World's lightest Core i5 tablet comes from Panasonic

PANASONIC INTRODUCES THE TOUGHBOOK® C1 – WORLD’S LIGHTEST 12.1″ CONVERTIBLE TABLET PC

Innovative design and exceptional performance ideal for professionals in healthcare and other highly mobile markets

Secaucus, NJ, March 2, 2010 – Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today introduced the Panasonic Toughbook C1, the world’s lightest 12.1″ convertible tablet PC. The new device delivers up to 10 hours of battery life, a 30″ (to base) drop rating, optional Gobi2000 mobile broadband and a host of other features designed to maximize return on investment and reduce the total cost of ownership. Powered by the Intel® Core™ i5 processor and weighing only 3.2 pounds with one battery (3.7 lbs with two), the Toughbook C1 offers desktop-class performance in a lightweight, convertible tablet form factor that is ideal for road warriors and mobile workers in a variety of markets, including healthcare, field service, sales and education.

Innovative Design

The Toughbook C1 is one of the first laptops to support multi-touch and digitizers, offering the input of a finger, gesture or an electronic stylus pen for handwriting recognition and greater precision. By leveraging Panasonic’s advanced battery technology, the Toughbook C1 delivers up to ten hours of battery life, enabled by a twin hot-swappable battery design that allows for continuous use, pushing productivity in the field to a new level. The Toughbook C1 also features a shock-mounted, flex-connect 250GB hard drive with quick-release for enhanced data protection.

The Toughbook C1 is the first convertible to employ a unique triple hinge design – one set of hinges for opening and closing the screen and another hinge for rotating the screen to tablet mode. The Toughbook C1’s triple hinge design significantly reduces hinge failures (a common problem with current generation convertible tablets) by separating the two actions normally required of a single hinge. Toughbook C1 also offers an ergonomic strap and dome hand support system that cradles the hand for comfortable long term use as well as providing a natural keyboard tilt.

Meets Needs of Medical Professionals

“One of the main markets for the Toughbook C1 is healthcare,” said Greg Davidson, healthcare senior business development manager, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “We have been working with our healthcare customers to design a convertible tablet that truly addressed their needs. To date, the market has been making do with tablets that fail to offer the light weight, ergonomics and battery life needed by healthcare professionals. We believe the new Toughbook C1 addresses all these issues, while offering the additional benefits of excellent performance and durability.”

Desktop Performance

The Toughbook C1 is powered by the Intel® Core™ i5 (2.4GHz) processor, giving the device desktop performance in a light weight and highly mobile form factor. “The Toughbook C1 is an example of a convertible tablet PC that has been designed for a mobile workforce,” said Erik Reid, mobile client marketing director, Intel Corporation. “Intel® Core™ i5 with Intel® vPro™ technology makes the Toughbook C1 more valuable by helping to address remote management and security issues. This creates a compelling solution for organizations that want the most out of their mobile employees.”

Real World Durability

In order to withstand the demands of a highly mobile work environment, The Toughbook C1 has been designed to endure drops, bumps and spills. The Toughbook C1 successfully survived drops of 12″ from any angle for the unit itself and from 30″ for the shock-mounted, flex-connect hard drive. Additionally, the Toughbook C1 survived a 30″ (just over the typical height of a desk or table) drop to the base of the unit while operating. The unique Panasonic spill-resistant keyboard design protects against liquid spills of about 6 ounces (200 cc), and both the lid and base of the notebook are designed to withstand more than 225 lbs (102 Kg) of pressure. In addition, Panasonic’s commitment to quality-at both the component and finished goods level-results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests during and after production.

“An exceptional level of engineering has gone into the Toughbook C1,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “The unique triple hinge design, the hot- swappable twin batteries, integrated hand strap and quick-release hard drive exemplify our commitment to go beyond ‘good-enough’ and delivering products that map to how our customers use them. The Toughbook C1 sets the standard for what an enterprise convertible tablet should be.”

Panasonic announces 3D Blu-ray recorders & players

The world will soon be getting not one, but four devices, including the DMP-BDT900-K, a straight forward player that features the latest Advanced AVC encoding engine and a generous helping of ports (including two USB, Ethernet, two HDMI outs, one component out, and an SDXC compatible memory card port).

Three of the new models include 3D Blu-ray recorders, including the DMR-BWT3000 (2TB), DMR-BWT2000 (1TB), and DMR-BWT1000 (750GB). All the aforementioned recorders sport 2Digital BS / 110°CS TV tuner, 1 Analog TV tuner, i.Link, SDXC memory card slot, Ethernet, VIERA Link, VOD Services, and BD-Live. Both the 2TB and 1TB models come with a pair of HDMI ports, while 750GB model owners will have to make do with one. All three are pegged to burn BD-RE discs at 1x, BD-R at 6x, and BD-R LTH, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, and DVD-R DL formats.

