Panasonic Awarded Technical Emmy for Pioneering Development of Consumer Camcorders

NEW YORK, NY (October 17, 2001) – Matsushita ElectricIndustrial Co., Ltd. (“Panasonic”) today announced that theNew York-based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)has presented it with a Technical Emmy Award in recognition of itspioneering efforts in the early 1980s that led to the development ofconsumer camcorders. Don Iwatani, director of Panasonic’sAmerican operations, accepted the award at ceremonies held last nightin this city.

“Panasonic has a long history as a leader in the developmentof video products for consumers,” Mr. Iwatani said.“We’re particularly pleased that the Academy has recognizedour efforts related to the consumer camcorder, because these productshave become such an integral part of people’s lives, giving greatenjoyment as they preserve precious memories.”

Technical Emmy Awards are presented annually by NATAS forachievements -- including exceptional contributions to broadcastingtechnology -- within the television industry that materially affecttransmission, recording or reception. The majority of Technical EmmyAwards are presented related to advances in broadcast-relatedtechnology; recognition for contributions related to consumer videotechnology is rare.

“This award covers the full spectrum of consumer camcorderdevelopment,” explained Charlie Jablonski, chairman of the NATASEngineering Achievement Awards Committee. “It recognizes the keyrole Panasonic played in making the consumer video camera areality.”

The award presented to Panasonic last night was the 14th Emmy Awardreceived by the company. Eleven of Panasonic’s Emmys have beenfor achievements in digital video technology; no other company hasreceived as many Emmy Awards for digital video advances asPanasonic.