PANASONIC ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF WORLD’S BRIGHTEST ONE-CHIP DLP PROJECTORS FOR MID-TO-LARGE VENUES

ATLANTA, GA (June 9, 2004) - Here at INFOCOMM, Panasonic announced pricing and availability of the PT-D5500U and PT-D5500UL, the world's brightest one-chip mid-to-large venue DLP™ projectors.

With an ultra brightness of over 4,500 lumens and a compact design, the new projectors are highly suited for mid-to-large size venues from churches to universities. The benefits of long-life DLP, a Texas Instruments' technology, make these projectors ideal for demanding, non-stop 24/7 applications.

"By combining exceptional image quality, high reliability and flexible installation, the new PT-D5500 Series are the top-performing projectors that systems integrators have been dreaming about," said Steve Abend, Director, Presentations Systems Group, Panasonic Broadcast.

The PT-D5500U and PT-D5500UL are equipped with a high-contrast, one-chip DLP subsystem and a completely-sealed, dust-free, fluid-cooled optical system. The micromirrors in the PT-D5500U/UL's newly-developed Texas Instruments DLP chip are tilted +/- 12 degrees for improved brightness. New Panasonic-exclusive optical technologies deliver an impressive contrast ratio of over 1000:1. Panasonic's newly-developed digital signal processing circuitry greatly improves the projectors' picture quality, making the PT-D5500U and PT-D5500UL perfect for premium home and entertainment installations.

The PT-D5500U/UL display visually-stunning, uniformed colors and ultra-crisp images in 1024 x 768 XGA resolution. Their lens-centered design provides flexibility in system design, because it eliminates the need for any special considerations when planning the unit's installation. The projectors incorporate Panasonic's BriteOptic™ dual-lamp system that delivers the reliability and power of two, new high-intensity 300W UHM lamps through a high- precision prism. Its lamp auto-changer alternates lamp operation to permit extended 24/7 use, and allows operation to continue without interruption even if one lamp burns out.

Setup of the PT-D5500 and D5500UL is easy with one-touch auto-setup with manual horizontal and motorized vertical lens shift and Digital Keystone Correction. For exceptional connection flexibility, the projectors offer a full array of inputs, including DVI, two computer (RGB) and three video (component, composite and S-Video). In addition, the PT-D5500s has a wired LAN connector, RS-232C and external remote terminals.

When connected to a wired LAN, a user can operate a PT-D5500U/UL remotely, check its status using a web browser on a networked PC, and the projector can send e-mail messages to notify a user when the unit's operating condition changes or a lamp needs replacing. The wired LAN connection drives down support costs and minimizes downtime.

Designed for quiet operation, the units are HDTV-ready, and can automatically synchronize to display 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480/576i video in the 16:9 wide aspect ratio. Its Direct Power Off function utilizes a built-in capacitor to keep the projector's fan running to cool down the unit even when the power is turned off.

The PT-D5500U/UL offer a host of security features to prevent unauthorized use, including password protection, operation key lock function, Kensington lock and a security chain opening.

The PT-D5500 series uses a bayonet-type lens system, so lenses attach and detach with one-touch ease. The units can project on screens from 70" to 600", and are only 6.5-inches high and weigh a modest 33 pounds.

The projector's top panel is removable, which makes it easy to change its color or add a logo or graphic. Other standard benefits include: selectable seven-language on-screen menu; and easy lens and dust filter replacement via the back panel.

User can choose between the PT-D5500U, which comes standard with a 1.8 - 2.5 zoom lens, or the PT-D5500UL, with no lens. Optional lenses available for the PT-D5500UL include the ET-DLE100 1.3 -1.8:1 zoom lens, ET-DLE200 2.5 - 4.0:1 zoom lens, ET-DLE300 3.7 - 5.7:1 zoom lens, and ET-DLE050 0.8:1 fixed-focus lens. The PT-D5500U and PT-D5500UL will be available in September. For more information on Panasonic's projector line-up, visit www.panasonic.com/projectors.

About Panasonic Broadcast
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast, professional video and presentation products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is a unit company of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, the principal North America subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC), one of the world's leading developers and producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. Visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast for an overview of all Panasonic Broadcast's product offerings.