Panasonic Announces Availability of Industry's First 1080p 42-Inch Plasma HDTV

The arrival of the 1080p 42-inch Plasma rounds out Panasonic's 2007 line of critically acclaimed 700 Series 1080p HDTVs which includes 42, 50, 58 and 65-inch models as well as the 103-inch model -- the world's largest 1080p Plasma on the market today. Panasonic's 700 Series has received stellar reviews from some of the leading industry media for their deep blacks, high contrast ratio, excellent shadow detail, and clean images.

"This year's buzz word with consumers looking for flat panel HDTVs is most definitely 1080p," said Dennis Eppel, Vice President, Panasonic Display Company. "We listened to our consumers and they want choices when it comes to 1080p. The arrival of our 42-inch 1080p model gives consumers what they want; the widest range of 1080p screen sizes combined with the undeniable power of Panasonic Plasma."

Included in the feature package of the TH-42PZ700U (which has a native resolution of 1920x1080) are two HDMI inputs, and an SD card slot which enables consumers to quickly and easily view their digital photos on a large Plasma screen. The model also features EZ Sync which enables consumer one-touch operation of all compatible components.

As with all Panasonic Plasma HDTV's, TH-42PZ700U owners are entitled to free membership in Panasonic's exclusive Plasma ConciergeTM toll-free customer support. The program, supported by Panasonic's award-winning Customer Call Center, offers members an exclusive range of important and unique features including live access to specialized Plasma TV consultants, a loaner program if a unit needs to be removed for repair, on-line chat capabilities, Priority Service Scheduling, and call staff that are empowered to resolve issues swiftly.

Consumers also can find facts on the ins and outs of shopping for a flat panel at www.panasonic.com/plasmacentral.

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 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic's exclusive Plasma Concierge program is administered through Panasonic's Virginia-based Call Center, recognized as a Certified "Center of Excellence" by the Center for Customer-Driven Quality™ at Purdue University. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.