Panasonic Technology Ratified as Key Element of IEEE P1901 Baseline Standard for Broadband Over Powerline

Innovative Wavelet OFDM Technology Provides Eco Conscious,

Highly Efficient Data Transmission

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) , a developer of broadband over powerline (BPL) communications technologies, announced the approval of its baseline standard by IEEE Standards Association's P1901 Working Group (IEEE P1901)(1) IEEE P1901 has approved Wavelet OFDM technology, and also accepted standards to enable it to coexist with other BPL technologies. This coexistence baseline technology was proposed by CEPCA (Consumer Electronics Powerline Communication Alliance)(2), of which Panasonic is a founding member.

Wavelet OFDM(3), which is used in HD-PLC(TM) (4) products, has a significant advantage as its lower power consumption promotes a green environment via highly efficient data transmission. This technology enables high-speed data transmission in both home networking and utility access applications using existing powerlines, thus eliminating any need for additional wiring. Home BPL makes it possible to transmit High Definition data anywhere in a home, creating a network of computers, audio visual equipment, and home appliances. In addition, Panasonic's technology is also applicable for access BPL, such as building, factory, and power utility infrastructures. The P1901 baseline standard using Wavelet OFDM is expected to contribute to many future applications.

"Panasonic is pleased to have been able to support the development of an IEEE standard for broadband communications over powerline," said Dr. Paul Liao, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "The final adoption of this standard by the IEEE is an essential step in expanding the market for a technology that will greatly simplify and enhance consumers' ability to access the full benefits of high-speed home networking."

IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body, develops consensus standards through an open process that brings diverse parts of industry together. IEEE efforts, such as Ethernet and Wireless LAN, have played a significant role in providing stable standards for industries to build compatible products. IEEE P1901 is finalizing a comprehensive BPL standard that will be applicable in multimedia home networking, power utility smart grids, energy conservation, and transportation applications. The recently confirmed P1901 baseline technologies will be improved and further refined into a final standard, which will contribute further to the growth of every BPL industry.

Panasonic Corporation and Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd. will continue to secure network connectivity with current HD-PLC(TM) product lines as well as coexistence with other BPL products. And, Panasonic intends to provide a certification program, based on IEEE P1901, jointly with alliances and organizations such as HD-PLC Alliance(5). Throughout this process, Panasonic continues to provide safe and reliable BPL products to the user. For more information, please visit the HD-PLC Alliance booth #20550 (South Hall 1) at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2009 in Las Vegas, NV or go to http://www.hd-plc.org/.

1 IEEE P1901 Working Group: Established in June 2005 as an IEEE standardization working group to develop the P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband over Power Line Networks (Media Access Control and Physical Layer). In addition to in-home, access, and coexistence technologies, a transportation technology is also under consideration. IEEE is an international, non-profit, professional organization for the advancement of technology related to electricity and electronics. It has the most members of any technical professional organization in the world.

2 Consumer Electronics Powerline Communication Alliance (CEPCA): A nonprofit corporation established to promote and continuously advance high speed PLC technology to utilize and implement a new generation of consumer electronics products through the rapid, broad and open industry adoption of Consumer Electronics Powerline Communication Alliance Specifications. CEPCA was established in June 2005 by Sony, Panasonic and Mitsubishi. Currently CEPCA consists of 12 companies, including Pioneer, Sanyo, Toshiba, and Yamaha.

For more information, visit http://www.cepca.org/home

3 Wavelet OFDM: specific technology of Panasonic which adopts OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) applying wavelet conversion to orthogonalization of each subcarrier, achieving efficient high-speed data transmission. Wavelet OFDM reduces the side lobe level of each subcarrier without a redundant signal, as a result of characteristic frequency domain and time domain with rectangular cross characteristics.

4 HD-PLC(TM): trademark of a high-definition power line communication system proposed by Panasonic Corporation.

5 HD-PLC Alliance: A group established on September 25, 2007 with the goal of promoting the widespread use of Power Line Communication technology (HD-PLC) and product compatibility standards.

For more information, visit http://www.hd-plc.org/.

About Panasonic

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America markets a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) , and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.