Intel Corporation today announced that it has entered into a manufacturing agreement with Panasonic Corporation's System LSI Business Division. Intel's custom foundry business will manufacture future Panasonic system-on-chips (SoCs) using Intel's 14 nm low-power manufacturing process.

Panasonic's next-generation SoCs will target audio visual-based equipment markets, and will enable higher levels of performance, power and viewing experience for consumers.

Pioneer is developing a new media based on the Blu-ray standard, which offers 256 GB of unformatted capacity. The capacity is achieved by recording data in a staggering eight layers, double that of Blu-ray XL, which relies on four layers to achieve 100 GB of capacity. Pioneer claims it has even made strides towards an even newer Blu-ray media that could, in the near future, offer 512 GB of unformatted capacity. The 256 GB Blu-ray disc could prove useful for making large data backups, or even imaging your SSD. Pioneer isn't the only player in the high-capacity optical disc game. Sony and Panasonic collaborated to announce ArchivalDisc, an optical disc that offers 300 GB of capacity, except that it doesn't stick to the Blu-ray standard, and you'll need specially made disc-drives to use them. Since Pioneer's disc builds on the existing Blu-ray standard, it will be cheaper for optical drive makers to adopt it.

Panasonic today announced the new version of its rugged Windows tablet, the Toughpad FZ-G1. The thin, lightweight and yet fully rugged 10.1" Windows 8.1 Pro Update tablet, unveiled at the Enterprise Mobility Exchange in the Netherlands, has been designed to meet the growing demand from businesses for purpose-built tablets that use the latest functionality to improve the productivity of their mobile workforces.

The latest version of the Toughpad FZ-G1 is powered by 4th generation Intel Core technology. With reduced power consumption, the Intel Core i5-4310U vPro Processor is faster especially for graphics performance and increase the standard battery life of the device from 8 hours to 10 hours (up to 20 hours with high capacity battery). With the high performing battery option and new optional hot swap battery capabilities, the latest Toughpad FZ-G1 can also offer seamless, uninterrupted 24-hour operation to continuously service mobile workers on shifts.

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company today announced pricing and availability of new 2014 headphone models. The new RP-HC800 Noise Cancelling Headphones, RP-BTD10 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones, RP-HS34 Sport Clip Headphones and the much-anticipated RP-BTGS10 Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones are all available now on www.shop.panasonic.com.

The Panasonic RP-HC800 Noise Cancelling Headphones utilize a high performance Active Noise Cancelling System with improved Feed-back Noise Cancelling Technology for a wide-range noise cancellation effect. Expertly crafted with a sophisticated design that fuses durable plastic with metal finishes, the RP-HC800 Headphones feature a wide padded headband and cushioned ear cups for a comfortable fit even after hours of wear. The detachable cord features a microphone and controller for the iPhone/iPad/iPod so users can quickly switch between music and phone calls with the touch of a button.

Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, a leader in delivering technology solutions for government, enterprise and SMB markets, today announced two new large-format 4K LED displays along with other new professional AV technologies at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show.

As interest grows in 4K content capture, production and distribution, Panasonic engineered these 4K LED backlit LCD display store-produce stunningly sharp images in a streamlined form factor with the system expandability required for professional 4K applications. The 98" TH-98LQ70 and 84" TH-84LQ70 4K displays are ideal for a number of growing 4K resolution B2B applications including broadcast production, eye-catching digital signage for retail, rental and staging, design and simulation as well as command and control rooms. These displays, combined with Panasonic's imaging capture and workflow technologies, provide a one-stop solution for organizations with image creation needs.

Sony Corporation ("Sony") and Panasonic Corporation ("Panasonic") today announced that they have formulated "Archival Disc", a new standard for professional-use, next-generation optical discs, with the objective of expanding the market for long-term digital data storage.

Optical discs have excellent properties to protect themselves against the environment, such as dust-resistance and water-resistance, and can also withstand changes in temperature and humidity when stored. They also allow inter-generational compatibility between different formats, ensuring that data can continue to be read even as formats evolve. This makes them robust media for long-term storage of content. Recognizing that optical discs will need to accommodate much larger volumes of storage going forward, particularly given the anticipated future growth in the archive market, Sony and Panasonic have been engaged in the joint development of a standard for professional-use next-generation optical discs.