The estimated street date for, at least, Japan is April 23rd, 2010.

Panasonic's 1st 3D HDTV's get priced and dated

The VIERA TH-P54VT and TH-P50VT2 feature 54- and 50-inch screens respectively. Both plasma TVs are full HD (the first with 3D) and you need to wear Active shutter glasses (63g) to get that 3D experience. Other specs include a (native) contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, VIERA link, web connectivity, 4 HDMI ports, multiple TV tuners, eco-mode, full range 16×4cm×2 speakers and a 10cm sub-woofer.

Both TVs will go on sale in Japan on April 23. Prices: $5,900 for the VIERA TH-P54VT and $4,800 for the smaller model. The company hasn’t said yet when and for how much the 3D VIERAs will be sold internationally.

Panasonic "Let's Note" Notebooks to feature a Core i7

The Panasonic Let's Note R9 series (CF-R9JWACDR notebook) will feature an Intel Core i7-620 UM vPro (1.06 GHz) CPU in a body measuring 229×187×29.4 that weighs around 0.93kg, the R series notebooks are also equipped with 2 GB (up to 4GB) of DDR3 SDRAM, 250 GB (Serial ATA) of HDD, 10.4-inch (1024 x 768) XGA TFT Color LCD, Intel QM57 Express Chipset (graphics card included), USB 2.0 x 2, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless LAN, Gigabit Ethernet, Type 2 PC card slot, SD/ SDHC card slot , Mini D-Sub 15 pin and runs on either Windows 7 Professional 32bit or 64bit.


Other upgrades include: Core i7-640 UM (1.20GHz, up to 2.26 GHz), 500GB HDD, Bluetooth built-in, 128GB SSD, selection of 12 color options, and you can get your name tag installed under the notebook if you purchase from their online shopping site “Club Panasonic Mylet”.

- Expected cost 180,000 Yen / US $1,994
- Pre-installed with Office Personal 2007 + Powerpoint pre-installed - 210,000 Yen / US $2,326
- Available - February 17
- Region - Japan

World’s 1st Integrated Full HD 3D Camcorder

After the incredible success of Avatar Panasonic decided that it was time to rock the world in 3D and decided to release the world’s first Full HD 3D Camcorder. Unfortunately only available upon order (Made to order) this camera is also quite expensive, $21000 USD and records video on SDHC cards.

Still this camera is not made for everyone but this first step forward will bring soon other to do the very same…

Easier to Use

Current 3D systems are large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D camcorder, the lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate.

The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point** to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.

More Flexible

The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full HD 3D videos in more challenging shooting environments. The camcorder is lighter weight and smaller than current 3D rigs, while providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and filmmaking projects.

Solid-State Reliability and Workflow

Right and left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than on other tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs, and the 3D camcorder will be better able to perform in extreme environments and be more resistant to temperature extremes, shock, and vibration.

And users will enjoy a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.

More Affordable

Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the Full HD 3D camcorder will be offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs. Transportation expenses for this handheld unit will be less and faster setup times reduce labor costs. Using standard, re-recordable SDHC/SD Memory Cards available already everywhere, media costs become almost insignificant.

In addition to a camcorder, Panasonic also plans to offer a professional-quality 3D Full HD LCD monitor for field use as well as a professional HD digital AV mixer for live event production. Panasonic will offer professional production equipment to allow video professionals to efficiently create 3D content, so consumers can enjoy 3D video using Panasonic 3D home theater systems.

Panasonic

Panasonic introduces 152-inch 3D 4k HDTV!

PANASONIC DEVELOPS WORLD'S LARGEST 152-INCH FULL HD 3D PLASMA DISPLAY

The ultra-large, 4K x 2K quadruple full HD plasma panel creates a true full HD 3D world, delivering an overwhelming immersive experience

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic Corporation, a world leader in the HDTV technology, has developed the world's largest1) 152-inch 4K x 2K definition Full HD 3D plasma display. The display features a revolutionary new plasma display panel (PDP) Panasonic developed with its new super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology2). The technology enhances PDP's unique advantages as self-illuminating device, contributing to delivering an overwhelming immersive experience to viewers. The Panasonic 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP creates a true Full HD 3D world by faithfully reproducing 3D content such as Hollywood 3D movie titles11).

