By connecting the TV to the Internet, you can already take advantage of the wide range of services offered. But in the near future, what advancements will Internet TVs make, and how much richer will it make our lives? A stage presentation, which addresses this theme using 3D images, is taking place so let me tell you a little about it.

Next generation Internet TVs are TVs that we "use." This is Panasonic's proposal. The stage presentation introduces how, in the near future, TVs will function in combination with various cloud services to make our lives more fun and convenient from 4 perspectives - "Entertainment," "Lifestyle Support," "Safety and Security," and "Ecology."

For example, if you are watching a TV program about travel and see a building of interest, not only can you screen capture that image and get detailed information about the building, you can also make a trip reservation. You can also go to a virtual shopping mall and choose a bag that you would like to purchase by looking at a 3D image of it in actual size. The TV can also recommend an outfit that will go with whatever you purchased during your previous session, and you can buy whatever clothes and accessories you liked after a CG image of yourself tries them on. So you can see how Internet TVs are trying to evolve from being a medium that only receives content to an interactive one where consumers can get actively involved.

Panasonic also describes how VIERA can act as a portal for home security and energy management systems using demonstrative images. An even more secure, green lifestyle may be realized by monitoring the security system and the home appliances working in tandem.

Working with cloud services, TVs evolve from something we "watch" to "use." I wonder what some of you think about this topic?

Many people in Japan may already know from the articles published in the newspapers, but Panasonic has added a new function on the VIERA. It has teamed up with Yahoo! Japan, so that it may begin offering Yahoo! Japan's online auction service "Yahoo! Auctions," on the VIERA. This new function is scheduled to become available next spring.

There are also plans to start offering other services such as the electronic magazine, "X BRAND," electronic book service, "Viewn," and lifestyle magazine, "Tokyo Calendar." They may help expand the fun and enjoyment of TV together with services already offered like acTVila and YouTube.

A demonstration that helps explain the traits of this function, is held in the Panasonic booth, and there are many keen visitors asking questions about the services.

Of course, TV is something we use to enjoy a wide range of content. So, whether 3D will become widespread or not is dependent on how much "must-see" content will become available. But a low-cost 3D production system would significantly expand the opportunity for creatives around the world to take on the 3D production challenge. Panasonic, who provides an end-to-end solution from production through to enjoyment at home offers 3D production devices that are low-cost and compact.

This corner named, "3D Professional ideas," has been designed to resemble a FULL HD 3D production studio. You can see at a glance that a very compact system can enable 3D content production.

The camera shooting the woman clad in golf wear is the world's first, fully integrated twin-lens 3D camera recorder, AG-3DA1. The digital AV mixer, AG-HMX100, lets you switch between 2D and 3D images, and there is also a PC with editing software. All you need now to complete the system is a 3D compatible display. Although 3D shooting in the past had involved a huge rig with 2 camera recorders on top, now FULL HD 3D content production with a very compact system involving for example, this camera recorder, has become possible. I look forward to the range of content that will become available in the future.

• Professional 3D Production Systems

Let me introduce the Panasonic 3D Innovation Center, which opened on June 3rd this year.

This center is a place for users who are thinking about starting a 3D business to turn to. This organization will coordinate every aspect of the 3D business depending on the users needs from content production through to device solutions. These centers will be located in Japan, U.S., and Europe, and are currently offering authoring services for Blu-ray(TM) 3D titles and seminars for 3D camera recorders to help support the 3D movement. They are formidable allies for companies and creators who are thinking about taking on a new challenge using 3D images.

The world of 3D is expanding even beyond the boundaries of home entertainment. This corner introduces various applications from the medical field, showrooms and presentations, public facilities such as galleries and museums to amusement facilities.

In the medical field Using high resolution 3D images of the human body or of an actual surgery may be useful in medical education or remote medical treatment.

Showrooms and presentations 3D images may be used in showrooms, like car dealerships, to simulate a customized car, or to experience a model room at a housing showroom. With a large screen 3D plasma display, you can recreate a true-to-life experience in a quite a small space.

