Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances, today (Sunday, June 17, 2007), announced the Middle East launch of its VIERA series of plasma and LCD TVs for 2007, at a press conference held in Dubai. The new line-up features higher-quality reproduction of fast-moving images, easy operation and simple networking.

In all, 10 new High Definition ready models (five plasma and five LCD) were launched at the press conference. The new plasma range includes TH-50PV700, TH-42PV700, TH-50PV70, TH-42PV70 and TH-42PV7, while the LCD line up is made up of TX-32LX700, TX-26LX70, TX-32LX70, TX-26LE7 and TX-32LE7.

The new VIERA range of plasma and LCD TVs come with Panasonic’s V-Real II technology, that give images exceptional detail on large screens with rich gradation and faithful colour reproduction. In addition to brilliant picture quality, VIERA models guarantee easy operation thanks to VIERA Link, a feature that lets users operate other connected AV components using the VIERA TV’s remote control unit. Viera Plasma TVs TH-50PV700 and TH-42PV700 also features a unique ‘anti-glare panel’ which helps eliminate any glare or reflection on the plasma TV.

Speaking at the press conference, Shimpei Tsujigami, Product Manager, Panasonic Marketing Middle East, said, “The television is perhaps one of the most indispensable electronic devices in today’s homes; and many of our daily activities often revolve around television programmes, which is why Panasonic has been constantly committed to manufacturing TV sets that offer superlative image quality while creating the ultimate viewing experience.”

“Our new range of VIERA plasma and LCD models are designed to reproduce the kind of images that convey deep emotion, be it when watching your favourite movie or sports action. With the incorporation of VIERA Link and SD card slot, Panasonic has also ensured ease of operation and enhanced networking,” he added.



VIERA LCD TX32LX700 models also incorporate three technologies –IPS Panel, Motion Picture Pro and Intelligent Scene Controller - that solve problems common to conventional LCD TV. With IPS LCD panel, colours appear rich and vivid even when viewed from sharp angle. Motion Picture Pro greatly reduces blurring in fast-moving scenes, so pictures are always smooth and clear, and the Intelligent Scene Controller helps reproduce vivid, natural images with pure blacks. Together, these technologies give viewers vibrant images with exceptional clarity and depth and wide viewing angle.

Some of the features that are part of the new VIERA plasma range include, 1080p digital processing chip set, 1080p digital re-mastering processor, advanced 3D colour management, VIERA Link, motion pattern noise reduction and the V-Real II technology.

The 1080p signal format used by Blu-ray Discs offers the highest image quality among high-definition video sources. The VIERA processor receives 1080p video signals in their original format. It applies optimum signal processing without down-converting to output the same high signal quality.

With the VIERA Link, users can operate other connected AV components using the VIERA TV’s remote control unit. This is possible since the HDMI (High-definition Multimedia Interface) cable carries not only digital video and audio signals, but control signals too. That means users can use their VIERA remote control to operate a DVD recorder, BD player, HD video camera and other equipment connected to their VIERA TV.

Further, all VIERA plasma display panels are lead-free. This reduces the impact on the environment when recycling or disposing of them in the future. Also, with a plasma display panel, power consumption varies with the brightness of the displayed image. This helps minimize power consumption and reduce electric bills.