Panasonic’s television line-up in the region was recently enhanced by the introduction of a range of Plasma and LCD flat-panel TVs.

Also launched were Panasonic’s latest range of DVD recorders including the Diga DMR-E500 with DVD-Ram and new models in the compact Lumix camera line-up including the 5.0-megapixel DMC-FX7 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-FX2, among other products.
“The new range (of television products) incorporates next-generation picture technology and stylish design to provide the most unparalleled home entertainment experience,” a Panasonic spokesman said.
Panasonic announced a 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.
“The strongest characteristic of the Viera range is its superior picture quality, developed by Panasonic after conducting extensive research into the characteristics of human visual perception,” observed the spokesman. The wide range of this line-up shows Panasonic’s strong commitment to the fast-growing flat-panel TV business, he added.
“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,” said Yasuyuki Shimizu, manager, consumer AV, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE, Dubai.
 “Panasonic’s system LSI 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 have been incorporated into the Viera line.
Discussing DVD recorders, Panavision observed that DVD video recorders were fast replacing traditional VHS recorders and tapes due to their enhanced functionality and versatility.
“The DMR-E500 with DVD-Ram allows users to record and store high-quality video content and images, be it family photographs, TV shows or home movies on its remarkably spacious 400 GB hard disk drive, the largest in the industry” said Koji Naka, manager, consumer products, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE.
“The DVD-Ram format has revolutionised DVD video recording with the introduction of amazing features like recording moving pictures and storage of PC data on a DVD. Set to become the favourite format in the area of home entertainment, the new combination of DVD recorders is ideal for people who retain a fondness for their old videocassettes while wanting to explore the new world of DVDs.
“The new DIGA DVD Recorder DMR-E500 lets users save more of their favourite photos, TV shows and home movies on its spacious 400GB hard disk drive.”
With the DMR-E500 users can edit the material before transferring it to DVD-R or DVD-Ram discs, which hold up to eight hours of material on a single-sided disc (or up to 16 hours on a double-sided 9.4GB DVD Ram disc).
There are a variety of recording modes from which to choose, including the Flexible Recording mode (FR), which calculates the time remaining in the programme, as well as the unused space remaining on the disc, and automatically records at the highest picture quality setting that the remaining space will allow.
Other new products the company introduced recently were the world’s smallest flash memory card, the miniSD Card, compatible with GSM phones and measuring just 21.5 mm in length, 20 mm in width and 1.4 mm in thickness and weighing about a gramme; the NV-GS400, a 3CCD digital video camera with Leica Dicomar lens that can record still images at a record-breaking four-megapixels, and the GigaRange Expandable Cordless Phone System for home or home office use, with a range of 5.8GHz.