Panasonic Direct has launched an innovative Web-based service - Panasonic HD Image Gallery - which is a virtual gallery, featuring what is said to be the world's finest high definition art and photography for use on Panasonic HDTVs, informs Hardware News.


The Panasonic HD Image Gallery presents a wide-ranging library of downloadable HD image collections power-driven by GalleryPlayer, one of the leaders in high definition still imagery. Panasonic representatives stated that this gallery represents, in fact, one of the first results of the companies' partnership.

The contrast and the general quality of the images are said to be quite exceptional and also the paintings included seem to be only masterpieces of well-known artists such as Monet, DaVinci, and Andy Warhol, plus photographic imagery from National Geographic, Time Life, and 30 other content partners.

"We're excited to offer our customers the benefit of enjoying true HD imagery on their Panasonic Plasma TV," said Merwan Mereby, Vice President of Panasonic's e-Business Group. "Today's high definition televisions are more than just a TV, they are design statements. The ability to enhance the home environment with a choice of great works of art is an additional value Panasonic can now offer to the consumer."

The 'great looks' of the Panasonic HD Image Gallery is generated by an embedded "Smart Display" technology, which automatically adjusts every image to perfectly fit the user's display, regardless of the device's aspect ratio and screen resolution.

"We share a common vision for enhancing the home environment by bringing the world's finest HD imagery to Panasonic HDTV owners. Both Panasonic and GalleryPlayer worked hard to bring this new web-based service to market, and we're very pleased with the result," said Bruce Worrall, GalleryPlayer's Chief Operating Officer.

"The success of Panasonic's Masterpiece Plasma Series which enabled consumers to mount custom picture frames on select Panasonic Plasmas convinced us that the market was ready to experience HD art and photography on their HDTV. GalleryPlayer has both the HD image technology and content relationships to help us make it happen," Mereby added.

The Panasonic HD Image Gallery can be reached through the main Panasonic web site, or directly from http://www.panasonic.galleryplayer.com/.