Amusement facilities Panasonic's proposal will help create an even more real, exciting 3D gaming display. You can play a 3D car racing game on a 103-inch plasma display in this corner.

I tried playing the car racing game, but since the 103-inch screen is more than 2 meters wide, I felt like I had a more-than-life experience as the landscape expanded before me. The combination of FULL HD 3D images that are incredibly immersive and the large screen 3D plasma display will certainly draw attention from a wide range of industries.

• Panasonic 3D Innovation Center

The Panasonic booth is located in the "Home & Personal Zone" of the CEATEC JAPAN venue, but if you take a look around, you will see that many companies have exhibits on 3D.

As many of you may know, if you go back to the roots of 3D technology, you will find that it wasn't invented recently. 3D booms have occurred and 3D movies have been made mainly in the U.S. in the past. Also, there may be many people who have experience 3D at exhibitions and expositions. But it has never become widespread and had become a forgotten existence.

So why has Hollywood become so serious about 3D, and why are electronics manufacturers releasing a wave of 3D product? I believe that this is because 3D images have become so beautiful and worthy of appreciation. People who have seen the movie, "AVATAR," may understand what I mean, but as you watch, you get pulled into the world in the movies, and you forget that you are even wearing 3D Eyewear. This immersive feeling is really amazing. Many people must have thought, "If only we could experience that feeling at home…" What makes this possible is Panasonic's FULL HD 3D technology unveiled at CEATEC JAPAN 2008, which has continued to evolve and lead the way for the industry since then.

Here at the Panasonic booth, you can learn about Panasonic's 3D technology, which brings the high image quality of the 3D VIERA to life, in detail. When you look at the images on display, you can see that the features of the plasma display panel such as a wide viewing angle, the ability to reproduce rich black tones, especially "high-contrast technology" and "crosstalk reduction 3D technology" have also been applied to the 3D VIERA. Because you can compare and contrast the 3D imagery rather than read a complicated explanation, many people stop by to learn more about Panasonic's 3D technology.

• Flat TV "VIERA"
• FULL HD 3D Global Site
• FULL HD 3D Products Global Site

Here are the companions of the Panasonic booth wearing simple yet stylish uniforms, which have been newly designed this year.

Tomorrow is the last day of CEATEC JAPAN 2010. One more day to go. Wish me luck!

A very refreshing uniform with green lines that invoke images of eco.

In this corner, a demonstration of a TV conference in 3D over the network using the 3D VIERA, 3D compatible digital camcorder, and 3D Visual Communication System is taking place. I first thought it would be strange to "wear 3D Eyewear during a conference," but after watching the demonstration I was convinced. The communication or conference would be in 2D, but Panasonic proposes the 3D Visual Communication System for times when you want to show a prototype of a new product, for example, in 3D.

You can watch a demonstration of how a flower arrangement class is shown on the large screen TV, or how a shoe in the making is shown to the person on the other side. With the superior depth 3D offers, you can see the details much clearer. Moreover, because the images are shown on the large screen, even if there are many people on the screen, you'll still be able to see their individual facial expressions. The system might help reduce the number of business trips if you use it to have a conference between teams in Japan and other countries to share how well the prototype has turned out, or any flaws it may have, for example. Although the 3D Visual Communication System on display is still a prototype, I felt that it could be market-ready to meet various needs at any time.

When you take a photograph of it you see double images, but it looks stereoscopic when you wear 3D Eyewear (just in case you were wondering).

Click on the image to watch the video.

Video reports introduce Panasonic's activities at the exhibitions around the world. And now, "Panasonic booth highlights" video report, which gives you a glimpse of what the Panasonic booth at CEATEC JAPAN 2010 is like, is available.

The camera speedily moves through the booth zooming in on the must-see ideas, new products that are much talked about, and keywords found in the booth. It feels as though you've taken a walk around the booth, and the video gives you a great overview. Why not take a look if you're thinking of making your way over to the Panasonic booth.

