Panasonic Expands Professional 'PROLINE' Family With Addition of New Digital Video Products.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2000

Two Shoulder-Style Camcorders,

VTR and Master-Grade Videotape Unveiled

270-Min. Record AG-DVC200 is First

Camcorder to Use Large DV Cassette

Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company announced key new DV-format models for its PROLINE product family, including the AG-DVC10 Mini-DV camcorder, the AG-DVC200 DV camcorder, the AG-DV1000 Mini-DV VTR as well as a new series of master-grade DV videotape. These innovative additions join the well-established PROLINE product line that includes the AG-DV2000 DV VTR and the AG-EZ30U Mini-DV camcorder.

"When video users make the decision to go pro, the first place they have turned is Panasonic's PROLINE, because it has offered the widest selection of pro video gear at the most affordable prices," said Stuart English, Vice President, Marketing, Panasonic Broadcast. "The new DV PROLINE continues that distinguished tradition by offering users stepping up to digital video top-level features at a cost that's easy on their budget."

Panasonic's DV PROLINE offers analog users many benefits, including substantial improvements in picture quality, color reproduction and audio quality; the capability to perform multi-generation edits and dubs with no quality loss; ultra-compact media that requires little storage space; and a computer interface (IEEE 1394) for the easy transfer of DV material into MAC and Windows-based PCs for nonlinear editing.

The highly-affordable DV PROLINE products are incredible content creation tools adaptable for a broad range of applications. In addition, the Mini-DV cassettes used by the DV PROLINE products can be played back in all Panasonic DVCPRO studio VTRs (using an optional adapter), enhancing the use of DV video in professional applications.

The new AG-DVC10 3-CCD Mini-DV camcorder offers a sleek shoulder-style design for extra shooting stability, an IEEE 1394 digital interface and superb digital imaging quality. The AG-DVC10 records up to 80 minutes of digital component video (500 TV lines of resolution) and digital audio on a single ultra-compact mini-DV cassette. At a mere 4.8 pounds in full operating condition, the value-packed AG-DVC10 combines three Interline Transfer (IT) CCD imagers with 43-mm filters and a large-diameter 12X optical zoom lens to deliver excellent picture quality and high sensitivity. The AG-DVC10 will be available in October 2000 at a suggested list price of $2,595.

The AG-DV1000 Mini-DV VTR is a top performer in any digital video production system. The AG-DV1000 performs flawlessly for nonlinear editing applications, and is a valuable source for transmitting still or video images over the Internet. The AG-DV1000 records for up to 80 minutes of digital component video (500 TV lines of resolution) and digital audio on a single ultra-compact mini-DV cassette. The VTR's 16-bit digital sound system rivals the quality of CDs; users can select between PCM audio of 48kHZ/16 bits (2 channels) and 32kHz/12 bits (4 channels). The AG-DV1000 will be available in October at a suggested list price of $1,495.

Debuting as the industry's first DV camcorder to utilize large DV cassettes, the AG-DVC200 1/2" 410,000-pixel IT 3-CCD DSP camcorder records for an astounding 4-1/2 hours (270 minutes), and offers an interchangeable bayonet mount lens that permits users to use their favorite 1/2" lens. With the incredible ability to shoot at F11 in lighting as low as 0.5 lux, the AG-DVC200 delivers an outstanding 800 lines of horizontal resolution, an IEEE 1394 interface, a signal-to-noise ratio of 62dB, and very low smear. The 11-pound shoulder-style camcorder delivers many functions offered in Panasonic's most-popular DVCPRO camcorders, including a 4-position ND/CC filter, the ability to increase gain up to +36dB for shooting in dim light, User Scene Memory storage, and a 6-speed shutter with synchro scan for the flicker-free shooting of CRT displays. The AG-DVC200 will be available in January.

A pioneer in DV videotape development, Panasonic unveiled the AY-DVXB Series of Master Grade DV videotape designed for rugged professional applications.

The two models, AY-DVM63XB, a 63-minute tape, and AY-DVM83XB, an 83-minute tape, utilize a new evaporation technology called S-AME (Super Advanced Metal Evaporation) that improves the videotape's magnetic density by 400% over current Panasonic models. The S-AME technology offers three key advantages: higher output power for more precise recordings; low head wear and reduced head clogs thanks to the use of a dry-type lubricant; and superb linearity that assures high performance in severe conditions.

The AY-DVM63XB 63-minute videotape and AY-DVM83XB 83-minute videotape are available at suggested list prices of $12.95 and $16.95, respectively. The AY-DVXB Series is available nationwide through Panasonic's authorized Digital Media Distributors.

Los Angeles-based Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast and professional digital video and audio products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is dedicated to providing customers with comprehensive equipment choices, from Emmy Award-winning D-5 high definition and DVCPRO digital VTRs to ultra-bright presentation systems and advanced digital audio mixing consoles. Panasonic Broadcast is a division company of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, the principal North America subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (MC, NYSE), one of the world's leading producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use.