NBC snaps up 103-inch Panasonic plasmas for NFL coverage

Panasonic is supplying NBC Universal with two 103 full high definition professional plasma displays (TH-103PF9UK) to be integrated into the set of NBC s Football Night in America studio show, premiering Sunday, September 10 at 7 p.m. ET. NBC Universal is the first commercial customer to purchase the 103 plasma display. Features include a contrast ratio of 5,000:1, and 4,096 equivalent steps of color gradation, delivering clear, crisp and impactful fast action video images. This 1080p display s screen resolution, which amounts to about 2 million pixels, equals twice the resolution of high-definition televisions that are commonly available today and boasts an effective display area of approximately 89 wide by 50 high, which is equivalent in size to four 50 Panasonic plasma displays. The 103 plasma displays will be located on each side of the on-air talent desk on the newly-constructed set at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York and will be an integral part of NBC s Football Night in America studio. In addition, four Panasonic 50 TH-50PH9UK high definition plasma displays will team with the 103 plasma in the studio to offer pristine, stunning visuals of the season s game action. We re very excited to join forces with NBC Universal as the nation s weekly marquee football game shifts to Sunday night. These super-size high definition displays will allow NBC to present viewers with an even more in-depth understanding of the sport s fast-paced action, said John Baisley, President of Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company. Football Night in America provides a terrific showcase for our 103 plasma. We have received tremendous interest from organizations nationwide who would like to make this stunning display the ultimate centerpiece of their facility. NBC Sunday Night Football, the premier primetime game of the week, will be preceded by the Football Night in America” studio show, which kicks off NBC s regular season coverage each Sunday at 7 p.m. The TH-103PF9UK can display 1080/60p/50p, 1080/60i/50i/24p/24sF/25p/30p, 1080/50i, 720/60p/50p 480/60i/p, and 575/50i/p video signals. As the largest member of Panasonic s high-performing professional plasma display family, the TH-103PF9UK features three interchangeable, multi-function slots (in the back panel) which allow users to add and update their panel with different combinations of optional terminal boards for a variety of applications. The 103 plasma display comes standard with the TY-FB9DD DVI board (compatible with UXGA input), TY-42TM6A analog component board, an integrated D-sub15 PC input, and an integrated D-sub9 RS232C interface. Optional plug-in boards assure expanded connectivity, including HD-SDI and DVI, as well as a variety of advanced functionality including monitor control, networking, running of internal applications and data storage, and remote signal playback. The 103 plasma display will be available in November 2006 at a suggested list price of $69,999.95. Panasonic Broadcast is accepting orders for the TH-103PF9UK and users can call 1-800-528-8601 to receive additional information.