The new Panasonic VIERA HDTVs have been built with tru2way technology inside, giving consumers access to two-way digital cable programming, like video on demand without a cable set-top box.

Tru2way technology is being used to create a common software platform that will enable companies, to extend interactivity to the TV set and other devices. 

Panasonic and Comcast have worked together to lead the development and deployment of this tru2way technology, which are based upon specifications developed by CableLabs(R), the industry’s research and development arm.

Chief Technology Officer, Panasonic Corporation of North America said: 

“The arrival of the first tru2way HDTVs at retail combined with Comcast’s activation of its first tru2way head ends are among the most significant milestones in the cable industry and are a huge win for consumers”

“At the May 2008 Cable Show, we stated with great confidence that the first tru2way HDTVs would be available for consumer to purchase at retail by fall 2008. We are especially delighted to have partnered with Comcast and CableLabs to make good on that promise and bring the benefits of open networks to cable subscribers”

Panasonic’s first tru2way enabled Plasma HDTVs will be available in 42-inch and 50-inch with integrated tru2way cable receiver capability within the set’s chassis.

The IFA show in Berlin next month looks set to be the stage for Panasonic to showcase their full HD 3D TV technology, due to be launched to the consumer market next year.

The IFA, one of the worlds largest consumer electronics and home appliances trade shows, has been running since 2006 and is open to both industry experts and the general public.

One of the highlights of the Panasonic stand will be their 3D Cinema Experience area which will include two cinemas fitted out with its full HD 3D home cinema system (with a great deal of polarised glasses on standby too one would imagine!), where visitors can watch 3D film trailers, as well as take part in an “unparalleled 3D experience”.

Panasonic said its IFA demo “goes well beyond today’s conventional 3D technology, with far superior Full HD picture quality and a lifelike viewing experience”.

Source: What HiFi

The 3D momentum is certainly picking up speed, and Panasonic are ensuring they stay ahead of the 3D game with plans to release a 3D Blu-ray player by next year.

Having recently overcome some technical challenges, Panasonic are now working directly with Hollywood studios 3D development teams.

The extra storage needed to accommodate the demands of a 3D image have been combated by a new compression codec being fitted, plus the 3D Blu-ray player looks set to have massive processing power – enabling GUI (graphical user interface) and 3D disc menus.

Panasonic are not just stopping with a 3D Blu-ray player either, they also intend to develop a Plasma 3D Full HD Home Cinema System, a 3D-ready digital cinema projector and a 3D-ready MPEG-4 high profile encoder!

It all sounds very interesting as well as being a 3D fans dream come true.

Are you a fan of 3D?

For the third year in a row, Panasonic have received the highest accolade from consumers who have rated their digital cameras as the most reliable on the market.

Which? magazine recently asked its readers to rate products ranging from electrical items to cars for overall satisfaction and reliability.

Panasonic came up trumps across the board with not just their digital cameras receiving praise – Panasonic camcorders received an impressive 96% score for reliability and their imagery and DVD products achieved the highest customer satisfaction score in the survey.

Panasonic LCD TVs also fair exceptionally well receiving the highest customer score across all of the products contained within the survey.

Do you own any Panasonic products? Would you, like the readers of Which? magazine, call Panasonic the most reliable?

Panasonic have launched new two Full HD Compact Cameras and have proudly proclaimed them to be the ‘worlds lightest’.

Despite their small size, weighing in at less than 230g, both the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 are loaded with impressive technological features.

The DS10 and TM10 HD camcorders differ only with their recording format – the SD10 records to SD/SDHC Memory Card, while the TM10 offers 8GB built in memory and SD/SDHC Memory Card recording.

Both have 16x optical zoom, an auto exposure tracking feature, automatic scene mode capability, face detection, intelligent contrast control and optical image stabilisation, useful for when in motion.

Panasonic say both of these HD Camcorders will automatically power on in 1.9 seconds after the LCD is flipped so events can be captured as they happen. There is also the Pre-Rec function which continuously records 3 seconds of images onto the internal buffer so you don’t miss any action – perfect for eliminating those moments when the record button is pressed too late.

These compact HD Camcorders are light, fit easily in a handbag or palm without causing fatigue and have the requirements to produce top quality images. However, with the constant advancement in technology today, how long will Panasonic be able to hold on to claim of producing the ‘worlds lightest’ camcorder? 

The Panasonic HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 will be available in the UK from June 2009.

If you just managed to get your hands on a 42-inch TV you better enjoy it now because according to Sharp your TV will be old hat by 2015.

The prediction is based on the sales numbers in the last 12 months, sales of 46-inches TVs and above have risen 272% suggesting big screen TVs are becoming the norm rather the exception. Other screen TV sizes have also increased sales, 40-42 inch TVs sales are up 123% and 37-inch TVs sales are up 308%.

Mr Mike Gabriel, Head of Marketing and Communications for Sharp Electronics UK, said:

“Big screens are no longer for just shop windows or shiny office receptions. The demand for HD-ready 1080p picture quality in the home has led to an increase in both the affordability and availability of larger TVs. People can now expect a home cinema experience from their TV and technology that was once associated with the rich and famous is now accessible to homes across the country.”

The only problem with this mega sized TVs is where to put them as our houses continue to have the same size rooms.