Panasonic Launches Second-Generation Mobile CD Receiver with Integrated HD Radio™

LAS VEGAS , NV (January 6, 2005) — Panasonic introduces the new CQ-CB8901U mobile CD receiver that incorporates the clarity offered by iBiquity Digital's HD Radio™ technology.

Able to eliminate the multi-path noise and interference that causes the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today's radio, HD Radio technology lets consumers enjoy crystal-clear, pure digital audio quality. With this technology, AM broadcasts sound as FM does today, while FM takes on a compact disc-like audio quality.

HD Radio technology also lets listeners view the artist name and song title as well as stock and news information, local traffic conditions, weather, and more - directly across the radio's LCD display. In the future, the technology will offer increased data capacity, surround sound or other broadcasting solutions.

The model also offers the ability to receive XM Satellite Radio, giving consumers access to the satellite radio network's vast array of stations that are not available on commercial radio. (To access the service, consumers need a tuner, cable and antenna and pay a $9.99 per month subscription fee with no contracts.) Included are 68 commercial-free music channels - with virtually every musical genre represented in depth and variety; 33 channels of news, sports, talk and entertainment; and 21 dedicated channels of XM instant traffic and weather . Most channels are unique and innovative XM Originals that include totally new programming. Other channels include Fox News Channel, BBC World Service, PBS's News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Bloomberg News Radio, NASCAR, CNN News, Radio One, Salem Communications, The Weather Channel, and many more.

"This new CD receiver offers consumers the best of both worlds," said Rob Lopez, Group Manager for Panasonic Mobile Electronics Group. "By offering the consumer the digital choice of listening to either broadcast radio or satellite radio, Panasonic delivers a wide variety of programming options."

The CQ-CB8901U also includes Sound Control EQ which alows users to compensate for the automotive environment and to personalize the system according to their sound preference. Referred to as SQ7, this seven-band graphic equalizer provides additional adjustability and one-touch equalizer settings, such as Rock, Pop, Vocal and Flat.

Eye-catching, high-definition 3DDM (3D Dot Matrix Display) graphics with blue illumination on the display bring an interactive element to the mobile listening experience and includes a variety of customizable graphics that pulse and move to the beat of the music.

The receiver has a black chrome faceplate that sits flush against the vehicle's dashboard, metallic rotary control knobs with blue backlighting and a large, easy-to-read LCD display.

Consumers can easily find out which Panasonic components are right for their cars by accessing the vehicle fit guide on Panasonic's mobile audio site. (Visit the home page at www.panasonic.com .)

About iBiquity Digital (www.ibiquity.com)

iBiquity Digital is the sole developer and licenser of HD Radio technology in the U.S. , which will transform today's analog radio to digital, enabling radically upgraded sound and new wireless data services. The company's investors include 15 of the nation's top radio broadcasters, including ABC, Clear Channel and Viacom; leading financial institutions, such as J.P. Morgan Partners, Pequot Capital and J&W Seligman; and strategic partners Ford Motor Company, Harris, Lucent, Texas Instruments and Visteon. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Detroit, MI, Redwood City, CA and Warren, NJ.

About XM Satellite Radio (www.xmradio.com)

XM is America 's number one satellite radio service. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City and Nashville at the Country Music Hall of Fame, XM's 2005 lineup includes more than 130 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: 68 one-hundred-percent commercial-free music channels, featuring hip hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues; more than 40 channels of premier sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and 21 channels of the most advanced traffic and weather information for major metropolitan areas nationwide. XM was named Best Radio Service at the 2004 Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards. Popular Science recently chose XM products for two prestigious "Best of What's New 2004" Awards. As the Official Satellite Radio Network for Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Exclusive Satellite Radio Service for NASCAR, as well as the Official Satellite Radio Service for ACC, PAC-10 and Big-10 collegiate football and basketball, XM Satellite Radio is the industry leader in sports radio programming, offering thousands of live sporting events each year.

XM, the leader in satellite radio for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, and Toyota , among others, is available in more than 120 different vehicle models for 2005. XM also is available in Avis, National, and Alamo rental cars, and it will soon be available on JetBlue and AirTran Airways. Consumers can experience XM over the Internet through XM Radio Online at http://listen.xmradio.com. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com.

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 North American headquarters of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) of Japan , and the hub of its U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom or through the company's toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490.

MODEL	FEATURES	AVAILABILITY	SUGGESTED RETAIL*
CQ-CB8901U Mobile HD Radio/CD Receiver	Integrated HD Radio; XM Satellite Radio capable; MP3 Playback w/ CD Text; WMA Playback; CD-R/CD-RW Playback; Customizable 3DDM display; Radio DSP, SQ7 (7-Band EQ), 2-Preouts (5 volt); Subwoofer Out (5 volt); Auxiliary Input; Remote Control included.	March 2005	$499.95

 

This unit can play CD-DA format audio CD-R and CD-RW. It may not be able to play some CD-R or CD-RW due to the condition of the recording.

*Manufacturer's suggested retail price. All prices are in U.S. dollars.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

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