In today`s digital age, bridging media is the key to effective digital networking. But not just any bridging media. To the contrary, bridging media must have the capacity to record a variety of digital content, make that digital content portable, and link a variety of digital equipment.
If this sounds like a tall order, think smaller. Think Panasonic Secure Digital Memory Card. Widely accepted as the new global standard of memory card for consumer electronics worldwide, the Panasonic SD Memory Card has a lot to offer. For example:
* 1. The SD Memory Card is no larger than a postage stamp it measures a mere 24mm x 32mm and is just 2.1mm thick. This compact and slim format is a key factor in bridging media, as it facilitates moving data between different applications as well as paving the way for applications involving compact personal digital devices.
* 2. The SD Memory Card offers large storage capacity which is vital for adapting to a variety of digital contents. From a single-variant 64MB SD offering at launch, there will soon be three storage sizes in the range - the 256MB SD and 512MB SD cards being launched in July 2002. To put things into perspective, the 512MB SD has the capacity to record 11.5 hours of music at CD quality, 8.5 hours video or 14 080 digital still images! Then there^1s a 1GB SD variant, which is on the drawing board, and which will offer twice as much storage capacity.
* 3. The SD Memory Card boasts an extremely rapid data transfer rate which guarantees fast access to stored data. The transfer rate of the 512MBSD and 256MB SD cards is 10MB per second, which is five times as fast as the 2MB/second rate of Panasonic`s initial 64MB SD card and way faster than any competitor products.
* 4. The SD Memory Card delivers advanced copyright protection, which prevents music and video piracy. This is achieved via full Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) compliance; standard encryption and certification; global standard high security technology; and technology that invalidates encrypted keys in case of copyright infringement. As a result, SD has the software industry`s backing!
* 5. The SD Memory Card offers multi-format compatibility and is capable of storing audio and video data in all current formats. However, playback is limited to devices that are compatible with each format.
Introduced to the market mid-2000, SD Memory Cards are already revolutionising the way people around the world use audio, video and information content. Indeed, the medium has found extensive application in the music and video storage arenas. Among the range of Panasonic SD Memory Card compatible products that have already made their d'ebut are personal audio players, digital still cameras, digital video cameras, car audio systems, portable LCD projectors and IC recorders.
Panasonic will display a selection of these products at Computer Faire 2002, giving consumers the opportunity to observe SD Memory Card technology in action especially the capacity of the medium to bridge technologies by moving data securely between products that are SD capable. The Panasonic products on show include
* The new four-model Panasonic LUMIX range of Digital Still Cameras, where Panasonic`s advanced audio-visual technology has been integrated with the world-renowned optical technology of Leica Camera AG to deliver the high image quality and creative photographic effects of silver halide film in digital networking format. Choose from the DCM-LC5, the DMC-LC40, the DMC-LC20 or the DMC-F7 for the best digital photography there^1s nothing else on the market that can compete with the combination of Panasonic and Leica technologies.
* Five new Digital Video Cameras, featuring the latest advancements in digital video technology. Heading up the range is the MX350, where the combination of Panasonic 3CCD technology and the Leica Dicomar lens produces images that are rich in detail, nuance and atmosphere. Then there^1s the mid-range NV-G5EN and NV-GS3EN, NV-DS30EN models and the NV-DS50EN, each catering for a specific niche in the market.
* The AV10, the world`s first SD-only Digital Video/Still/Audio Camera that doubles as an audio player (it plays back AAC and MP3 music formats), movie camera (recording in MPEG4 format), still camera (it has a built-in flash), multi-viewer and voice recorder.
* The SV-P10 Digital Printer, the world`s first SD printer to offer a mobile alternative to downloading still images to the PC platform prior to printing. Ultra-compact and lightweight, the SV-P10 prints 40mm x 32mm (business card-size) 203 dpi images using line thermal transfer technology and manual-feed photographic quality paper.
* The NV-EX21 EN/A, the world^1s first truly two-in-one digital video and digital still camera. Dubbed the OEe.cam transformer`, the pocket-sized NV-EX21 EN/A transforms quickly and easily between the configurations. Surprisingly powerful, it features a Leica Dicomar lens and high-resolution MEGA Pixel CCD, together delivering excellent images in both still and video formats.
* The PT-712NTE Portable Projector, which offers bright 1600 ANSI, XGA resolution and large image capabilities and features wireless transmission technology.
* The PT-L702SDE Portable Projector, which boasts an extra short-throw lens, enabling larger images to be displayed in smaller areas, 1200 ANSI lumens and XGA resolution (UXGA maximum). Simple, smart and stylish, the PT-L702SDE offers one-touch auto setup convenience with digital keystone correction to ensure projection quality, and is ultra-quiet to operate (just 28dB).
* The ultra-light, compact and wireless SV-SD80 Headphone Audio Player. This audio player, which is the size of a wristwatch, plays CD quality music from a SD card with up to 50 hours` playback. The model also includes WMA, AAC and MP3 Decoders for the widest range in music entertainment.
* The CQ-SRX 7000N SD/CD Car Audio Player/Receiver.
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Illustrating his point, Maddox points out that several future opportunities for SD Memory Cards have already been identified. They include traditional telecommunications (telephone and faxes); mobile communications (cellphones, car navigation, car audio, e-mail and mobile communication terminals); home appliances (microwave ovens, refrigerators, airconditioners); personal computing; and further audio/video applications (television, DVD and portable audio, DV movie, digital cameras). Applications in office automation and power tools are likely to follow suit.
In the meanwhile, Panasonic has spearheaded a local initiative to promote usage of SD Memory Card cards and to establish a community among users. The Internet-portal SDLink.co.za is a platform for marketing new SD products, whether equipment or software. It also provides a source of SD compatible downloads, notably music; and is a single point of access to all SD-related support and product. Notably, Palm and Compaq have already joined the global SD trend in South Africa. In addition, the latest Palm and Compaq hand held computers all incorporate the SD slot for the SD card. Other international camera manufacturers like Canon are also using the SD card in their latest line up, reinforcing SD`s future dominance of the memory card market.
"The growing number of users registered as SD Link subscribers confirms the increasing acceptance of the medium and the need for information on the technology," continues Maddox. "The site fulfills this need by sending regular newsletters detailing new developments, distributed via e-mail."
For more information or a personal demonstration on Secure Data Memory Card technology and its applications, visit the Panasonic stand at Computer Faire 2002.
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