PANASONIC ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY IN NEW ZEALAND OF SKYPE ON VIERA HIGH DEFINITION TVS
Voice and video communication over Skype on Panasonic’s 2010 line up of VIERA CAST-enabled High Definition TVs
AUCKLAND, 17th June 2010 – Panasonic, a worldwide leader in High Definition technology and built-in TV web entertainment, today announced availability in New Zealand of Skype on VIERA HDTV’s service. Users can access the new feature straight away.
This collaboration takes Skype to another platform, in addition to the computer and mobile phone, which is the technology heart of the home, the television. Skype on your
VIERA® delivers many familiar Skype features including:
- Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
- Calls to landline or mobile phone at Skype’s low rates
- The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
- Skype voicemail, if you have it set up
- Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
To conduct a Skype video call on a VIERA CAST HDTV, a specially-designed high-performance Panasonic communication camera (model no.: TY-CC10W), which is sold as a separate accessory, is simply plugged into the television. The camera includes a special microphone system that can easily pick up sound from couch-distance. Plus, it will deliver up to 720p high definition video quality depending on the consumer’s internet bandwidth.
Panasonic’s
VIERA CAST feature has been widely acknowledged for its distinctive internet application, allowing the consumer to view target sites on a large HDTV, rather than a small computer screen. VIERA CAST requires no external box of PC. VIERA CAST is accessed via a single button on the television remote control and there is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality.
About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales or 7.77 trillion yen (US$78.4 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2009. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net.
Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
About Skype
Skype is software that enables the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.
Access to a broadband internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.
Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
« BackG2 WINS PRESTIGIOUS TIPA AWARD
Panasonic Once Again Honored with the TIPA Award
Best Advanced Compact System Camera 2010 for DMC-G2
Panasonic today has announced that it has been awarded the prestigious TIPA prize. The company received the prestigious Best Advanced Compact System Camera Award for its new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2 digital interchangeable lens system camera with touch screen control.
Best Advanced Compact System Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
The DMC-G2 ranks as the world’s first interchangeable lens system camera with touch screen control shooting*. The Lumix G Micro System range has been sparking revolutions in the market ever since Panasonic released its DMC-G1 as the first interchangeable lens system camera based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard. In developing the new DMC-G2, Panasonic focused mainly on operability and elevated it even higher by adopting a touch-screen that connects the sight and action most intuitively. A simple touch on the subject in the LCD lets the user set AF to release the shutter. Various advanced AF functions that take advantage of high-speed, accurate contrast AF are now easier to use than ever before. And the camera body is compact enough to be called the world’s smallest and lightest**.
A TIPA jury spokesperson said: “By using the Micro Four Thirds System standard and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Panasonic was able to create a new-generation system camera that features full-time Live View, high-speed, high-precision contrast AF, HD movie recording and now also touch screen control with touch-AF. With its lightweight body, the Lumix DMC-G2 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times.”
*For an interchangeable lens system camera as of March 7, 2010
** For an interchangeable lens system camera with movable LCD as of March 7, 2010
« BackNVIDEA 3D GAMING CHOOSES PANASONIC
SANTA CLARA, California—March 15, 2010
NVIDIA today announced NVIDIA® 3DTV Play, its latest software solution that allows consumers to connect their GeForce® GPU-powered desktop or notebook computer to new 3D TVs, for the ultimate in big screen 3D gaming action. For the launch of 3DTV Play, NVIDIA is teaming up with Panasonic on its coast-to-coast 2010 “Panasonic Touch the Future Tour,” where consumers can test drive 3DTV Play-based PCs running on the new Panasonic® VIERA® Full HD 3D TVs, that just launched this month.
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« BackPANASONIC BREADMAKER COMING BACK TO NZ
Due to popular demand, Panasonic will be reintroducing our world famous breadmaker into the New Zealand market this April.
Panasonic's older model breadmakers, which are being traded in the second-hand market featured favourably in a recent
Consumer Magazine article,
The new SD257 model will be available at all leading retailers.
