Panasonic Lumix FS Series expands its line-up to offer consumers more choice

Panasonic Lumix FS Series expands its line-up to offer consumers more choice

Responding to market demand, Panasonic is pleased to announce a new addition to the simple and stylish Lumix FS series expands its line-up with the DMC-FS62. Compact and slim, the 10.1-megapixel FS62 offers all of the features inherent to the popular FS series, including ease of use, high specification, and good looks.

The NEW DMC-FS62
Intelligent Auto – Effortlessly Easy
Panasonic incorporated Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. Comprising of four major functions (MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector) that work together to provide the best possible shooting results everytime. The two most advanced countermeasures against blurring – MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabiliser) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and suppress motion blur – are built into the FS6 and FS7. The MEGA O/I/S conventionally has mode 1 and mode 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. Both image stabilising technologies have been further advanced in detection accuracy and correction effect thanks to the new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV.

In addition to these two paramount anti-blurring technologies, the Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize human faces and to focus and set the exposure automatically. Up to 15 faces can be recognized simultaneously. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. Not only that, the unwanted red-eye effect caused by the use of flash can be digitally corrected.

The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene you’re going to take from among the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait mode. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before pressing the shutter.

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient functions by simply pressing an independent iA button on the top of the camera, which is newly equipped for direct activation of the mode.

Zoom in
The 10.1-megapixel DMC-FS62 packages a bright F2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 4x optical zoom into a slim, compact body. The zoom ratio can be extended up to7.1x in 3-megapixel recording using the Extra Optical Zoom. By using the central part of the CCD, this powerful zooming function allows you to easily capture and magnify distant subjects.

With a 2.5-inch 230,000 dot intelligent LCD, images are effortlessly easy to view.

Motion Pictures
Not forgetting motion pictures1, the FS6 and FS7 can record WVGA2 (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA 640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture also fits a wide-screen (16:9) TY perfectly to offer impressive viewing.

Included software
The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 comes bundled with the DMC-FS7 and FS6. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 allows the user to edit or organize a collection of photos with more ease and fun. It features Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture stored in your PC to sort the photos by faces. Conventionally, you had to pick up one by one out of hundreds of photos when you only want the picture of a specific person. But with the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0, the software automatically does it once the face is registered regardless of the camera type you used – perfect for digging out all photos of Aunt Mary for her birthday surprise for example! On the sophisticated interface, you can also enjoy emotional slideshow with a variety of effects. Motion pictures (MOV or MPEG2) can also be upload directly to YouTube3.

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Panasonic introduce three HD Recorders with freesat+ compatibility

Panasonic introduce three HD Recorders with freesat+ compatibility

Panasonic has announced the market introduction of the DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 Blu-ray Disc™ Recorders and the DMR-XS350 High-Definition Recorder / DVD Recorder (Standard Def Archiving). All three new models are compatible with freesat+, making it easy to view and capture high-image-quality digital satellite broadcasts.

Sign up at ‚HD Everything’ to receive exclusive information about the UK’s first Blu-ray Recorders
The continued trend toward Full HD in TV broadcasts, discs and digital AV equipment has spawned demand for innovative digital recorders. Panasonic’s response is the „HD Everything” concept – products that allow anyone to easily control, preserve and share a wide variety of Full HD images. Designed under this concept, the new trio of digital recorders come equipped with functions users will enjoy today and need tomorrow.

First are the recording functions. Each of the new models is equipped with twin tuners, making it possible to record two TV programmes broadcast at the same time. When the recorder is used together with a VIERA flat-panel TV, Panasonic’s unique VIERA Link functions can be used to control recording operations. This allows the viewer to use the VIERA TV’s remote control to record in a way that is similar to pausing a TV programme that is being watched.

