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

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

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’

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

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

The DMC-GH2 is designed for even more impressive and imaginative AVCHD movie recording. It features Full HD 1920 x 1080² movie recording in smooth 50i, with a sensor output of 50p, and supports 1080/24p native mode with 24Mbps – all adding up to outstanding image quality. The new Cinema mode can be selected to create rich, cinema-like gradation, and Variable Movie mode makes it possible to record at a variable frame rate. The Extra Tele Conversion extends the zoom range up to 2.6x.

The camera offers outstanding usability with the newly developed Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF (Live View Finder) and the easy-to-see free-angle Intelligent LCD. The ever-expanding range of interchangeable lenses is another advantage of the LUMIX G Micro System which now boasts a total of 11 exclusive lenses including the newly-announced single focal length lens LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014), telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) and 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012).

Key Features

Advanced technologies to push the boundaries of creative expression

The DMC-GH2 features the world’s fastest Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the drive speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. As well as improved accuracy, the DMC-GH2 also boasts speed exceeding that of high-end DSLRs that use phase difference AF; due to the advanced contrast AF system. These enhancements, combined with the convenience of Touch AF control, make settings and focusing on the subject incredibly easy and quick.

Elevating the potential of movie recording for a ‘true-hybrid’ digital camera

The DMC-GH2 features Full HD 1920 x 1080 movie recording in smooth 50i, with a sensor output of 50p, and supports 1080/24p native mode with 24Mbps.

A dedicated button on the top of the camera lets the user instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings. The new Cinema mode can be selected to create rich, cinema-like gradation; and Variable Movie mode makes it possible to record at a variable frame rate selecting from 80%, 160%, 200% and 300%. Touch AF in movie recording lets the user enjoy professional-style rack focusing – simply touch the desired subject on the LCD and focus shifts to it automatically.

Intuitive Touch-Control Shooting

The DMC-GH2 adopts the intuitive touch-control shooting first adopted in the DMC-G2. Just touch the 460,000- dot LCD to indicate the subject, and the camera focuses on it instantly.

Touch Control Features

AF Tracking : Touch the screen, and the DMC-GH2 locks on and automatically “tracks” the subject as it moves, adjusting the focus and exposure settings for the best results.

1-Area AF : This mode lets you focus on the subject in any part of the LCD – just touch the screen to direct the focus point. You can also freely change the size of the AF frame.

1-area AF in Face Detection : This mode lets you focus on the subject in any part of the LCD while still detecting faces in the image – just touch the screen to direct the focus point. It lets you capture creative shots, for example, focusing on a flower in front of a person, or directing the focus to a person’s eyes.

Multi-Area AF : The camera divides the 23 AF areas into nine groups. Just touch one of the groups and the camera automatically selects the optimal area from within that group. The cursor lets you display only the part that is within the selected range.

Touch Operation in iA Mode : In iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, simply touch the subject on the LCD and the camera automatically selects the optimal scene mode.

Moveable MF Assist : When you’re in manual focus mode, touch a section of an image on the LCD and the camera shows you a zoomed view of that area – 1x, 5x or 10x – instantly. This makes it easier to check that focus is sharp.

Touch-Operated Playback : A variety of touch-control operations make playback quick, easy and more fun. For example, you simply slide your finger across the LCD to scroll through images, or touch a part of the image to enlarge it to as much as 16x.

Multi-aspect wide screen Live View Finder and free-angle LCD : The DMC-GH2 has a newly-designed Multi-Aspect Wide Screen Live View Finder, with an increased display area of 1,530,000-dot equivalent resolution and 0.71x magnification.

A palette of features to stimulate photographers’ creativity

Panasonic makes it possible to enjoy high-quality shooting in 3D using the DMC-GH2, with the world’s first interchangeable 3D lens⁴. This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens offer enjoyable viewing on 3D televisions such as the Panasonic VIERA 3D TV range.

The DMC-GH2 has an array of features that let users either capture precisely true-to-life images or create their own beautifully expressive images. The camera features My Colour mode with a total of seven preset effects — Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette, and Custom mode lets users manually set colour, brightness and saturation levels.

Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode with new features

The DMC-GH2 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably. It’s ideal for compact camera owners who want to step up to higher-quality photos — but without having to worry about technique.

