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20 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 2006
In audio equipment, demand continues to grow for digital audio players
compatible with PCs. In April 2005, Matsushita simultaneously unveiled the
D-snap Audio player, using the SD Memory Card as a bridge media, and the
world’s first mini-component stereo system featuring an SD card slot. This
represented a new way to enjoy music without the use of a PC, and was well
received in the domestic market. In November 2005, the Company strength-
ened its product lineup with the launch of a D-dock mini-component stereo
system equipped with a hard disk drive. Matsushita will continue to launch
new products that link audio equipment through SD Memory Cards.
Consumer needs continue to increase for bridge media that link a wide
variety of products with AV recording and playback functions. This demand
led to increased sales of SD Memory Cards in fiscal 2006, particularly for
products such as flat-panel TVs, digital cameras and mobile phones. In fiscal
2007, Matsushita will launch a new 4GB SD High-Capacity (HC) Memory
Card*2to meet growing consumer needs related to the recording and stor-
age of HD video and high resolution photo images. For the future, Matsushita
will develop SDHC memory cards in increasing capacities to meet demand
for HD camcorders and other products that require high-speed, large-capaci-
ty and reliable storage media.
Looking forward, Matsushita will strengthen its “3D” value chain strategy
consisting of DTVs, DVDs and SD Memory Cards, while reinforcing the
development of HD broadcast-ready products, Blu-ray Discs and other
HD compatible recording media. Furthermore, the Company will strengthen
its marketing activities and expand business fields, aiming to assure sustainable
growth and improved profitability.
*1 In-Plane-Switching mode system utilizes horizontally oriented liquid crystal molecules to provide for
wider viewing angles
*2 SDHC (SD High-Capacity) Memory Cards are based on the new SD Memory Card Specifications
(Version 2.00) which enable the development of SDHC Memory Cards with capacities up to 32GB
Fixed-line Communications
In fixed-line communications, Matsushita is focusing business strategies
on home networks, encompassing in-home communications equipment,
TV door intercom systems and other products; office networks, including
communications equipment, digital color multifunction products (MFPs) and
other office products; and optical devices supporting these businesses.
In fiscal 2006, strong sales of telephones and facsimile machines led to an
increased global market share for these products, while a new TV door inter-
com system with wireless color monitor handsets, the first product of its type,
received market acclaim. In the U.S. market, Matsushita launched an HD-PLC*
module that enables high-speed data transmission over existing power lines
by simply plugging the module into an electrical outlet. In full-color digital
MFPs, Matsushita introduced new models boasting the world’s fastest start-
up time (just 15 seconds), made possible through the Company’s unique
induction-heating (IH) technology, which also contributes to significant energy
savings. In optical disc drives, Matsushita’s slim products, including the
industry’s thinnest (9.5mm) DVD Super Multi Drive, maintained the No. 1
The DP-C322/C262 color MFP, featuring
the world’s fastest start-up time (just 15
seconds) and significant energy savings
The HDD Mini Component System D-dock for high-speed
transfer of music to SD Memory Cards
High sound quality D-Snap SD Audio players allow
users to record music without necessitating a PC