look inside!
for great promotions on a broad range of Panasonic products
*Based on NPD Intelect market data for consumer plasma displays during the period 09/04 09/05.

what is the

For more bold ideas visit

of performance?

panasonic.com/electronics

Panasonic Plasma HDTVs

Panasonic hi-def plasmas display billions of colors and feature a high contrast ratio, all of which result in vivid colors and superb detail, especially in dark scenes. Our plasmas are also long lasting, thin, and light enough to be hung on just about any wall.1
Billions of Displayable Colors for lifelike detail Wide Viewing Angle lets you watch from nearly anywhere in the room HDTV Display Capability (1080i, 720p) Quick Response Speed delivers crisp rendering of fast action like sports High Contrast Ratio delivers superb detail, especially in dark scenes

399995 $299995

TH-50PX50U TH-42PX50U TH-37PX50U

Suggested Retail Price*

50" Diagonal 42" Diagonal

249995

37" Diagonal
Who is this woman? Why is she wearing red?
Unlock these and other mysteries for a chance to win big prizes. Play the Panasonic Color of Mystery game at panasonic.com/colorofmystery
* Suggested retail price is the price at which we believe our products can be most successfully marketed and sold. Actual price varies by dealer.
1. Optional wall mount bracket required. 2. 1GB = 1 billion bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
3. Allows display of JPEG still images that are compliant with DCF specications.

picture yourself on TV

1GB SD Memory Card 2
Panasonic TH-50PX500 and TH-42PX500 plasma HDTVs give you the power to be on TV (well sort of). Thats because they feature SD and PCMCIA card slots3 that let you view favorite photos of friends, family, vacations and more, all on your TV screen.
Shown Above: TH-50PX500 & DMC-FZ5
Simply insert your cameras memory card into the plasma TVs card slot and enjoy the show.
Plasma HDTVs with Built-in SD Card Slot & Photo Viewer (shown on cover)
Photo Viewer with SD and PCMCIA Card Slots3 Billions of Displayable Colors for lifelike detail HDMI Input HDTV Display Capability (1080i, 720p) TV Guide On Screen Program Guide4

449995 $349995

Shown: TH-50PX50U 50" diag. Plasma HDTV, SA-XR70 Receiver and DVD-S97 HDMI DVD-Audio/Video Player.

TH-50PX500 TH-42PX500

4. To use this function, you have to connect your TV to a cable TV system providing this service to you or to an over-the-air TV antenna where such service is available. If you nd you are not receiving program information, please contact Panasonic Customer Service to
conrm that your TV is set up correctly and that data is available in your area. If you use a set-top box, the built-in TV Guide feature of the TV will not be functional. The TV Guide feature of this product does not provide listings for programming delivered by satellite services.

In the United States, TV Guide and other related marks are registered marks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or one of its afliates.

Home Theater Systems

$50 Rebate: when you purchase an SC-HT730 or SC-HT830V $100 Rebate: when you purchase a Panasonic SH-FX50 Rear Wireless Kit and one of the following Home Theater Systems: SC-HT730, SC-HT830V or SC-HT930 $150 in Rebates: when you purchase a Panasonic SH-FX50 Rear Wireless Kit and an SC-HT730 or SC-HT830V Home Theater System Offer valid for purchases made through 12/31/05.

Mail-in Rebates

For more bold ideas visit panasonic.com/electronics
Add the Panasonic SH-FX50 Rear Wireless Home Theater Kit to any of the home theater systems below and eliminate the need for connections from the main system to the back of the room.

SH-FX50

Easy-to-use 5 DVD/CD Changer Rear Wireless Ready Height-Adjustable Front-Tower Speakers for layout exibility Dual Unit Active Subwoofer and H. Bass technology bring movies and music to life with incredible power and depth

34995 $39995 $44995

SC-HT730 SC-HT830V (shown below) SC-HT930 (shown in photo)
Shown: SC-HT930 & TH-42PD50U 42" diag. Plasma EDTV

CD Micro System

Easy-to-Use 5-CD Changer 2-Way, Bi-Amp Speaker for high quality audio playback Total Output Power of 160W 40W/ch (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD) + 40W/ch (8kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)

Mail-in Rebate

when you purchase a Panasonic SC-PM31 CD Micro System. Offer valid on purchase made 10/2/0512/31/05.