Self-illuminating plasma panels offer excellent response to moving images with full movition picture resolution3), making them suitable for rapid 3D image display. By employing the newly-developed ultra high-speed 3D drive technology, which adopts the super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology, the new panel achieves a higher illuminating speed, about one fourth the speed of conventional Full HD panels4). This technology enables high-quality Full HD 3D display on the ultra large 152-inch 4K x 2K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) panel.

The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology, essential for producing clear 3D images. Compared to other display technologies that use line-at-a-time driving method5), PDPs use frame-at-a-time driving method6) that gives PDP TVs an advantage in crosstalk reduction in principle. Panasonic has successfully developed a unique technology to minimize double-image that occurs when left- and right-eye images are switched alternately. The development has resulted in the 3D compatible plasma display that can render clear and smooth high-quality pictures by accurately reproducing video sources.

The ultra-large 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP, which delivers true 3D movie-theater experience, follows the development of the industry's first 103-inch Class size Full HD 3D PDP Panasonic introduced in 20087) and the home theater size 50-inch Class Full HD 3D PDP in 20098).

This year, which is really the first year of 3D Television, 3D TVs are expected to accelerate the growth of the flat-panel television market by providing new values to customers.

Television has evolved over the years through technological innovations. It started as a device to produce images to be simply watched and then it became a tool when connectivity with other AV devices is added. Now, with the 3D technology, it has developed into a device that delivers an immersive viewing experience, moving into literally an era of "next dimension."

Panasonic launches its first Full HD 3D TVs in 2010 with PDP technology, which is highly suitable for 3D TVs, to offer the utmost picture quality. Panasonic's new 3D TVs will deliver a true full HD 3D quality to create new and exciting television experiences.

Because 3D plasma displays can reproduce highly realistic images, they are considered ideal not only for home theater use but also for a wide variety of uses such as business, medical, education and commercial applications.

Panasonic will make the First Year of 3D Television as a springboard to boost its popularity, capitalizing on the company's ability to offer complete end-to-end solutions from professional 3D camcorders and Blu-ray Disc authoring service to consumer use 3D TVs and displays and 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc players.

Furthermore, Panasonic strives to accelerate the spread of 3D products and drive growth in the the flat-panel television market, focusing on the development of a 3D infrastructure including 3D content through increased cooperation with Hollywood studios and broadcasters. The company hopes to contribute to the enhancement of 3D related business and the development of a new industry, which may be called 3D economic system that can be brought about through interactions among the related businesses.

For more information on Panasonic's Full HD 3D Technology, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.



1. Newly developed ultra high-speed 3D drive technology enables 3D display on ultra-large (152-inch), super high resolution (4K x 2K) panels

Using the super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology, Panasonic developed 3D ultra high-speed drive technology. Compared to the conventional full HD panels4), the technology allows the new panel to achieve the same brilliance at about one-fourth speed. The new 152-inch panel also uses a new technology that enables even and stable discharge. Thanks to this discharge technology, the new panel can provide full HD images for left and right eyes formed with twice the volume of information as regular full HD images across the vast expanse of the screen equivalent to nine 50-inch panels with super high resolution (4,096 x 2,160) - four times the full HD (1,920 x 1,080) specification - while maintaining the brightness.

The new advanced PDP delivers high-quality 3D images, with virtually infinite 5,000,000:19 contrast ratio, accurate color reproduction and subtle gradation tones, on the ultra-large screen. With characters in the screen approach the viewers in life size, the new panel creates an overwhelmingly immersive experience.

2. Cross-talk reduction enables clear, high-definition 3D images

Because displaying 3D images involves alternate displays of left- and right-eye images, reducing the overlap (cross-talk) between these images is essential for high-quality 3D images. Unlike 3D LCD panels that use line by line scanning method, PDPs use frame-sequential method that displays images frame by frame very quickly, giving PDPs a tremendous advantage in crosstalk reduction. Incorporating newly-developed phosphors with short luminescence decay time - one third the time of conventional phosphors4) - as well as illumination control technology, the cross-talk reduction technology has succeeded in minimizing double images.


Enhancing the video reproduction capability of PDP, which has full moving picture resolution, the technology enables crisp and clear, high-quality 3D images by faithfully reproducing video sources.

