DENVER, CO--(MARKET WIRE)--Sep 3, 2008 -- Panasonic today announced the addition of three new outdoor-ready network cameras to its suite of high-end residential and business monitoring network cameras. The BB-HCM547A, BL-C160A and BL-C140A bring security and convenience to the forefront of home and business monitoring. These network cameras, along with many other communication solutions, will be demonstrated at Panasonic's CEDIA booth, number 825, from September 4 to 7 in Denver, Colorado.

The BB-HCM547A is an outdoor-ready ceiling-mounted pan/tilt/zoom network dome camera that offers 2.6x optical zoom with 360° pan and 73.4° wide views. perfect for business use, it can be viewed and controlled via a standard web browser, video display, or even a compatible cell phone or PDA, providing perfect monitoring of the home, office, vacation home or remote business location (such as a warehouse). Each camera also comes with a free Web address, which can track the camera automatically and is compatible with all major web browsers.

Use of the camera's built-in microphone and a separately purchased amp-equipped speaker enables two-way voice communication between the network camera and the computer used to monitor the camera image. In addition to conventional monitoring of images and sound, voice messages can be transmitted from the PC to the network camera.

The BB-HCM547A features a sophisticated CCD (Charged Couple Device) for sharp, enhanced image capture. This camera also offers MPEG-4 and MJPEG Simultaneous Access. The image refreshing speed is 30 images per second for smooth display of moving images.

The camera can be connected through an Ethernet connection (or router) and powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet) or with an optional AC adaptor. Each camera has a built-in Web server with IP address at which a user can view the camera's images.

Movement of the camera (vertical tilt of 65 degrees) can be controlled using a standard Web browser, video display, or even a compatible cell phone or PDA. A "Home Position" can be assigned to allow users to return the camera to a pre-designated shooting position. Up to eight shooting positions can be registered in advance. Users can also click on part of the image and automatically bring that part to the center of the screen.

The camera can be set to automatically record video at certain times and certain speeds. In addition, with optional, external sensors attached to the camera, it is possible for the camera to email or record when triggered by motion, sound, light, timer, or even a push button. These convenient functions eliminate the need to constantly check the image.

With the built-in motion sensor, the camera can be set to record and/or notify you by email when someone enters the room. It can even automatically move to a preset location when triggered, just in case someone was viewing a different part of the room.

The BL-C160 and BL-C140 are outdoor-ready, 10x digital zoom network cameras perfect for home monitoring use. Splashproof with IPX4 equivalent splash resistance, the cameras also have a human detection sensor that allows them camera to automatically turn on when the heat and motion detectors respond to a preset camera sensitivity threshold. The cameras mount flush against a wall via a box-mount housing. An included power transfer unit supplies the camera with power through a LAN cable. This allows the camera to be mounted in places like a ceiling, where power outlets are not traditionally found. The BL-C160 includes two LED lights that automatically engage for better visibility when the camera detects motion, allowing for better visibility of objects in darker conditions.

The cameras also include a range of home monitoring options that offer peace of mind when away from home. Simultaneous MPEG-4 and JPEG monitoring options help produce clear, smooth images. When viewing on a computer, a full-screen viewing option produces a bigger, easier-to-see image. Night view mode automatically brightens the image in low light. This allows the user to see clear, easy-to-view images even in the dark.

The BL-C146 and BL-C160 are now available for purchase from Authorized Panasonic Dealers. The BB-HCM547A will be available in October. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/netcam. For product images, please visit: www.panasonic.com/pressroom/CEDIA2008.

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 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (MC - News) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic offers a complete suite of communication and networking solutions, including cordless phones, network cameras and photo and multi-function printers that provide convenience, style and ease-of-use. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

     Editorial Contacts:
      
     Molly McDowell
     Panasonic
     201-348-7185
     mcdowellm@us.panasonic.com
      
     Martha Whiteley
     Panasonic
     201-348-7781
     whiteleym@us.panasonic.com