Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

Panasonic Ships New Lower Cost 16GB and 32GB E Series P2 Cards

* 16GB and 32GB E Series Models Available Now, High Capacity 64GB Model Ships This August *

(Secaucus, NJ)--Panasonic announced the immediate availability of its new 16GB (model AJ-P2E016X) and 32GB (model AJ-P2E032X) E Series P2 cards at low costs of $420 and $625 respectively. The E Series P2 cards provide high quality recording for an average of five years with normal operation.

Incorporating a newly-developed memory technology, E Series P2 cards transfer recorded content at a faster rate (up to 1.2Gbps) than professional solid-state memory cards offered by other manufacturers. For example, users can transfer a full 16GB E Series card�s content (any format) in less than two minutes. E Series cards offer the same high-quality recording and capacity as standard Panasonic P2 solid-state memory cards, and feature Panasonic�s signature aluminum die cast casing for exceptional durability compared to plastic-based memory card products.

Unlike other disc-based or solid-state recording systems, P2 cards are a high-speed bit bucket, offering high-quality video recording and optimum flexibility, including reliable performance, instant access to content and compatibility with all P2 camcorders, P2 recorders and workflow tools and all major nonlinear editors and servers. P2 cards store content in the complete range of P2-supported frame rates and formats, from high definition to standard definition and from DVCPRO to AVC-Intra 100. P2 cards offer recording of video, audio, and metadata in any environment, even in challenging conditions of extreme temperature.

E Series P2 cards are reusable for up to five years when recorded on once daily, at full capacity (100%); when used at half capacity (50%), the cards can continue to record for up to 10 years. A notification is given (in the camcorder�s LCD/viewfinder or the card reader�s display) as the card approaches the end of its life cycle.

The E Series cards are designed to work with Panasonic�s full line of P2 camcorders, recorders and workflow tools. A free E Series firmware upgrade for P2 equipment is required for optimum performance.* Additional free downloads available via Panasonic�s website include the P2 Driver upgrade (required for operation of cards on Mac or Windows platforms), and the P2 Formatter, a computer software that allows users to display and track the P2 card�s capacity and life.

Panasonic P2 memory cards can be connected instantly to laptop and desktop PCs and are supported by major non-linear editing systems. For connection to laptops with ExpressCard slots or desktop computers, professionals can utilize compatible third-party PC card-to-ExpressCard adapters or the Panasonic�s AJ-PCD35 five-slot P2 solid-state memory card drive.

The 64GB E Series P2 card will be available in August at a suggested list price of $998. The E Series will be offered with Panasonic�s standard extended lifetime 16GB, 32GB and 64GB P2 cards (A Series).

About P2 HD
P2 HD all solid-state products offer high definition recording without the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 HD products provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs, longer useful product life, and immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize, ingest or create proxy video files) and metadata. P2 HD provides the reliability of solid-state production; the immediate connectivity to existing IT infrastructures; the speed, ease of use and portability of P2 cards; and the interoperability with leading NLE systems. Currently, more than 110,000 P2 units are in use around the world.

About Panasonic Broadcast
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast and professional video products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is a Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic�s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. For more information on Panasonic Broadcast products, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast.

Although not required for initial operation, the E Series firmware upgrade ensures compatibility and optimum performance with all P2 equipment. Without the upgrade, P2 camcorder and recording equipment may experience an error message when recording over multiple P2 cards (Spanned Recording) in these specific modes: INTERVAL REC MODE, LOOP REC MODE or NORMAL REC MODE (in DV or DVCPRO), or during variable frame rate recording in the 12p or 15p settings. Following is a schedule of availability for firmware/driver upgrades and software: May (P2 Driver for MAC/PC, P2 Formatter, AJ-PCD35, AG-HVX200/200A); June (AG-HPX170, AG-HPX300); July (AG-HPX500, AJ-HPX2000, AJ-HPM100/110, AJ-HPS1500, AG-HPG10, AG-HPG20). The E Series firmware upgrade is not required for the following camera models: VariCam 3700, VariCam 2700, AJ-HPX3000, AJ-SPX800, AJ-SPC700 and AJ-SPD850.

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Editorial Contacts:
Stacy Moore
(201) 392-4458
moorest[at]us[dot]panasonic[dot]com

Pat Lamb
(518) 692-8150
patalamb[at]aol[dot]com