SC-PM31

SC-HT830V
* Suggested retail price is the price at which we believe our products can be most successfully marketed and sold. Actual price varies by dealer. Restrictions apply. See dealer or visit panasonic.com/consumerpromos for details.

Digital Camcorders

true color
Our advanced 3CCD technology handles color the same way as professional broadcast cameras, for high-resolution images with outstanding color saturation.
Mail-in Rebate when you purchase
one of the models below during the period specied:

1CCD 3CCD

PV-GS150 or PV-GS250: 10/30/051/28/06 VDR-M53: 4/3/054/1/06 PV-GS35: 7/10/051/28/06 For more bold ideas visit

512MB2 SD Memory Card

Digital Cameras
when you purchase one of the following: DMC-FZ30, DMC-FZ5 or DMC-FX8 Offer valid for purchase made 11/20/05-12/31/05. For more bold ideas visit

3CCD Camcorder

3CCD Color Technology 2.3 Mega Still Picture Recording Leica Dicomar Lens

DMC-FZ30

DVD Camcorder
24x Optical Zoom/800x Digital Zoom1 SD Memory Card Slot 2.5-inch diagonal LCD

PV-GS150

VDR-M53

DMC-FZ5

Panasonic Lumix Digital Cameras
MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens
MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) 3.1 Mega Still Picture Recording Leica Dicomar Lens
12x Optical Zoom/4x Digital Zoom1

Digital Camcorder

30x Optical Zoom/1000x Digital Zoom1 USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Port 3-Hour Battery
(DMC-FZ30 and DMC-FZ5 only)

8.0 Megapixels

DMC-FZ30 DMC-FZ5

PV-GS250

5.0 Megapixels

PV-GS35

DMC-FX8
Restrictions apply. See dealer or visit panasonic.com/consumerpromos for details.
1. As digital magnication increases, resolution signicantly decreases. 2. 1MB = one million bytes. Usable capacity will be less.

your life on DVD

Save your favorite TV shows, home videos & photos.

DVD Recorders

Multi-Format Recording/Playback: 1 Second Quick Start1 Recording DV Input (DMR-ES20 and DMR-ES40V)
DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW (playback only)
DMR-ES10 DMR-ES20 DMR-ES30V DMR-ES40V with VHS VCR DMR-EH50 with Hard Drive & SD Slot
when you purchase a Panasonic DVD-LS90 or DVD-LX95 Portable DVD Player along with one of the following Panasonic DVD Recorders: DMR-ES10, DMR-ES20, DMR-ES30V, DMR-ES40V or DMR-EH50 Offer valid for purchases made 11/20/05-12/31/05.

DMR-ES40V

enjoy it almost anywhere
Portable DVD Player with Built-in LCD Monitor
9" Diagonal Widescreen LCD with adjustable viewing angle Up to 10-Hour Playback (DVD-LX95) or 6-Hour Playback (DVD-LS90) with built-in rechargeable battery2 Noise Canceling Headphones included (DVD-LX95) Car DC Adaptor included

39995 $59995

DVD-LS90 DVD-LX95 with SD Card Slot
headphones and carrying case
Buy a Panasonic DVD-LS90 or DVD-LX95 Portable DVD Player and receive FREE, by mail, noise canceling headphones and a carrying case. Offer valid for purchase made 10/2/05-12/31/05.

CY-VHD9401U

The driver must not watch or operate the portable DVD player. Operating the portable DVD player may lead to carelessness and cause an accident. Stop your vehicle in a safe location before operating the unit.

Portable DVD Players

even on the road.
Flip-down Monitor Console with DVD/SD Player
9" Diagonal Widescreen Color LCD MP3/WMA Playback CD-R/CD-RW
1. From power on, recording starts about one second after the REC button is pressed. If the TV GUIDE button is pressed while the unit if off, the Program Guide starts displaying in less than 1 second, with the full Program Guide displaying in about 1.5 seconds (Quick Start Mode).
In the United States, TV Guide and other related marks are registered marks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or one of its afliates. 2. When brightness is set to lowest level and headphones are used.

with O.I.S.

your photos shouldnt be

it can be shaky at times

Panasonic MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) technology helps keep your shots steady, even when your hand is not.
VORTEX Mens Wet/Dry Shaver System
Automatic Charge, Clean and Dry Fastest Shaver with Linear Motor Technology3 Sharpest Surgical Stainless Steel Blades3
$10 Rebate: ES7037CMB, ES4026CMB, ES4025CMB, ES2029A/SB, ES2025/V, ES2015/AC or ES2208CMB
Offer valid for purchase made 11/20/05-12/31/05.
For more ideas for life & info on visit For more bold ideas special offers visit

Personal Care

Mail-in Rebate one when you purchase

of the following:

$20 Rebate:

ES8077S or ES8078S

panasonic.com/electronics panasonic.com/electronics

without O.I.S.

