The latest in our ground-breaking Lumix G Series Range, the DMC-GF5
Panasonic is set to launch the Lumix DMC-GF5 Micro Four Thirds System camera. This new camera offers the key capabilities of Panasonic’s LUMIX G Micro System range which includes including outstanding image quality, fast and accurate shooting, creative control and ease of use.
Key features
The Lumix DMC-GF5 camera has a newly-developed 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor for high sensitivity and low noise. A new noise reduction circuit and upgraded Venus Engine image processor further enhance these capabilities.
We are proud to announce that we have added two new 3D Blu-ray™ Recorders with twin HD tuners and one Blu-ray Disc™ Player with HDD recording capabilities to its home entertainment line-up. Boasting enhanced networking and storage capabilities thanks to the new Smart Link with Tablet[1] feature and compatibility with external Hard Disk Drives, while continuing the company’s commitment to high quality picture and sound, design and ease-of-use.
The new range includes the new 3D DMR-BWT820 Blu-Ray Recorder with impressive 1TB HDD, the 3D DMR-BWT720 Blu-Ray Recorder with 500GB HDD and also the versatile 3D DMR-PWT520 Blu-ray Disc™ Player with HDD recording capability, which also records onto a 500GB HDD.[2]
Key features
Smart Link with Tablet (DMR-BWT820/DMR-BWT720)
Users will get even more out of their Blu-ray Recorder by now being able to send a recorded program or live broadcast to their Android Tablet or iPhone/iPad/iPod touch wirelessly, then watch this content wherever they choose in the home.
Compatible with External HDD (DMR-BWT820/BWT720/PWT520)
Storage capacity is greatly increased with the ability to archive hours of recorded programs to an external HDD[3]. Up to 8 external hard drives can be registered, a total of 2 TB of additional storage.
VIERA Connect (DMR-BWT820/BWT720/PWT520)
Each of the new models features Panasonic’s enhanced VIERA Connect[4] IPTV platform, which easily connects to popular social networking sites You Tube, Facebook, Twitter and Skype[5] as well as Yahoo!7’s PLUS7 and ABC iView for an even wider variety of Internet content from the comfort of your living room.
Shoot, Share and Store with 3D Camcorder and 3D-compatible Digital Camera
The Blu-ray Recorder’s SD Card slot lets users enjoy viewing 3D photos (MPO) and movies (AVCHD) shot with 3D-compatible digital cameras and camcorders, as well as viewing 2D stills and movie files. 3D images and video can also be archived to Blu-ray Disc for playback.
DLNA®
Using DLNA technology, Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Recorders can access content held on DLNA Server Blu-ray Disc Players, DVD Recorders with HD Recording, or compliant devices, making it easier to share and enjoy digital photos, music, and videos with home networking. By simply connecting to the Home Network (LAN), the user can enjoy accessing recorded programs, AVCHD video and JPEG files as well as access, browse and view media stored on a server while in another room without having to worry about shuffling discs.
To personalise the experience, the new multi-user mode allows four users to be registered and each can record individual settings. They can also select a personal icon from 16 pre-installed images, or photos from an external source. To further personalise the plaer, there is the option to customise the home screen with any image the user chooses.
Smart Operation
The DMR-BWT820, BWT720 and PWT520 feature the new Simple EPG, which allows the user to simply press the GUIDE button and view the EPG instantly. More information can be viewed at a glance, making program selection easier, and users can continue watching their current program while searching for or recording other programs.
The new user-friendly Function Menu also allows viewers to search through the menu whilst still watching the same TV program, while the Multifunctional Remote features the new Last View function – simply push a button and return to the last channel you were watching. This also has 60 Sec Skip and 10 Sec Skip Back so it is easy to skip to the desired scene. ‘Rewind Live TV’ allows users to rewind live TV back to the desired scene, up to two hours, so important moments are not missed[6].
Superior Sound and Image Quality (DMR-BWT820/BWT720/PWT520)
The 2012 range features an improved UniPhier single chip signal processing LSI with a simplified circuit architecture that eliminates unnecessary wiring, resulting in reduced noise on the picture and sound signal. The UniPhier chip produces high clarity sound and turns off the analogue video circuit when it is not needed, eliminating interference to the other circuits.
Adaptive Chroma Processing, a high quality image processing technology, precisely processes the video signal of each pixel in vertical and horizontal directions. A redesigned DVD Super Resolution Processor helps produce natural images with no false contours, higher resolution for details and a reduction in noise, all resulting in richer gradation.
[3] The External HDD must be USB compatible. All direct recording to the External HDD will be in DR mode. After recording it is possible to change to long recording mode. Up to 8 External HDD can be registered. It is not possible to simultaneously connect 2 or more External HDD. The maximum capacity of a compatible External HDD is 2TB.
[4] Access to a broadband Internet connection is required to use VIERA ConnectTM features. There is no fee to use the VIERA ConnectTM functionality, however, some VIERA ConnectTM services require membership registration and have a separate fee structure. Network services are operated by the respective service providers, and service may be discontinued either temporarily or permanently without notice.
[5] With the purchase of a Panasonic communication camera.
[6] Rewind Live TV will be effective while the channel stays the same. When W-recording, Rewind Live TV will not operate.
Panasonic Awarded Prestigious Industry Accolades for its Digital Imaging Technology
Panasonic wins two Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) Awards
Panasonic is proud to announce that it has been awarded two prestigious 2012 TIPA awards, widely recognised as one of the most coveted photo and imaging awards worldwide. Panasonic’s LUMIX DMC-GX1 was awarded the ‘Best Advanced Compact System Camera’ and the LUMIX G X Vario PZ 14-42mm won ‘Best Compact System Camera Expert Lens’.
Recently, I had the privilege of being able to interview the Managing Director of Panasonic Australia, Steve Rust. I caught up with Steve at Panasonic HQ to ask some questions on behalf of the Panasonic Insider Crew, and obtain his thoughts on the consumer electronics industry in general as well as his outlook for 2012.
Boyd: Thanks for your time and the opportunity to ask you some questions, Steve. First up, what do you think of OLED display technologies and how that will impact the existing LCD and plasma markets?
Steve: I think this year’s market in televisions is going to be mainly around LED. Plasma will remain in the market because there’s a strong awareness of plasma in Australia around the better quality viewing experience that it delivers. We see LED, plasma and new technologies like OLED as different ways of delivering a solution to consumers for television. OLED will have limited penetration because of price and the consumer will need to see a real tangible benefit to buy an OLED television over an LED or plasma television. However, I believe the main trends in television this year will be increased connectivity, slimline units and ongoing improvements to picture quality.
Take smart control of your home entertainment world
Smartphones and tablets are becoming an integrated part of our life and we love it. So we have created free apps that turn your smartphone/tablet into an intuitive remote control for selected models of our 2012 Blu-ray players/recorders, home theatre systems, micro Hi-Fi’s and VIERA TVs.
