Panasonic puts pricetags on 2011 Blu-ray players, HTIB & soundbars

Of course, it's not all about new TVs, as Panasonic also took the opportunity today to bust out MSRPs for a slew of other home theater products. As it mentioned at CES, the connected features of its 2011 Blu-ray players are taking center stage, with Skype access through Viera Cast, while they also claim to feature the industry's fastest playback, measuring at half the booting and loading time of the 2010 lineup. One other key feature is the ability to use an iPhone as a WiFi connected remote and load movies, music or pictures onto the phone then play them on the HDTV. The top of the line DMP-BDT310 should arrive in May while the rest are already making their way to store shelves, check the press releases after the break for full details on those, a soundbar and a few HTIB systems.

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PANASONIC'S 2011 BLU-RAY LINE UP FOCUSES ON HIGH-QUALITY PICTURE AND SOUND, EASE-OF-USE, CONNECTIVITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND INTRODUCTION OF SKYPE™

Skype Video and Voice Calls Supported by freetalk® Conference Camera

SECAUCUS, NJ (March 1, 2011) – Panasonic , a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, recently introduced an expanded Blu-ray disc player lineup with three new Full HD 3D models – the DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110 – and a new 2D model, the DMP-BD75.

The BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 are all high-quality Blu-ray Disc players with 2D-to-3D up-conversion, which can convert 2D images from DVDs and Blu-ray discs into 3D with natural depth perception. With the 3D Enhancer and Depth Controller (allows user to adjust amount of depth when viewing 3D), these players produce movie theater-style 3D effects. Also contributing to higher picture quality is the new UniPhier chip, which simultaneously lowers power consumption. Vertical color data has also been increased by 1.5 times, to express fine details and nuances in movie scenes with the PHL Reference Chroma Processor 2. The new HDMI Jitter Purifier improves sound quality, delivering pure and robust bass sound reproduction with minimal noise compared to previous models.

The newest addition to VIERA Cast™, Panasonic's IPTV solution, on the BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 is Skype™ video and voice calling. Skype, along with the freetalk conference camera , lets users easily and affordably engage in long distance video conversations with family and friends by transforming their existing TV into a two-way communications device. The freetalk conference camera, with a wide-angle lens and beam-forming microphones, provides High Definition 720p resolution and will be available in March at major retailers and on-line at www.panasonic.com, with a SRP of $99.

Panasonic has made it even easier to access Skype through the Blu-ray Disc player with a devoted Skype button on the remote control. Other features of Skype include Standby Mode, which allows users to personalize ring tones, Answering Message, which allows users to create a personalized message when away, and SD Voice Mail which automatically records messages left onto an SD card. These three models are also DLNA-certified, allowing users to enjoy content on their Blu-ray player, from a computer or other DLNA compatible device.

In addition to the inclusion of Skype, VIERA Cast provides access to such entertainment, social media and business apps as Netflix™, Amazon VOD™, CinemaNow, Vudu, YouTube™, Twitter, Pandora®, Picassa™ Web Album and Bloomberg.

"Panasonic's 2011 Blu-ray Player lineup incorporates the successes of its 2010 line, while adding innovative features that meet the demand of consumers and new trends in technology," said Richard Simone, Director, Panasonic, Entertainment Group. "Features such as the touchless sensor, homescreen customization and Skype allow consumers to easily personalize their entertainment experience to fit their lifestyle. And now the consumer can enjoy the benefits of Skype from any HDTV."

The BDT310, BDT210, BDT110 and BD75 each feature a unique updated design, making operation simple with icons and text indications. They also have ultra-quick playback, the industry's fastest, with half the booting and loading time as 2010 models. The BDT310 and BDT210 feature a touchless sensor to open and close the disc tray for smooth operation, perfect for dark rooms. Additionally, each of these 3D Blu-ray Disc players works with an iPhone as a remote. Movies, photos and music can be loaded from a computer, to the iPhone, and then played back through the Blu-ray Disc player on your TV.

New networking capabilities are among the highlight features of the new 2011 Blu-ray Disc player lineup. All four players allow users to customize their own home screen using your favorite photo or wallpaper. Simply insert an SD card into the Blu-ray player to transfer over the image. The BDT310 and BDT210 feature a built-in WiFi System, while the BDT110 includes a wireless adaptor for local area network connections.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are also important to the overall design and functionality of these models. All four models have compact slim designs and packaging reduction (50% less from 2010 models), significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 have an energy-saving design which saves on electricity bills and natural resources with a 37 % power reduction.

The Panasonic DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110 and DMP-BD75 are currently available, while the DMP-BDT310 ships in May.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. 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.

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

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PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING AND AVAILABILITY FOR NEW BLU-RAY 3D HOME THEATER SYSTEMS


SECAUCUS, NJ (March 1, 2011) – Panasonic, a leader in Full HD 3D technology, today announced pricing of its new Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc™ home theater systems which employ advanced technologies to reproduce immersive 3D with superb picture quality, cinema-like surround sound and boast 3D Effect Controller, Universal Dock for iPod®/iPhone® and Skype™1 compatibility. All models from entry-level up feature built-in WiFi connectivity.

The new models, SC-BTT770, SC-BTT370 and SC-BTT270 deliver advanced sound quality that complements the dynamic 3D images. Based on the concept of reproducing an ideal cinema-like surround sound environment, Panasonic's proprietary technology, called Cinema Surround Plus, compensates for the lack of a surround effect to provide natural smooth surround sound and offers an enhanced surround effect from above and around.