Other iA features offered by the DMC-GH2 include:

Face Recognition ‘remembers’ faces from previous shots. When a familiar face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritise focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. This clever function makes it easy to get sharp and clear photos of loved ones in a group of people.

Intelligent Image Stabilisation comprises two features designed to capture clear, crisp images – MEGA O.I.S to prevent blurring from hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control which takes into account that the subject is moving and adjusts the ISO setting.

AF Tracking locks focus onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves – making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises.

Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the most common shooting situations – Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Close-up and Sunset, and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.

VIERA Link connectivity Both still images and AVCHD-format motion images recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a compatible Panasonic VIERA TV, Blu-ray Disc Player or Recorder simply by inserting the card into the SDHC/SD card slot. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GH2 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation using the TV remote control.

Rich options for further expandability The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today’s Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GH2 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via the DMW-MA2M or MA3R.

Included Software

The DMC-GH2 is bundled with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition for easy organisation of photos and movies, the SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.1 SE for RAW file development and Super LoiloScope (trial version) for high speed HD movie editing.

Availability

The LUMIX DMC-GH2 will be available in Australia in mid-November from authorised photographic retailers. Colours are Black or Silver. For more information visit www.panasonic.com.au or contact Panasonic on 132 600

1 The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-GH2 and the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140)* to move the lens to “2m” from “infinity” position. The zoom position is in wide range. Panasonic measurement method.*The firmware must be updated to Ver. 1.3 or later.

2 Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080) movies are recorded at 50i (PAL). HD (1,280 x 720) movies are output and recorded by the image sensor at 50p (PAL).

3 In-house comparison with the previous model based on the CIE 1976 UCS Colour Temperature Coordinate.

4 For a digital interchangeable lens as of Sep 21, 2010

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.

The Telephoto Zoom Lens
LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)

The new telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. achieves 300mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 600 mm) handheld ultra-telephoto zoom shots, and has an astonishingly compact and lightweight profile.

The LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. allows photographers to capture distant subjects such as sports events, wild animals and aircraft – without carrying a huge conventional ultra-telephoto zoom lens and a heavy tripod with a high compression effect. Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) powerfully compensates for hand shake to suppress blur in zoom shots.

The lens unit has 17 elements in 12 groups including an ED lens. By adopting the ED lens in the first lens group, chromatic aberration is effectively suppressed to render sharp, high contrast images with stable optical performance over the entire zoom range. The integration of a stepping motor with exclusive zoom tracking control system and inner focus drive system allows the use of accurate and high speed contrast AF, while still maintaining quiet operation.

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 assures durability for active use, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimise ghosts and flare to further enhance shooting performance.

The 3D Lens
LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012)

The world’s first interchangeable 3D lens – the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012) realises 3D still image shooting (35 mm camera equivalent: 65 mm3)4. It features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses, to be processed with a 3D image processing system. Despite its unique performance, the 3D lens is extremely compact thanks to Panasonic’s advanced optical technologies and image processing system as well as structural design.

Shooting 3D content with an interchangeable lens system camera was previously possible by using panorama systems or a combination of two lenses and two CCDs, but these systems have drawbacks including the need for a dedicated 3D camera and the difficulties capturing moving objects. However, this new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting.

It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens offer enjoyable viewing on 3D televisions such
as the Panasonic VIERA 3D TV range.

This year, Panasonic has launched 3D VIERA TVs and a 3D Blu-ray Disc™ player, as well as a 3D consumer camcorder. As well as viewing 3D content, such as movies and sports, there are many consumers who want to enjoy 3D shooting themselves. This lens allows users to shoot landscapes, people, and a variety of subjects in high-quality 3D, to be enjoyed later on their 3D VIERA televisions at home. As 3D content becomes ever more popular across a variety of media, Panasonic is leading the industry in allowing consumers to create their own true-to-life 3D experience, using the LUMIX G Micro System.

Australian availability and pricing for all the lenses will be announced later in 2010.

To see the Full LUMIX G-Series range click here

For more posts on LUMIX Cameras please check here

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.

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

You can access Twitter by entering your existing username and password and you’ll have access to your existing list of “followers” (or create a new account). To post tweets, you can use the existing remote control-operated on-screen keypad, or for faster typing, connect a USB keyboard‘ via one of the TV’s USB ports.

For more about VIErA Cast, check here

For more about Twitter, check out the official site here