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New exclusive Panasonic Bonus 3D AVATAR Home Theatre pack promotion announced

Customers who purchase any Panasonic 3D TV[i] between 1 November, 2010 and 31 December, 2010, will receive a bonus 3D AVATAR movie on Blu-ray disc, a 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System, plus a bonus pair of medium sized 3D eyewear to the total value of up to $1,348RRP. You can visit the official promotional site here for more information.

“We are excited to bring AVATAR in 3D exclusively to Panasonic’s customers and for the very first time to lounge rooms.”
Matt Pearce, Group Marketing Manager, VIERA, Panasonic Australia

Panasonic extended its range of VIERA Full High Definition 3D TVs in September with the long-awaited TH-P65VT20A and TH-P58VT20A. These larger models join the TH-P54VT20A and TH-P50VT20A to offer consumers even greater choice in 3D viewing.

“AVATAR set the standard for the 3D cinema experience; Panasonic through the use of Neo Plasma sets the standard for the home theatre experience by utilising the benefits of Neo Plasma technology. Superior speed, colour, contrast and moving picture resolution all ensure the very best home theatre experience possible. There really is no better way to experience AVATAR than watching it on one of Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Neo Plasmas. We believe this promotion provides consumers with a really compelling incentive to embrace 3D this Christmas.”
Matt Pearce, Group Marketing Manager, VIERA, Panasonic Australia

The Panasonic VIERA 3D VT20 Series not only features exceptional picture quality but also boasts a range of convenient networking features, including DLNA®-networking which lets the user stream content stored on other DLNA-enabled products in the home network, USB HDD playback and recording, and Skype™ voice and video calling capabilities. The Series also features VIERA CAST™, a function that lets users view Internet content in their living rooms, and the popular micro-blogging service Twitter. Plus7 delivered by Yahoo!7 for VIERA CAST™ will be available later this year.

All four models feature VIERA Link, which allows users to operate all compatible Panasonic A/V components using only the TV’s remote control, and VIERA Image Viewer with an SD Card slot for viewing your favourite AVCHD videos and JPEG images on the Plasma screen.

The bonus Panasonic SC-BTT755 Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc^TM Home Theatre System offers advanced sound technologies to complement stunning 3D images. It features an Advanced Bamboo Cone Speaker for clear vocals that are not overwhelmed by sound effects and a Kelton Subwoofer for robust bass. It incorporates a stylish, slim speaker box that suppresses unwanted acoustic reflections to achieve pure, high-quality sound and boasts four tall-boy speakers so there is no compromise on style or sound quality. The SC-BTT350 features a five satellite speaker system for clear, detailed sound.

The Bonus 3D eyewear has an Auto Power Off function which automatically turns the eyewear off if they are placed in a location outside the viewing range for 5 minutes, even if the TV remains switched on.

To receive the Bonus Gift valued at $1,348RRP (including the Panasonic Blu-ray Home Theatre SC-BTT755, 3D Avatar Blu-ray Disc and medium sized 3D eyewear), the eligible Panasonic VIERA Plasma models are:

Model RRP

TH-P65VT20A Full High Definition 3D VIERA Plasma $5,999

TH-P58VT20A Full High Definition 3D VIERA Plasma $4,499

TH-P54VT20A Full High Definition 3D VIERA Plasma $3,999

TH-P50VT20A Full High Definition 3D VIERA Plasma $3,299

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[i] All gifts to be claimed by online registration and verifying documents must be posted within 21 calendar days of purchase. Claims will be fulfilled within 8 weeks from the time the claim is validated.

In the first of our series on ‘Demystifying 3D’ we look at the some of the basics of 3D and how it works.

Why do we see in 3D?

Let’s go back to basics for a second. When we watch TV on a regular 2D screen the image appears flat, this is because it’s filmed with one camera and one lens, so it’s like watching the world with one eye shut. However the fact that we have two eyes allows us to see the world in 3D, this is due to an effect called ‘stereopsis’, which gives us ‘stereoscopic’ vision. ‘Stereoscopic’ vision gives us the ability to see depth — basically, each of your eyes sees a slightly different image of the same scene. Your brain analyzes and processes the differences between the two images to reconstruct spatial conditions, enabling you to see things with three-dimensional depth.

