Today, at New York City's Arthur Ashe Stadium where the U.S. Open is being broadcast in 3D TV for the first time, Panasonic announced it will establish a new 3D Innovation Center in the U.S. this fall. The Panasonic 3D Innovation Center will focus on engaging with the entertainment and broadcast communities to enhance 3D production technologies and work flow and foster collaboration with industry partners to develop new applications for 3D technologies.

The new Panasonic 3D Innovation Center will be based on the campus of Panasonic Corporation of North America in Secaucus, NJ.  The Center also plans to create a branch in the Los Angeles area to facilitate collaboration with the entertainment industry.  For more than 15 years, Panasonic has maintained an R&D facility, Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, in the Greater Los Angeles area for the development of entertainment-related technologies and ongoing liaison with major studios for the development of the 3D Blu-ray Disc format.

"Panasonic foresees the expansion of 3D technology into nearly all aspects of the entertainment electronics industry, but we also see it being applied in a diverse range of other industries including healthcare, education, and beyond," said Joseph M. Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America.   "It is only a matter of time before 3D becomes an essential element in the operations of many major enterprises and the new Panasonic 3D Innovation Center will work to support that process." Like the 3D Innovation Center that is already operational in Japan, and the Panasonic European 3D Innovation Center that was announced this morning in Berlin, the mission of the Panasonic U.S. 3D Innovation Center will be to serve as a platform for developing alliances and partnerships with companies that are exploring how to apply 3D technologies in their own operations.  With the aim of promoting innovation, the Center will also serve as a forum for ongoing communication with local 3D stakeholders in all industries to share 3D content, exchange ideas and establish best practices for creating and delivering 3D services.

About Panasonic

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), which has been a leader in the creation of end-to-end standards and technologies to enable consumers to experience immersive Full HD 3D TV. Last year, Panasonic established its Advanced Authoring Center in Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory to work with Hollywood studios to develop the 3D Blu-ray Disc format.   In March, the company delivered its first Full HD 3D Home Entertainment System for sale at selected Best Buy Magnolia Home Theater stores.   Taking business to the next dimension, Panasonic has debuted a range of 3D video production products including the world's first professional quality, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder offering SD Memory Card recording.  It also has introduced large screen 3D Plasma displays for digital signage and other applications.  In July Panasonic introduced the world's first consumer 3D camcorder which includes a 3D conversion lens.

SOURCE Panasonic

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The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, announces its 'Call for Entries' for the 38th Annual Annie Awards. The Annie Award is recognized by the entertainment industry as the highest honor given by the animation community. The 38th Annual Annie Awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, February 5, 2011, at UCLA's Royce Hall in Los Angeles.

Honoring excellence in the field of animation, the Annie Awards will be presented in 26 categories including best animated feature, home entertainment, television production, television commercial, short subject, video game, as well as individual achievements. Entries submitted for consideration will be from productions that were released in the United States between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Details on how to enter may be found at www.annieawards.org.  The deadline to receive submissions and materials is Friday, October 15, 2010 by 5 p.m.  The deadline to join ASIFA-Hollywood or to renew membership in order to participate in the Annie Award voting is also Friday, October 15, 2010.  Membership information can be found at www.asifa-hollywood.org.

ASIFA-Hollywood has also added two new Annie Award categories to recognize the achievements of character animation and effects animation in live action productions.  "With so much great character and effects animation being created for live action productions, ASIFA-Hollywood felt that it was appropriate to create these Annie Award categories in order to recognize to the artists responsible for creating this special kind animation," said Antran Manoogian, president of ASIFA-Hollywood.  Also new this year will be the acceptance of Television Commercials and Short Subjects that were released anywhere in the world.

Created in 1972 by veteran voice talent June Foray, the Annie Awards have grown in scope and stature for the past three decades, and is considered the highest and most prestigious honor given in animation by the animation industry.  Today ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international organization ASIFA, supports a range of animation activities and preservation efforts through its membership. Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, animation film preservation, special events, classes and screenings.

