P706iμ and finally the NEC Forma N906i, N906iμ, N906iL and N706i.

A few of these cell phones feature the forthcoming 2.0 release of the Linux-based mobile platform, this gives you higher resolution displays along with 3G/High-speed downlink packet access. Other features include mobile TV, GPS as well as advanced video streaming.

LiMo is one of many Linux-based mobile alternatives to the forthcoming Google Android.

Source

Panasonic Viera PZ81: First with Freesat HD

The Panasonic Viera PZ81 is to be the first TV with Freesat HD, making it a new hub for your hi-def home. The launch for Freesat is well underway, so it was not going to be long before it was incorporated into a TV.

As Panasonic are world leaders in TV’s it was obvious that they would produce the first TV with built-in Freesat.

Panasonic are calling the Viera PZ81 revolutionary and you have to agree with them. The Freesat tuner will allow you to watch HD programs from a brand new digital satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV.

The Panasonic PZ81 combines both style and performance, as you would expect from Panasonic the TV has some great features. The PZ81 is HD Ready with 1080p Resolution, 100Hz Intelligent Frame Creation gives you sharp and high quality pictures as well as a flicker free image.

For all the information on the Panasonic Viera PZ81, head over to Panasonic

Panasonic DMC-FX150: 14.7 megapixels and 28mm wide-angle lens

Panasonic today announced its newest addition to its FX-Series of LUMIX digital cameras with the unveiling of the stylish and feature-rich DMC-FX150. Equipped with 14.7 megapixels, the FX150 also boasts a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with F2.8 brightness and 3.6x optical zoom Read more

Panasonic HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100, full-HD camcorders with 3MOS

Panasonic has now increased their High Definition range of products, there are now two new full-HD camcorders, both of which features a 3MOS system this gives you superb video image quality. The two-models are the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100; these are thought to be the first camcorders to use AVCHD and 3MOS.

The HDC-SD100 records movies onto an SD Memory Card; the standard cad is an 8GB. However; it is the HDC-HS100 which is the better of the two, this can record on both an SD Memory Card as well as its 60 GB hard drive, making this a hybrid camcorder. Both models have manual functions, this allows the user to feel more in control when filming, so you can control your focus, iris, shutter speed, white balance and zoom. Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode which has been used on a number of their digital camera, has now found its way on to these camcorder. This new technology automatically activates, so it makes the whole shooting a movie process a lot easier.

Zoe Susice, Group Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, she has said “The camcorder market is moving swiftly to High Definition and superior image quality is now a must-have feature. Moreover, many consumers are also demanding higher-level features, and the ability to be more creative.” She also added “For these users, we introduce two new full-HD 3MOS models – the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100 – with manual functions that give users the power to create dramatic, artistic images. At the same time, we also have our Intelligent Auto mode, which activates several technologies automatically, so the user doesn’t need to make any adjustments, and shooting video is an easy and enjoyable experience.”

Source – Press Release

Panasonic DMP-BD50 3rd-Gen Blu-ray disc player with BD-Live Function

Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal U.S. subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., announces the introduction of the anticipated DMP-BD50, Panasonic’s third generation Blu-ray disc player - the ultimate playback source for high definition 1080p content. Blu-ray media offers a wide range of functions that foster the transition to HD - including 1080p image quality, lossless Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™ and versatile Picture-in-Picture applications. The BD50 adds the new BD-Live function, which uses the internet to further enhance the consumer’s entertainment experience and employs VIERA Link,™ a technology that allows the consumer to operate VIERA Link equipped home theater components with a single remote. The DMP-BD50 will be available this spring and will have an SRP of $699.95.

BD-Live opens up a myriad of interactive possibilities for the consumer. In the future BD-Live will allow users to connect the DMP-BD50 to the internet to download such data as images and subtitles, and to join in multi-player interactive games that are linked to bonus movie content contained on Blu-ray discs.

For optimum image quality the DMP-BD50 features the PHL Reference Chroma processor and P4HD i/p conversion processor, which combine to create Uniphier®, a precise digital video processor that produces sharp, crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. Uniphier reflects the advance encoding and authoring technologies developed by Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory.

The true to the original source images are complimented by an exceptionally pure, accurate sound achieved through Audio Re-master and integrated decoders for the lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Furthermore, the DMP-BD50 can be combined with a 7.1 channel amplifier and speakers for full 7.1 channel surround sound.

Networking is an essential product of the DMP-BD50. The included SD Memory Card slot allows for easy transferring of images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera via an SD Memory card. The consumer simply inserts the SD card into the BD50 and then can view the images on a large screen HD flat panel television with AVCHD format video images or JPEG stills in full 1920 x 1080 resolution. In addition the DMP-BD50 has been awarded the Energy Star certification.

“Panasonic was the first to bring a Blu-ray player with Bonus View (Final Standard Profile 1.1) to market and now with the DMP-BD50 we are again leading the industry with the inclusion of BD-Live,” said Paul Sabo, Panasonic, National Marketing Manager Entertainment Group. “The beauty of the Blu-ray player is that we can now see movies the way the film maker intended, in glorious HD video and audio. The consumer can now combine the new generation DMP-BD50 with a VIERA flat screen televison to create a true living in high definition experience.”

