Panasonic has announced that it, along with Sony, Philips and TDK will be receiving the 62nd annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Award during the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The companies are receiving this award for their contributions to the Blue Laser optical systems for consumer playback.

 

These companies joined forces in 2000 and formed the Blu-ray Disc Founders in 2002, followed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) in 2004, which develops and promotes the Blu-ray Disc format.

 

This high-definition (HD) format has been employed by over 50 million Blu-ray players and recorders, 41 million PlayStation 3 game consoles and more than 25 million Blu-ray PC readers and writers since the format launched in 2006.

 

“Sony began development of blue laser optical technology in the late 1990s, realized the world’s first high definition recording on 20 GB optical media by using blue-violet laser, and has contributed greatly to the continuous development of the Blu-ray Disc format and the business by releasing a wide variety of Blu-ray Disc devices,” said Jun Yonemitsu, chief distinguished researcher and deputy senior general manager of Home Entertainment Development Division, Sony Corporation.  “We would like to thank the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and everyone who worked together to make the format a success.”

 

“Panasonic is proud to have developed so many of the key technologies introduced in the Blu-ray Disc format. These are not only optical disc technologies, such as Dual Layer 50 GB discs, but also leading-edge audio visual technologies such as video compression, authoring and 3D”, said Shunji O’hara executive engineer, Corporate R&D, Panasonic Corporation. “It is a great pleasure to see consumers around the world enjoying an advanced AV lifestyle with Blu-ray Disc devices.”

 

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has presented the Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering /Technical Development since 1948. These awards will be presented at the International CES for the fifth consecutive year.