New solid-state recorder firmware adds VDCP command
to Panasonic AJ-HPM200 and AJ-HPD2500 P2 HD recorders

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 15, 2012) -- Panasonic has announced a free firmware upgrade that will add the Video Disk Control Protocol (VDCP) to the company’s AJ-HPM200 P2 HD Mobile and AJ-HPD2500 P2 HD Deck, enabling them to function as a back-up playback device in a broadcast environment.

Delivering extra value to broadcasters, the HPM200 and HPD2500 with upgrade will support VDCP commands via an RS-422 signal to supply a clip list to a controller and will recognize a newly-inserted P2 card during playback for an emergency program change. While not a replacement for a larger server, the improved HPX200/HPD2500 can deliver file-based server functionality in a secondary or extemporaneous setting.

The VDCP firmware upgrade is available in April at http://pro-av.panasonic.net.

With enhanced editing and recording functions, expanded AV/IT connectivity and optional AVCHD support, the AJ-HPM200 P2 HD Mobile is the most versatile 10-bit, independent frame, 4:2:2 quality HD field recorder and can be used with virtually any camera. The rack-mountable AJ-HPD2500 P2 HD Deck offers full 10-bit, 4:2:2 AVC-Intra and DVCPRO/50/HD recording and playback with extensive production features, versatile connectivity and optional AVCHD transcoding. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast.

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About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2011-Report/BestGlobalGreenBrandsTable-2011.aspx). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.