SECAUCUS, NJ (July 8, 1999) - Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), the prominent leader in consumer digital television products, today announced the retail launch of its new digital VCR (“D-VHS VCR”) - the world’s first High Definition (HD) compatible VCR to hit the U.S. market. Model PV-HD1000, which will begin shipping this month, carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $999.95.

The new Panasonic D-VHS VCR adopts the “5C” Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) technology to safeguard copy -protected material transmitted via IEEE 1394 digital interface connections. Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Ltd. (MEI), along with other consumer electronics manufacturers, developed the DTCP technology.

“Panasonic is pleased to launch products with DTCP, which would support the motion picture industry’s need for copy protection,” said Brian Hoffman, assistant general manager, PCEC Consumer Video Division.
The new Panasonic D-VHS VCR enables consumers to capture and enjoy the sharp, brilliant images and rich digital audio of the new digital television (DTV) broadcasts. Digital television broadcasts began in major U.S. markets last November. Currently, more than 50 television stations in the top 30 markets are broadcasting DTV signals.

The Panasonic PV-HD1000 is the first VCR in the world capable of accepting both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) television signals. When paired with the Panasonic DTV-certified set-top decoder (model TU-DST50), the new VCR can record all 18 ATSC formats, retaining the high-quality resolution and vivid detail that DTV offers. “This product completes the DTV experience for home viewers,” said Hoffman, “who will now be able to capture all the excitement of the new DTV broadcasts.”

Digital recordings can be made on the newly developed digital VHS (D-VHS) tape, model AY-DF300, available from Panasonic. Panasonic is packaging a blank D-VHS tape with its PV-HD1000 VCR so that consumers may start enjoying the new digital recording machine right away.

Thanks to digital compression technology, broadcasters will be able to transmit multiple programs simultaneously if they choose. With the D-VHS VCR and D-VHS tape, consumers will be able to record all of these new “multi-cast” programs on a particular channel without missing a moment of their favorite programs.

With the growing number of DTV broadcasts, retailers are eager to show the stunning quality of HD images to consumers. The Panasonic D-VHS VCR allows them to playback pre-recorded HD materials for demonstration on their sales floors.

Aside from its digital compatibility, the PV-HD1000 is also a full-featured, four-head, hi-fi stereo VHS VCR, able to record and play back standard VHS tapes. Consumers can continue to enjoy taping their favorite standard television (NTSC) programs, and viewing rented movies or home videos. Features include Auto Clock Setting using the Extended Data Service (EDS) signal carried by many PBS stations; front-mounted analog A/V inputs for easy connections; and Panasonic’s “Light Tower” remote control, which has backlit buttons and stands upright. This universal remote operates most brands of TVs and cable/DSS boxes. The VCR has an attractive, “wide body” home theater component design, purposely styled to fit in with other home theater products.

The PV-HD1000 is currently shipping to retailers and carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $999.95.
Panasonic consumer digital video products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (MECA). MECA is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE/PCX:MC), one of the world’s largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use.

All prices quoted are in U.S. dollars. (Consumers seeking more information on the company’s products can call Panasonic’s Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.com. Media interested in Panasonic press releases can gain information via the Panasonic Web site or through New Directions Public Relations’ toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490. )

Editorial Contacts:

Jim Reilly - Panasonic
(201) 392-6067
reillyj@panasonic.com

Kurt Praschak - Panasonic
(201) 392-6124
praschakk@panasonic.com