There are more entries to come that will describe each corner in detail, the "Panasonic 'eco ideas' Forum 2010" being held at the same time, and the renovation of the 'eco ideas' House, so please stay tuned for more.

This video report takes you around the Panasonic booth. To the staff creating the video reports - I'm looking forward to seeing other video reports that show the booth in detail!

In this corner you can test the 3D compatible camcorder for yourself. You can have a go at shooting the model sitting within a very romantic set. When you hold up the camcorder to shoot, she will make the balloons sway gently or point the stick towards the lens. The 3D image you see through the camcorder is also shown on the 3D VIERA nearby.

The model sitting in the set appears on the screen in 3D. This corner, which directly communicates the advantages of the 3D compatible camcorder, drew great attention among the visitors.

I tested the 3D conversion lens + 3D compatible camcorder, TM750 (SDT750 in Europe), out at IFA, but when I held it once again, it felt very compact. It is amazing that such a small camcorder can shoot beautiful 3D imagery.

Here, you can see an image of yourself on the screen through the 3D Eyewear. Although we see the world in 3D through our own eyes, when you see it on TV, it looks mysterious.

• HD Camcorder
• FULL HD 3D Products Global Site

There are 3 small rooms named "3D Game," "3D Movie," and "3D Broadcast" demonstrating the 3D home theater systems. You can watch the latest 3D contents in combination with various sound systems such as the "Theater Bar," "Wireless Theater," and "Rack Theater."

What was especially impressive this time was the professional baseball game in 3D. Those of you who like watching baseball know this already, but in a baseball game the pitcher and batter really go head to head. The ball that leaves the pitcher's hand travels at incredible speed towards the batter; the batter takes a full swing cutting through the air with a roar. With 3D, this dynamic scene was reproduced with even greater reality. The shot taken from diagonally behind the catcher especially reproduces the real thrill of watching professional baseball. I realized once again that sports and 3D really go well together.

Next to the home theater systems you will find 3 new 3D compatible Blu-ray Disc(TM) recorders and one 3D compatible Blu-ray Disc(TM) player. Now consumers have a wider range of products to choose from.

• FULL HD 3D Blu-ray Disc(TM) Home Theater System
• Blu-ray Disc(TM) Global Site

In this corner you will find the world's first 3D compatible digital interchangeable lens camera, "LUMIX GH2," just unveiled. With the optional 3D compatible lens, you can shoot 3D photographs with this camera. The prototype introduced at IFA held in Germany drew great attention, but many visitors here at CEATEC JAPAN also seem to be very intrigued by the demonstration of 3D still photographs.

This interchangeable lens is very thin, but has 2 lenses inside. A while ago, a book of images, which start to look stereoscopic when you stare at it for a long time, became quite popular. But perhaps there is something about 3D images and photographs that capture people's hearts.

There is much talk about LUMIX GH2 being "3D compatible," but it also offers great performance. Auto focus only takes approximately 0.1 seconds, so it boasts the world's fastest level Light Speed AF (as of September 21, 2010). I looked through the finder and I thought that the comfortable, super fast response will surely expand the fun and excitement of photography. By the way, the 3D compatible pancake lens is pan focus, so please check the performance of the Light Speed AF on the LUMIX GH2 with a normal lens.

• Digital Camera "LUMIX"

It's natural to want to playback and make copies of videos and photographs we have shot as easily as possible. Well, now this is possible in the world of 3D as well.

This corner bears the message, "Panasonic's Leading 3D World." Of course you can enjoy 3D contents on the 3D VIERA, but you can also watch the videos and photographs shot with the 3D compatible camcorder and 3D compatible digital interchangeable lens camera, LUMIX, on the large screen of the 3D VIERA, and also make copies with the 3D compatible Blu-ray Disc(TM) recorder, DIGA. So as you can see, you can have even more fun when various equipment link together. This is the "3D Link" that Panasonic proposes.