Programmes that have been recorded and stored in the hard disk drive can be converted to the H.264 format and saved. By compressing data more compactly than standard DR (Direct Record) mode recording, the H.264 format lets viewers use their hard disk drive space more efficiently or store more TV programmes on a single Blu-ray Disc™. Up to 24 hours of HD content can be stored on one Blu-ray disc (in high speed copy mode), meaning you could get a whole series of your favourite programmes on one disc.

For outstanding playback performance, all three new recorders feature high-image-quality PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus* and P4HD, two technology systems that earned high acclaim in Panasonic Blu-ray Disc™ players. These technologies give films purchased in disc form a level of beauty rivalling the original film recording, and they deliver deep, detailed images from recorded TV programmes. The three new models are compatible with Blu-ray standard’s BD-Live function, so users can download special features and images from the Internet for extra enjoyment.

In terms of audio, the new DMR-BS850 and BS750 support the superior surround sound of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio Essential on Blu-ray Disc™ media. Users can connect the recorder to a compatible amplifier and enjoy the stunningly high quality 7.1-channel surround sound of Blu-ray Discs.

The new recorders can save images from an HD camcorder or LUMIX digital camera onto the built-in hard disk drive or a Blu-ray Disc™. In the past, you needed to use a computer or other device to save images like these, but Panasonic’s three new models make it easy to create discs right in the living room. Music CDs also can be recorded onto the hard disk drive. The three recorders are compatible with gracenote®, so song titles and artist names are automatically recorded together with the music.

The new recorders also support Panasonic’s VIERA CAST Internet function, so users can easily access Internet content such as YouTube™ and Picasa™ Web Albums and view it on a large-screen TV.

Making it easy for anyone to record, play and save Full HD content, the new DMR-BS850, BS750 and XS350 digital recorders from Panasonic bring users a big step forward into the HD age.
* DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 only.

Convenience with freesat+
Recording and Viewing Freedom with freesat+ Twin Tuner – With more than 140 digital TV and radio channels to choose from it’s fairly likely that at some point you’ll want to record two programmes broadcast at the same time. The freesat+ Twin Tuner allows you the freedom to do this and offers a multitude of other viewing and recording options.

freesat+ EPG
The freesat+ EPG organises channels into easy to use categories with this 8-day on-screen programme guide. Find what you want at the touch of a button and save all your favourites so they’re easy to find.

Series Record (with grouping view)
Set the timer to record just once and each programme in the series will automatically be recorded. Recorded series’ are easily located as they are automatically archived in the same folder.

Schedule Change
Even if the broadcast schedule changes, programmes are correctly and completely recorded.

HD Recording (DR Mode) and Archiving

Full HD Recording and Playback
In DR mode you can record a digital broadcast signal, without the slightest change in quality, directly to your HDD. The precise Full HD picture quality, 5.1ch surround sound, subtitle and audio description, all recorded perfectly and ready to view.

5.1ch Surround Sound Recording and Playback
The Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound signal embedded in HD broadcasts can also be recorded. By adding an AV receiver and speaker system, you can enjoy recordings complete with 5.1-channel surround sound.

Subtitle and Audio Description Recording and Playback
The Blu-ray Disc™/High Definition DVD Recorder can record the subtitle and audio description data that is included with some digital broadcasts. Because these are also recorded digitally, they can be switched on or off during playback.
* Only for DR mode.

H.264 Encoder
Panasonic’s original H.264 Encoder responds to the movement in a video image and compresses it so that the recorded image is as clear and vivid as possible. H.264 conversion recording is particularly convenient if you want to save space on your HDD or want to record a number of programmes onto a Blu-ray Disc™.

Easy to Use

One Remote Operation (VIERA Link)
VIERA Link lets you operate a variety of compatible Panasonic audio, video and imaging products with one easy to use VIERA remote control.

Pause Live TV (VIERA Link)
Pause Live TV lets you freeze TV programmes just like pausing a DVD. Select “Pause Live TV” on the VIERA Link Menu and the TV programme is temporarily saved on the hard disk drive. You can watch the rest of the programme, right from the stopped frame, at a later time.
* After 8 hours the recording will stop.
* This function is available for Panasonic products that support VIERA Link (HDAVI Control 3 or above).

