Panasonic adds DVD+R and DVD-RW writing to its new DVD recorders

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2005)
- Affirming its
industry-leading position in recordable DVD products, Panasonic introduces three
new DIGA™ DVD recorders that offer consumers unsurpassed DVD recording and
playback flexibility. The line's newest feature is lightning-fast response in
start-up, recording and Electronic Program Guide display ¯ as quick as 1 second.

Improved horizontal resolution in
LP mode renders images twice as sharp as last year's models, delivering up to
500 lines. A new 12-bit analog-to-digital converter provides high bit, high rate
sampling to convey even subtle nuances and produce smooth, beautiful recordings
with astounding depth.

The three new models, DMR-ES10,
DMR-ES30V and DMR-EH50, have added DVD-RW (video format) and +R recording, and
+RW playback capability, for enhanced compatibility with personal computers and
DVD players.

"Panasonic DIGA DVD recorders
offer all the benefits of the DVD-RAM format, like simultaneous recording and
playback, random access, Chasing Playback, on-disc editing, and multi-format
data compatibility that lets you record TV programs and still pictures," said
Alberto Reggiani, Panasonic national marketing manager. "Now, with expanded
multi-format recording and playback capability, they also let consumers enjoy
all their DVDs, no matter which format they choose."

All three models also record
DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R and DVD-RW discs; and can play back DVD-RAM,
DVD-R¹, +R¹, DVD-RW¹, +RW¹,
DVD-Audio, DVD-video, video CD, audio CD (CD-DA), and CD-R/RW²
MP3**/JPEG formatted discs.

Model DMR-ES30V includes all the
features of the DMR-ES10 and adds a built-in VHS VCR.

The DMR-EH50 features a
100GB³ hard disk drive, offering users up to 177
hours⁴ of recording time. The TV Guide On Screen™ Program Guide
makes recording TV programs as easy as using a PVR, only without subscription
fees or telephone line hook-up. It also features a new, Smart Wheel™
user-friendly remote control to quickly find recorded programs and start
playback faster than ever (200x quick search and fast-forward smooth
search.)

The DMR-EH50's built-in SD Memory
Card slot⁵ and SD viewer for JPEG images allow fast, easy networking
and file sharing between the DVD recorder and many personal computers, digital
cameras and camcorders, and other SD-enabled A/V devices, such as Panasonic's
line of fully integrated VIERA plasma displays.

"With its multiple format
compatibility and SD slot, the DMR-EH50 clearly expresses Panasonic's
'Lifestream' product concept ¯ whole-life connectivity, anytime, anyplace, and
ability to share multimedia content via a 'ubiquitous network' of interoperable
products," said Reggiani.

About Panasonic Consumer
Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic
Consumer Electronics Company 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. Information about Panasonic products is
available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for
journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom or through the company's toll-free
fax-back system at 888-734-7490.

^{1) Discs recorded and finalized*
on DVD video recorders / cameras.}

^{2) This unit can play CD-DA format
audio CD-R and CD-RW discs. It may not be able to play some CD-R or CD-RW discs
due to the condition of the recording.}

^{3) GB = one billion bytes. Useable
capacity will be less.}

^{4) In EP mode you can select
either 6 hours or 8 hours of recording. The sound quality in 6-hour EP mode is
higher quality than in 8-hour EP mode.}

^{5) DMR-EH50 is compatible with SD
Memory Card.  This unit is
compatible with DCF based, still picture (JPEG) files recorded using a digital
camera. This unit is not compatible with sound, moving pictures or still
pictures not in accordance with DCF standards (i.e. MOTION JPEG etc), or with
types of still pictures other than JPEG / TIFF. When saving still pictures on
hard disk drive, it is recommended that you copy them to the SD Memory Card or
DVD-RAM also.}

^{* A process that allows play on
compatible equipment.}

^{** For contents recorded on
CD-R/RW media from CDs for your personal use. Playability may vary depending on
contents and discs. MP3 audio decoding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS
and Thomson multimedia.}

^{*** Manufacturer's suggested
retail price.  All prices are in
U.S. dollars.}

^{Specifications subject to
change.}

Source: Panasonic