In order to enjoy 3D, the availability of a wide range of content is essential. The panel in the corner introduces various 3D programs that are going to be offered in Japan in the near future. For example, Japan's first 3D music program "Panasonic 3D MUSIC STUDIO" will be regularly offered on BS Asahi from November this year.

t hasn't even been a year since the 3D VIERA for the U.S. market was introduced at the International CES held in January this year as the first 3D compatible product. But the line-up of 3D VIERA has expanded to include the 42-inch through to the 65-inch models, and in Japan, BD+HDD embedded 42-inch and 46-inch 3D VIERA are also available. There are also 85-inch, 103-inch, and 152-inch plasma displays for professional use. And now, the 3D compatible camcorders and digital interchangeable lens camera have made an entrance. This truly is a "Leading 3D World" and this is the product of the efforts of the Panasonic's technological team.

Panasonic aspires to "propose a better lifestyle, which offers people around the world a sense of security, comfort and joy in a sustainable way" with a wide range of ideas. mako-san introduced Panasonic's energy solutions in her entries, and now it's my turn to introduce Panasonic's network AV solutions mainly focusing on FULL HD 3D.

First, let's start with the FULL HD 3D stage with the 3D Mass Display comprised of thirty-three 3D plasma displays ranging from 42-inch to 152-inch, which I briefly introduced in the photo digest. A presentation incorporating 3D images takes place here every 5, 20, 35, and 50 minutes past the hour (the last presentation is at 16:35). Visitors wearing 3D Eyewear seem to be completely taken away by the dynamic imagery and the presentation, which introduces Panasonic's FULL HD 3D efforts and technologies and the expanding fun and exciting world of FULL HD 3D. Let me introduce these ideas in detail.

Panasonic opened the doors to the FULL HD 3D world. It first began back in 2008 with the development of the 3D system based on the FULL HD 3D format, then was followed by the establishment of Blu-ray 3D(TM) standard standards based on the Blu-ray(TM) format Panasonic proposed, establishing the authoring center for Blu-ray(TM) production, and the development of the world's first fully integrated twin-lens 3D camera recorder. But Panasonic renews its commitment to continue to lead the way in the world of FULL HD 3D here on the FULL HD 3D stage.

Panasonic also contributes to enhancing the range of 3D contents available. Not only does it help with the production of 3D broadcasting in regions around the world, Panasonic also is helping turn sports, music, and games into 3D. Panasonic is also a pioneer in proposing a new way to enjoy FULL HD 3D, that is to "shoot 3D yourself," with the 3D camcorder and 3D compatible digital interchangeable lens camera.

Moreover, Panasonic provides total solutions for the professional arena to address business opportunities that arise as more and more contents become available as 3D. Panasonic has established a "Panasonic 3D Innovation Center" in the U.S., Europe, and Japan as a place to turn to for users working in the world of 3D. Panasonic's strong commitment to continue to contribute to the expansion of 3D businesses is very visible.

The presentation lasts for about 10 minutes, and it communicates Panasonic's message with a multitude of FULL HD 3D imagery. Outer space, butterflies in the sky, movies, sports, and animation - at times, all 33 displays show the same image, but numerous image sources are displayed on the screens as well. But it felt far bigger than just images being shown on screens of various sizes. It seems as though a gigantic visual universe had been created. CEATEC JAPAN 2010 is on until Saturday this week. If you are coming to the exhibition, please stop by and see for yourself.

• Digital Camera "LUMIX"
• Flat TV "VIERA"
• HD Camcorder
• Professional Displays
• FULL HD 3D Global Site
• FULL HD 3D Products Global Site
• Professional 3D Production Systems
• Blu-ray Disc(TM) Global Site
• Panasonic 3D Innovation Center

The FULL HD 3D animation of "Cyborg 009" was introduced in the Cyber Showcase Blog entry and in the Panasonic exhibition tweet, and many people, understandably, took great interest. The original animation was created by Shotaro Ishinomori, and based on this world he created, Mamoru Oshii director and Production I.G created a 4:45 minute FULL HD 3D animation. This is being showcased in one of the 3 small rooms (the middle one) found side by side in the 3D home theater corner within the Network AV Zone on a 65-inch 3D VIERA. Please come and also check out the dynamic sound.