Direct TV Rec. (VIERA Link)
If you want to record the programme you’re watching, you can start immediately by pressing the VIERA Link button on the VIERA remote control and selecting “Direct TV Rec.” on the VIERA Link menu screen. You can also start Direct TV Rec. by pressing “Direct TV REC.” button on VIERA remote.
* This function is available for Panasonic products that support VIERA Link (HDAVI Control 3 or above).

High Quality Picture and Sound

PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus
PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image processing technology developed to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal. It reproduces colour data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems to keep colours faithful and sharp.

High Precision 4:4:4
When viewed on a high end VIERA TV model, which features 4:4:4 signal compatibility, it recreates images with the original film quality to further enhance movie enjoyment.

P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD)
P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel. This allows it to render progressive images superbly, express motion smoothly, and draw crisp diagonal lines.

1080/24p Playback
This means movie images from a Blu-ray Disc™ are reproduced in their original 24p form, with no need for conversion. Watch movies as though you were at a movie theatre.
*24p stands for 24 frame/sec.
*1080/24p supported display device is required.

Compatible with HD Audio Codec
Supporting HDMI bitstream out and decode (PCM) Out of the latest audio formats, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential, used in BD-Video.

High Quality Sound Parts
Maximises the high quality sound performance of the Blu-ray Disc™ to enhance living room viewing enjoyment with beautiful, true-to-life sound.

Networking

Networking with HD Camcorder

Home movies can be transferred immediately via SD memory card to the HDD or Blu-ray Disc™. Until now, transferring and storing HD Camcorder images was a time-consuming process performed on your PC. A Panasonic BD Recorder makes this process effortlessly simple.

Networking with LUMIX Digital Still Camera
Movies or photos you’ve just shot can be copied quickly and easily to HDD or Blu-ray Disc™ via an SD memory card or USB cable. You can then choose your favourite music tracks to accompany a fun slideshow of these images.

High Speed Archiving
Archive recorded TV programmes from the HDD to Blu-ray Disc™ at ultra-fast speed. Your family movies and photos also can be archived in Full HD on a Blu-ray Disc™, or simply copied to a DVD and given to friends and family.

Juke Box with gracenote®
Data from music CDs and USB devices can be easily transferred to DIGA’s hard disk drive. It supports gracenote® so titles and artist names are automatically saved together with the music CD data. It also supports the ID3Tag title information that is embedded in music data. The new DIGA is like a jukebox filled with your favourite music.

CD Database Update
If the pre-installed CD database does not contain the latest album titles, you can download new title data to your recorder from the internet.
*1 Gracenote® is for the music CD (CDDA). The Gracenote logo and logotype and the “Powered by Gracenote” logo are trademarks of Gracenote.
*2 ID3 Tag is for the MP3 music data.

VIERA CAST
Internet live streaming with VIERA CAST. You can access YouTube™, Picasa™ Web Albums, and a multitude of web content. With YouTube™ watch the latest video clips, and with Picasa™ Web Albums view online photo albums. You can also check weather and stock information at the touch of a button.
* Requires broadband Internet service for a fee.

BD-Live
BD-Live* lets users access the internet to download data such as images and subtitles, and join in quizzes and multi-player interactive games that are linked to bonus materials on BD-Live enabled Blu-ray Disc™. BD-Live also supports BONUSVIEW.
* BD-ROM Profile 2. (BD-Live feature includes BONUSVIEW functions.) To enjoy additional contents (such as BD-Live) on certain Blu-ray DiscTM titles, you will need to insert an SD memory card (1GB or more of free space/Sold separately). Requires broadband Internet service for a fee.

Environmentally Friendly

Intelligent Auto Standby
After you’ve finished watching a film on your Blu-ray Disc™ Recorder or DVD Recorder, select “TV” and the recorder automatically reverts to standby to save power.
* Available for 2009 VIERA with HDAVI control 4 compatible products.