Featuring Panasonic's renowned Full HD 3D Playback, the new systems not only deliver powerful 3D images with dramatic effects, enhanced depth, luster and texture, but allow the user to tailor the image display as desired. The 3D Effect Controller adjusts the amount of the depth effect for more expansive images and enables the viewer to enjoy 3D movies with exactly the preferred level of 3D effects.

For space-saving elegance, the sleek, ultra-slim main component measures only a mere 1.5 inches high. The systems are designed to ideally match a flat panel display. The new table-top design of the SC-BTT370 offers easy set-up and will add style to any home setting.

The SC-BTT770 is equipped with rear wireless speakers and wireless kit so there is no need for unsightly wires across the room. The SC-BTT370 is wireless-ready and can be upgraded to provide wireless rear audio with the addition of the optional SH-FX71 wireless kit for rear speakers ($129.95).

The top two models SC-BTT770 and SC-BTT370 feature VIERA CAST™ with Skype™ a new function which allows users to connect with friends and family around the world on any compatible TV. And when they are not home, a convenient Auto Answering Video Message feature answers incoming calls and records video voicemail messages.

Models SC-BTT770 and SC-BTT370 include a down-firing subwoofer, which achieves powerful bass by releasing the sound downward from the speaker unit and port and utilizes the sound reflected from the floor. These models are equipped with one HDMI output and two HDMI inputs with Standby Pass through for HD and 3D gaming and set-top box connections. Since they feature a Standby Pass Through function, signals from the connected devices can pass through the unit even when the home theater system is turned off.

All of the home theater systems feature Audio Return Channel (ARC*), which makes it possible to receive audio signals from the TV, on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This feature simplifies connection by eliminating the audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit's audio input.
All of the new systems feature a Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone** which employs a digital connection to minimize sound degradation. This lets the user play music and video downloads and enjoy high quality sound from an iPod/iPhone.

The new models boast improved easy-to-use features, such as an internal wireless LAN system so IP content, such as VIERA CAST2 and BD-Live, can be enjoyed without having a LAN cable*** connection. VIERA CAST has been further enhanced with CinemaNow and Vudu, allowing viewers to stream movies. Other content can also be accessed from the special VIERA CAST screen to check weather, stocks and other information.

Panasonic's Blu-ray 3D home theater systems bring a new dimension to home entertainment and will be available in April 2011. The SC-BTT770 will carry a suggested retail price (SRP) of $599.99. The SC-BTT370 will have an SRP of $499.99, and the SC-BTT270 will have an SRP of $399.99.

1 Skype video calling requires access to a broadband Internet connection as well as a Skype-compatible camera available from Panasonic, sold separately, to make video calls.

2 Not all VIERA CAST features are available on both VIERA Connect-enabled VIERA® HDTVs and VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray DiscTM players due to specific requirements necessary to activate certain applications. Specific app availabilities and compatibilities will be announced at a later date. Access to a broadband Internet connection is required to access VIERA CAST features. There is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality however some VIERA CAST services such as Netflix and Amazon VOD have a separate fee structure.

* An ARC compatible TV is required.

** "Made for iPod" and "Made for iPhone" mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod or iPhone respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod or iPhone may affect wireless performance. iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

***A wireless LAN environment is required.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. 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.

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PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICE OF SLIM BAR AUDIO SYSTEM
WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER AND 3D PASS THROUGH

SECAUCUS, NJ (March 1, 2011) -- Panasonic today announced pricing of its new slim bar home theater speaker system, SC-HTB520, which will be available next month. The elegant system neatly mounts on a wall by a TV and offers an easy-to-install, stylish alternative to a conventional home theater sound system. The SC-HTB520 supports Stream Out for 3D image signals and Audio Return Channel, making it easy to configure a FULL HD 3D home theater system by combining it with a 3D Blu-ray DiscTM player and 3D VIERA TV. The SC-HTB520 ideally matches large panel displays 42-inches and above and includes a separate, wireless Down Firing subwoofer.

The front of the SC-HTB520 features a black stainless mesh material with a luxurious mirror finish and a special coating that resists dust and fingerprints. A unique design concept boosts the ambience of the SC-HTB520's high-quality sounds by making the speaker units partially visible through the mesh, so listeners can almost visualize the sound.

The SC-HTB520 system delivers dialog that is crisp and clear. This is made possible by the Clear-Mode Dialog, which makes the sound seem like it is coming from the center of the TV display. With more precise linking of the picture and the sound, the result is clean, pure sound for dialog voices on video and vocals on music. Virtual surround technology also reproduces surround sounds from the front speakers that seem to wrap around the listening position. And dynamic, deep bass sounds are achieved by the Down Firing Subwoofer. The subwoofer is equipped with a wireless system, so there is no need to connect it to the main unit by cables. Lack of wiring keeps the room interior uncluttered and enables a simple and flexible layout.

Connection and installation could not be easier, thanks to the system's compatibility with ARC* (Audio Return Channel), which allows receiving audio signals from the TV. Simply place it by the television or wall mount for a custom installation (via supplied wall mounts) and connect it with just one HDMI cable.

The SC-HTB520 will be available in April 2011 with a suggested retail price of $399.99.

* An ARC-compatible TV is required.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. 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.

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