Panasonic HTiB Boasts Blu-ray, SD Memory Card Slot and iPod Dock

We all love things much more simple in our busy lives these days, so that’s why many of us eat fast food, microwave food or just prefer to eat out. When it comes to electronics, it’s also nice to get a device that’s got-it-all and that’s just what Panasonics new gadget has. This is Panasonic’s first home theater in a box (HTiB) and it sports Blu-ray, an SD Memory Card Slot and iPod Dock. See the press release below for more information.

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company has announced that its first home theater in a box (HTiB) system with an integrated Blu-ray Disc player will be available for purchase in late Spring, with a suggested retail price of $999.95. The new model, SC-BT100, is the perfect complement to a high definition, flat panel large screen TV.

The new model epitomizes Panasonic’s emphasis on media friendly capabilities. It is made for iPod* and features an advanced integrated dock which not only recharges an iPod but plays music or video through the home theater system, displays audio tracks and menus on the TV screen and operates with the supplied remote control. Its SD Memory Card slot offers simple playback of digital images or original video footage in either standard or High Definition AVCHD format. The optical input offers simple digital 5.1channel audio connection for a set-top box, digital video recorder and game system.

“The Panasonic SC-BT100 home theater system is the best of both worlds,” says Paul Sabo, national marketing manager for Panasonic Home Audio. “It combines the installation ease and user-friendly operation of an HTiB plus the features and performance of high-end audio/video components, including full High Definition 1080p resolution Blu-ray video, wireless rear speakers and 7.1channel upgradeability. This is the simple, ideal solution for those embarking on the high definition home theater experience.”

The SC-BT100 can be upgraded to wireless full 7.1 channel sound with the optional purchase of two side speakers and a transceiver. It is equipped with Viera Link™ HDAVI control, HDMI digital A/V connectivity for one-touch operation of all the components including a Panasonic High Definition TV.

The Blu-ray Disc player boasts the Final Standard Profile for advanced functions such as Bonus View and audio mixing, which allows the consumer to switch the sound between the main and sub windows.

In addition to superb video, this system delivers advanced state-of-the-art audio. Its built-in receiver is compatible with the state-of-the-art audio codecs, including: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Linear PCM.

The Kelton-design subwoofer features a driver anchored to the cabinet and a passive radiator to reduce vibration and noise while delivering more dynamic bass. The front and center channel speakers are made with a bamboo diaphragm which provides a tightly intertwined fiber to deliver greater rigidly and accuracy. To allow viewers to enjoy surround sound effects without disturbing others, the system even has Whisper-mode Surround™, which dynamically boosts bass and surround-channel levels as the volume is turned down to provide a full surround effect even at low volume.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 camera with built-in Wi-Fi

When it comes to digital cameras Panasonic are right up there with the likes of Canon, but Panasonic are not ones to stand around and wait to see what the others will bring out first. So here we have the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50, and this is a compact digital camera with a difference as it as built-in Wi-Fi, this means that you are able to connect the camera to a standard 802.11b/g wireless LAN. This means that you can access online photo storage sites such as Google Picasa, this save all the hassle of taking you memory card out and connect it to your computer.

That is not all that is good with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50, the camera is a 9.1 megapixel and has a 10x optical zoom with a 28mm wide-angle lens, and this means that you do not have to be far away from a scene to get the whole of the chosen image in the shot. Hey but it does not stop there as this neat little camera can also record video in HD.

As with most Panasonic cameras the Lumix DMC-TZ50 is packed with some great features all designed to make your pictures being taken easier and of better quality.

Firstly there is Intelligent Auto (iA) this puts the camera on auto mode to make the pictures you take come out better.

Then there is Intelligent Exposure, the result of this feature means that you will no longer have under- or over-exposed images.

Intelligent Scene Selector will sense what the ambient conditions are and then automatically set the right mode to use.

One of the best features is Face Detection, so the camera will follow the face of your chosen subject.

These are just a handful of the huge amount of features that come on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50.

We will not have to wait to long for the release of this new camera, hopefully some time in May and will cost $449.95.

Source - Photography Blog

Core 2 Duo plus expanded memory makes it to Panasonic Toughbook 19 PC

When it comes to notebooks we all want more memory and better processors so Panasonic decided what the hell let’s boost the Panasonic Toughbook 19 and see where that gets us.

The Panasonic Toughbook 19 has always been the one computer that was left out of all the things it should have got, but not anymore my friends. Panasonic have just announced that they will be boosting the Toughbook 19 and in that we mean the speed and better memory.

The convertible tablet which is available now will boast 1.06GHz U7500 processor (2MB L2 cache), 5.1-pound in weight, 4GB of SDRAM, 10.4-inch daylight-readable display, 80GB shock-mounted HDD, optional integrated WWAN / GPS / 2-megapixel webcam plus a magnesium alloy case, oh and the battery will last around 7 hours.

The price for such a thing will set you back $3,199. Get yourselves over to engadget to get the full press release.

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