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DMC-G1

DMC-G1
G Micro System
4/3-type 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor
Full-time Live View
Venus Engine HD image processor
Advanced AF featuring iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
Built-in dust reduction system (Supersonic Wave Filter)
Supplied with LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.
Available in a range of colours.

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Don’t Miss the TV Ad Created by Britain’s Hottest Young Creative Talent

Don’t Miss the TV Ad Created by Britain’s Hottest Young Creative Talent

The Winning Ad (Live on Channel 4 Grand Designs, Wednesday 18th March 9 PM); was created by the Next Generation Talent – James Fox. Panasonic teamed up with YCN to launch a competition challenging creative students across the UK to create a film or print ad to promote the unique benefits of the Panasonic Viera PZ81 Home Hub TV. The http://www.nextgenerationtalent.co.uk microsite was where students uploaded their entries and the general public voted for the winner.

Viera with freesat HDThe idea behind this ‘Boxes’ creative revolves around the concept that the versatile Viera with freesat HD TV Home Hub can be used to playback home movies, view photos, play DVD and Blu-ray discs as well as many other functions. The Panasonic Viera PZ81 Home Hub TV offers Full HD, built-in freesat and advanced networking capabilities.

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Laurent Abadie appointed Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Europe

Laurent Abadie appointed Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Europe

Panasonic Europe Limited has announced the appointment of Laurent Abadie as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Laurent Abadie will be the first non-Japanese director to take up this role in the group’s history.

After joining Panasonic France in 2004, Laurent Abadie was appointed Executive Officer on the Board of Directors of the Panasonic Corporation in Japan in 2008. He will continue to hold this position whilst undertaking his new duties at the head of the Group’s European division.

Under the guidance of Laurent Abadie, Panasonic has led the French digital camera market since the first quarter of 2007 with its Lumix range*. Panasonic has also climbed from 5th to 2nd place in the French plasma screen market under his leadership.

“I am extremely proud of this appointment and of the trust that the Group’s board members have placed in me,” says Laurent Abadie. “My admission to the Board of Directors in 2008 was already testament to the importance of the French market to Panasonic. My appointment as Director of Panasonic Europe (Panasonic’s primary region by size outside Japan) is proof of the willingness to accelerate development in Europe and to open up this position to a non-Japanese director for the first time.”

Laurent Abadie joined Panasonic France as Managing Director In 2004. The following year he was appointed President of the French division and, in 2008, he was elected Executive Officer on the board of directors of the Panasonic Corporation in Japan.

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NTT Com Receives ISO/IEC 20000-1:2005 Certification

NTT Com Receives ISO/IEC 20000-1:2005 Certification

NTT Communications (NTT Com) announced today that it received certification for compliance with the ISO/IEC 20000-1:2005 international standard for IT service management on April 2.

The certification was issued by BSI Management Japan under the auspices of the IT Service Management Forum (itSMF), a not-for-profit organization promoting IT service management best practices and the Information Technology Infrastructure Library® (ITIL®), a compilation of concepts and policies for managing IT infrastructure, development and operations, and the Japan Information Processing Development Corporation

The certification encompasses NTT Com’s management of large-scale private networks of enterprise customers. Under the service, NTT Com manages both its own network services and communication facilities and those of the customer, resulting in total, one-stop maintenance and management of the entire communication system.

Monitoring the customer’s system on a 24/7 basis, NTT Com quickly detects any system failure and quickly repairs the error while keeping the customer informed of the situation. A service manager familiar with the customer’s telecommunication system is then dispatched to the customer’s premises to provide advice about how to hasten recoveries and prevent possible failures in the future. The service manager thereafter prepares a monthly report about the operation of the customer’s system and any subsequent failures.

