Panasonic to Raise its Annual Production Output of Dual-wavelength High-power Laser to 300 Million Units

Osaka, Japan - Panasonic Corporation has achieved the cumulative sales quantity for its dual-wavelength high-power laser for DVD recorders to 300 million units in April, 2010. The production of dual-wavelength high-power laser started the first time in the industry in June 2006. Now, under the favorable demand of the personal computers, Panasonic will increase monthly production to 25 million units (300 million annually) for the latter half of this fiscal year.

The dual-wavelength high-power laser has been highly reputed for its quality and stable supply. The device offers several advantages in comparison to the use of single wavelength lasers as it combines two laser wavelengths, an infrared beam (with a wavelength of 780 nm, for CD use) and a red beam (with a wavelength of 650 nm, for DVD use), in a single chip. As result, light source point adjustment is unnecessary, the optical pickup system can be simplified, and the number of peripheral parts can be halved. These benefits helped dual-wavelength lasers capture a high share of the total market for DVD recorder pickups and achieve the sales of 300 million units in the four years since production started.

In fiscal 2010, production will be doubled to 25 million units per month to meet the market demands supported by the robust business of personal computers in the BRICs markets.
This volume represents more than 80% of the projected total market size for DVD recorder pickups. Panasonic hopes that this production plan will fulfill customers' demands and contribute to the steady growth of the laser disc market.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.42 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2010. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE: PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net.