« BackPANASONIC TO POUR $1.37B INTO ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES
Panasonic, the world's biggest maker of plasma televisions, will invest US$1 billion ($1.37 billion) by 2012 in a plan to make outfitting environmentally friendly "green" homes and buildings its core business, an executive said. Click here to read the full article.« BackLUMIX DMC-GH1 RECEIVES EISA AWARD
Panasonic today announced that the company has been awarded the European Multimedia Camera 2009-2010 from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) for its DMC-GH1, the latest addition to the company’s revolutionary LUMIX G Micro System. The DMC-GH1 is a new digital interchangeable lens system camera that delivers professional-level features and performance in a compact, easy-to-use camera body. Along with the European Multimedia Camera 2009-2010 Award for the DMC-GH1, three additional EISA Awards were awarded to Panasonic: European Plasma TV 2009-2010 (VIERA TX-P42V10), European HD Flash Cam 2009-2010 (HDC-TM300), and European Micro System 2009-2010 (Panasonic SC-HC3). The four EISA Awards follows last year’s solid performance in which Panasonic also won four awards.
According to the jury, “The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1 combines the advantages of a compact camera with those of a DSLR: it is lightweight, has a small body, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and Live View. In addition, the DMC-GH1 operates quickly, it produces excellent image quality and the lenses are interchangeable. The camera also has a very versatile vari-angle display screen and allows video recording in full HD. Image quality in both still and moving images is stunning. The GH1 is the first system-camera that provides continuous auto-focusing in a movie mode.”
Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX DMC-GH1 features advanced video photography functions like the ability to record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080p/24p video.* In addition, the LUMIX DMC-GH1 features an LCD and Live View Finder which boasts true Full-time Live View capability. The LUMIX DMC-GH1 comes with a newly developed long-zoom interchangeable lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. The lens was specifically designed to support HD movie recording and features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability. These features distinguish the LUMIX DMC-GH1 from DSLRs that offer HD video recording capabilities.
*Full-HD (1920 × 1080) movies are output by the image sensor at 24p (NTSC)/25p (PAL), and recorded at 60i (NTSC)/50i (PAL). HD (1280 × 720) video is output and recorded by the image sensor at 60p (NTSC)/50p (PAL).
About EISA:
Established in 1982, the European Imaging Sound Association (EISA) is a multimedia association that tests consumer electronic products. Its membership includes 50 audio, mobile, video and photo magazines from twenty European countries. The EISA Awards will be officially presented during the official EISA Awards Ceremony on September 4th at the Adlon Kempinski Hotel in Berlin.
« BackSC-HC3 MICRO SYSTEM EISA AWARD CITATION
Established in 1982, EISA is the unique association of 50 special interest magazines from 19 different European countries. Internationally known for the European EISA, the editors-in-chief from all EISA member magazines will meet in June each year to decide which are the products to analyze and deserve for the coveted EISA Award in their publications.
Here's what the judges had to say about Panasonic's world-beating SC-HC3 Micro System;
"Derived from the long audio tradition of Panasonic’s one-time sister brand, Technics, this micro audio system enhances any table or bookshelf like a piece of audio jewellery. Its slim and compact vertical design features a sliding door which opens to reveal both a CD player and an iPod docking station.
Each loudspeaker includes one active drive unit, plus two passive units which increase the effective bass output of the system. The full-range active driver uses a 65mm cone made of a bamboo material. Despite the system’s small size, its sound quality is surprisingly bold and impressive.
As well as CD, the SC-HC3 plays AAC, MP3 and WMA files. It also includes a radio tuner, and an auxiliary line input which allows you to connect another source component if desired. Overall, it’s a system that’s slim in size yet big in sound."
« BackV ENERGY 48HOURS 'BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY' WINNER ANNOUNCED
Richard Lord's 'Frequencies' took out the Panasonic Best Cinematography Award at the recent 2009 V Energy 48Hours held in cinemas across New Zealand.
Richard's Christchurch team Zebra Crossing Inc were thrilled with the award and to have the recognition for the hard work that went into the production of the five and a half minute short. The team receives a Panasonic
AG-HPX302 series high definition professional camera.
