Panasonic introduces world largest plasma display panel from February 2005

The new range incorporates next-generation picture technology and stylish design to provide a truly unique home entertainment experience.

Panasonic has coined the new name, "VIERA", to be used for its flat-panel TVs. The VIERA plasmas are available in three screen sizes: 50-inch TH-50PV30, which is the high-definition (HD) model, and the 42-inch TH-42PA30 and 37-inch TH-37PA30 as the standard-definition (SD) models, while the Viera LCDs are available in two sizes: 32-inch TX-32LX1X and 26-inch TX-26LX1X, both HD models. And from February 2005, the new 65 -inch T-65PHDB-K will be available.

Mr.Ryuchiro Tanigawa, General Manager at Panasonic Middle East speaking from his office in Jeddah said "The strongest feature of the VIERA range is its superior picture quality, developed by Panasonic after conducting extensive research into the characteristics of human visual perception. The Viera Series has been met with a strong reception in the global Flat screen TV market thanks to its features that have outperformed its competitors". He went on to explain. "The name Viera was coined from 'New Visual Era' this is intended to reflect the advanced features of the series which bring the viewers experience to a whole new level."

Tanigawa added "With their sleek appearance and crisp picture quality, flat panel TVs are the latest rage in the television market. Middle East consumers, with a larger disposable income and interests in purchasing the latest gadgets, represent a fast-growing market for flat panels. We foresee a boom in this market with 36 percent of total global TV sales revenue to come from flat panels by 2006, as more consumers shift preferences from traditional CRTs to next-generation plasma and LCD flat TVs."

"To meet the market trend, we are strengthening our production capacity for PDP and plan to produce more than 4 million units a year. By leveraging on the strengths of the new Viera brand, we are aiming to capture 30 percent of the global flat-panel TV market," continued Tanigawa

The Viera series combines Panasonic's advanced picture processing technology with leading-edge device technology that helps assure superior quality in all components from display panels to speaker units. Panasonic's LSI system technology also provides extremely precise processing of a wide range of signals while also supporting sophisticated networking capabilities. Panasonic's breakthroughs in each of these core technologies, has been incorporated into the VIERA line. This is complemented by an elegant, innovative design that makes the TVs a truly superb addition to any home. With a gracefully curved base, beautiful lines and a pearl-silver finish, the televisions are styled to make a dramatic and lasting impression. The stand, available as an option, appears to blend seamlessly with the plasma itself to create a composed, unified image.

In 2003, the worldwide flat-panel TV market reached 4.5 million units and is expected to reach 8 million this year 2004. The company estimates that the market will reach more than 20 million units. In addition, Panasonic expects that the share of the over-35 inch TV category will increase annually in the global TV market, and PDP worldwide demand is expected to exceed 10 million units by the year 2008.