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To explain this effect here is the Colin Harm, Panasonic Australia, Training Manager

You can try this excercise on yourself and see the effect for yourself, just follow these instructions:

Place your finger just a few centimetres in front of your eyes and shut your left and right eye alternately. You’ll see the object changes (or rather, the finger moves).
Now try it with the arm fully extended. Again the object changes, but not quite as much. If you look at the same finger, say 20 metres away, it will hardly change or move. To put it simply, it’s the combined work of both the left and right eye which allows us to see two images as one and therefore to see life in 3D.

As you can see from the experiment the closer the object is to the eyes the greater the distance between the left and right eye the greater the 3D effect appears.

This is the first in our ‘Demystifying’ 3D series, the next installment will focus on 3D facts.

To read more posts on 3D click here

Fifth in Air Conditioning Webisode Series Explains ‘Inverter Technology’

Panasonics revolutionary ‘Inverter Technology’, which is present in all Panasonic air conditioner models, significantly reduces electricity bills while also helping to maintain a constant temperature in your home throughout the day. The Inverter technology helps the air conditioning unit reach the desired temperature faster than other units, and is constantly on to decrease energy wastage.

For more information on the whole range of Panasonic Air Conditioners visit the official site here

For a complete checklist of what to be aware of when buying an air conditioner check here

Download the full 2010 Panasonic Air Conditioner brochure here

The next in the series of webisodes will focus on ‘Installation’

Professional photographer and Lumix Ambassador shares tips on shooting with a Lumix FT2

Ken Duncan was recently in Fiji carrying out some photo workshops with Australia’s top Lumix salespeople as well as doing some product testing. While he was there he put together some tips on shooting with the waterproof Lumix FT2.

You can watch his tips here:

Here are a few of the shots that Ken took on the trip with the FT2

Fijian Fisherman

“This young Fijian man had been fishing while waiting for the tourists he had taken out to finish their snorkeling. When I came up to the surface, I saw him there and thought what a wonderful contrast the bright yellow boat made against the bright blue water. So I shot with my lens half out of the water to show a view of both worlds.”

Fish Reflections

“When taking underwater shots, some of the most fun shots can be taken looking back up towards the surface. The sunlight filtering through the water can create some wonderful effects and you can get all sort of reflections and refractions of light. Here you can see the reflection of a fish as he swims close to the surface. Maybe this is why fish sometimes come up to the surface – to have a look at themselves.”

For more tips, galleries and videos from Ken check out the official Lumix site here

You can view more images from the trip on our official Flickr profile here

You can find out more about the FT2 here

For more posts about Lumix Cameras click here

Announcing our ‘Shoot Share & Win’ Facebook promotion!

We’re delighted to announce the start of the ‘Shoot Share & Win’ competition on our official Panasonic Facebook page here. We’re giving twenty lucky winners the opportunity to win one of twenty TA1 Full HD Mobile Cameras, and then three more lucky winners the chance to win a Nintendo Wii Pack.

To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is become a fan of Panasonic Australia on Facebook and upload a funny video. The twenty entrants with the most votes and as decided by a panel of judges will each recieve a TA1 camera. Each of these winners will then be invited to remake their winning video with the TA1 to be in with a chance of winning a fantatstic Nintendo Wii Pack. Best of luck to everyone!

‘Shoot Share & Win’ is in celebration of the release of the Panasonic TA1 which you can find more about on the official site here and on the blog here

Here at Panasonic we are running a worldwide initiative called ‘Earth Lunch Hour’, the idea being to convince as many people as we can around the globe to have the most eco friendly lunchbreak possible. As part of the ocasion we will be running the ‘Eco Cook Fest 24′ where we spend 24 hours making, tasting, being surprised by, and enjoying amazing ingredients and recipes from around the world.

We also look at non-wasteful cooking methods that were contributed to the Tokyo eco ideas Kitchen. You can watch the whole of the ‘Eco Cook Fest’ here and you can follow the whole event through the official Twitter profile @EarthLunchHour here and you can also find our more about the event as a whole by checking the official site here

You can also join in Earth Lunch Hour by watching everything from the food you eat to the wastage you create eating in your lunch break. At Panasonic we will be providing an ‘eco aware’ lunch to employees that will use local produce and seasonal ingredients to decrease the carbon footprint, and the meals will use all of the food ingredients to minimise wastage.

