Panasonic Offers Plasma TV Customer Support Program

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 6/7/2006

Secaucus, N.J. — Panasonic is launching the Panasonic Plasma Concierge program — an expanded customer support plan for current and new owners of Panasonic Plasma televisions.

“Panasonic believes the nearly 3 million consumers who are expected to purchase plasma TVs this year are entitled to extra assistance to ensure they enjoy an easy transition to HDTV and get the full value of their investment,” said Andrew Nelkin, Panasonic’s display group VP.

The Panasonic Plasma Concierge program will provide advice and answers to users to help them get on with the experience of enjoying HDTV’s benefits. The company is investing more than $15 million in this program, including upgrading its customer call center in Chesapeake, Va., enhancing its Web site and taking measures to improve the overall customer experience, the firm said.

Recognizing that HDTV is still a new technology to many consumers, Panasonic believes that it can help to guide plasma customers through the details of properly enjoying HDTV service. The Panasonic Plasma Concierge program is designed to provide consumers with the tools they need to maximize the performance of their high definition home theater experience.

Available immediately to current and future Panasonic plasma television owners in the United States, the Panasonic Plasma Concierge program will provide customers with a range of valuable owner privileges including:

Live access — Free live telephone access to highly trained and specialized plasma TV consultants who are empowered to help customers resolve issues and provide expert advice on set-up, operation, troubleshooting, integration of the plasma TV with other home entertainment components and other support-related issues.
Priority service — A Panasonic representative will call a consumer within 24 hours of notification to schedule an in-home service visit.
Panasonic Plasma Concierge benefits card — Provides customers with all the information they need to quickly get support and access their privileges, including a dedicated toll-free telephone number.
A range of additional services to be introduced in September are expected to include access to exclusive online content, personalized product information and online chat capabilities connecting customers to plasma experts in real time.

Information on the program will be included inside all plasma television packaging and accessible via the Panasonic Web site at www.PlasmaConcierge.com.