Panasonic

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 camera review: Simple, satisfying, and a solid value

There are a lot of people out there who simply want an affordable camera that takes a decent picture in auto, has some extra zoom power, and can still be slipped in a pocket. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 is just that. It is what I consider a good walking-around camera, something you just stick in your pocket and use when you're out for the day and want to be able to capture some moments here and there.

With camera manufacturers trying to jam in as many features as possible in some models, the FH27 is notable for having only … Read more

Golf-cart community to become testing ground for connected car

A planned community best known for golf-cart commuting could become the testing ground for connected cars. Panasonic Automotive and AT&T have teamed up to turn Peachtree City, Georgia, into a "model connected community" that they and other companies will use to develop and test new car communication products.

The announcement made earlier this month is an effort to formalize the relationship between the two companies. To develop the connected model community, Atlanta-based AT&T will provide the 4G mobile broadband infrastructure, and Panasonic Automotive, which is headquartered in the suburb, will supply the hardware and … Read more

Who needs a 92-inch TV? Mitsubishi, the guys who make it

Editors' note: The lens used in recording the video above makes the television appear smaller than it really is in relation to the presenter, Scott Stein. Scroll down to see a photo that more accurately presents the 92-inch size of the TV.

Does a 92-inch TV sound like overkill to you?

To many, it may. But for the company that makes it, Mitsubishi, it's pretty much the only way to distinguish itself among its competitors and try to stay in the TV business.

Next month, Mitsubishi will officially start selling the behemoth of a television it first introduced at CES in January. … Read more

Panasonic Toughbook Android tablet due this year

Panasonic is creating a 10-inch Android tablet under the Toughbook brand, due out in the fourth quarter of 2011. Panasonic's aim is to create a tablet for commercial and government use that is both secure and durable. Pricing has yet to be announced.

The exact specs detailed in Panasonic's press release are a little hazy, but we know the screen will be a 10.1-inch XGA multitouch panel and that GPS will come standard. An embedded 3G/4G modem is optional. Hopefully Panasonic will take a cue from Toshiba and offer a swappable battery, as well.

The niche … Read more

Panasonic updates VT30 plasma TV firmware

Update June 21, 2011 Since this article posted I've had the chance to recalibrate and test CNET's TC-P55VT30 review sample using the new firmware. As far as I can tell, it did not improve Custom mode's color accuracy, despite Panasonic's claim below. I've contacted Panasonic for an explanation and will provide an update when I hear back.

Today Panasonic has made available a firmware update that's designed to address a couple of issues regarding color calibration in its highest-end plasma TV, the TC-PVT30 series.

I recently reviewed the VT30 for CNET and, despite calling … Read more

Panasonic shrinks interchangeable-lens camera

It seems like only yesterday that Panasonic rolled out the Lumix DMC-GF2--and in fact, it's only been about six months here in the U.S., though the older model debuted overseas a few months earlier than that. Regardless, Panasonic's ready with a new, even more compact interchangeable-lens model. The GF3 doesn't replace the GF2, but it's priced the same, which I suspect is going to make for some confusing buying decisions.

The GF2 uses the same 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine FHD processor as the GF2, but incorporates some of the enhancements from the … Read more

This Day in Tech: New Nook Touch has a Web browser; E3 after hours

Too busy to keep up with the tech news? Here are some of the more interesting stories from CNET for Wednesday, June 8.

Apple bans DUI checkpoint apps on iOS devices Apple updated its App Store Review Guidelines to reject DUI checkpoint-locating apps. More

E3 after hours: Gadgets you won't see on expo floor After the first day of E3 2011 wrapped, a handful of tech companies invited press to sample their wares at ShowStoppers inside the Icon Ultra Lounge near Staples Center. More

Nintendo Wii U First Take Nintendo unveiled a new console, the Wii U, with an … Read more

Samsung PND8000 review: A better value than Panasonic's flagship plasma

For the last couple of years it seems that our job as TV reviewers comes down to determining which TV is better: the best Panasonic plasma or the best Samsung plasma. In 2011, the vessel bearing the Samsung flag is the PND8000, and while Panasonic's VT30 still deserves the overall picture quality nod in our book, the Samsung is good enough to match the Panasonic's numeric Performance score of 9.

The PND8000's picture quality is superb, and we don't expect any other TV aside from the VT30 to surpass it this year--although the less expensive PND7000 series, which we have yet to review, might equal it. The kicker, and it's a big one, is that the 59-inch Samsung we reviewed actually costs less than the 55-inch Panasonic, while delivering a better design and even more features. Unless you're the pickiest of videophiles with the most unlimited of budgets, it's tough to justify the cost of the VT30 over the PND8000.

Read the full review of the Samsung PND8000 series.

Panasonic unveils high-powered chip for smart TVs

Panasonic has unveiled a new technology to improve the performance of smart TVs.

Smart TVs are more than just sets that allow users to watch broadcast content. The enhanced televisions also feature applications like Netflix, Pandora, and others. Several TV makers, including Vizio, Samsung, and Panasonic, currently offer smart TVs. However, the smart TV market is still quite young, and many vendors would agree that much more can be done to enhance the user experience.

Panasonic is trying to do just that with its new UniPhier 1 System LSI chip that, it promises, will improve performance of smart TVs. The … Read more

This Day in Tech: Groupon IPO, Sony sites hacked, Twitter sex scandal

Too busy to keep up with the tech news? Here are some of the more interesting stories from CNET News for Thursday, June 2.

At D9, Windows 8 makes debut, and more (roundup) The gathering of tech CEOs and other bigwigs also puts the spotlight on Twitter's new photo-sharing service, Google's social-networking efforts, HP's WebOS ambitions, and then some. More

Zuckerberg calls Facebook contract a 'fraud' New York man's alleged contract and e-mails that supposedly give him 50 percent ownership of the social network are forgeries, new court filing from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg claims. More… Read more