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PANASONIC UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST ZIRCONIA IN-EAR HEADPHONES FOR AUDIOPHILES

Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 2009) – The world’s first high fidelity in-ear headphones made of Zirconia, model RP-HJE900, will be introduced in the U.S. this Spring Panasonic announced today.  Designed with the expertise of Technics sound engineers, these premium in-ear headphones are made with Zirconia to give audiophiles pure sound in a durable and stylish design. 

A sound chamber made of Zirconia has less resonance than plastic or aluminum.  As a result, the RP-HJE900 in-ear headphones deliver ultra-clear sound reproduction with virtually no distortion.  In addition to realistic sound, the durability of Zirconia offers audiophiles a scratchproof, ultra-tough construction for a lifetime of use.  They even have detachable wires which can be replaced if they fray, as the Zirconia headphones outlast wires in the long run.

The RP-HJE900 in-ear headphones are constructed with Neodymium magnet for rich and powerful sound.  They boast an impressive frequency response of 6Hz-26kHz for realistic sound with precision highs and rich low end. They have a sound pressure sensitivity of 100dB, impedance of 26Ω and 12.5 mm drivers.   The cord also has a slider to prevent tangling.

Zirconia is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).  It is an extremely durable substance which can withstand extreme temperatures and is used as a thermal barrier coating in jet turbine and diesel engines.

The RP-HJE900 Zirconia Audiophile In-Ear Headphones are available in either black or white. They will be available in May 2009, with a suggested retail price of $229.99.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) -- formerly Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. of Japan -- and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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