NTT Com has steadily upgraded its IT management system through measures including ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification. It also has incorporated the ITIL in its operations by acquiring ITIL-related certifications, including ITIL Foundation and senior consultant-level ITIL Manager, and joining itSMF Japan, the first itSMF established in Asia, in 2003.

About NTT Communications Corporation
NTT Com delivers high-quality voice, data and IP services to customers around the world. The company is renowned for its diverse information and communication services, expertise in managed networks, hosting and IP networking services, and industry leadership in IPv6 transit technology. The company’s extensive global infrastructure includes Arcstar™ private networks and a Tier 1 IP backbone (connected with major ISPs worldwide), both reaching more than 150 countries, as well as secure data centers in Asia, North America and Europe. NTT Com is the wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, one of the world’s largest telecoms with listings on the Tokyo, London and New York stock exchanges. Please visit http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html.

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NTT.com America’s CTO and Vice President, Kazuhiro Gomi, to Speak at Capacity USA 2009

NTT America’s CTO and Vice President, Kazuhiro Gomi, to Speak at Capacity USA 2009

What: NTT America, a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) and a Tier-1 global IP network services provider, today announced Kazuhiro Gomi, Vice President, Global IP Network and CTO, NTT America, will speak on a panel at Capacity USA 2009, Capacity magazine’s 9th annual U.S. wholesale telecommunications conference for carriers, service providers and international operators.

Who: Kazuhiro Gomi, Vice President, Global IP Network and CTO, NTT America, joins executives from Deutsche Telekom North America, Level 3 Communications and Move Networks in a two-part panel addressing the current status of content delivery on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. EDT. For the first portion of the panel, “Identifying the Drivers of Demand in the Content and Media Marketplace,” panelists will assess the drivers of growth in the delivery of content, discuss the emergence of technology partners to serve media companies, E-learning companies, game companies, online gaming, TV companies and broadcasters, and determine the evolution of content. The panelists will also address enterprises as the next super users of video, and identify vital elements of implementing a successful business model to enable the effective delivery of media and content to meet key customer needs.

During the second portion of the panel, “Pinpointing the Opportunities Content and CDNs Present to Carriers and Service Providers,” panelists will analyze the rationale behind content delivery networks, address how CDNs can best partner to serve the next-generation content, evaluate alternative CDN business models and discuss ways to extend power to the CDN user. The panelists will also determine the role of CDNs in the WeB.X space, evaluate the changing landscape for ISPs and new business models, discuss extending the IP backbone and demonstrate the capabilities of the next-generation network. In addition, panelists will also provide alternative strategies for carriers and service providers.

Why: Capacity USA 2009 has firmly positioned itself as the executive meeting forum for the U.S. and international carrier community. Over 300 senior decision makers from carriers and service providers in the U.S., international operators from Latin America, Asia and Europe, and CDN providers, content companies, cable companies, ISPs, and wireless operators will come together to discuss the rapidly changing telecom environment. The NTT Communications Global IP Network is one of the only fully integrated IP networks with a robust content delivery network layered on top. By having full control of the network, NTT Com is able to deliver high quality streaming from its customers to their viewers. Our research shows that Web sites perform two to eight times faster because of the ability to off-load their content from origin servers. As a result, our Smart Content Delivery (SCD) solution manages and distributes rich media and static content in a manner that strengthens a company’s brand with increased customer loyalty and greater satisfaction.

Where: Marriott New York Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY

Event Information:
http://www.capacitymedia.com/conferences-events.asp?id=51&cat=&subcat=&start=0