Richard explains: "This was a completely unexpected and fantastic win for us. We have really enjoyed seeing people react to a story that is shot in one continuous take, and our success is due to the outstanding dedication by the entire team to simply have the patience and enthusiasm to pull it off. Winning such a high performance Panasonic camera will be a wonderful asset to my Christchurch-based company Caravan Media. Not only will we see a significant improvement in the quality of the pictures we produce, but Panasonic's P2 format will also help to streamline our production and post production workflows. These are real benefits for a young company such as ours, and a win like this is very much appreciated."
You can view Zebra Crossing's 'award winning 'Frequencies' by clicking
here
Richard continues "From myself, the team and everyone at Caravan Media we say a huge thank you to Panasonic for being involved in the V Energy 48Hours, and for supporting New Zealand film makers in such a generous and practical way."
Five regional winners were awarded a Panasonic Lumix FT1 digital still camera capable of shooting high defination footage using the AVCHD Lite format.
The winners are:
AUCKLAND - Gareth Van Niekerk
WELLINGTON - Glenn Miers
HAMILTON - Bruce Gatward-Cook
DUNEDIN - George Dawes
GISBOURNE - Shannon Leef
2009 Panasonic Best Cinematography Winner - Richard Lord
« BackNEW MOUNT ADAPTOR ACCESSORIES FOR LUMIX G MICRO SYSTEM
Panasonic is pleased to announce two new mount adaptors for elevation of photographic experience with cameras from Lumix G Micro System - M Mount Adaptor DMW-MA2M and R Mount Adaptor DMW-MA3R.
The M Mount Adaptor and R Mount Adaptor are developed under support of Leica Camera AG making it possible to attach Leica M lenses (DMW-MA2M) or R lenses(DMW-MA3R) on DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1. Users can enjoy outstanding image rendering offered by the combination of high quality Leica lenses and Lumix G cameras full of Panasonic's cutting edge digital technologies. These adaptors also allow users to use movable MF assist function which enlarges the selected area when focusing manually.
The compatibility information of Leica M/R lenses are on
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/
« BackPANASONIC TO START DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PROFESSIONAL 3D PRODUCTION SYSTEM
Industry's First System to Support Efficient Production of 3D Full HD Content
Osaka, Japan - Panasonic Corporation, a world leader in High Definition technology, today announced it will start developing a professional 3D Full HD production system. The system, which will be the first of its kind in the industry, consists of a twin-lens P2 professional camera recorder and a 3D-compatible High Definition Plasma display. Panasonic will exhibit concept models of the 3D system at its booth (Central Hall #3712) at NAB 2009 to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 20, 2009.
With Hollywood studios moving towards creation of more 3D entertainment content,
Panasonic successfully debuted the world's first 3D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System based on Plasma display and Blu-ray Disc technologies at the CEATEC trade show in Japan in September 2008. More recently, the company also established the Advanced Authoring Center within Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory in February 2009 to support Hollywood studios in developing 3D Full HD Blu-ray Disc titles.
Production of 3D movies requires a great deal of time and effort. With the new 3D production system, which can enable an easier and more efficient 3D production process and environment, Panasonic will contribute to accelerating the realization of easier high-quality 3D content production.
At present, 3D content producers have to hand-build their own 3D production systems by
physically connecting multiple 2D production devices. Panasonic is now starting to work on developing a twin-lens, 3D camera system. Also, Panasonic’s Plasma displays have been used in many post-production facilities in Hollywood, thanks to their high-quality imaging performance, which has been endorsed by leading Hollywood professionals. Technologies and expertise obtained from their use in post-production has enabled Panasonic to further develop high-quality 3D viewing performance in its Plasma technologies. As a result of this process,Panasonic’s 3D Plasma display system will help 3D content producers to quickly and easily evaluate the image quality of 3D content.
Each component of Panasonic’s innovative 3D Full HD production system has unique features. The twin-lens P2 camera recorder enables the capturing of natural and high-quality live 3D images. Thanks to the non-mechanical solid-state construction of the P2 system, the camera recorder will be compact enough to allow more flexible 3D shooting, thereby maximizing the creativity of the filmmakers by eliminating the stress factor from the use of the equipment.