For more information on ASIFA-Hollywood, please visit www.asifa-hollywood.org.  For more information on the Annie Awards, please visit www.annieawards.org.

SOURCE ASIFA-Hollywood

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Panasonic, a worldwide leader in Full HD 3D technology, today announced the debut of its first Full HD 3D Blu-ray™ Disc home theater systems, providing the ultimate immersive 3D movie experience at home.  The two new home theater systems, models, SC-BTT750 and SC-BTT350, employ advanced proprietary technology to envelop viewers in a remarkably authentic home theater experience and step into the 3D world.

Networking and connectivity capabilities abound with the new models through VIERA CAST™ compatibility, which provides access to new online content from Netflix,™ Amazon Video on Demand ™, YouTube™, Picasa™, Bloomberg TV™ , weather information and other services. The top-of-the-line SC-BTT750 is equipped with a wireless LAN adaptor, which plugs into the USB terminal to deliver online video streaming without a LAN cable so the system can be installed without the need for any complicated wires.  The SC-BTT350 is wireless LAN-ready and can be enjoyed wirelessly by linking to a Wireless LAN adaptor, DY-WL10*. (Requires Broadband Internet Service)

The SC-BTT750 system is equipped with sleek Tall Boy speakers and a stylishly slim center channel speaker, which employ advanced bamboo cone to suppress unwanted acoustic reflections and achieve clear vocals and pure, high quality sound that is not overwhelmed by sound effects. It also boasts a Kelton-type subwoofer which, due to its distinctive design, drives a powerful reverberating bass in spite of its small, compact size. The SC-BTT350 features four satellite speakers, a center channel speaker and a subwoofer.  Both systems deliver 5.1-channel sound and virtual 7.1-channel surround to reproduce the dynamic sounds that further enhance the enjoyment of 3D entertainment.

Connection and installation could not be easier, thanks to the systems' compatibility with ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows receiving audio signals from the TV.  Simply place it by any ARC compatible television, and connect it with just one HDMI cable.

Each of the models features an integrated Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone**, making it easy for users to play their favorite music and video downloads.  And both systems feature an SD Memory Card slot for viewing still images, slide shows and movie files.

To achieve True to Cinema picture quality, both of these models incorporate the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus, developed at the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory. This high precision processing technology reproduces clear, vibrant colors that are extremely faithful to the original film.

The SC-BTT750 and SC-BTT350 both offer rear wireless speaker capability with purchase of the optional SH-FX71 Wireless Kit for Rear Speakers.

Panasonic's new Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc Home Theater systems will be available in September.

* Wireless LAN adaptor DY-WL10 sold separately.

** "Made for iPod" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

"Works with iPhone" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPhone and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs.  Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About Panasonic 3D Technology

Panasonic's Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma TVs include five screens sizes – 42-inch class (41.6" measured diagonally), 50-inch class (49.9" measured diagonally), 54-inch class (54.1 inches diagonal), 58-inch class (58.0 inches diagonal) and 65-inch class (64.7 inches diagonal).  In addition, Panasonic also offers three professional Full HD 3D Plasma monitors in 85-inch class (85.3 diagonal inches), 103-inch class (102.5 diagonal inches) and a soon-to-be-released 152-inch class (152 diagonal inches) – the world's largest Plasma screen.  All Panasonic VIERA® and professional Full HD 3D TV models are also Full HD TVs that display pristine 1080p content in two dimensions (2D) for conventional HD viewing.

Panasonic's range of Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma HDTVs (VT20, VT25 and GT25 Series), when coupled with Panasonic's 3D Blu-ray Disc players (DMP-BDT100, DMP- BDT300, DMP-BDT350) bring a new era of immersive visual entertainment into consumers' homes, by creating a 3D experience that easily rivals the best that can be seen in cinemas.  