About NTT America
NTT America is North America’s natural gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, with strong capabilities in the U.S. market. NTT America is the U.S. subsidiary of NTT Communications Corporation, the global data and IP services arm of the Fortune Global 500 telecom leader: Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation (NTT). NTT America provides world-class Enterprise Hosting, managed network, and IP networking services for enterprise customers and service providers worldwide. For additional information on NTT America, visit us on the Web at http://www.nttamerica.com.
U.S. product information regarding the NTT Communications Global IP Network and its award winning IPv6 transit services may be found at http://www.us.ntt.net/, by calling 877-8NTT-NET (868-8638), or by emailing sales@us.ntt.net.
About NTT Communications Corporation
NTT Com delivers high-quality voice, data and IP services to customers around the world. The company is renowned for its diverse information and communication services, expertise in managed networks, hosting and IP networking services, and industry leadership in IPv6 transit technology. The company’s extensive global infrastructure includes Arcstar™ private networks and a Tier 1 IP backbone (connected with major ISPs worldwide), both reaching more than 150 countries, as well as secure data centers in Asia, North America and Europe. NTT Com is the wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, one of the world’s largest telecoms with listings on the Tokyo, London and New York stock exchanges. Please visit http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html.

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MVNO Service to Offer Flat-rate Plans & Greater Connectivity

MVNO Service to Offer Flat-rate Plans & Greater ConnectivityTOKYO, JAPAN – NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) announced today that it has begun accepting subscriptions to its new flat-rate billing plans for „Mobile/Remote Access DOCOMO Model,” a service for secure broadband access, including via NTT DOCOMO’s 3.5G high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) network, to NTT Com-provided virtual private networks (VPN).

NTT Com also announced that connection to the service is now possible via wireless routers, and that the service is compatible with telemetering systems for machine-to-machine transmission of data.

The two new flat-rate plans, named „Mobile Flat Plan (d)” and „Mobile W Flat Plan (d)”, will be launched on April 14 and in September respectively. The benefits of each plan will depend on the customer’s level of use. The monthly charge for „Mobile Flat Plan (d)” is 4,980 yen (excluding tax), while the charge for „Mobile W Flat Plan (d)” will range from 2,480 yen to 5,630 yen, according to the level of use. A separate monthly charge of 700 yen (excluding tax) will be billed for each VPN ID.

As a special promotion, the first 100 customers who register for „Mobile Flat Plan (d)” by September 30 will be charged only 2,980 yen per month over the entire period of their initial contract. For more details, visit: http://www.ntt.com/vpn/ubiquitous/campaign.html (Japanese only).

Wireless router connectivity now is available as a primary means of connection to the service in locations where wired broadband is unavailable, or when the user must remain physically mobile. This option also can used as a backup if the user’s regular access line fails.

Compatibility with telemetering systems enables the service to be used for machine-to-machine communication applications, such as the monitoring of vending machine stock, electricity and gas meters or measurement data, the transmission of machine-generated warnings, and more. Telemetering charges will vary according to the conditions of each system.

The service, which NTT Com will provide as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), will be expanded through partnerships in a number of fields for increased compatibility with telemetering systems. NTT Com also plans to expand the lineup of compatible mobile handsets by releasing original models or introducing lower-priced models. In addition, a new service package offering rental routers is expected to be released in the foreseeable future.

About NTT Communications Corporation
NTT Com delivers high-quality voice, data and IP services to customers around the world. The company is renowned for its diverse information and communication services, expertise in managed networks, hosting and IP networking services, and industry leadership in IPv6 transit technology. The company’s extensive global infrastructure includes Arcstar™ private networks and a Tier 1 IP backbone (connected with major ISPs worldwide), both reaching more than 150 countries, as well as secure data centers in Asia, North America and Europe. NTT Com is the wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, one of the world’s largest telecoms with listings on the Tokyo, London and New York stock exchanges. Please visit http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html.

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NTT America Announces Release 09.1 Enhancements to the Enterprise Hosting Product PortfolioNew Services & Enhancements Now Available for Enterprise Hosting Customers

NTT America Announces Release 09.1 Enhancements to the Enterprise Hosting Product PortfolioNew Services & Enhancements Now Available for Enterprise Hosting Customers

New York, N.Y. – NTT America, a wholly owned US subsidiary of NTT Communications Corporation, today announced the availability of new and refreshed products and services as part of its Enterprise Hosting Release 09.1. These include an expanded Service Level Agreement for mission-critical Colocation services; a new and significantly improved Customer Portal; automation of sales quotation and ordering for Storage Area Network Services; and addition of higher-density HP hard drives for Dedicated Hosting Services.