ES8078S
Pro-Curve Mens Shaver/ Trimmer Deluxe Gift Set

Triple Blade Shaver

Pro-Curve Mens Shaver/ Trimmer Gift Set
Double Blade Shaver Shaves Wet/Dry Wet/Dry Ear & Nose Groomer

ES7037CMB

Oxyride Extreme Power Batteries
Shaves Wet/Dry Ergonomic Wet/Dry Ear & Nose Groomer
More powerful and longer-lasting than alkaline. Perfect for digital devices like cameras, MP3 players and handheld games. Available at Target & Walgreens.

ES4026CMB

3-in-1 Ladies Hair Removal System
Epilator Shaver Bikini Trimmer Patented Skin Protector System
Close Curves Ladies Shaver/ Trimmer Gift Set
Pivoting Head Shaves Wet/Dry Cosmetic Groomer

ES2029A

ES2208CMB
Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. The Leica DC Lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certied by Leica Camera AG based on the companys quality standards.
3. Based on laboratory studies conducted in April 2005.

Cordless Phones

of the following: $10 Rebate: $20 Rebate: KX-TGA550M KX-TG5438S KX-TGA551M KX-TG5561M KX-TGA552M KX-TG5571M
5.8 GHz FHSS Digital Cordless Answering System
Shock1 & Splash2 Resistant Handset All-Digital Answering System Caller ID3

KX-TG5438S

5.8 GHz Expandable Digital Cordless Telephone
Expandable up to 8 Handsets Talking Caller ID Dual Keypads with Speakerphone
5.8 GHz Expandable Digital Cordless Answering System
All-Digital Answering System Talking Caller ID3 Expandable up to 8 Handsets

KX-TG5561M

KX-TG5571M
5.8 GHz FHSS Expandable Digital Cordless Handset
for models KX-TG5561M & KX-TG5571M
Talking Caller ID3 Call Waiting Caller ID3 Handset Speakerphone

KX-TGA550M

KX-TGA551M

KX-TGA552M

Add more handsets as your needs grow. Add more handsets as your needs grow.

7995 $8995 $9995

with 1.4" Full Color (4k) LCD with 1.6" Full Color (65k) LCD
* Suggested retail price is the price at which we believe our products can be most successfully marketed and sold. Actual price varies by dealer. Restrictions apply. See dealer or visit panasonic.com/consumerpromos for details. 1. Special construction and a rubberized trim help the unit stand up to everyday wear and tear and occasional dropping.
2. The unit is protected against accidental splashes, although it is not intended to be fully immersed or held under running water. 3. Requires subscription to a name-and-number Caller ID, call waiting and/or voicemail service offered by certain local telephone companies for a fee.

Appliances

Luxury Full-Size 2.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel Finish)
1250 Watt High Power Elegant Design with Mirrored Door & Pop-Out Dial Multi-Lingual Menu Screen

NN-T995

Vacuum Smart
Panasonic vacuum cleaners include a Power On Demand feature that automatically boosts power at heavy dirt areas, so theres no need to go back and forth several times in order to thoroughly clean your rug or carpet.
Bagless Vacuum with Power On Demand
Power On Demand (Automatic Variable Speed) Electronic Dirt Sensor Manual 3-Speed Power Option Adjustable Telescopic Handle

MC-V7720

Bagless Vacuum
Powerful 12.0 Amp Motor QuickDraw2 3-Way Cleaning System Removable, HeightAdjustable Handle Telescopic Wand 17-ft. Stretch Hose

On-Board Tools

MC-V7710
included with models MC-V7720 and MC-V7710.

