Panasonic's VIERA takes a step forward with superior picture quality

A total of five plasma and six LCD next generation models are being introduced.

This launch sees Panasonic expand its Full HD line up, with the flagship models being the 37 inch TX-37LZ800 in LCD and 50 inch TH50PY800 in plasma.

Panasonic is targeting to achieve a share of 25%in the 37 inch and over flat panel market.

The new VIERA LCD range incorporates the new and improved 'IPS ALPHA' panels.

'IPS ALPHA' panels include an energy saving back-light to minimise power consumption and ensure clearer images, a wider viewing angle and higher contrast than conventional LCD panels.

The biggest differentiator over last year's Plasma models is the dynamic contrast of 1,000,000: 1 (MEGA Contrast) that is given in this year's range.

Mr. Seiji Koyanagi, Managing Director, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Panasonic Gulf said:

'Panasonic is committed to enhancing the lifestyle of its customers with the best products and services. We envision being the most customer preferred brand in the region. The unsurpassed picture quality and advanced technology in the new VIERA line-up will undoubtedly provide viewers with a truly unique VIERA experience.'

Panasonic Marketing Middle East Product Manager Shimpei Tsujigami says that this year's line-up of VIERA flat-panel TVs has been greatly strengthened.

'The line-up comes with three pillars of the VIERA concept: impressive picture quality, environmental consciousness and smart networking,' he says. 'In addition, these superior performance features are moulded into stunning designs to form one of the most attractive TV series.'

The new VIERA models reproduce fast-moving images with outstanding sharpness. Based on Panasonic's own research, VIERA's wide-ranging colour reproduction lends rich expression to movie colours, whilst their high contrast ratios create deep, life-like blacks which are gentler on the eyes.

'In addition to brilliant picture quality, VIERA models offer the easy operation made possible by VIERA Link and the SD card slot.'

VIERA Link lets you operate other connected Panasonic AV components using only the VIERA TV's remote control unit connected by HDMI cable.

The majority of the VIERA line-up is equipped with a slot for SD cards.

Remove the SD memory card from your digital still camera, slip it in the slot, and you can view a slideshow of your photos on the VIERA.

With the global trend to embrace all things 'green' and eco-friendly, Panasonic's environmental considerations start at the design stage.

Panasonic is the only manufacturer which produces lead-free plasma screens.

'Lead-free plasma panels and an improved panel life of up to 100,000-hours are examples of how VIERA production helps to conserve the earth and its resources,' says Tsujigami. 'What's more, functions now include a new ECO mode to help lower power consumption.'

The name VIERA comes from 'Visual Era' and implies Panasonic wish to create a new Visual Era and to be a pioneer of next generation.

Panasonic is investing $2.8bn in its fifth Plasma Display Panel (PDP) factory in Amagasaki, Japan, which will have a maximum production capacity of 12 million units per year, with production scheduled to begin in May, 2009.

Similar investments are also being made into the production of LCD panels, with a total of $3bn being invested in Panasonic's 'IPS ALPHA' LCD factory in Himeji, Japan, where a maximum capacity of 15 million units per year will be achieved once production starts in January, 2010.