Panasonic Announces Pricing and Availability of VIERA VT25 Series of Full HD 3D Plasma TVs

VT25 Series Will Feature Four Screen Sizes; Will Also Offer 2010 VIERA CAST IPTV Features Including Skype Capability

First Models Expected At Retail in Early May

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Apr 23, 2010, 02:39 ET

SECAUCUS, N.J., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic, a worldwide leader in Full HD 3D technology, announced today pricing and nationwide retail availability dates for its critically-acclaimed VIERA™ VT25 Series of Full HD 3D Plasma TVs. The debut of the VT25 series will expand Panasonic's 3D offerings to four screens sizes with availability at a wide range of consumer electronics retailers.

The first VIERA VT25 models will be available in early May in 50-inch class (49.9 inches diagonal) and 54-inch class (54.1 inches diagonal) sizes with 58-inch class (58.0 inches diagonal) and 65-inch class (64.7 inches diagonal) sizes to follow in June. Complete technical specifications for the VT25 Series are now available at www.panasonic.com.

In March 2010, Panasonic partnered with Best Buy to debut its first-ever Full HD 3D(1) home entertainment system featuring the VIERA TC-P50VT20 Full HD 3D Plasma (50-inch class screen size, 49.9 inches diagonal) exclusively at select Best Buy Magnolia Home Theater stores.

The VIERA VT25 Series broadens the reach of Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology for the home offering the following models:

TC-P50VT25	TC-P54VT25
- 50-inch class (49.9 inches diagonally)	- 54-inch class (54.1 inches diagonally)
- SRP $2,599.95	- SRP $2,999.95
- Available week of May 3, 2010	- Available week of May 3, 2010

TC-P58VT25	TC-P65VT25
- 58-inch class (58.0 inches diagonally)	- 65-inch class (64.7 inches diagonally)
- SRP $3,399.95	- SRP $4,299.95
- Available June 2010	- Available June 2010

"The arrival of our VIERA VT25 Series truly defines the phenomenal capabilities of Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology to deliver a new level of home entertainment to consumers," said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Panasonic Display Group. "With Panasonic Plasma's new short-stroke phosphor technology, Full HD 3D imagery is delivered in stunning realism and clarity to create a truly immersive viewing experience that will make the viewer feel that they have stepped in to the program they are watching."

The VIERA VT25 Series was voted "Best of Show" at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show and also received the Consumer Electronics Association's esteemed 2010 Innovations Award for its innovative 3D technology.

All Panasonic VIERA VT25 Series models feature:

Full HD 3D Technology -- For a true Full 1080p 3D image, Panasonic's VT25 Series features new, faster screen phosphors (short-stroke) which, when coupled with the VIERA VT25's 600Hz sub-field drive, outputs alternating imagery at 60 frames per second to each eye. Working in unison with the required Active Shutter Eyewear, the human brain then combines the images and interprets them as a Full HD 3D image for the highest possible realistic visual experience; in effect mimicking what the human eye sees in real life.

Active Shutter Eyewear -- All Panasonic VIERA VT25 Series models come with one pair of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Eyewear (TY-EW3D10U). Additional pairs of Panasonic 3D Eyewear are available at retail with an SRP of $149.95.

Infinite Black Pro Panel -- A new phosphor technology that produces deep blacks (5,000,000:1 native contrast)(2) and vivid images with minimal reflection.

THX Certified Display -- Ensures that every Panasonic Full HD 3D TV displays motion pictures and television content with exactly the quality and color palette that the director intended.

VIERA CAST WiFi with Skype Capability -- Panasonic's innovative Internet programming package, gives viewers the ability to access feature films plus information and communication offerings including Amazon Video on Demand™, Bloomberg News, Fox Sports, Netflix™, and Skype™ on Your VIERA TV(3), among others.

All Panasonic VIERA VT25 Series models also feature 600Hz Sub-field Drive, 1080p Lines Moving Picture Resolution, VIERA Image Viewer™, VIERA Link™ Connectivity with Network Cameras, 24p Cinematic Playback, two USB Ports, PC Input, and are ENERGY STAR 4.0 compliant.

Panasonic's VIERA VT20 Full HD 3D Plasma TV (50-inch class screen size, 49.9 inches diagonal) will continue to be sold exclusively at Best Buy Magnolia Home Theater stores (SRP $2499,95) through May 2nd and then will be available at Best Buy stores nationwide. The VT25 Series models offer ISFccc (calibrated with an RS232C jack) and Studio reference mode -- features not included on the VT20 model. The VT25 Series models also feature a different cosmetic -- the bezel color of the VT20 is gunmetal silver/grey while the bezel color of the VT25 Series models is a deep brown metallic.

Panasonic's range of Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma HDTVs, when coupled with Panasonic's 3D Blu-ray Disc players (DMP- BDT300 and DMP-BDT350) bring a new era of immersive visual entertainment into consumers' homes, by creating a 3D experience that easily rivals the best that can be seen in cinemas. By delivering a full 1080p-resolution image to each eye, Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology offers consumers the highest possible visual experience. To enjoy Full HD 3D programming, users wear a stylish and lightweight pair of active-shutter eyewear. The sets are also Full HD TVs that display pristine 1080p content in two dimensions (2D) for conventional HD viewing.

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

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company:

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

Notes:

(1) 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 (sold separately) required to view 3D content. 3D Eyewear is also required for viewing. One pair included with purchase of a VIERA VT20 or VT25 Series Full HD 3D TV.

(2) A detailed explanation of how Panasonic measures Native Contrast Ratio is available at http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DisplayTerm?termID=49182&storeId=15001

(3) Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Panasonic's Communication Camera (TY-CC10W) is required for Skype video functionality and sold separately. Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

SOURCE Panasonic