News

Panasonic Premieres Wireless HDTV (13/2/2009)

VIERA Z1 Series Debuts One-Inch Thin Design, New Screen Size and Expanded VIERA Cast Functionality

Panasonic Corporation of North America (NYSE:PC) , the industry leader in high definition and Plasma HDTV, today introduced its flagship 1080p one-inch thin Z1 Plasma series. The NeoPDP HDTV features, in addition to the one-inch design and separate tuner box configuration, WirelessHD(TM) technology to deliver the ultimate in sleek, uncluttered panel cabling setup and an expansion of last year's innovative internet enabled VIERA Cast(TM) functionality, that now incorporates Amazon's Video-on-Demand service. The Z1 series will be available in the summer of 2009 in the new 54-inch class (54" measured diagonally) TC-P54Z1.

WirelessHD technology can transmit full HD video signals, and audio and control signals wirelessly. This wireless transmission system was developed by Panasonic in collaboration with SiBEAM Inc. It can transmit uncompressed 1080p full HD content wirelessly with no deterioration in quality by using 60GHz millimeter wave radio. The picture on the screen goes undisturbed even when people interrupt the wireless communication path, and overcomes the highly directional nature of millimeter wave radio. This is achieved by incorporating beam steering technology. The Z1 will be certified with the WirelessHD Compliance Test, which meets the standard, procedures and equipment specifications established by the WirelessHD Promoters to assist Adopters in verifying WirelessHD product compliance.* Also, VIERA Link(TM) functionality is available via this wireless connection, allowing users to control all interconnected, compatible components using only the TV's remote control.

The NeoPDP VIERA Z1 produces a brighter picture, deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio (40,000:1) and 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution. VIERA CAST was introduced in 2008 to critical acclaim, and for 2009 it has been extended to three VIERA model series. The addition of Amazon's VOD service on VIERA CAST allows the consumer to stream video from Amazon's extensive library. The Z1 model features 1080p resolution; is a THX(R) Certified Display; Infinite Black contrast; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; the VIERA Image Viewer(TM) function that can play back both digital still images and H.264 HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card, and VIERA Link, a technology that allows the user to operate all of their compatible home entertainment components with a single remote.

"The Z1 series continues Panasonic's commitment to technological advances that are geared to provide the consumer with the best possible entertainment experience and value," said Bob Perry, Executive Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "At Panasonic we have always prided ourselves on listening to our customers and wireless connectivity is a technology that constantly rated high on the consumer's wish list. With that in mind and the recognition that design now plays a vital role in the development of television, our engineers developed the Z1 with its beautiful one-inch design and wireless capability."

www.panasonic.com