In addition, Panasonic and DIRECTV recently ushered in a new age in the rapid growth of 3D entertainment for the home with the launch of n3D™ powered by Panasonic – a DIRECTV channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming. n3D powered by Panasonic is now available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers and features a range of sports and entertainment programming exclusively in 3D.  Panasonic is the exclusive presenting sponsor of DIRECTV's n3D channel, one of three 3D TV channels from DIRECTV that deliver movies, sports and entertainment content from some of the world's most renowned 3D producers.

In July, Panasonic took the 3D era to a new level for consumers with the unveiling of the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 (available in October 2010), the world's first consumer 3D camcorder, which includes a 3D conversion lens that enables the camcorder to shoot powerful and true-to-life 3D video content and play it back on 3D-capable HDTVs (a TV that is capable of side-by-side method 3D playback, 3D Eyewear, and HDMI cable connection are required to play the recorded 3D images).

SOURCE Panasonic

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Arguably the world's most famous car, the actual 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by James Bond – Sean Connery – in both Goldfinger and Thunderball will be on display for four days this month in New York City as it is readied to be the lead attraction for RM Auctions' annual Automobiles of London event October 27th at the Battersea Evolution.

Presented by RM, in association with Sotheby's, this DB5 is expected to bring more than $5 million during the auction, which would be the most ever paid for a "movie" vehicle. From September 14 to 17 the DB5 will grace the lobby of Sotheby's building here at 1334 York Avenue.

Well-known around the world by its original UK registration number, FMP 7B, this Aston Martin is one of two, and the sole remaining, of the original '007' DB5s featured on screen in the two Bond films. (The other was sold twice at auction before being stolen in 1997 from a Florida airport. It was never recovered.)

The DB5 was originally loaned to EON Productions for the movies' filming and returned to the Aston Martin Lagonda factory after its subsequent promotional tour. Jerry Lee, a radio broadcaster based in Philadelphia, convinced the factory to sell FMP 7B to him in 1969 for $12,000, thereby becoming its first – and only – owner. The car, with very limited public appearances, has remained in his possession for more than 40 years.

With its 'rather interesting modifications' originally conceived by Oscar-award-winning special effects expert, John Stears, this authentic Bond movie car is factory-fitted with the full complement of operational 'Q-Branch' gadgets, including machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen, all controlled from factory-installed toggles and switches hidden in the center arm-rest.

"Like 'Q', we never joke about our work, which is why RM is consistently entrusted with the sale of the world's most significant collector cars like the REAL 007 Aston Martin DB5 movie car," said Don Rose, Car Specialist, RM Auctions. "RM is known for world-record-setting results and we expect nothing less for 007's iconic DB5."

Lee plans to use the proceeds from the sale of FMP 7B to further the charitable work of The Jerry Lee Foundation, a multi-national initiative dedicated to solving social problems associated with poverty, with an emphasis on crime prevention.

The Foundation supports programs at the University of Pennsylvania and Cambridge University (UK), as well as in Washington, D.C., Australia and Norway. It is also responsible for the establishment of the Stockholm Prize in Criminology, for which Lee received a Swedish knighthood in 2008. (http://jerryleefoundation.com/)

"The James Bond car has brought me much enjoyment for some 40 years," said Lee. "Even as I sell it and use the proceeds to fund the Jerry Lee Foundation, the car will continue to give me great pleasure as it furthers the mission of the Foundation to do good around the world."

FMP 7B is presented in highly original condition following a recent careful re-commissioning program by RM Auto Restoration, returning it to running condition after the many years of static display in Lee's home.

About RM

RM Auctions is the world's largest collector car auction house and specializes in investment-quality automobiles, holding four of the top five world record prices for motor cars sold at auction.