We want to spread the ‘Global Earth Lunch Hour’ beyond the doors of just Panasonic, so we have created a list of things you can do to have your own eco friendly lunch

- Minimize the washing up after your lunch meal, and use biodegradeable detergent

- Seperate your rubbish into recyclable sections

- Turn off any lights not being used

- Try not to create much waste

- Seasonal ingredients and local produce

- Eat more vegetables, smaller fish and meat from smaller animals

- Use natural ingredients, organically grown and pesticide free

You can find out more about the event as a whole by checking the official site here or you can also download this informative pamphlet

Enjoy creative photography with touch-control with the LUMIX DMC-GH2

We’re pleased to announce the LUMIX DMC-GH2 – the latest member of the LUMIX G Micro System of new generation interchangeable lens system cameras – with all the creativity and versatility the G Series has to offer, including a downsized body, intuitive touch control, the world’s fastest Light Speed AF¹, Full HD movie recording, and compatibility with Panasonic’s new interchangeable 3D lens.

Fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the DMC-GH2 combines a compact body with advanced functions that achieve both high performance and operational ease. The new camera boasts the world’s fastest level Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second to capture spur-of-the-moment opportunities in sharp focus. The key components including the sensor and the image processing engine are enhanced to achieve even higher performance and render stunning images with high resolution, beautiful gradation and high sensitivity.

“The LUMIX DMC-GH2 realises all the latest innovations of the G Series and adds exciting new functionality – such as Light Speed AF and 3D lens compatibility, to offer outstanding performance, ease of use and creativity.”
Richard Phillips, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia

» Read more..

We’re pleased to announce three new interchangeable lenses based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard.

These innovative new LUMIX G Micro System lenses include the world’s first interchangeable 3D lens¹, the world’s lightest² interchangeable single focal length lens, and an ultra-telephoto zoom lens. All three lenses realise high optical performance and compact size and offer many technical advantages. They bring the total number of LUMIX G Micro System lenses to 11.

The Single Focal Length Lens
LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014)
The world’s lightest interchangeable single focal length lens, the LUMIX G 14 mm / F2.5 ASPH. features a 14mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 28 mm) wide angle and F2.5 brightness with sharp, high contrast image rendering. Taking advantage of the wide angle of view and deep depth of field, the compact LUMIX G 14 mm / F2.5 ASPH. offers excellent performance in shooting not only landscapes but also indoors.

Comprising six lenses in five groups including three aspherical lenses, the lens system achieves both compact size with a short overall length of 20.5mm and high optical performance. It also excels in shooting subjects with straight lines such as architecture, thanks to the minimised distortion. The integration of a stepping motor and inner focus drive system facilitates the use of silent, high speed contrast AF.

Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. The highly reliable metal mount ensures durability for active use, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimise ghosts and flare to further enhance shooting performance.

» Read more..

We know it can be difficult choosing an Air Conditioning unit, especially with summer just around the corner, that’s why we’re pleased to announce our clever new ‘Air Conditioning Sizing’ iPhone application. The application removes the headache of shopping around for the right air conditioning unit, by providing quick, accurate and easy product recommendations based on a few small bits of information.

To use the application all you have to do is simply enter your room environment details including size, insulation, heating and cooling requirements for recommendations to be generated including an useful ‘Where To Buy’ function to locate your nearest retailer or specialist Air Network Installer. The application also includes information about the unique features of the Panasonic Inverter Air Conditioning range with images, videos and handy tips.

You can find out more about our 2010 Inverter Air Conditioning range here.

Australians will be able to “tweet” from their TV following the announcement today of the availability of Twitter on selected Panasonic 2010 VIErA TVs .

You will now be able to use Twitter on 2010 VIErA Cast enabled VIErA TVs that are connected to a broadband connection. Users can access their existing Twitter account, with the ability to send Twitter updates or “tweets” to other Twitter users on PC’s, mobile phones and other Twitter-ready TVs. The Twitter service is available on VIErA D25 Series LED LCD TVs, S25 Series LCD TVs, and VIErA VT20 and V20 Series Neo Plasma TVs.

“The launch of Twitter is the latest in an increasingly wide range of exciting features available on VIErA TV’s. With Skype and now Twitter available on VIErA Cast, it’s now possible to use your TV to communicate with others via some of the most popular online communications services available.There’s over 2.5 million Twitter accounts in Australia today, and we’re excited to provide them the ability to use Twitter with ease from the comfort of their living room on their big screen VIErA TV.”

Glenn Zanoni, Product Marketing Manager, Panasonic Australia

» Read more..