A clip from the 4:45 "Cyborg 009" is also being introduced in the FULL HD 3D presentation. Here, you will find a total of 33 FULL HD 3D plasma displays including, of course, the 152-inch, so you can enjoy the clip in a truly dynamic, immersive environment. Don't forget to stop by and watch the presentation as well.

The LUMIX Phone unveiled to the public for the first time at CEATEC JAPAN 2010 is on display in the corner for mobile phones. An announcement about the prototype of the LUMIX Phone was just made a few days ago, but because it is embedded with technology cultivated over the years through the development of the LUMIX, there is great interest in this mobile phone. There is also a special website (in Japanese only) for the LUMIX Phone, and the web contents have been updated today, in time with the opening of CEATEC JAPAN. Please take a look at the website as well.

It looks like a digital camera! There is no question that it offers high resolution and is easy to use, but it also offers convenient connectivity with the PC or the network.

Here, you can learn about the various different ways you can enjoy watching TV that expands with Internet connectivity. Panasonic also proposes ways you can take TV programs recorded on the Blu-ray Disc(TM)/DVD recorder, DIGA with you.

Clear, dynamic, and truly immersive FULL HD 3D imagery of the 3D VIERA. Here, you can learn about Panasonic's excellent 3D technology that brings this to life through comparative exhibits.

• Flat TV "VIERA"
• FULL HD 3D Products Global Site

Not only is 3D taking off in the entertainment arena, it is extending into the business arena. In this corner, you will find many business applications of 3D, such as the 3D Visual Communication System.

A prototype of the 3D Visual Communication System, which lets you conduct a 3D TV conference.

There are many other 3D proposals such as in the medical field, showrooms, in-store presentations, and amusement facilities.

In this corner you can experience shooting with the world's first 3D compatible camcorder. You can have a go at shooting the model, so this corner is drawing great attention.

• HD Camcorder

Here you will find the recently unveiled 3D compatible digital interchangeable lens camera, the "LUMIX GH2," and the 3D compatible lens. Please experience the fun and exciting world of 3D photography!

• Digital Camera "LUMIX"

When you enter the Network AV Zone wearing 3D Eyewear, you will see before you the world of FULL HD 3D you can enjoy right at home.

3D home theater
From broadcasting, gaming, to movies on Blu-ray(TM) discs - you can experience the 3D home theater systems, which let you enjoy the world of FULL HD 3D in your living room.

3D Link
Not only can you enjoy dynamic FULL HD 3D images on the 3D VIERA, now you can shoot 3D photographs and video and store these images on your library. You can learn about the "3D Link" brought to life when Panasonic's 3D compatible devices are connected via an HDMI cable or SD Memory Card.

• Flat TV "VIERA"
• FULL HD 3D Products Global Site
• FULL HD 3D Blu-ray Disc(TM) Home Theater System

The "Network AV Zone" of the Panasonic booth has a designated entrance and exit, and you will be able to enjoy 3D imagery and presentations in the various corners as you make your way through the zone. Please enjoy the "Leading 3D World" with the 3D Eyewear you will be given at the entrance.

The companions of the booth are looking forward to seeing you!

There is a stage featuring thirty-three FULL HD 3D plasma displays, with the world's largest, 152-inch plasma display in the center. A presentation incorporating the 3D images displayed on these screens takes place on this stage. Many people are already here and you can really feel the excitement. I will tell you about the stage presentation in detail in another entry.

• Flat TV "VIERA"
• Professional Displays
• FULL HD 3D Products Global Site

"Cyborg 009" is an SF comic and animation masterpiece and Shotaro Ishinomori's most renowned work. Mamoru Oshii and Production I.G, some of the most famous presences in Japanese animation, have recreated the characters and the world of "Cyborg 009" in 3D with the technological cooperation of Panasonic. The 3D anime is to be unveiled at the Panasonic booth at CEATEC JAPAN 2010.

