Panasonic Direct is making available the world's finest high definition art and photography for use on Panasonic HDTVs(1) through its newest web-based service, the Panasonic HD Image Gallery, it was announced today.

"We're excited to offer our customers the benefit of enjoying true HD imagery on their Panasonic Plasma TV," said Merwan Mereby, Vice President of Panasonic's e-Business Group. "Today's high definition televisions are more than just a TV, they are design statements. The ability to enhance the home environment with a choice of great works of art is an additional value Panasonic can now offer to the consumer."

The Panasonic HD Image Gallery features an extensive library of downloadable HD image collections powered by GalleryPlayer, the recognized leader in high definition still imagery. This new web-based service is part of an evolving relationship between Panasonic and GalleryPlayer.

The depth and quality of the content available is extraordinary, ranging from priceless masterpieces from Monet, DaVinci, and Andy Warhol to stunning photographic imagery from National Geographic, Time Life, and 30 other leading content partners.

The Panasonic HD Image Gallery incorporates "Smart Display" technology which automatically adjusts every image to look crisp and to perfectly fit the user's display -- regardless of the display's aspect ratio and screen resolution.

"We share a common vision for enhancing the home environment by bringing the world's finest HD imagery to Panasonic HDTV owners. Both Panasonic and GalleryPlayer worked hard to bring this new web-based service to market, and we're very pleased with the result," said Bruce Worrall, GalleryPlayer's Chief Operating Officer.

"The success of Panasonic's Masterpiece Plasma Series which enabled consumers to mount custom picture frames on select Panasonic Plasmas convinced us that the market was ready to experience HD art and photography on their HDTV. GalleryPlayer has both the HD image technology and content relationships to help us make it happen," added Mereby.

The Panasonic HD Image Gallery can be reached through the main Panasonic web site, or directly from http://www.panasonic.galleryplayer.com . The Panasonic HD Image Gallery is accessible from any of the major internet browsers.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at http://www.panasonic.com . Additional company information for journalists is available at http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom .

About GalleryPlayer

GalleryPlayer delivers the world's finest high definition art and photography to high resolution displays through an extensive library of HD image collections from world-class museums and leading photographers.

GalleryPlayer's proprietary technology ensures that every image retains the color and clarity of the original work, enhancing residential and commercial environments by transforming any high definition display into a stunning visual showcase for the world's finest HD art and photography.

To learn more, visit http://www.galleryplayer.com .

GalleryPlayer, Inc. Seattle WA.

(1) HDTV requires VGA input

Source: prnewswire