With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM's restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning "Best of Show" honors at the world's top concours events. (www.rmauctions.com)

SOURCE RM Auctions

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Deadline.com is expanding its film and television awards coverage for the 2010-2011 season and beyond. Mail.com Media Corporation's Jay Penske and Deadline.com's Nikki Finke today announced the hiring of Pete Hammond, the well-known Los Angeles Times/The Envelope's "Notes On A Season" blog columnist and former Variety contributor who is widely considered the preeminent awards season commentator for film and television. Effective immediately, he becomes the Deadline.com Awards Columnist. His breaking news and analysis will also be offered on Movieline.com to reach a consumer audience as well as Deadline's industry readership. Hammond also will be contributing original columns to Deadline|Hollywood's five planned print newsletters during this awards season. It is Deadline's intention to own the awards space, helped by Pete's unique understanding of the behind-the-scenes of this very specialized process when the entertainment industry is fixated on grabbing the gold.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100329/LA78490LOGO)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100329/LA78490LOGO)

With the 2010 hiring of top journalism talents Mike Fleming, Nellie Andreeva, Tim Adler, and now Pete Hammond, Deadline.com continues its next phase of editorial expansion to dominate the Hollywood news and commentary arena in both film and television so the website can remain a "must-read" for influencers and leaders in the global entertainment and media business. Hammond's status and reputation fit perfectly with the Deadline.com tradition of shattering the mold of traditional reporting and creating a new paradigm for delivering news and opinion with New Media immediacy.

"We are thrilled that Pete has joined our talented team at Deadline.com," commented MMC Founder and CEO, Jay Penske. "He has become one of the entertainment industry's most prominent and visible awards journalists during his tenure at the Los Angeles Times --and we felt it was essential for Deadline.com to address the needs of our audience, partners, and advertisers by hiring someone of Pete's caliber to continue our site's ascendancy."

Said Finke, Deadline's General Manager and Editor-in-Chief: "I realized that if Deadline Hollywood was going to offer expanded awards season coverage, we had to find someone of Mike's, Nellie's, and Tim's caliber. Pete Hammond is a very well-established brand in this arena, and he's among the most knowledgeable and insightful people on film and television I've ever encountered. If awards season is Hollywood's Super Bowl, then Pete is the quarterback calling many of the plays. I am delighted that Jay and I could convince him to come over because hiring Pete is a game changer for Deadline|Hollywood."

Said Hammond, "I am thrilled to bring my views and news on the Hollywood awards scene to readers of Deadline and Movieline and to be working with Jay, Nikki, and Charles and everyone at MMC in making it all happen starting this season. While I loved writing for the Los Angeles Times/The Envelope, I am really looking forward to ramping it up and taking it to the next level on two of the web's premier sites."

"Having Pete on board gives a whole new dimension to our academy strategy for both Deadline Hollywood and Movieline. His depth of knowledge and relationships in the industry is unparalleled," said Lynne Segall, Publisher & Vice President of MMC entertainment. "It is fantastic to have one of the town's foremost awards experts on our team."

Pete Hammond is a writer, producer, movie critic, and film historian. During Hollywood's awards season in recent years, he has been a regular contributing columnist for the online and print editions of the Los Angeles Times/The Envelope, where he wrote the well-read "Notes On A Season" blog. He formerly was a regular contributor to Variety about the Cannes Film Festival, AFI Fest, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards. His film and TV analysis and commentary has appeared in print, on air, and online for numerous media outlets including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, New York Magazine, NBC Nightly News, the CBC, and the BBC. Additionally, Pete hosts the extremely popular year-round KCET Cinema Series and is the instructor for UCLA Extension's Sneak Preview Winter Session where he shows films prior to release and interviews the filmmakers.

His unique and renowned interviewing and moderating skills have been utilized by Variety for their Annual Awards Screening Series as well as by the American Film Institute, American Cinematheque, the Screen Actors Guild, the Directors Guild Of America, the Writers Guild Of America, the Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences, and BAFTA, in addition to film festivals and entertainment conferences around the world. Pete recently has been a regular on-camera presence profiling celebrities on the Biography Channel's series "Famous" and the longtime Contributing Editor for the bestselling Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. He was also co-author of Behind the Silver Screen. He is the recipient of five Emmy nominations for his television writing and served four years on the TV Academy's Board of Governors representing writers. Prior to becoming an awards season analyst and film critic, Pete was a full-time consultant to the AMC Network.

SOURCE Mail.com Media Corporation

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