Panasonic unveils HD 3D TV, next-gen appliances

MANILA, Philippines - Panasonic made a big splash when it took the wraps off its cutting-edge new 3D TV while simultaneously unveiling a wide array of high-tech, next-generation home appliances in a roadshow at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Ortigas recently. 

Spearheading the big show was the Viera Plasma V series HD 3D TV. This series uses Panasonic’s Frame Sequential technology (instead of the more conventional Line by Line and Checkered Sampling methods) that the company says results in reduced vertical resolution or loss in HD 3D image quality.

The V series boasts an astounding 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and sports four HDMI ports, a USB port, and various energy-saving features. It’s available in two sizes: 65-inch and 50-inch.

The V series also features the enhanced Viera Cast service with wireless LAN adaptor on its USB port, Viera Image Viewer to view JPEG images and HD video recorded on an SD memory card; Viera Link, a PC input, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, 24p cinematic playback, and 600Hz Sub-field Drive, which produces 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution.

In addition, these TVs feature new phosphor science that allows the TV to switch quicker, providing a smooth 3D image. As with all the Panasonic Plasma HDTVs, the Full HD 3D models have a panel life of up to 100,000 hours and are mercury- and lead-free.

Panasonic also showed off its stylish latest line of air-conditioners under the Envio (Environmental Innovation) series.

These air-conditioners offer up to 60 percent savings in electricity bills because of its Inverter Technology, which changes the compressor speed to suit the prevailing environment in a room. After the unit has reached its target temperature, it lowers its power output for lower energy use.

Panasonic’s Inverter Technology provides just the right amount of power needed to rapidly cool a room. The desired room temperature is achieved 1.5 times faster than with conventional air conditioners, meaning less energy is used to reach the set temperature.

Once the room is cool, Inverter Technology varies the power output of the compressor for a continuous supply of cool air at the desired temperature. There is none of the constant on and off of power in conventional air-conditioners that results in huge electricity consumption.

Panasonic’s Envio series of air-conditioners with Inverter Technology are available in four models, ranging from 1hp to 2.5hp.

Next up was Panasonic’s line of “Eco-Drive Inverter” washing machines, which can radically reduce water consumption and energy use while ensuring a gentle wash and quiet operation without sacrificing washing performance.

The “Eco-Drive Inverter” washing machine has a motor that runs efficiently. The powerful motor allows for tub rotation, which saves water and reduces unnecessary power consumption, cutting down on energy use by half.

The Jet Water Circulation feature provides for a shower of water from a vent on top of the washing machine tub. The strong water cascading into the tub pushes dirt out of the clothes. Rotating fins on the pulsator push up water and foam, resulting in a better washing experience even with just little water in the tub. This cuts down water consumption by as much as 50 percent.

Other features in Panasonic’s “Eco-Drive Inverter” washing machines are air dry, where air thoroughly blows moisture out of the clothes as it goes through spin dry, resulting in a shorter drying time; a pulsator with silver components for anti-bacterial effect; a spiral tub for quicker drainage; and a Tub Hygiene cycle to control mold buildup in parts of the washing machine.

Panasonic’s line of “Eco-Drive Inverter” washing machines is available in 12.0 kg and 9.0 kg models.

Last but not least was Panasonic’s Plus Style Vegerator, the latest in its series of two-door refrigerators incorporating the patented Intelligent Inverter technology, which uses a sensor to detect temperature changes whenever the refrigerator door is opened or closed, or whenever there is a change in the amount of food stored inside.

This information is transmitted to the compressor, which then automatically adjusts its rotation speed to match the needed temperature inside the fridge. Operating at a sleep-easy level of quiet, the Plus Style Vegerator has seven stages of power adjustment to suit temperature conditions and maintain optimum levels of energy-efficient cooling.

The 40 percent savings in energy consumption represents top levels in the economical performance of refrigerators, which typically rank second behind air-conditioners in power consumption among home appliances.

Moreover, the Plus Style Vegerator — with its Intelligent Inverter feature and CFC-free refrigerant — also represents a significant step for consumers in their effort to reduce the effects of global warming.

The Plus Style Vegerator also comes with design features that add to the refrigerator’s levels of functionality. A moisture vegetable case, located in the center of the fridge right at waist-height, preserves delicate fruits and vegetables by providing radiation cooling, stable temperature, and ideal humidity levels of up to 91.5 percent in an airtight 47-liter-capacity compartment with gaskets on both sides.

An innovative VitaminSafe lighting system allows flashing green and blue LED lamps to activate the natural defenses of fruits and vegetables, which in turn increases their vitamin content. The Plus Style Vegerator’s anti-bacterial Ag Clean feature lets the refrigerator’s silver filter eliminate 99 percent of bacteria, mold, and odor to keep the inside fresh and clean.

The Plus Style Vegerator’s curved-door exterior features a unique double-sided slit handle that enables smooth opening and closing, as well as an intelligent control panel that allows users to set and adjust power levels even while the refrigerator door is closed.