3. Full HD x 2 frame sequential method
To reproduce 3D images, the new PDP uses the full HD x 2 frame10) sequential method that displays time sequential images, alternately reproducing discrete full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) images for the left and right eyes on the display frame by frame. By adopting the method which is used in showing Hollywood 3D films in theaters, the new panel accurately reproduces high-quality 3D images in the living room.
Notes:
1) As of January 7, 2010; research by Panasonic
2) Comparison with the brightness of Panasonic's 2007 full HD panels at the same power level.
3) Moving picture resolution indicates the motion display performance by number of lines which human eyes can recognize. (Measured by Advanced PDP Development Center Corporation Method). Full moving picture resolution has 1080 lines.
4) Compared with the brightness of Panasonic's 2009 full HD panels.
5) A method to produce images by illuminating one line of the frame at a time.
6) A method to produce images by illuminating all lines of the frame at a time.
7) Announced by Panasonic on September 24, 2008.
8) Announced by Panasonic on September 28, 2009.
9) Contrast of dark areas that can be simultaneously displayed on the screen.
10) A unit of pictures in a video signal. In digital high-definition broadcasts in Japan, 30 frames are transmitted per second.
11) Current 3D content will be limited and may include certain Blu-ray Disc titles and satellite programming. Additional equipment and/or subscription fees may apply. 3D Blu-ray Disc player and discs sold separately. 3D Eyewear required for viewing. One pair included with purchase.

RobotcalypseNow: Panasonic's dish washing robots

Nerv Tuned Panasonic F8 heading for Japan

This one's for my Evangelion fans. Based on a Panasonic F8, the NERV Red will feature a custom paint job on the lid. There will probably be a few other specials added, like wallpapers. However, I'm not 100% sure on this.

Specwise the F8 is powered by a Core 2 Duo SP9400 at 2.4Ghz and 2GB of RAM with optional WAM and WiMax.

Price: Unknown
Region: Japan
Availability: Unknown

Meet Panasonic's 1st WiMax notebook

The Let’s Note F8 will be Panasonic's first WiMax ready Notebook. Powered by a Core 2 Duo SP9600 (2.53GHz), 2GB of RAM, 500GB of HDD and 14.1” LCD with a 1440x900 resolution.

Price: Unknown
Region: Japan
Availability: end of July

Panasonic's new SSD powered Let's Note Light R8

The Panasonic Let's Note Light R8 CF-R8WWLAJP will come equipped with a 64GB SSD with a 220MB/s reading speed, a Core 2 Solo SU3500 (1.4GHz), 2GB of RAM (up to 4), Windows Vista 32bit SP1 or XP Pro.

Price: Unknown
Region: Japan
Availability: end of this month

World's 1st Portable Blu-ray player!

Panasonic has just started shipping its DMP-B15, which is the world's first and only portable Blu-ray player. For $800 you'll get 2.5 hours of crystal clear entertainment on a 8.9-inch WSVGA display. It also includes Panasonic's VIERA CAST Internet accessibility and BD Live functionality along with an SD card slot.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING FOR DMP-B15, THE WORLD'S FIRST AND ONLY PORTABLE
BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER

BD Live and VIERA CAST™ Internet Accessibility Featured On
Innovative Blu-ray Player

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 1, 2009)
– Panasonic,
a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray Disc
format, announced
the availability and pricing for the world's first portable Blu-ray
player, the Panasonic DMP-B15. Designed to provide the ultimate High Definition
Blu-ray experience for those on the go, the B15 features a high quality
8.9-inch WSVGA LCD screen and includes Panasonic's VIERA CAST™ Internet
accessibility and BD Live functionality, as well as a SD Memory Card
slot. The B15
will be available in June and will have an SRP of $799.95.

The
DMP-B15 includes all the technology found in its stand-alone counterparts, the
DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and the VHS-Blu-ray dual player DMP-BD70V. Image quality is
of the highest level, thanks to PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology,
developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory.

The
PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing
technology
that precisely processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal
in the vertical direction. It reproduces color data with twice the accuracy of
conventional systems, resulting in faithful and sharp colors.

"As
a pioneer in the development of DVD and Blu-ray expertise, Panasonic has always
been at the forefront in developing cutting-edge, consumer friendly technology.
Panasonic was the first company to bring to market a portable DVD player and
stand- alone Blu-ray players to feature Bonus View and BD Live; and with the
B15 we continue that tradition of being first to market with unique technology,"
said Richard Simone, Director, Entertainment Group, Panasonic Consumer
Electronics Company. "The B15 is a unique and versatile High Definition
player that gives the consumer the ultimate entertainment experience, whether
traveling or in the home as either an additional Blu-ray player or the primary
source for 1080p viewing. Because it also features the VIERA CAST
functionality, the B15 can transform any TV into an IPTV with the capability to
access select web sites. At a time when many families own multiple TVs, the
B15 provides a number of entertainment options, giving them the ability to
enjoy HD video in any room where there is an HDTV."

