PANASONIC recently launched three new Viera plasma and liquid crystal display (LCD) television models – G, S and X – ranging from 32 to 50 inches with a new tagline: "No Viera, No Life".

Hiroyoshi (left) shares the moment as Endoh inserts a mock memory card to unveil the new Viera model.

Ultilising new core technologies such as Neo-PDP and IPS Alpha, the new products feature longer life expectancy of up to 30 years, thinner size, higher energy efficiency, clearer picture quality and ability to play full high-definition videos, view still images in jpeg format or movies in mpeg-2 format from memory cards.

Using secure digital cards, the user simply inserts the memory card from a camera into the Viera in order to play them.

Panasonic Malaysia managing director Tony Endoh said their technology has evolved in terms of picture quality, better energy efficiency and thinner size.

"Using the technology, we have successfully cut a third of total energy required for a plasma TV, with high picture quality, and our target is to reduce the power usage by 50% in the future," he said.

"The television will work with any camcorders or digicams as long as they are using secure digital cards."

Panasonic will hold a promotion at Sunway Pyramid shopping complex from March 25 to 29, to showcase its new products as well as 150-inch and 50-inch plasma TVs with a mere 8.8mm thickness.

Panasonic Asia Pacific (Singapore) regional sales and marketing director Hiroyoshi Suga told a media conference that the cathode-ray tube TV is still the mainstay of Southeast Asian homes although it is steadily being replaced by plasma and LCD products.

Hiroyoshi said Panasonic plasma TVs enjoy the highest market share in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Known for its aggressive marketing, Panasonic Malaysia maintains it was worth it, and will continue with various campaigns in the media as well as roadshows.

Panasonic reached more than 150,000 Malaysians last year by holding more than 300 roadshows in 40 locations, mainly shopping complexes, and in some rural areas, by using modified trucks called Viera Prime Movers.