LAS VEGAS, NV (June 8, 2005) – Here at INFOCOMM, Panasonic Broadcast, the market share leader in professional plasma displays, introduced two new models, the 42" TH-42PWD8UK and 37" TH-37PWD8UK standard definition panels. The new, eighth-generation models are distinguished by improved brightness, refined aesthetics and new features to make customization easier.

The new models boasts Panasonic's phenomenal image quality, exceptional 4000:1 contrast ratio, multi-slot functionality and an impressive 60,000-hour service life*. Enhancements in the new models include a full 20% improvement in peak brightness; a sleek, elegant design with an ultra-slim bezel (1/8") and hidden touch controls; and advanced Picture-in-Picture capabilities. The 37" and 42" units are ideal for conference rooms, A/V presentation systems, broadcast, videoconferencing, training facilities, control rooms, network operations, and a broad range of digital signage applications.

"Panasonic would like to thank customers for their appreciation of the high-contrast picture quality and ultra versatility of our professional plasma displays and for making us the market share leader," said Lon Mass, product business line manager, displays, Panasonic Broadcast. "When it comes to versatility and expandability, nothing stacks up to Panasonic professional plasmas displays. Our interchangeable, multi-function slots allow users to add different combinations of optional terminal boards to customize their plasma to meet practically any application."

The 16:9 aspect ratio plasmas incorporate proven picture-improving technologies including a Real Black Drive System, a Deep Black Filter, Super Real Gamma System, Adaptive Automatic Gain Control (AGC), Motion Picture Disturbance (MPD) Noise Reduction, 3D Color Management, and Active I/P (Interlace/Progressive) Conversion.

The TH-42PWD8UK and 37" TH-37PWD8UYK reproduce gradations in steps equivalent to 2,048 shades and produce 8.58 billion colors to deliver astonishing image depth and provide ultra-subtle nuances in dark scenes. The panel's Multi-facet Asymmetrical Configuration Hyper-pixel (MACH) panel features a bounded cell structure and phosphor material that assures a panel's service life of 60,000 hours, boosts peak brightness by more than 20% (from prior models) and increases the resistance to static-image burn-in to the same level as CRT displays.

The eighth-generation panels are newly equipped with an advanced Picture-in-Picture mode that displays a full-screen PC image with a video overlay, highly beneficial for digital signage applications. The panels also feature Dual Picture, which combines any two AV signals and displays them in three different modes (two picture-in-picture and one picture-out-picture modes); a Digital Zoom to enlarge a portion of an image up to four times normal size and display it full screen; and a built-in video wall processor that enables up to 4X 4 multi-screen configuration.

Other advances in the new models include a new system monitoring function that remotely monitors plasma functions (on/off, slot-in-use indicator, e.g.) via a RS-232C port, another plus for digital signage use; and a new remote control with direct-input selection and 10-key numeric pad simplifying video wall set-up.

The TH-42PWD8UK and TH-37PWD8UK offer a resolution of 852 x 480 pixels. The units can display 1080p 24p/24sf, 1080i 50/60, 720p 50/60, 480p/i and 576 p/i and offer support for VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA and UXGA resolution.

These ultra-thin plasma can be vertically or horizontally mounted and offer a wide viewing angle of more than 160 degrees. The panels are equipped with a host of energy-saving functions, and "Menu" and "Enter" buttons on the bottom control panel permit access to on-screen display functions without the remote control.

The 42" TH-42PWD8UK and 37" TH-37PWD8UK will be available in July at suggested list prices of $2,795 and $2,395, respectively. For more information on Panasonic plasma displays, phone 1-800-528-8601 or visit our web site at panasonic.com/plasma.

About Panasonic Broadcast
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast, professional video and presentation products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is a unit company of Panasonic Corporation of North America. The company is the North American headquarters of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) of Japan, and the hub of its U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations For more information on Panasonic Broadcast products, access the company's web site at panasonic.com/broadcast.