The Colocation Services in NTT America’s latest datacenter in Ashburn, Virginia have been enhanced with a fully featured customer Service Level Agreement (SLA). In addition to standard Backbone Service and network performance commitments, NTT America now supports SLA coverage for power as well as temperature and humidity. The values and measurement guidelines for facility temperature and humidity are based on the recommendations of ASHRAE TC9.9 (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers Technical Committee 9.9). With this expanded SLA, customers have the assurance they need for their mission critical IT infrastructure operation.

NTT America is also announcing the availability of a new and significantly improved Customer Portal for Enterprise Hosting services. This new Portal delivers faster performance and provides customers with an integrated view into their outsourced IT infrastructure via an intuitive, user-friendly navigation. The Customer Portal enables customers to see their current services and associated performance monitoring results and reports; submit, view and track billing and technical tickets; request and manage services; and perform various account and service management tasks on-line.

NTT America offers several tiers of Storage Area Networks (SAN) service. These SAN options are aimed at providing customers with cost-effective solutions for high-end, mid-range and low-end storage requirements. Configuration, pricing and ordering of this Managed Storage Service have now been automated and streamlined, resulting in rapid response to customers’ requests for quotations and service delivery. Improved ordering and provisioning of SAN service ensure that customers’ solutions are deployed with greater responsiveness and business efficiencies.

Due to increasing customer demand for server-based higher density storage for its Dedicated Hosting Service, NTT America is introducing several new hard drives for HP ProLiant servers and Modular Smart Arrays (MSAs). These additions provide the latest in Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial Attached Technology Attachment (SATA) drives. With the availability of these drives, NTT America offers its customers multi-Terrabyte storage as a standard hardware configuration option.

“Our New Product Release 09.1 includes enhancements across many services in our portfolio, and is designed to meet the needs of our target medium, large, national and global enterprise customers,” said Vini Handler, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Enterprise Hosting. “By adding depth and standardization to our product line, we continue to provide our customers with the state-of-the-art hosting services and support they have come to expect from NTT America.”

About Enterprise Hosting
Enterprise Hosting is a business unit of NTT America and offers a comprehensive set of enterprise grade hosting services. These services, based on an Infrastructure as a Service model, are designed to accommodate rapid deployment and implementation of small to very large and global IT operations. For information on the complete portfolio offered by Enterprise Hosting, visit us at http://www.eh.nttamerica.com.

About NTT America
NTT America is North America’s natural gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, with strong capabilities in the U.S. market. NTT America is the U.S. subsidiary of NTT Communications Corporation, the global data and IP services arm of the Fortune Global 500 telecom leader: Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation (NTT). NTT America provides world-class Enterprise Hosting, managed network, and IP networking services for enterprise customers and service providers worldwide. For more information on NTT America, visit us on the Web at http://www.nttamerica.com.

About NTT Communications Corporation
NTT Com delivers high-quality voice, data and IP services to customers around the world. The company is renowned for its diverse information and communication services, expertise in managed networks, hosting and IP networking services, and industry leadership in IPv6 transit technology. The company’s extensive global infrastructure includes Arcstar™ private networks and a Tier 1 IP backbone (connected with major ISPs worldwide), both reaching more than 150 countries, as well as secure data centers in Asia, North America and Europe. NTT Com is the wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, one of the world’s largest telecoms with listings on the Tokyo, London and New York stock exchanges. Please visit http://www.ntt.com.

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A new perspective from Nikon with the D5000

A new perspective from Nikon with the D5000

Body Only RRP: £719.99 / €878.00
D5000 + 18-55 VR kit: £799.99 / €972.00
Sales start date: 1st May 2009

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D5000, its latest digital SLR camera that is perfect for capturing family fun and developing the skills of photography hobbyists. Packed with features that make taking pictures easy and fun, this camera stands out above the competition with its unique Vari-angle LCD monitor, allowing you to shoot easily from almost any angle.