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company today announced the introduction of two new headphone models which will be added to the company's extensive lineup of existing models. The new RP-HC800 Noise Cancelling Headphones and the new RP-BTD10 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones offer superior sound quality and sleek, modern designs to make a statement.

The new 2014 headphones will be on display at 2014 International CES in the Panasonic booth #9806, located in Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall. The new Panasonic headphone models are now available for preorder on shop.panasonic.com.

Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, today at the 2014 International CES announced the U.S. availability of the Toughpad 4K UT-MA6 tablet, the performance model of the world's first 20-inch tablet with a 4K resolution display.

Featuring an Intel Core i7-3687U vPro processor with an NVIDIA Quadro K1000M GPU, and an advanced beyond Ultra HD 4K display providing a lifelike viewing experience unlike any tablet on the market, the Toughpad 4K performance model is built to serve as an ideal mobile workstation for professionals in visual-intensive fields such as computer-aided design (CAD) and video editing.

Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, today, at the 2014 International CES, introduced the latest member of its Toughpad family of rugged, enterprise-grade tablets. The Toughpad FZ-M1 is the thinnest and lightest rugged 7-inch fanless tablet with a 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor available today.

Running Windows 8.1 Pro, the Toughpad FZ-M1 can be easily incorporated into enterprise and government environments. With a broad range of configuration options available, it can be customized to meet the unique needs of highly mobile professionals in various markets such as field services and sales, retail, supply chain and logistics, and government.

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today announced upgrades to the Toughbook CF-C2 semi-rugged convertible tablet PC. Offering 4G LTE multi-carrier embedded wireless broadband connectivity, approximately 14 hours of battery life and industry-leading durability, the Toughbook CF-C2 is built to enable reliable connections between data and decision makers, wherever, whenever and however they need it.

Powered by a 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor and optimized for the new Windows 8.1 Pro operating system, it delivers improved performance that makes it ideal for highly mobile professionals in fields such as healthcare and field services.

Panasonic today updated its Toughbook CF-C2, one of the most durable and flexible business convertible PCs on the market, to help mobile professionals work faster and for longer. With increased processor and graphics performance and longer battery life, the semi-rugged Toughbook CF-C2 with Windows 8.1 Pro is the perfect mobile worker companion whether in clamshell or tablet mode.

Designed for mobile workers that need to multi-task, the latest Toughbook CF-C2 has 4th generation Intel Core technology. With reduced power consumption, the Intel CoreTM i5-4300U Processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology also helps improve battery life (up from 11 to 14 hours) and improves standby time, ensuring workers can leave their device in standby for longer for fast boot and response times. Storage options include 4 GB RAM standard, extendable to 8 GB and 500GB HDD standard and 128 GB or 256 GB SSD optional - making the CF-C2 one of the most versatile and powerful devices in its class.

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company today announced the introduction of the SC-NA30 and SC-NA10 Portable Wireless Speaker Systems which offer the longest playback time currently available on a wireless speaker, unrivalled sound quality, smart networking and elegant designs that offer ultimate portability. The SC-NA30 and SC-NA10 compact speakers enable users to complement their lifestyle with outstanding portable audio. Both speaker systems can be purchased online at www.shop.panasonic.com.

"As Panasonic continues to expand the offerings for home and portable audio systems, we're pleased to introduce the new NA series which is perfect for enjoying music at home or on-the-go," said David Fisher, Product Manager, Home Entertainment Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Panasonic understands that listening habits differ from person to person and the new NA Series provides users with the highest quality audio, intelligent networking coupled with convenient designs to suit our customers' audio preferences and lifestyles."

Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, tonight at a Hollywood event announced the U.S. availability of the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 tablet, the world's first 20-inch tablet with a 4K resolution display. Part of Panasonic's Toughpad line of professional-grade tablets, the device is designed for professionals in fields where visual clarity and collaboration are essential to productivity, such as video production, architecture, design, photography and healthcare. With its crystal-clear, immersive display, the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 also can be utilized in settings such as museums, training centers, sales showrooms and galleries.

The business-rugged Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 is powered by an Intel Core i5 vPro processor, features Windows 8.1 Pro and offers a brilliant 3840x2560 pixel display that goes beyond Ultra HD resolution. With a 20-inch IPS Alpha LCD screen featuring 230 pixels per inch, a 15:10 aspect ratio and wide viewing angles, the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 provides a lifelike viewing experience unlike any tablet on the market. Moreover, since the system is built on the Intel vPro platform, it bridges the gap between the needs of IT professionals and workers by including unique hardware enhanced security features, remote manageability and capabilities designed to increase end user productivity and data protection.

