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Technology Stocks : C-Cube -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Peter V who wrote (27731)	1/7/1998 10:59:00 PM
From: BillyG	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 50808

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)