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

f e a t u r e
SYSTEMS PANASONIC AV SYSTEM

A U D I O

V I D E O

J U L Y

n sitting down to write this feature, I couldnt help but think of Tom Jones, and one of the songs he made famous. Its not unusual for Audio Video to be given a home theatre system to review that consists of separate component parts, although it is slightly more unusual for said system to come from Panasonic, a company perhaps better known for its all-in-one systems. Its also not unusual for components we receive for review to be technically up to date and feature cutting edge technology.What is a little more unusual, in the case of the Panasonic components featured over the next couple of pages, is the selling price, which when one looks at the features, offers decidedly good value for money. Before moving on to talk about the Panasonic component system, I must add a few more similarities I see between Mr Jones

Peaks

VERDICT At the asking price, the Panasonic home theatre system delivers superb technological and visual value. Speaker mounting flexibility makes them ideal companions to flat, thin displays.

PRICE..R15 000

SUPPLIED BY

Panasonic 086 117-7777

and Panasonic. Both seem to have been around forever, both almost always seem to be able to deliver quality products, and despite the formers advancing age, both are as up to date and as full of energy as ever (I dont think there are too many artists who, without major reconstructive surgery, appeal to youngsters and their grandparents). Moving right along to the Panasonic system, which comprises a SA-XR70 AV receiver, a DVD-S97 DVD player and the SPTP70 speaker package. At the heart of the system is the SA-XR70, which apart from looking sleek and up to date, packs a whole lot of technology under its belt. Features that are not unusual on most new generation AV receivers, including this one, are processing for Dolby Digital EX,
Dolby Surround Pro Logic llx, DTS-ES/ Neo6, component video inputs and output, S-Video inputs and output, component video inputs and outputs, digital input and output, or even 6-channel discrete audio inputs. What is a little more unusual, once again considering the retail price of the entire system, is the inclusion of HDMI in and output. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is - and here I quote directly from a Panasonic website - a new interface standard for digital transmission of video and audio signals.With HDMI, the signals are not compressed. Transmission is direct and pure - free of the degradation and noise that occurs with analogue signal transmission. HDMI supports image resolution all the way up to 1125p, and is particularly well suited for images that will be viewed on plasma display panels, LCD monitors, and other equipment that uses all-digital image processing. In terms of digital audio transmission, HDMI is ideal for DVD-Audio and other high-quality digital formats. It accurately transmits even the most delicate signal components contained in high-quality audio signals.The result is a superb sound, whether the source is two-channel or multi-channel. An added bonus is that HDMI is simple to use, requiring connection of a single cable that carries uncompressed audio - up to eight discrete audio channels - and video signals. I should also add that the SA-XR70 features digital amplification rated at 100 watts, into each of its six channels. Delivering signals to the SA-XR70 is Panasonics flagship DVD Player, the DVD-S97.

With its flagship designation, and due to the fact that it is supplied as part of a system that includes the SA-XR70, one would expect that this model was as technically adept as the receiver, and Im glad to say that it is. Features include HDMI and progressive scan, the ability to play DVD Audio, DVD Video, DVD RAM/DVD-R,Video CD, CD, CD-R/RW, HighMAT,WMA, MP3, HDCD, JPEG and MPEG4-encoded discs.
Outputs include HDMI, Component Video out, SCART Terminal RGB output, 5.1 channel audio out, and both optical and coaxial digital outputs. Naturally the SPTP70 DVD-Audio home theatre speaker package supplied as part of the system has to be able to match the performance of its allied components. Whilst specifications that state that the SB-FS70 front and surround speakers, utilising a 3-way, 4-speaker Bass-Reflex system with dual 8 cm woofers, a 21/2 cm semi dome tweeter, a 1.2 cm dome super tweeter, and response from 140 Hz and all the way up to 100 kHz (-16 dB), this only tells part of the story. The SB-PC70 centre channel speaker, a 3-way, 5-speaker Bass-Reflex model with four 5 cm woofers and a 21/2 cm semi dome type tweeter and response from 130 Hz to 50kHz (-16db), adds a little more substance. Adding low frequency enforcement to the speaker system and upping the ante even more, is the SB-WA70 subwoofer.This speaker features a 100 watt amplifier to drive a 17 cm woofer. Response for the sub is rated at 32 to 300 Hz (-16dB). All speakers, by the way, are video shielded and feature overload protection. As stated, specifications only tell part of the story, but to get the whole picture you have to look at the speakers. When you do this, you will see front and
surround speakers that can either mount on supplied stylish, height adjustable stands, or be wall-mounted next to a Panasonic Plasma or LCD display.The centre channel speaker may also be wall or table top-mounted. The images on theses pages tell a far more erudite story on the look of the speakers, DVD player and AV receiver than mere words do, so instead of trying to describe the components you should just take a look. System set-up was relatively quick and hassle free. Before unpacking the DVD player and receiver, I assembled the front and rear speakers.This involved attaching the speakers to the upright supports, securing the supports to the bases, and running the supplied cables through the stand and attaching them to the multi-way binding posts Once assembled, the speakers were placed in their correct locations, with the centre speaker placed in front of an LCD TV, and the subwoofer placed between the right front speaker and the TV stand. Connecting the DVD player to the AV receiver required only one cable, the HDMI cable. All that was now left to do was to connect the speaker cables to the receiver, which used screw down terminals for front A and B speakers, and clip terminals for the balance of speakers, run a cable to the subwoofer, and power all components up.

I began system calibration first with the DVD player.These included display type: front projector, LCD, DLP, CRT,TV aspect, and if I wanted, a whole host of colour and picture settings including contrast, brightness, and more. Next up I referred to the receiver manual to find out how to enter the system calibration - press and hold the test button - and set speaker size, crossover frequency, level, and delays. I also set the sampling frequency for DVD-Audio to 96 kHz. On the video front, the system simply delivered superb picture quality. Colours were vibrant, noise and glitch free and comfortable on the eye. Sonically the system performed above its retail price and was equally adept at playing movies and stereo-based audio. Audio from both HDCD audio discs and DVD-Audio discs sounded good, and there was definitely an overall enhancement in audio quality as I changed from 48 kHz sampling to 96 kHz sampling. The only slightly disappointing feature was the subwoofer, which due to the relatively high crossover frequency used - around 140 Hz could at times be heard as a sound source, and it did run out of steam before the rest of the system. Overall, the system delivered sonically and visually, and proved to be a system on which Mr Jones was able to belt out his best.

Joel Kopping