Panasonic Japan today announced the KX-VC500 [JP], a new video-conferencing system that makes it possible to communicate using full HD screens. The system mainly consists of a device Panasonic calls HD communication unit and a remote control, connecting users via the web.
For some strange reason, Panasonic intends to sell the corresponding microphone separately (for a yet to be determined price). Not only that, the KX-VC500 doesn’t come with a camera either. Instead, buyers are supposed to use their HD cameras they already have at home or in the office, obviously. Panasonic promises superior sound quality (MPEG-4 AAC LD, 20kHz).
The main unit can be plugged into any screen capable of displaying HD images. It features two HDMI ports and an RGB interface.
The system will hit Japanese stores October 1 with an open price model. Panasonic hasn’t said yet whether it will be available outside Japan as well, but plans to produce 300 units monthly.
Related News
Now in more colors: Panasonic’s GF1 digital camera
Not 3D but pretty, too: Sony’s seven new LCD TVs
Panasonic’s 3D full HD TVs get priced and dated (in Japan)
Panasonic to sell plasma TVs with 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio
Panasonic Japan to release AVCHD-compatible, external DVD burner
Dell outs the beefy OptiPlex XE desktop
Tom Hanks to turn on Large Hadron Collider - yes, that Tom Hanks
You may now purchase Belkin’s $20 iPod shuffle adapter
Windows Mobile 6.5 Review: It Still Sucks.
Second place in the App Store brings in $6,300 a day
ASUS Eee PC 1008HA hands-on
Samsung Comeback set to cost about $130 too much
Get a peek inside Toshiba’s Dynario fuel cell
Thanko strikes again: Catgirl Earphones