The D5000 inherits the D90’s groundbreaking HD movie capability, Nikon’s proprietary D-Movie function, and extensive in-camera editing features to enhance images. Coupled with the wide choice of scene modes, 12.3MP sensor and high-sensitivity that ranges between ISO 200 and 3200 (which can be extended to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalent) for shooting in a wide range of lighting conditions, this camera makes it easier than ever to take great quality pictures.

“This camera offers exceptional image quality and technology inherited from higher-end Nikon models giving consumers first hand experience of the outstanding quality that Nikon is famous for,” says Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe B.V. “With the D5000’s unique Vari-angle LCD screen, you can easily take pictures from any angle, bringing a totally new perspective to your images. The added benefit of the D-movie function (introduced as a world-first with the D90), is now being brought to a wider consumer audience looking to have fun with photography and to grow their skills, or to upgrade their existing DSLR.”

View life from a different angle

The D5000’s 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor offers a whole new perspective on photography, allowing you to take pictures easily from any angle. Its flexible, moving screen allows you to position the camera perfectly to suit the angle or shot you’re trying to take – so whether you’re at a concert and you want to get a clear view above the crowd for your shot or you want to take a picture from ground level, you can adjust the Vari-angle monitor to give you the best view of your subject. Close it to protect the monitor or place it in the standard position for regular shooting using the viewfinder. You can even reverse the monitor for effortless, perfectly-framed self-portraits. Thanks to Nikon’s ergonomic design values and the downward opening direction of the screen, it will never get in your way, and you’ll be able to maintain a steady grip on the body which will prevent camera shake. The choice is limitless.

D-Movie and Live View

Shooting movie clips with a DSLR will allow you to get really creative. For example, you can change the lens for a new perspective and enhance the emotional impact of your movies using the Picture Control settings before you even start shooting. The D5000 offers D-Movie (with audio) – high-definition movie capture which is perfectly compatible with the latest television screens and an HDMI output for easy connection. The single button access to the Live View function allows you to view and compose your shot or movie on the Vari-angle LCD monitor for optimal framing. When taking still shots, the camera offers four types of contrast AF (wide area, normal area, face detection and new subject tracking) to make capture as easy as possible. In subject tracking AF mode, the camera will even restart tracking the subject once it leaves the frame and then returns, so your target will always be in focus.

Setting the Scene

With a total of 19 scene modes, you don’t have to know the ins and outs of digital photography to take great pictures. Simply turn the dial to ‘scene’, choose the appropriate scene mode setting and the camera will do the rest for you. The camera will even display a sample scene to make the scene selection easier for you. Another easy-to-use feature is the camera’s extensive range of built-in editing function, with which you can edit your pictures and create visual effects in-camera, before you even get to a computer.

There’s more

In addition to all these features, the D5000 is a high quality camera in its own right. With its high-sensitivity 12.3 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor, Nikon’s innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, fast and precise 11-point AF system and highly-durable, high-performance shutter, it is also perfectly suited to those with a higher level of photographic knowledge. Image quality is guaranteed further by the image sensor cleaning mechanism with airflow control system, Active D-Lighting and Picture control. It feels good to handle, too, with Nikon’s typically ergonomic design in a compact, light-weight body. Those who shoot pictures in quieter settings will appreciate the new Quiet shooting mode and, the built-in pop-up flash which will automatically detect when the flash is needed. For those on the move, GPS-compatibility with Nikon’s GP-1 unit will come in handy when pinpointing shooting locations as will the HDMI output when you finally want to present your great shots to your family and friends. The Nikon D5000 is compatible with a wide variety of AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses.

Images of the D5000 are will be available shortly to download at http://www.nikon.co.uk/pressimages.

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