3D Full HD recording using Panasonic’s proprietary P2 system also enables recording of two channels of Full HD images on the P2 card. P2’s non-mechanical construction and
compactness will also be incorporated into the company’s 3D image recording and editing equipment to make production in the field highly flexible and efficient.
Panasonic’s 3D Drive System enables the display of Full HD moving pictures for the left and the right eyes, so large screen 3D viewing will become possible. The excellent moving picture performance and accurate color reproduction characteristics achieved by Plasma’s self-illuminating technology enables the realization of high-quality 3D image evaluation capabilities required in the professional content production field.
“Panasonic is continuing its efforts to enable consumers to enjoy 3D movies in the comfort of their own living rooms with its 3D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System, which incorporates a Plasma HDTV and a Blu-ray Disc player,” said Dr. Paul Liao, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America. “The professional 3D Full HD image production system we are going to develop will improve the 3D production environment and accelerate creation of 3D titles.”
« BackDMC-G1 RECEIVES DIWA GOLD AWARD
Panasonic is pleased to announce that the DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) honours the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 with a DIWA Gold Award. The prestigious DIWA Awards are issued on the basis of scientific test results from the DIWA Labs and evaluations on more than 200 different criteria carried out by DIWA members.
The revolutionary and ultra-compact 12.1 Megapixel Panasonic LUMIX G1 is the first camera featuring the Micro Four Thirds System standard, and the first mirrorless system camera of its kind. Instead, a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor provide permanent Live View. Yet, the G1 challenges today’s most compact digital SLR cameras in terms of size and weight. DIWA experts also appreciated the camera’s outstanding image quality, smart design and innovative possibilities.
A new segment of digital cameras was created with the introduction of the 12.1 Megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1, a revolution in the fast growing digital imaging market. The Micro Four Thirds System standard makes the mirror obsolete, thus keeping the camera ultra compact, yet offering the advantage of interchangeable lenses. The traditional mirror reflex optical viewfinder has been replaced by two Live View options; a 1,440,000-dot equivalent high resolution electronic viewfinder, and a 3-inch vari-angle high resolution LCD monitor. Apart from its unique construction features, DIWA experts also praise the small and light-weight body of only 385 grams. Extensive analysis from the DIWA Labs show that the Panasonic LUMIX G1’s image quality matches comparable D-SLR cameras in most respects.
Thanks to its remarkable Intelligent Auto mode, the camera automatically optimizes any setting according to the situation and the lens integrated MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer automatically compensates for every shake or bump. Dust that may have entered the camera during lens change is effectively removed by the built-in Dust Reduction System to secure spotless images.
Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs, concludes: “The announcement of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 created deserved attention and curiosity, and it’s a pleasure to confirm that the G1 surpasses even the most optimistic expectations. Our unbiased, computer generated lab measurements reveal that the G1 delivers premium overall image quality, and the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. Standard zoom lens outperforms any of its rivals. The G1 may look simple, but it acts and performs on par with most comparable D-SLR’s. Novices may enjoy excellent images thanks to Panasonic’s amazing “iA” fully automatic program mode, a setting that challenges even the most experienced users.”
« BackBLU-RAY TECHNOLOGY - EXPERIENCE TRUE HIGH DEFINITION.
The arrival of Blu-ray technology has launched a new era of true HD (high-definition) home cinema. To get the best out of an HD home cinema system, you need more than just high-quality components. You need components that balance well with each other and work together as a single high-performance unit. That's where Panasonic comes in. A leader in HD equipment, Panasonic has developed a family of components that balance image quality, sound quality, design and ease of use to deliver the ultimate home cinema experience.
The DMP-BD10 Blu-ray DiscTM Player helps reproduce HD images with stunning resolution plus a level of sound quality geared to please the most demanding listener. The TH-65PV600 65-inch Plasma TV receives those HD signals from the DMP-BD10 in their original digital form and displays high-resolution (1920 x 1080 pixel) images on a huge screen with vibrant colour, exceptional brightness and startling detail. The SA-XR700 AV Receiver takes the detailed audio data read by the DMP-BD10, amplifies it, and uses it to drive up to 7.1 channels. And the SB-TP1000 Home Theater Speaker System outputs the sound using a unique Twin Centre speaker design that creates a rich acoustic presence and a seamless surround sound effect. Dialogue is crisp, clear and easy to hear. It seems to pour right from the huge 65-inch screen.
