Maintaining its lead in the business communications market, NPC (Electronics) Ltd - the exclusive distributor and importer of Panasonic and Technics products in SA - has launched the latest in plasma screen technology to the local market in the form of four new Panasonic Professional Plasma Display Panel products.
Unique in their category, the new Panasonic models boast a contrast ratio of 3000:1 the highest in the industry. They`re also the first plasma displays to harness the Real Gamma curve, effectively reproducing 1024 shades of grey in high definition (HD). The result is "Panasonic Reality" projected images, characterised by smooth colour transitions in gradated areas and generally enhanced colour expression.
Certain models also boast Panasonic`s new Contrast Auto Tracking Systems (CATS), which automatically adjusts the contrast setting to compensate for any changes in the ambient lighting of the area where the plasma display is mounted. Then there`s the optional DVI interface, which allows for direct digital input of RGB signals. This doubles the number of grey shades that can be reproduced while minimising distortion and sync problems common in conventional analogue data transfers.
Ben Hunt, director: Panasonic office automation systems and IT products, explains that the combination of Real Black Drive (which makes blacks blacker) and Advanced Plasma AI Adaptive Brightness Enhancer (which makes whites whiter) is the key to the exceptionally high contrast ratio achieved by the new models.
"The improved expression of bright and dark areas is incredible," says Hunt. "This is further enhanced by three-dimensional Progressive Scan capabilities, turning current broadcast signals into the progressive scan signals required for optimal image clarity on the plasma display dot-matrix system. Images are flicker-free, with all input video signals being displayed in easy-on-the-eye progressive format."
Featuring a range of advancements over their predecessors, the four new HD plasma displays are:
* TH-50PHD5: This 50-inch model boasts expanded computer and video signal compatibility that supports display of VGA, SVGA, XGA (1366 x 768), SXGA and UXGA resolution computer graphics and DTV/HDTV signals.
* TH-42PHD5: A 42-inch variant of the TH-50PHD5, offering XGA (1034 x 768).
* TH-42PWD5: A 42-inch model featuring panel brightness of 780cd/m2 as well as Panasonic^1s new ambient lighting sensitive Contrast Auto Tracking Systems.
* TH-37PWD5: A 37-inch variant of the TH-42PWD5, but offering a panel brightness of 650cd/m2.
All four models have RS-232C interface for remote PC control and BNC connectors for all video inputs; and offer an expanded range of horizontal and vertical scanning rates. In addition, the plasma display units features film transfer technology that automatically detects a 3:2 film-based source (24p video).
"This versatility in message origination format, together with the clarity of the displayed image, gives these new plasma display models the potential to take display applications to new heights," says Hunt. "We believe that these products are ideal for updateable digital signage as well as for a limitless array of multimedia presentation applications. Especially as the ultra-thin units can produce a palette of 16.77 million colours and offer a viewing angle of 160 degrees. Also, the units team seamlessly with Panasonic`s iDVR Digital Video Replay servers to provide stunning high definition content for retail, point-of-sale and advertising environments as well as for museums, conventions, entertainment venues, education and corporate uses."
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