Panasonic TVs to play HD content from 32GB SD cards

Panasonic has announced that its new range of televisions and Blu-ray players will play back HD video captured on SD memory cards.

Click here for our full coverage from CES 2008

The company’s Viera range of Plasma and LCD screens will include an SD Card slot, allowing owners to simply plug in a memory card and view their digital photos or videos.

During its CES 2008 press conference, the company also unveiled the world’s first 32GB SD card, which will provide enough storage to capture 8 hours of standard HD video, or 5.5 hours of full HD footage.

“You will be able to play back HD movies from a single SD card,” says Shiro Kitajima, president of Panasonic. “This built-in functionality is something consumers are learning to value.”

Although Panasonic didn’t specifically rule it out during the press conference, it’s probably safe to assume that you won’t be able to play protected content from the SD cards.

HD camcorders

So what do you slot these enormous 32GB SD cards into? Panansonic also used its press conference to announce a battery of new digital camcorders, including what it claims is the world’s smallest and lightest HD camcorder, the HDC-SD9.

The SD9 offers full 1920 x 1080p HD recording, face-detection technology and advanced handshake technology to compensate for its ultra-lightweight dimensions. Its sister model, the HS9, also offers a built-in 60GB hard disk, albeit at the expense of some extra weight. Both models will be available from March for $800 and $1,100 respectively.

Sat nav and screens

Panasonic also announced it was dipping its toe into the sat nav market, with its Strada CN-GP50U. The unremarkable device boasts a 5in touchscreen, Bluetooth handsfree capability and an SD card slot for storing maps and viewing digital photos.

The company revealed it will be launching two new flatscreen sizes in 2008: a 46in Plasma and 37in LCD.

Finally, Panasonic announced the first Blu-ray home theatre system, the SC-BT100, which includes the SD card movie playback technology, an iPod dock and digital camera link.

Click here for our full coverage from CES 2008