Panasonic has launched its new versatile 2-in-1 Ultrabook with Full HD IPS anti-glare display and a more powerful Intel processor making it perfect for sales and mobile business executives that need to multitask on the road. The Toughbook CF-AX3 is a 2-in-1 Ultrabook device, combining tablet and laptop into a single unit so mobile business executives can flip it, touch it, wake it in a flash and work all day long; with the confidence of a ergonomically designed, business-rugged device from Panasonic Toughbook.

Replacing the CF-AX2, the Toughbook CF-AX3 comes with an 11.6" Full HD, 10 finger multi touch IPS anti-glare display. A significant evolution on the previous model, this screen delivers exceptional viewing quality whether working inside or out, with its 170° wide viewing angle, high contrast ratio and improvement in display brightness.

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company today announced the introduction of six new headphone models for fall 2013. The new headphones offer users unique designs, ultimate comfort and superior audio quality. The new additions to Panasonic's extensive lineup of existing headphones include the RP-HT480C, RP-HT470C, RP-HX450C, RP-HX250M, which are monitor-style headphones, and the RP-TCM190 and RP-TCM125 earbud style models.

"At Panasonic, we are constantly innovating our headphone technology and designs to provide consumers with stylish new models that fit with their lifestyle and still produce excellent sound," said Tom Hantson, Product Manager, Headphones, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This year, we have taken the functionality of our headphones a step further, equipping all of our fall 2013 headphone models with microphones and remotes, so users can use them as an extension to their smartphone device."

Sony Corporation ('Sony') and Panasonic Corporation ('Panasonic') today announced that they have signed a basic agreement with the objective of jointly developing a next-generation standard for professional-use optical discs, with the objective of expanding their archive business for long-term digital data storage. Both companies aim to improve their development efficiency based on the technologies held by each respective company, and will target the development of an optical disc with recording capacity of at least 300 GB by the end of 2015. Going forward, Sony and Panasonic will continue to hold discussions regarding the specifications and other items relating to the development of this new standard.

Optical discs have excellent properties to protect them against the environment, such as dust-resistance and water-resistance, and can also withstand changes in temperature and humidity when stored. They also allow inter-generational compatibility between different formats, ensuring that data can continue to be read even as formats evolve. This makes them a robust medium for long-term storage of content. Both companies have previously developed products based on the Blu-ray format, leveraging the strengths of optical discs. However, both Sony and Panasonic recognized that optical discs will need to accommodate much larger volumes of storage in years to come given the expected future growth in the archive market, and responded by formulating this agreement.

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today expanded its Toughpad line of enterprise-grade tablets with the introduction of the Toughpad FZ-G1, a 10" tablet featuring Windows 8 Pro, and the availability of the Toughpad JT-B1, a 7" Android-powered unit. Both devices follow the original 10" Android-powered Toughpad FZ-A1 which became broadly available late last year. With the Toughpad (#Toughpad) family of ruggedized tablets, businesses and government institutions have a single partner delivering a selection of highly reliable and purpose-built devices ideal for numerous operational needs.

"For nearly 20 years, Panasonic has engineered the most reliable mobile computing devices on the market," said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. "Because our customers know they can count on our products to deliver performance and return on investment, Panasonic - through its Toughbook brand - holds nearly 80 percent market share in the rugged mobile device space. We believe our engineering acumen, vertical market expertise and reputation for reliability, backed by our world-class service, will result in the Toughpad family being the leading B2B tablet solution in the coming years."

Panasonic, a leader in consumer electronics technology, today announced new models to their 2013 headphone lineup, now on display at 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show, Panasonic booth #9406 / 9806. The 2013 headphone lineup features a wide array of styles designed for ultimate functionality and appeal.

"With the Panasonic 2013 lineup of headphones we aimed to create unique styles and form factors that have mass appeal while providing music lovers and true audio enthusiasts the ultimate in sound quality and design," said Tom Hantson , Product Category Manager, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America.

ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, today announced the release of three new NAS Apps for its well-received AS 6 Series NAS devices. These new Apps consist of Symantec Backup Exec's RALUS, an acclaimed backup solution, Dropbox, a popular cloud storage and sync service and DVBLink TV Server, a digital television App. Additionally, two of ASUSTOR's existing Apps are being upgraded with advanced features and enhancements. Download Center now features the new and convenient Smart Download Folder function. Its mobile App, AiDownload, has added a push notification function and is now available for both iOS and Android. Not to be outdone, the Surveillance Center App now boasts added Daylight Saving Time adjustments along with full compatibility with Panasonic's BB and BL camera lines. Interested users may begin enjoying these new Apps and upgrades by downloading them through ASUSTOR's App Central.

Panasonic today unveiled the world's lightest business rugged, convertible Ultrabook with a unique Flip-Over design making it ideal for mobile sales workforces and executives to use in notebook or tablet mode. Combining high usability, style, durability and long battery life with hot swappable, replaceable battery, the Toughbook CF-AX2 is one of the first ready-made Microsoft Windows 8 Pro certified devices. This means business users can have the best of both worlds, using the Toughbook CF-AX2 as both a desirable touch-screen tablet and state-of-the-art, stylish Ultrabook.

Drawing on its long pedigree of combining ergonomic and durable design, Panasonic has created the Toughbook CF-AX2 with a unique and robust 360° Flip-Over hinge design, allowing the device to be used in very different business situations and offering business users a new level of working freedom.

The European Commission has fined seven international groups of companies a total of € 1,470,515,000 for participating in either one or both of two distinct cartels in the sector of cathode ray tubes ("CRT"). For almost ten years, between 1996 and 2006, these companies fixed prices, shared markets, allocated customers between themselves and restricted their output.

One cartel concerned colour picture tubes used for televisions and the other one colour display tubes used in computer monitors. The cartels operated worldwide. The infringements found by the Commission therefore cover the entire European Economic Area (EEA). Chunghwa, LG Electronics, Philips and Samsung SDI participated in both cartels, while Panasonic, Toshiba, MTPD (currently a Panasonic subsidiary) and Technicolor (formerly Thomson) participated only in the cartel for television tubes. Chunghwa received full immunity from fines under the Commission's 2006 Leniency Notice for the two cartels, as it was the first to reveal their existence to the Commission. Other companies received reductions of their fines for their cooperation in the investigation under the Commission's leniency programme.

QNAP Systems, Inc. announced today a major expansion of the number of compatible peripherals available for its family of Turbo NAS products. The major additions include a Seagate 2.5-inch 1TB internal SATA hard drive and 2.5-inch 1TB external storage device, two Arkeia Software 3rd party software apps and seventy network cameras.

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today announced the Toughbook C2 - a semi-rugged convertible tablet PC that is Panasonic's first Toughbook model optimized for the new Microsoft Windows 8 Pro operating system.

The new device includes a third-generation Intel Core processor, delivers approximately 11 hours of battery life and offers the industry-leading reliability that is synonymous with the Toughbook brand. For highly mobile workers in markets like healthcare, education and field sales - as well as the IT departments that support them - the Toughbook C2 will deliver the performance and reliability needed to drive improved productivity.

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today announced the next generation of its business-rugged notebook PC line, the Toughbook SX2.

With advanced features such as 14.5 hours of battery life, an Intel Core i5-3320M vPro processor (3 MB cache, up to 3.3 GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and a lightweight, drop-resistant magnesium alloy design, the Toughbook SX2 is engineered to meet the standards of quality for which Toughbook mobile computers are known while providing maximum portability for highly valued executives and professionals.

Panasonic announced the new Let's Note AX2, 11.6-inch notebook that converts to a tablet. The AX2 is designed for the Windows 8 era, and features a new start key on its screen bezel. The AX2 is updated with a 1366 x 768 pixel 11.6-inch capacitive touchscreen, a DoCoMo module that gives it LTE and WiMAX support.

Under the hood is an Intel Core i5-3427U (1.80 GHz with 2.80 GHz Turbo, 3 MB cache) or Core i5-3317U (1.70 GHz, 2.60 GHz Turbo, 3 MB cache) "Ivy Bridge" dual-core processor options, 4 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory, 128 GB SSD, and connectivity that include WiMAX/LTE, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, SDXC, HDMI, and USB 3.0. The screen bezel embeds a 720p HD web-camera. The AX2 comes with Windows 8 Pro pre-installed. Prices range from 160,000 JPY (US $2,057) to 250,000 ($3,214).