CES 2008, Las Vegas, January 7, 2008 - Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company unveiled its first THX Certified* Display series of 1080p full HD VIERA Plasma televisions today at the Consumer Electronics Show. The PZ800 series, consisting of the 42-inch class TH-42PZ800, the 46-inch class TH-46PZ800, the 50-inch class TH-50PZ800 and the 58-inch class TH-58PZ800, meets the THX Certified Display specifications, signifying the highest standards of performance and quality. The PZ800 series will be available in the Spring of 2008.

Leveraging its expertise in the cinema, post-production and consumer electronics markets, THX ensures that certified televisions will perform to rigorous standards outlined by the THX Certified Display program. THX certification ensures that high definition (HD) and standard definition content are presented with the correct color, luminance levels and video processing capabilities, regardless of the display technology. In addition, each THX Certified display will feature a proprietary video setting, THX Movie Mode, to recreate the cinema experience of movies on DVD, Blu-ray, HD-DVD and broadcast television in the home. THX Movie mode sets the display’s gamma, luminance, color temperature and other settings to match the levels found in the professional post-production studio where movies are produced.

"The THX Certified Display program provides manufacturers a means to differentiate products from competitive offerings and Panasonic is extremely proud that the quality of our Plasma HDTVs meets the rigorous standards necessary for THX Certification and that Panasonic is among the first major consumer electronics companies to achieve certification in the Plasma TV category," said Dennis Eppel, Vice President, Panasonic Display Products Company. "THX is the gold standard in audio and video and it’s very satisfying to have our televisions’ quality certified by THX. Panasonic and THX share a dedication to creating and providing superior performance, resulting in superior entertainment."

THX works closely with display manufacturers from early design concepts to product rollout. Displays are sent to THX laboratories from the prototype stage, where they run through a series of THX performance tests, including front-of-screen testing and video signal processing analysis. These tests ensure that each display can present all HD and standard definition content to the maximum resolution with correct color and luminance levels.

In addition to the THX Certification, the 2008 PZ800 VIERA series of HD 1080p Plasmas features an improved native contrast ratio of 30,000:1; Game Mode; VIERA Link; a PC Input, four HDMI connections and an all-new-one-sheet- of-glass design concept.

"We are excited to be working with such an industry innovator as Panasonic, with whom we share the common goal of providing the best picture quality possible to the consumer," said Patrick Dunn, director of display technology at THX Ltd. "THX display certification challenges HDTV makers to push the limits of product design and performance. Our work with Panasonic has resulted in a series of Plasma displays that will be welcome additions to any home theater."

ABOUT PANASONIC CONSUMER ELECTRONICS COMPANY
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic’s exclusive Panasonic Plasma Concierge customer support program (888-972-6276) is administered through its Virginia-based Call Center, recognized as a Certified "Center of Excellence" by the Center for Customer-Driven Quality™ at Purdue University. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

ABOUT THX LTD.
Born out of George Lucas’ vision to improve the movie-going experience, THX is a driving force in cinema and home entertainment. In addition to its renowned audio certification of products and room environments, THX has vast experience on the visual side of the entertainment industry as well. THX DVD mastering and cinema initiatives have set a standard for excellence in visual quality. Now, THX is bringing this knowledge of high quality visuals to the burgeoning HDTV market. For more information, visit www.thx.com.

THX and the THX Logo are trademarks of THX Ltd., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.

*THX certification is pending final testing and approval by THX Ltd.