Panasonic To Show VIERA DCR Line

INDIANAPOLIS— Panasonic will use CEDIA to launch new series of network security cameras for the professional installation market, and will demonstrate its VIERA line of HD and ED level digital cable ready (DCR) plasma TVs.

Additionally, the company was planning to announce at the show a new large-screen plasma television offering and a new DVD recording deck.

The new “network cameras” will allow users to monitor multiple locations from remote via the Internet, Panasonic said.

The four models offer high-quality, 640 by 480 live video at up to 15 frames per second (fps) or 320 by 240 video at 30 fps.

Users can view images from PCs, PDAs or on a compatible cellphone.

The four camera models will ship between September and December at prices to be announced. The will all come equipped with an SD Card slot for image recording.

The compact cameras are connected via Ethernet (10/100 BaseT Switch) links.

All cameras have the ability to have a date and time stamp on the image, and when used with the BB-HNP60 recording software can function as a remote monitoring tool and recording device.

All models feature a high-speed 100-degree per second pan and tilt control that can be operated via the Internet, giving users a wide viewing range for monitoring homes or business.

In addition to seeing a location, all models also have a two-way audio feature.

Cameras will capture live video in low-light situations — down to 3 Lux or 0.2 Lux when in color night view mode.

Select cameras in the line also feature wireless capability and can be used with a 802.11b or g-compatible router or access point. Two models are designed for outdoor use.

Users can also program the cameras to automatically upload images to an FTP server or Web page, or to automatically send images to them via e-mail.

The company will show five currently shipping VIERA fully integrated plasma models, including three HD models with ATSC tuning, built-in CableCARD slots, HDMI inputs and 3,000:1 contrast ratios.

High definition plasma sets include the 50W-inch TH-50PX25U/P ($7,999.95 suggested retail), the 42W-inch TH-42PX25U/P ($5,999.95) and the 37W-inch TH-37PX25U/P ($4,999.95).

The TH-50PX25U/P and TH-42PX25U/P offer both SD Memory Card and PCMCIA slots. The 37PX25U/P features an SD Memory Card slot for direct digital image viewing.

In addition the company will present a pair of EDTV-level fully integrated DCR panels with 4,000:1 contrast ratios.

The EDTV plasma sets include the 37W-inch TH-37PD25U/P ($3,799.95) and 42W-inch TH-42PD25U ($3,499.95). Both add HDMI inputs, 3/2 pull-down, two-tuner picture-in-picture and SD Memory Card slots.

The VIERA LCD TVs, Panasonic will feature three 4:3 displays and two high-definition models with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratios.

VIERA LCD televisions will include three 4:3 models and two widescreen models. The 4:3 EDTV offerings include the 14-inch TC-14LA2 ($599.95), the 17-inch TC-17LA2($899.95) and the 20-inch TC-20LA2($1,099.95).

The 16:9 widescreen high-definition models include the 26W-inch TC-26LX20 and the 32W-inch TC-32LX20.

All new LCD models feature a three-line digital comb filter. HD models TC-26LX20 ($2,999.95) and TC-32LX20 ($3,999.95) feature 1280 by 768 resolution, and include an HDMI input, and PCMCIA and SD Memory Card slots to aid in network connectivity.

All of the LCD flat panel models have a brightness of 450cd/m2 and a 170-degree viewing angle.

The TC-17LA2, TC-20LA2, TC-26LX20 and TC-32LX20 feature a 500:1 contrast ratio, while the TC-14LA2 delivers a 450:1 contrast ratio.