Like
Panasonic's three stand-alone Blu-ray players, the DMP-B15 includes VIERA
CAST functionality. This distinctive application gives the consumer access to
select Web sites, including Amazon Video-on-Demand, a streaming video service
that gives the consumer access to more than 40,000 titles; YouTube™;
Google Picasa Web Album™; Bloomberg and a weather channel. The Amazon VOD
will be available in late June. VIERA CAST does not require an external set-top
box, nor is there a fee for the service. And, as additional web sites are added
to the service, they will automatically appear. Viera CAST and BD-Live features
require an Internet connection via the LAN port.

Ease
of use is an important element in Panasonic's products and the DMP-B15,
with a 2.5 hour rechargeable battery, is designed with that in mind. In
addition to its use as a portable player, the consumer can connect it to an
HDTV via HDMI cable, and use it as a stand-alone Blu-ray Disc player. The
player can also be connected to an HD-Audio compatible AV receiver with a home
theater speaker system, enabling the consumer to enjoy movies with outstanding
surround sound. To accommodate the traveler, the DMP-B15 offers an optional
headrest mounting bracket for in-car use. Like all Panasonic Blu-ray players,
the B15 features an SD Memory Card slot that allows the consumer to view and
share digital photos, as well as HD video recorded on a SD card.

[Panasonic]

NEW Class 10 SDHC cards from Panasonic

These cards will be excellent for recording HD video with your DSLR. These Class 10 SDHC cards promise a maximum speed of 22MB/sec. No word on a price, but expect to see 4,8, 16 and 32GB cards in the UK next month. We should see these in the states not too long after that.

May 21, 2009: Panasonic is pleased to announce that it will launch new SDHC Memory Cards with Class 10 speed specification in Europe and other markets from the end of May, 2009. Class 10 is a new speed specification standardized by SD Card Association as part of SD Card Specification Ver.3.0 to meet the requirement for higher resolution consecutive shooting and large-sized high definition video shooting.

As an example of sequential writing of 3 frame/sec.(1 frame=3MB), the class10 card enables to write out large amounts of data continuously up until the card is fully written without missing any shots or writing stops. The Panasonic GOLD line series will be the world’s first memory cards* to adopt this new speed class. The new series will be available in the following four models: RP-SDW04G(4GB) / RP-SDW08G(8GB) / RP-SDW16G(16GB) / RP-SDW32G(32GB).

The current Panasonic Class 6 models are highly evaluated in the market for its superior speed performance and high reliability as well as user-friendly features like its memo label. The 32GB high capacity model was awarded the TIPA Award** as Best Imaging Storage Media 2009. The new GOLD line series inherits the advantages of the current Class 6 line with further enhanced speed performance. Its Class 10 speed capability as well as maximum speed of 22MB/s combined with intelligent controller is ideal for large volume data recording and transmission in high definition applications. The new cards also allows for high-speed data transfer from a card to a PC. A large volume of AVCHD Full HD video data fully written on a new Gold card can be transferred to a PC approx. 40% faster compared to the current Class 4 card.

Panasonic will also introduce a SILVER line series with Class 4 speed specification and maximum speed of up to 20MB/s, ideal for high definition video recording. All the new models will come with eco-friendly packages as the plastic used in previous packaging has been reduced by 90%.

The new cards will be available in the UK from June 2009.

[Panasonic]

NEW Full-HD camcorders from Panasonic!

These 2 new camcorders weigh in at 227g. The HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 feature a 16x optical zoom, touch screen control, iA with AF tracking and Advanced O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer). The SD10 and TM10 differ only by their recording format – the SD10 records to a SD/SDHC Memory Card, while the TM10 offers 8GB built in memory and SD/SDHC Memory Card.

These new camcorders also feature a "Pre-Rec" function, which cleverly records three seconds of images into an internal buffer memory. Then, when the Record button is actually pressed, the three seconds immediately prior are added at the beginning of the clip being recorded. This is excellent if you're at a sports game a just miss a big play.

Both of these new camcorders are compatible with the VIERA Image Viewer, which lets the user play videos on a large screen by inserting a SDHC/SD Memory Card into the SD card slot of a Panasonic VIERA TV. If you've recorded something in AVCHD, then you can play your video recordings on a Panasonic Blu-ray player.

Currently, these new camcorders are slated for a June release in the UK at 529.99 Euro / US$721 / 69,348 Yen and 499.99 Euro / US$680 / 65,423 Yen. But expect to see a global launch soon after that.

[PanasonicUK]