Panasonic launches innovative products exclusively for Middle East market

The products, which include a range of 21-inch flat-screen TVs and VCD Hi-Fi systems, have been exclusively designed for the Middle East consumers.

"The Middle East is a steadily growing market that plays a crucial role in our overall global business strategy. The newly launched products have been created after incorporating the preferences and demands of customers in the region," said Masato Tomita, Managing Director, Panasonic Marketing Middle East, FZE (PMM). "The fact that these products were specifically designed to suit the taste of the Middle East consumers is reflective of our deep and underlying commitment to the region," he added.

VCD Hi-Fi Systems
The Video CD Hi-Fi, SC-VK800 is a powerful 7000-watt music system featuring a Multi-Amp system with a total of 14 speakers. Incorporating a Twin Subwoofer system along with a Super woofer, you get a powerful bass sound to enjoy movie theater sound effect with VCD software. The attractive visual appearance of the product is matched by state-of-the-art features, which also include a 5 VCD/CD changer with the facility to play MP3 and CD-R/RW discs and an amazing new Super Sound equalizer.

"We felt that it was an opportune moment to introduce the products as the Middle East is currently witnessing a great demand for Video CD Mini Hi-Fi system, estimated at over half a million sets, with a total value of Dhs 500 million. Panasonic currently holding 20 per cent market share, plans to achieve a target of 25 per cent in the Middle East, " said Sho Kusuki, Manager, Consumer Electronics, PMM.

Targeted at teenagers and the youth of the region, the music system packs a host of innovative features along with striking good looks and a visually appealing LCD display. In addition to a powerful sound output, the system also allows users to play their own CD compilations and reproduce music recorded in MP3 format. After downloading tracks from the Internet to the PC, then transferring them to a CD-R or CD-RW, SC-VK800 enables the disc to be played on the system. Also available in the VK series are models SC-VK700, SC-VK 550 and SC-VK540.

Tau PS70 series - 21" Flat Colour TV
The new TV models launched TC-21PS70R, TC-21PS75R and TC-21PS77X, incorporate a totally new concept and design in 21 inch Flat TV's. The PS series boasts an elegant new design with a gleaming Mirror Trim finish and a striking new look. The features for TC-21PS75 include a Twin Digital Comb Filter for clearer and natural images, Super VM (Velocity Modulation) for extra sharpness of bass sound, Bass-Reflex subwoofer, Wing Type stereo 2-speakers and Virtual Hyper Base for amplifying low sounds.

"In 2002, the estimated market size for colour TVs in the Middle East and Africa is estimated at 8 million units and Panasonic is targeting a 10 per cent of the 4 million branded imported TVs market size. It has been a deliberate move to launch the new 21-inch TV in the Middle East, as this segment commands the largest market share among TVs," said Yasuyuki Shimizu, Manager, Consumer Electronics, PMM. "The introduction of the PS series tailor made for the Middle East, is the result of an extensive and comprehensive market survey based on this region's consumer needs and tastes. Targeted at young couples just starting out life together, its size, sound and design is a perfect match thus giving it an edge over other TV models."

Of the other models of the PS series, TC-21PS70R is similar to the PS75 except it does not have the Bass-reflex Subwoofer while the TX-21PS77X is Panasonic's first model to incorporate Farsi Tele-Text specially in order to meet the Iran market consumer requirements.

The PS series comprise technologically advanced features as well as improved colour and sound qualities. The Mirror Trim Design is a new concept that provides a shining mirror finish to the TV. The VK series of VCD HiFi systems and the PS series of Tau 21 inch flat TV models are available with Panasonic's sole agent in the UAE, Oman National Electronics at their showrooms and other major electronics dealers.