Campaign Also Promotes Innovative Application of Skype™ Communication Service on VIERACAST

SECAUCUS, N.J., May 20 — (PRNewswire) — Panasonic, an industry leader in Full HD 3D and HDTV technology announced today the start of an advertising campaign focusing on the company's innovative, award-winning Full HD 3D VIERA™ Plasma TVs and the introduction of the Skype on your VIERA personal video conferencing feature which has been added to the VIERACAST™ internet functionality.

The campaign, created by Panasonic's agency Arnold Worldwide, reinforces the immersive and lifelike experience consumers get while watching Full HD 3D on Panasonic VIERA Plasma displays(1).  The television commercials also reinforce the reasons why Plasma is considered the best technology for 3D viewing because of its ability to provide Full 1080p resolution to both the left and right eye.  The fast-switching phosphors, Infinite Black Panel Pro and dual scanning technology in tandem, provide the great depth and clarity that are vital to the true Full HD 3D TV viewing experience. The Skype portion of the overall campaign reinforces the benefit of connecting with family and friends through Skype video calls on a large screen TV.

"We only have to look to the global success of Avatar and popularity of other 3D films released within the last year to realize that the widespread adoption of 3D TV within our own homes is underway," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We're extremely excited that Panasonic is embarking on one of its most extensive and ambitious advertising campaigns to support and promote the phenomenal capabilities of our award winning lineup of superior 3D technology products.  Our objective is to ensure that consumers who are shopping for a new television or BD player take the time to learn about this 3D technology transition that Panasonic has created. "

The campaign kicks-off with television advertising placements in major markets, as well as spots on national (including DirecTV) and Spanish-language cable stations. To further elevate the ambitious campaign, the TV spots will be supported by national cinema, print and online campaigns, as well as targeted out-of-home (billboards, bus shelters) promotions in key markets. The TV campaign runs through the week of June 14, 2010.  For a look at the Full HD 3D commercial and a sneak peek at the upcoming Skype on your VIERA television commercial, visit   http://www.youtube.com/panasonicusvideos.

Panasonic's VIERA VT25 Series Plasma Full HD 3D TVs, which include one pair(2) of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (TY-EW3D10U), is now available at retailers nationwide in 50-inch class (49.9 inches diagonal / SRP $2,599.95) and 54-inch class (54.1 inches diagonal / SRP $2,999.95) sizes with 58-inch class (58.0 inches diagonal / SRP $3,399.95) and 65-inch class (64.7 inches diagonal / SRP $4,299.95) sizes to follow in June.  The Panasonic TC-P50VT25, a 50-inch class Full HD 3D TV (measured diagonally 49.9-inches) was awarded the prestigious Best in Show at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Complete technical specifications for the VT25 Series are available at www.panasonic.com.

Panasonic's range of Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma HDTVs, when coupled with Panasonic's 3D Blu-ray Disc players (DMP- BDT300 and DMP-BDT350)(3) bring a new era of immersive visual entertainment into consumers' homes, by creating a 3D experience that easily rivals the best that can be seen in cinemas. By delivering a full 1080p-resolution image to each eye, Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology offers consumers the highest possible visual experience. To enjoy Full HD 3D programming users wear stylish and lightweight active-shutter eyewear.  The sets are also Full HD TVs that display pristine 1080p content in two dimensions (2D) for conventional HD viewing.  

To further promote and raise consumer's awareness of 3D's immersive entertainment experience, Panasonic recently announced exclusive agreements with two of Hollywood's premiere film studios, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Entertainment, to offer the Blu-ray 3D versions of Fox's Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Universal's Coraline, two of the industry's most successful theatrical 3D titles, with purchase of Panasonic VIERA Full HD 3D TVs. For more information on Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.

The recent addition of Skype to Panasonic's VIERACAST IPTV offerings(4) allows owners of 2010 VIERACAST-enabled Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs (VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series) to make voice and video calls to family and friends from the their living rooms directly through their Panasonic VIERA HDTV using Panasonic's Skype-enabled camera (TY-CC10W) which is sold separately (SRP $169.95).

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 Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs.  Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

(1) Current 3D content will be limited and may include certain Blu-ray Disc titles and satellite programming.  Additional equipment and/or subscription fees will apply.  3D Blu-ray Disc Player and discs sold separately.  3D Eyewear required for viewing.  One pair of 3D Eyewear included with TV purchase.

(2) Additional pairs of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (TY-EW3D10U) are available at retail (SRP $149.95).

(3) Panasonic's Full HD 3D products meet the recently announced Blu-ray 3D™ specification standard.  This standard, which represents the work of leading Hollywood studios and consumer electronic and computer manufacturers, enables the home entertainment industry to bring the 3D experience into consumers' living rooms on Blu-ray Disc, the most capable high definition home entertainment platform. Individual manufacturers and content providers will now be able to provide the technical information and guidelines necessary to develop and bring products to market.

(4) Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Panasonic's Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10) is required for Skype video functionality.  Only Panasonic's proprietary camera can be used to access Skype on your VIERA video calling features.  Camera sold separately.  Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling. Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

SOURCE Panasonic

Contact:

Panasonic Arnold Worldwide Skype Chris DeMaria of Panasonic Phone: +1-201-348-7182 Email Contact Blayne Murphy of Cohn & Wolfe Phone: +1-212-798-9763 Email Contact Web: http://www.panasonic.com