People who were involved in the cooperation were kind enough to give me a sneak preview, and I must say, it was really amazing! When the great talents of Japanimation are given FULL HD 3D technology as a weapon infinite possibilities come to life. It felt like I could feel the immersive imagery with every cell of my body.

I can't go into detail, but if you fell in love with the original story or if you are an anime fan, you shouldn't miss this!

(c) Copyright ISHIMORI PRODUCTION INC. All Rights Reserved.

The 4 minute 45 second (give or take) film was packed full of breathtaking scenes, it felt like the time went by in a flash.

CEATEC JAPAN 2010 will begin in a week, on October 5th. Let me briefly introduce the must-see exhibits of the Panasonic booth.

Numerous "ideas for life" that help realize a better lifestyle, which offers people around the world a sense of security, comfort, and joy in a sustainable way not only in the "entire home" but in "entire cities" are introduced in 2 different zones.

The Energy Solution Zone introduces the "Home Energy Management System (HEMS)" which controls energy created, stored and saved in the home to achieve optimum energy efficiency according to the resident's lifestyle, "Networkable Eco Navi Home Appliances" that offer an unparalleled new service by connecting home appliances to the network, "Electric Vehicle (EV) system solutions" that makes use of eco technologies cultivated in the development of home appliances to on-board systems and devices to contribute to making electric vehicles more widespread, and "energy solutions for the entire city" that connects the entire city with the energy management system. Numerous powerful proposals from Panasonic, who aims to become a Green Innovation Company, which takes the global environment into consideration and pushes forward its energy business, are must-see exhibits.

The Network AV Zone is truly a 3D world. Very convenient, compact-sized consumer camcorders have become 3D compatible. And the new digital interchangeable lens camera from the "LUMIX" series can also shoot in 3D. The ever-expanding world of 3D, which not only includes these 3D products you can enjoy at home, but also the integrated twin-lens 3D camera recorder for professional use, 3D editing equipment, and solutions for the business scene, are being introduced in the booth. Panasonic, who has led the way in 3D will certainly show us the possibilities of the future of 3D in a fun way.

My impression is that Panasonic has really focused on its themes this year. How will it showcase these themes to the visitors? What kind of impact will they have? I am looking forward to the exhibition as much as you all are!

CEATEC JAPAN 2010 will finally begin next week. A dedicated site for the Panasonic booth at CEATEC JAPAN, which is packed full of information about the booth, is now up and running.

On the website, you can see a list of products to be exhibited in the booth, the booth map, and various other information. Panasonic plans to update the information available in time with the opening day on October 5th, so please be sure to check it out.

Hello! This is mino, a writer for this blog. We're right in the middle of the exhibition season. Right after the Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R. 2010) that mako-san is in charge of, CEATEC JAPAN 2010 will kick off.

It will be held from October 5th to the 9th (but, please beware that the 5th is reserved for the press and VIPs). The exhibition will be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba prefecture.

CEATEC JAPAN is one of Asia's largest exhibitions on the latest IT and electronics. You can experience the latest technologies of the industry at the exhibition. Numerous technologies that have paved the way for the times have been unveiled at this exhibition in the past. Looking back, 3D TVs, which have caused quite a sensation, began with the prototype of the "3D Full HD Plasma Theater System" Panasonic showcased at CEATEC JAPAN in 2008. I am very much looking forward to discovering what surprises this year's CEATEC JAPAN holds.

This time around, mako-san will be joining me at the exhibition to report about the Panasonic booth from differing perspectives, so we hope to provide up to date information from the booth with great enthusiasm. Please look forward to our entries.

CEATEC JAPAN 2010

Period: October 5 (Tue) – October 9 (Sat), 2010
Venue: Makuhari Messe (Chiba, Japan)
Organizers: CEATEC JAPAN Organizing Committee, Communications and Information network Association of Japan (CIAJ), Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), Computer Software Association of Japan (CSAJ)
Official site: http://www.ceatec.com/2010/en/