Hi-Def Televisions

$150 Rebate: TC-26LX50 $200 Rebate: PT-61LCX65 or PT-52LCX65 Offer valid for purchase made 11/20/05-12/31/05.

one of the following:

LCD Projection HDTVs
Multimedia Versatility lets you enjoy HDTV, surf the web via PC input1, view photos from your cameras memory card2, play videogames and enjoy simple HDMI connectivity HDTV & Native 720p Display Format combine with remarkable brightness for incredible viewing Built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC Tuners3
Shown: PT-61LCX65 with optional stand, SC-HT17 Home Theater System & DMR-ES40V DVD Recorder

LCD HDTVs

HDTV Display Capability (1080i, 720p)Viewing Angle lets you watch from almost anywhere in the room Quick Response Speed delivers crisp rendering of fast action

PT-61LCX65 PT-52LCX65

61" Diagonal

52" Diagonal

189995 $139995

TC-32LX50 TC-26LX50

32" Diagonal 26" Diagonal
All pictures simulated. Not all products or promotions available at all dealers.
* Suggested retail price is the price at which we believe our products can be most successfully marketed and sold. Actual price varies by dealer. Restrictions apply. See dealer or visit panasonic.com/consumerpromos for details. 1. Personal computer not included.
2. Allows display of JPEG still images that are compliant with DCF specications. 3. Optional external over-the-air antenna is required for ATSC reception. 4. Optional HDTV set-top receiver may be required to view DTV programming. Optional over-the-air antenna is required for ATSC reception. If your cable company passes through a network
DTV signal unchanged, an optional HDTV set-top receiver can decode and tune the program. However, FCC must-carry regulations for DTV pass-through have not been nalized.

MU050232DM

WHC38.14panasonic_goodmans

4/10/05

Page 42
HEAD-TO-HEAD TEST>DVD recorder/Freeview tuner combis
Panasonic DMR-ES20 vs Goodmans
The price will no doubt sway some to look at the Goodmans recorder, but if its performance youre after, there is only one horse in this race

Panasonic DMR-ES20

Here we have two simple recorders with the added benefits of built-in Freeview receivers. One opts for the -RAM/-R camp, while the other goes for +R/+RW discs, so this should be an interesting tussle, especially when you consider that the Panasonic deck is handicapped by a price tag that is 110 in excess of the Goodmans.

RATINGS

STYLE FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE OVERALL EASE OF USE ####$
When it comes to features Panasonic again steals the show thanks to the use of RAM discs, which allow Chasing Playback, letting you watch the beginning of a programme while the rest is still being recorded.

Time bandits

Time Slip lets you nip back a specified amount of time, while keeping an eye on the live TV signal with a neat picture-in-picture display. There is also a pause facility, frame advance/reverse, slow-motion playback and a 1.3x QuickView feature. Dynamic Range Control tames loud passages while retaining clarity of dialogue, Virtual Surround Sound gives extra impact from two speakers and there is a Dialog Enhancer, comb filter and Seamless Play for smoother edits. The Goodmans offering hits back with a 3x zoom, similar trick-play functions, downmixing of 5.1-channel material to two channels and Dynamic Range Compression. Both decks play MP3 and JPEG files, the Panasonic adding Tiff to the list. When it comes to sockets, neither deck offers a DV-input, but both offer S-video front panel inputs. The Panasonic has an RGB Scart input and output, plus component video output for progressive scan.

And theyre off!

The DMR-ES20 takes an early lead thanks to superior DVD-RAM editing. You get playlist editing, simultaneous record and playback and partial erasing of titles. For increased compatibility with other decks you can use DVD-R/RW and even +R discs instead, but you sacrifice edit functions, as -RW discs are only recordable in Video mode. There are five recording settings (good for 1hr, 2hr, 4hr, 6hr and 8hr), as well as a Flexible Record mode that fits a specified amount of programming on to a disc with the best possible picture quality. There is no satellite control, but the deck can recognise VideoPlus codes for satellite channels and there is a 16-event, one-month timer as well as easy recording via the Freeview TV Guide (leave in standby overnight to retrieve seven days Guide info). The Goodmans offering uses DVD+R/+RW discs, which limits edit options. You can erase or rename titles or discs and add chapters (the Auto Chapter mode adds chapters at 4, 10, 20 or 30 minute intervals). You can pause recordings in order to manually edit out unwanted material. Four recording modes offer 1hr, 2hr, 4hr and 6hr of recording and theres a seven-day EPG for easy timer settings.
####$ ####$ ####$ ####$ ####$

