CES 2009: Live at the Panasonic Press Conference

Panasonic is in a festive mood this year. Not only is 2009 the first year the company will operate entirely under the Panasonic name (formerly Matsushita), but it is also the company's 50th anniversary. This year's CES press conference focused, initially, on Panasonic's new 3D high definition technology (as showcased at CEATEC). The company plans on introducing fully functional 3D plasma displays in 2009 and hopes to convince the industry to adopt their new 3D standard. The company is also opening a new 3D Blu-ray authoring center in February of this year where they intend to immediately begin production on 3D titles. Perhaps most excitingly, famed film director James Cameron has partnered with Panasonic to assist them in developing effective 3D tools to bring 3D into the home. Mr. Cameron spoke to the crowd, via pre-recorded video, and confirmed his commitment to helping the company bring 3D into home theaters. One can be assured that Mr. Cameron's new 3D film, Avatar, will be a showcase title on 3D Blu-ray.

The focus if the conference then turned to Panasonic's new LCD and plasma displays. Most impressive is their new Z1 plasma that is a mere one inch thick. The set also features wireless 1080p reception capabilities that will allow the set to integrate with a new wireless equipped Comcast set top box.

On the Blu-ray front, Panasonic will introduce three new Blu-ray solutions in 2009. The BD60, BD80 and BD70v will each debut this year featuring BD Live and bonus view capabilities. The company will also introduce the world's first portable Blu-ray player as well as the BT200 and BT300 Blu-ray equipped home theater in a box systems.

Finally, Panasonic has partnered with Amazon on demand to offer film downloads from Amazon's library of over 40,000 titles. This feature will be available on all new Viera-cast products.

Stay tuned to Blu-ray.com for more breaking news from CES!