PANASONIC LAUNCHES LARA CROFT PALM
Copyright 2003 www.tombraiderchronicles.com

[ June 14th 2003 ]

Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronic products, has recently launched a revolutionary four-in-one palm-size audiovisual device 'D-snap' that acts as a digital video recorder, digital still camera, digital audio player and digital voice recorder. The new D-snap SV-AV features a user-friendly interface and improved video resolution, and incorporates the SD technology that enables high capacity storage using one versatile format.

"D-snap SV-AV20 is the most advanced among Panasonic's trendy e-wear product line," said Shiro Kano, Product Manager, Marketing dept., Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE. "The distinguishing features of our e-wear products are their small size, Internet connectivity and user-friendly interface. They are designed for a generation that requires its portables to be compact, sleek and fashionable. Each e-wear fits in the palm of the hand and can be worn around the neck."

"The new version of D-snap has achieved new levels in versatility and performance, with its amazing ability to snap digital still pictures, shoot digital moving pictures (MPEG 4), record speeches and even play your favourite digital music files. It delivers remarkable benefits, including enhanced video resolution," Kano added. "In short, D-snap AV20 can be an invaluable companion to people on the move, allow multiple functions in a device that is as small as a makeup compact."

The SV-AV20 is packed with leading edge technology features. It incorporates SD technology, a compact, high capacity storage medium developed to allow recording of multiple media using one versatile format. With its high capacity to compress a large number of files, SD Memory Card is expected to become the standard in flash media. With increased storage capacity and a higher data transfer rate, the new 512MB SD Memory Card accommodate a variety of communications and entertainment applications, allowing flash memory users to exchange multiple-source digital data - such as motion pictures, high-quality photos, voice recordings, music and more - among a growing number of interoperable SD devices.

The new D-snap facilitates one-touch digital moving pictures (MPEG 4) recording, without having to scroll through menus. It also offers enhanced picture quality with an MPEG-4 frame rate for video. With a 512MB SD Memory card it is possible to continuously record up to 10 hours on economy mode. While for capturing digital still images with a 640 x 480 resolution, the 512MB card can save up to 14,080 of JPEG still pictures. A swiveling 2-inch LCD screen and two record buttons allow users to shoot comfortably in the horizontal or vertical position. It has a built-in flash for taking digital still pictures in poor light.

For music lovers, the SV-AV20 offers an exciting range of features and it is compatible with the MP3 and AAC formats. The formats compress audio data so that you can enjoy up to 3 hours of continuous music - that's about 2-3 audio CD's. It allows music to be transferred from a PC to an SD memory card for playback, through a built-in USB interface. The SD Jukebox software offers a revolutionary way to catalog and save several digital files in a single database on a PC. The Jukebox software also allows users to set their images to music for a custom-made music video, using digital still images.

For business purpose, the SV-AV20 lets you use it as a Voice recording function. You can record voice on the SD memory card, which is great for meetings and voice memo, like an IC recorder. With a 512 MB SD card, you can record voice for up to 35 hours. The leading edge technology of D-snap AV20 will be shown up very dramatically in the forthcoming Hollywood movie "Lara Croft and the Cradle of Life: Tomb Raider 2" in which Lara uses the new D-snap to record her daring escapades. Panasonic has closely collaborated with Paramount Pictures to showcase the device as part of the movie's action set in idyllic locales around the world. The movie is due for release in August, 2003, in the UAE.