AT A GLANCE

FEATURES DVD-RAM/R/-RW (Video mode) recording Five record settings Freeview receiver Playlist editing Seven-day TV Guide CONNECTIONS S-video input Composite video input Stereo audio input Component video output 2 x Scart (RGB in/out) S-video in/out Composite video in/out Optical digital audio output Stereo audio in/out RF aerial in/out www.panasonic.co.uk 08705 357357
The Goodmans doesnt offer an RGB Scart input, but has both optical and electrical digital audio outputs, where the Panasonic has just an optical output. The Goodmans also has six-channel audio phonos for outputting 5.1-channel material. Both decks are good looking. The Goodmans has a pleasingly clean appearance, with square edges and sharp lines, while the Panasonic is a bit more rakish in its design. The Panasonic has a big edge in build quality, however, being far more sturdy. The Goodmans recorder feels rather plasticky, and has nasty, sharp protrusions on the bottom.
Connect your camcorder or games console here
Composite video in and outputs
Well laid out and responsive
Plays MP3, JPEG and Tiff files

42 WHC DECEMBER 2005

Page 43
DVD recorder/Freeview tuner combis>HEAD-TO-HEAD TEST

GDVDR 305 DVBT

Compatible with JPEG and MP3

Goodmans GDVDR 305 DVBT

The Goodmans offers auto or manual channel search for its Freeview receiver and a simple onscreen display for setup. It also comes with a blank disc, which is a really nice touch. The Panasonic has a similar autotuning function and also has Q-Link for compatible TVs. Its TV Guide can be arranged into four user groupings to make it easier to navigate.
Panasonic uses the Disc Navigator system that it has perfected over the last few years. It is simple, elegant and straightforward. The remote is also well laid out and responsive.
STYLE FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE OVERALL EASE OF USE ##$$$

Four recording modes

Things deteriorate noticeably in the 4hr setting, while 6hr or 8hr recordings are blurred, grainy and plagued by the strobe effect.

Showtime

The Goodmans recorder does its best with composite Scart signals, and records faithfully the rather soft images delivered in this way from a Sky+ digibox. Better results are obtained using an S-video hook-up, but you need to use the front AV inputs for this, which looks rather untidy. If youre not too bothered about Sky you will be happier with the recordings from the Freeview tuner, which are better, depending on how good your signal is. 1hr and 2hr modes are good, while there is a lot of blocking on 4hr recordings. This is joined by the strobe effect on 6hr recordings. Also widescreen recordings from Sky did not trigger our widescreen TV. The Panasonic recorder does a much better job, recording a pristine RGB signal in 1hr mode, and a very good one in 2hr mode.

Let us play

The DMR-ES20 has crisp progressive scan pictures, or sumptuous RGB images via Scart. Youll be pleased with either. Colour rendition and presentation of detail are both strong. The GDVDR305 froze on the first two test discs we offered it, then thought about it for a while and accepted The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy on the second offering. The picture is detailed and vibrant, but there is more artefacting than wed expect from an RGB signal. Skin tones looks pasty and colours are soft. This hasnt been a fair fight the Panasonic costs over 100 more and is clearly aimed at a different sector of the market. But it isnt expensive, and its performance simply blows away the Goodmans at every turn. The price of the GDVDR305 may be tempting, but even cheap doesnt equate to bargain if performance is as questionable as it is here I

###$$ ###$$ ###$$ ###$$ ###$$

TEST SCENE

> >The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Keeping control

When it comes to comparing the remote controls, there is no contest. The Goodmans handset is awful and makes using the deck a nightmare. It is unresponsive in the extreme, with multiple presses of a button often required to get a response. This makes navigating through a DVD a real pain. Point the remote directly at the deck for best results, but even then requests often fall on deaf ears. The operating system is also a bit of a mish-mash, with buttons dotted all over the remote and sometimes even referred to in onscreen prompts by the wrong name.
Five recording modes on offer
THE DMR-ES20 DELIVERS A CRISP PROGRESSIVE SCAN PICTURE,
Some intricate detailing provides a surprisingly stern test, with the Panasonic doing better
FEATURES DVD+R/+RW recording Four record settings Freeview receiver Seven-day EPG 3x zoom CONNECTIONS S-video input composite video input stereo audio input 2 x Scart (RGB output only) S-video output Composite video output Optical digital audio output Electrical digital audio output Six-channel audio output RF aerial in/out www.goodmans.co.uk 0870 1689000
Inputs for a camcorder, but theres no DV-input Composite video, electrical and optical digital outputs An ultra unresponsive handset

WHC DECEMBER 2005 43