Following the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria local director Celeste Geer focused her energy on documenting the recovery process in the community of Strathewen. She and her team created the documentary “Then the Wind Changed”. Her documentary is having its Australian television premiere on ABC1 @ 8:30pm Tuesday Feb 7.

We are proud to have been able to help Celeste and her team in a small way to complete her project and encourage all to watch her documentary.

The primary camera used by Celeste was the Panasonic AG-HPX302EN P2HD camcorder. For information on current version of the camera used in the making of “Then the Winds Changed” see here.

The web site link is http://www.thenthewindchanged.com

Panasonic Corporation was honoured with an Technology & Engineering Emmy Award for its pioneering development of removable solid-state media for video camera/recorders.

The Emmy was specifically presented for the companys creation of the P2 video recording format.

The ground-breaking P2 recording media and accompanying hardware were introduced in 2003 and provided a substantial improvement in workflow by being file based with computer editing, a significant reduction in maintenance and operating costs by eliminating mechanical transports from cameras and recorders, and an overall higher reliability.

With the industry’s first solid-state, no-moving-parts design, P2 products have dramatically reduced the downtime associated with mechanical issues. P2 products are better able to perform in extreme environments and are resistant to temperature extremes, shock and vibration, unlike mechanical tape, hard disk and optical disc-based systems. Reducing the ongoing cost of acquisition, P2 cards can be used reliably again and again, without deterioration in quality.

“Panasonic is honoured to receive the coveted technical Emmy for its pioneering efforts in the development of solid-state video recording,”

said John Baisley, Executive Vice President, Panasonic Systems Communications Company of North America (PSCNA). “Since its inception nearly a decade ago, the P2 recording format has provided video users extensive productivity benefits and Panasonic continues development of the P2 format with new HD and now 3D models.”

Panasonic’s current line-up of high-capacity P2 cards offers transfer speeds substantially faster than most professional solid-state memory cards offered by other manufacturers. All P2 cards use high-quality solid-state memory, extremely durable, die-cast aluminum construction and impact-proof connectors. Additionally, P2 cards facilitate dependable performance during recording in all types of environments, as well as instant access and complete data compatibility in all P2 camcorders and workflow tools.

Panasonic accepted the Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at an awards ceremony held at Las Vegas’ Venetian Hotel during the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show.

The following 2 cameras feature P2HD technology:

• AJ-HPX3100G
• AG-HPX250EN

For more information on P2HD, click here.

PT-AE7000E delivers exceptional brightness, contrast and smooth images for 2D and 3D images

Panasonic Australia today announced the arrival of the PT-AE7000E – the company’s first Full HD 3D LCD home theatre projector – boasting enhanced levels of brightness, superior contrast and smooth images in both 3D and 2D.

Producing an outstanding 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness as well as 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution thanks to a newly developed optical engine, this new model delivers stunning 2D images as well as immersive 3D content at home. It is also one of the world’s first 3D projectors to use transparent LCD panels driven at an impressive 480Hz which, combined with Panasonic’s original Overdrive Technology, significantly reduces crosstalk.

“We believe this product is the ideal solution for those consumers who are after cinema-quality movie or sports viewing in their home on a super-sized screen of up to 200-inches.” said Chris Maw, Product Marketing Manager – Projectors, Business Systems Group, Panasonic Australia.

“With the PT-AE7000E’s key 3D projection technologies developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory engineers who have taken key roles in establishing the industry standards for 3D, the device has been created from the ground up to achieve superior 2D performance as well as deliver unique 3D features for a studio-grade 3D experience in the home,” Mr Maw added.

The Panasonic PT-AE7000E Full HD 3D home theatre projector is available now from selected home entertainment retailers, priced at $4179rrp. Purchasers will also receive two sets of 3D eyewear (size Medium) included for a limited time thanks to a special offer3. Additional 3D eyewear is priced at $169rrp. For more information visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

Key Features

Superior Image Quality

The PT-AE7000E uses frame sequential technology for 3D image projection. The Overdrive Technology has been carefully tuned together with the 480Hz LCD Panel to greatly reduce crosstalk for comfortable 3D viewing. The projector is also equipped with a newly-developed dual-core processing engine so that the projector can process 3D signals with all of the benefits of 2D image enhancements. Frame Creation, Detail Clarity Processor and other innovative image processing technologies are optimised for 3D images in the same manner as 2D images for natural, life-like visuals with excellent clarity and also sharp, clear images for fast-moving action in sports and movies.

The optical system of the PT-AE7000E features a new 200-Watt Red-Rich Lamp and new LCD panels with larger aperture ratio for increased red luminance and brightness output. The combination of fully-optimised Pure Contrast Plates, Pure Color Filter Pro and Dynamic Iris Pro delivers a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness. This produces brighter images with excellent coloring and deep blacks with fine shadow details.

3D viewing can also be adjusted with the 3D Viewing Monitor and 3D Picture Balance features. Because the 3D effect changes with varying screen sizes, the 3D Viewing Monitor ensures that the viewer’s stereoscopic effect is within the recommended zone set forth by the 3D Consortium Committee. The left and right eye images can be displayed side by side on the PT-AE7000E with the individual Waveform Monitor to adjust 3D picture balance.

Other 3D features include 2D-3D Conversion, which converts 2D content into five different 3D effect modes. An optional IR transmitter (ET-TRM110) is available for extended transmission distance.

The PT-AE7000E is designed to satisfy those customers who are looking to customise their home theatre. Many Blu-ray Discs and DVDs come in aspect ratios that are wider than the projector’s 16:9 aspect ratio, to match the image size (2.35:1) seen in movie theatres. The projector’s Intelligent Lens Memory feature makes it possible for the user to easily program up to six different zoom/focus positions. Automatic switching between 16:9 and 2.35:1 video content is achieved through the signal aspect detection capability.

Convenient Connectivity Options and Easy Installation

Enhanced theatre automation, such as lighting and a motorised screen, is possible with the PT-AE7000E, as it is equipped with two programmable 12-volt trigger terminals and VIERA Link®. VIERA Link® provides seamless operation of multiple VIERA Link® compatible Panasonic devices via the PT-AE7000E remote control with backlit buttons.

The PT-AE7000E is also equipped with three HDMI™ inputs (supporting x.v.Color™ and Deep Color), so multiple HD sources can be connected without an HDMI switcher. Initial setup and installation are quick and easy, as the 2x zoom can project a 120-inch diagonal image from as close as 3.6 meters to 7 meters from the screen. The projector’s lens shift capability enables 100 per cent vertical adjustment and 26 per cent horizontal adjustment.

Superb Eco Performance

In addition to its outstanding imaging features, the new PT-AE7000E is also an eco-conscious product. Its intelligent power management system reduces the lamp power to the exact level of brightness required depending on the content being displayed. Advanced Panasonic digital circuitry intelligently determines the necessary power output by analysing more than 3 billion different image patterns. This advanced analysis process reduces power consumption by as much as 10 per cent when the Dynamic Iris function is operating.

Other ecological considerations include an off-timer that reduces wasteful power consumption, and an extremely low standby power consumption of 0.08 watts.

Thanks for being part of the Panasonic online community!

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Providing your feedback means you will be involved in shaping the future of Panasonic and of course, your responses will be kept completely confidential.

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The elite Panaboard newsletter is a quarterly publication full of inspiring lesson ideas, relevant web links, useful applications and tips to assist you in creating engaging lessons with the Panasonic interactive whiteboard.

Click on the PDF links below to discover a variety of ways you can integrate this exciting technology into your 21st century classroom.

Issue 1. Newsletter- August, 2011

Issue 2. Newsletter- October, 2011