Panasonic Blazes a New Trail With First Portable DVD Player
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- DVD continues to change the way people
watch movies as Panasonic introduces the world's first and smallest portable
DVD player with a built-in LCD screen, the DVD-L10. Weighing less than two
pounds, the DVD-L10 can place the digital video and audio performance of DVD
in the palm of the hand.
Perfect for traveling, the new portable player lets viewers enjoy most
full-length movies without interruption thanks to a two-hour nickel metal
hydride battery. But don't underestimate its utility because of its size: the
DVD-L10 is right at home as a fully featured DVD player and can optimize
performance of the most sophisticated home theater system.
"The DVD-L10 is a bold first step that combines the freedom of wireless
technology with the exceptional performance of digital entertainment," says
Rusty Osterstock, assistant general manager for Panasonic's consumer DVD
division. "With a rapidly growing installed base of DVD video players and the
explosive growth of software, we feel the DVD consumer will not want to be
restricted to watching their favorite movies at home. We take our phones,
pagers and portable CD players on the road ... why not DVD?"
Imagine enjoying favorite movies wherever and whenever you want without
sacrificing any of the video and audio quality that only DVD can deliver. The
DVD-L10 delivers a stunningly beautiful picture on the 5.8-inch wide screen
LCD display, and can be adjusted at the touch of a button to change aspect
ratios to accommodate 4:3 standard TV dimensions or the 16:9 widescreen ratio
supported by many DVD titles. The DVD-L10 also benefits from a 10-bit video
DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which minimizes digital artifacts resulting
in better overall picture quality.
But video is only half the story when it comes to enjoying a DVD movie.
There are few things as exhilarating as a great audio soundtrack, and the
DVD-L10 was designed to provide the audio performance needed to complete the
DVD experience. The portable is remarkably versatile, delivering superb sound
through built-in, front-firing stereo speakers or through external headphones
via a headphone jack. The DVD-L10 also features Virtual Surround Sound, an
exclusive Panasonic technology that simulates a surround sound experience from
Dolby(R) Digital-encoded software - without additional speakers. In a home
theater, simply plug in an external Dolby Digital Decoder, like Technics' new
SH-AC500D, from the optical output jack of the DVD-L10 and the "portable" is
ready to deliver all the benefits of Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound.
All of Panasonic's 1998 DVD players also benefit from the outstanding sound
made possible by a 96 kHz, 24-bit audio DAC. Combined with the 10-bit video
DAC, Panasonic has raised the bar for video and audio performance.
Graphic on-screen menu icons make navigating the DVD player features and
functions - such as language selection, title, elapsed time and chapter
search - easy and fast. The DVD-L10 also uses S-Video and composite video
outputs so it can quickly connect to a TV for home enjoyment. A full wireless
remote is also included for the ultimate in convenience and versatility.
Three-way power operation adds to the DVD-L10's flexibility. Besides the
included battery, an AC adapter provides power in the home and serves as a
battery recharger. An optional DC power cord facilitates use in a car, boat
or RV.
Of course, the Panasonic DVD-L10, like all Panasonic DVD players, can play
audio CDs and Video CDs in addition to DVD discs.
The DVD-L10 has a target introduction date of early Spring, 1998, and will
carry a suggested retail price of $1,299.95.
Panasonic consumer DVD 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., (MEI) of Japan,
(NYSE: MC), one of the world's largest producers of electronic and electric
products for consumer, business and industrial use. All prices 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 panasonic.com.)
Dolby and Dolby Digital are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corp.
SOURCE Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
/NOTE TO EDITORS: Panasonic will be available at the Consumer Electronics
Show, Booth # N220/
/CONTACT: Crystal Jenisch, 201-348-7154, or jenischc@panasonic.com, Bill
Prichard, 201-348-7182, or prichardb@panasonic.com, both of Panasonic; Jo Ann
Bilger of New Directions, 609-951-2230, or jbilger@new-directions.com/
(MC) |
