PANASONIC SELECTED FOR BBC’S TAPELESS AND HD TRIALS

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 23, 2006) – Panasonic Broadcast UK today announces the start of a one year, Technology Partnership agreement for the BBC’s Starwinder Project to supply both P2 based Tapeless products and DVCPRO HD Tape based products for programme production. The move is part of the Corporation’s strategy to migrate to Tapeless and HD by 2010. The BBC’s Starwinder Project will trial tapeless and HD cameras and camcorders in close partnership with two manufacturers during the next 12 months. The trials will help inform its future procurement to tapeless and HD technologies. Panasonic was chosen as one of two Technology Partners for both Tapeless and HD Camcorder solutions based on successful tests during 2005 and a technology match with the BBC’s future requirements. Production Teams will benefit from P2’s ability to integrate with existing post production systems. P2 is a scalable solution that allows different picture qualities to be recorded on the same camcorder from DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO 50 in SD through to DVCPRO HD. For HD production, the DVCPRO HD format will allow production teams to work with the DVCPRO Codec and transfer via Firewire to both Apple and Avid NLE editing systems. The HD solution will be available on P2 which will help enable the ultimate goal of Tapeless and HD to the Corporation. Ian Lowe, General Manager for Panasonic Broadcast commented: “Our partnership with the BBC for our P2 tapeless based and DVCPRO HD tape based products will enable the Corporation to work closely with us to further develop, refine and achieve a clear migration to a HD Tapeless production workflow.”