All of this is easy to enjoy thanks to HDAVI Control, which lets you turn on all components and begin playback by pressing a single button on the remote control. In specifications and performance, Panasonic's new HD home cinema system components are designed to fit perfectly with each other. And in appearance, they are designed to look good together and coordinate well with any room décor.
Welcome to the age of Blu-ray technology and true HD home cinema. Let Panasonic be your guide to a world of rich, exciting, emotionally compelling entertainment with images and sound more beautiful than any you have ever experienced.
Four-Thirds Open Standard for Digital Camera Systems.
Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma to Publish Joint Catalogue Listing Products Based on Four-Thirds Open Standard for Digital Camera Systems.
Olympus Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial co., Ltd (Panasonic) and Sigma Corporation have jointly compiled a comprehensive catalogue of exchangeable lens for their digital single-lens reflex camera systems based on the Four-Thirds standard. Distribution of the new catalogue, the first of its type in the industry*1 will commence in late September 2006.
The Four-Thirds system is a standard for digital single-lens reflex cameras designed and developed to take full advantage of the characteristics of digital technology. Because lens and body mounting information is based on an open standard, users can freely mix and match camera bodies and lenses supplied by participating manufacturers.
The "Four-Thirds Lens Joint Catalogue" was jointly compiled by the three participating manufacturers to provide users with a single catalogue that would inform them about the fun and versatility offered by this open standard. In addition to coverage of all 24 exchangeable lenses supplied by the three participating manufacturers under the Four-Thirds system standard, the 40 full colour pages also provide a clear yet highly detailed analysis of the features of each lens, together with numerous examples of photographs.
For more information on the Four-Thirds Standard please visit the official website - CLICK HERE
« BackOUR PLACE PHOTOGRAPHERS CHOOSE LUMIX G1
New Panasonic lightweight LUMIX G1 camera now used by OUR PLACE photographers worldwide.
OUR PLACE World Heritage is the global photographic initiative, which for the last three years has been documenting the sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, exclusively using Panasonic LUMIX cameras.
Geoff Steven the Director and Assignment Editor of OUR PLACE says, “when we send the OUR PLACE photographers on assignment they can end up working in a wide range of different locations and situations; from crowded ‘living cities’ to remote wilderness areas. They often have to travel long distances to get to locations and the amount of gear becomes an important factor in their travel plans”.
“The low weight and portability of the LUMIX G1 and its interchangeable lenses is a great advantage to our photographers”, says Geoff.
“Another advantage of the small profile G1 is its discreetness – it does not look threatening to people who might be reluctant to be photographed. It delivers professional results but still allows the photographer to get close in where the action and best images are”, said Geoff.
UK photographer Guy Levy, recently used the LUMIX G1 on location in Tel Aviv, Israel.
He said, “Although very small the feel of the G1 camera in hand proves very positive and the controls are easy to use, the articulated screen provides flexibility when shooting in bright conditions. The physical size & weight of the G1 and the 45-200mm lens (90-400mm 35mm equivalent) makes the kit even more appealing. Where you would have needed a lot of glass to achieve these long focal lengths, the physical nature of this lens means that it goes with you everywhere unburdened”.
Guy added, “the effective image stabilisation, in this compact & light package, gives that extra confidence when shooting at the 200mm end of the range without a tripod. Navigating the functions and controls is intuitive and changing the aspect ratio was quick and easy. At base ISO, and throughout the ISO range, shooting raw the image quality is excellent for kit in its class”.
From now on we will be using the G1 as the main camera on all the Our Place photography assignments” said Geoff Steven.
To see images from the OUR PLACE World Heritage Collection, go to
www.ourplaceworldheritage.com
For further information about OUR PLACE, email: info@ourplaceworldheritage.com
« Back