This effort conflicts directly with the 3D Technologies Working Group. The 3DTWG, backed by the Consumer Electronics Association, started earlier, but so far hasn’t had any public recognition of support. So far, M-3DI doesn’t include heavyweights like Samsung, Sony or LG, but its support will have grown quicker.

Moreover, concerns exist that this technology may soon become out of date as passive glasses 3D and, ultimately, glasses-free 3D end up rendering active-shutter obsolete. Current 3D TVs have frequently been criticized for the price hike from expensive active glasses, but also the weight and continuous battery recharging.

Even if Panasonic and Canon were within range of the earthquake, the effect has varied. The Panasonic factories further north in Japan (in Fukushima and Miyagi) saw some damages, but it wasn’t yet certain if these would be enough to stop production. Canon is confident that it could keep producing cameras, as well as other products at its factories. Nikon hadn’t yet issued any statement, but one of its major factories could be affected. Nikon has a camera plant in Sendai, 111 miles west from the epicenter.

However, car manufacturers have been some of the hardest hit – Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Subaru’s parent Fuji Heavy Industries had to shut down four, two, three and five plants respectively.

Stopped production, as well as any long-term production problems may have a wave effect. Multiple computer and mobile device makers, including Dell, Apple and others, often source storage and digital imaging parts out of Japan.

Conferencing with up to 24 other partners is still supported. When users are not at home to be able to receive Skype calls, it is possible for the caller to leave a message. When a message is waiting, a blinking light on the Blu-ray player indicates this. Blu-ray players such as the DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT210 or DMP-BDT310 require connected, cameras, compatible with Skype.

The Blu-ray players support Skype video calls up to 720-pixel resolution at 22 frames per second. This is more than users of PCs get, at 640×480 VGA.

The Lumix FH2 and FH5 are ultraslim models. They both have a Leica lens with wide angle and 4× optical zoom. The lens retracts into the body of the camera when this one is turned off. The FH2 has a 14.1-megapixel sensor, while the FH5 features a 16.1-megapixel resolution.

All four members of the series sport a tagging function which facilitates the transfer to social media sites like Facebook or YouTube by means of a connection to a PC. They have 70MB of internal storage as well as a wide range of automated functions meant to improve the quality of the image, such as subject tracking, auto-focus, image stabilization or composition settings.

The FH27 will be sold in a brushed metal-finished panel colored in red, black or silver. The FH25 will be available in more colors, such as black, red, silver, violet and blue. The FH2 will be sold in red, blue, black and pink, while the FH5 will arrive in gold, violet, silver and black versions.

Shipping dates and pricing have not been announced for the new Lumix FH-series cameras.

Panasonic is currently making phones in Japan, but it ceased to export them back in 2006. It hopes to boost sales of smartphones three times in Japan by 2015, more than forecasts say.

Osamu Waki, head of mobile communications business at Panasonic, said that the company had misjudged the Japanese smartphone market. The company is now committed to catch up fast, viewing the rapid shift to Android.

Earlier last month, Panasonic unveiled a Lumix-branded smartphone with a proprietary operating system and took everyone by surprise.

The 23× digital zoom is provided by the Panasonic iA Zoom. A two-channel microphone is made to remove wind noise and is able to record Dolby Digital in stereo mode. Face recognition mode is supported and can detect up to six faces.

The camera is available in different colors like white, grey, violet and gold. It will ship in Japan on the 1st of July and will cost the equivalent of $814. An eventual US launch has not been mentioned, but most of Samsung’s camcorders are exported.

Being top range, these Panasonic plasmas have a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio provided by a new phosphor. The refresh rate is at 600Hz. All these sets carry normal Internet connection features that include Skype and Netflix support. They also have VT25-specific features for ISFccc-level colour calibration as well as a reference picture mode.

The touchscreen of the G2 allows users adjust auto focus and also capture photos with a simple touch of the subject on the 3-inch LCD screen. The camera is able to record 720-pixel high definition video in the AVCHD Lite format. Navigating playback of images and videos is also possible by using the touchscreen controls.

The Lumix G10 has the reputation of being the lightest digital interchangeable lens camera that has a viewfinder. It can also record 720-pixel high definition video in various formats like JPEG, VGA, QVGA and WVGA.

Either camera will ship with standard Lumix G Vario 14-42mm, f3.5-5.6 lens from Panasonic.

Lumix’s new G2 and G10 will both keep the DSLR-style body, which is specific to the G1 and GH1, and will also benefit from 12-megapixel sensors, 3-inch swivel LCDs and 720p recording; similar features have also been included for previous Lumix models. Some additional features seem to be the touchscreen input, as well as a stronger movie recording for the G2, which is capable to record at 60FPS in AVCHD Lite (H.264); the G10 is limited to only 30FPS.

Photo Rumors has obtained specifications which seem to be incomplete. A SDXC card support is mentioned for the G10 only; an “N/A” for the G2 shows that the data is missing. Moreover, it is still unclear if any of the cameras will benefit from mini HDMI out. Even if Panasonic hasn’t officially confirmed these details, the company has mentioned that specifications are inaccurate.

ISO sensitivity goes up to 6,400 for both cameras. An electronic viewfinder will also be included; hot shoe accessories may include a boom-like microphone, as well as a large flash.

The official launch for the two new Lumix cameras may take place on March 7th, at the Focus on Imaging show in Birmingham, UK; Panasonic has already sent notices for this event. At least one of the two cameras is most likely to reach the US.

As most Toughbooks, the C1 convertible is hardened against above-average efforts and is designed to resist to one-foot drops without suffering damages as well as up to 2.5 feet for the hard disk drive. The device sports a spill-resistant keyboard and is able to withstand a pressure of 225 pounds on either side.

Although having a low weight and tablet design, the C1 should be a fast device thanks to the 2.4GHz Core i5, a minimum of 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive. There is also a Gobi modem as an option, 3G over VDO or HSPA, and tight security provided with both Smart Card and fingerprint readers. Battery life is normally 5 hours, but when the above mentioned dual battery pack is used it should be 10 hours.

Panasonic expects the new C1 tablet PC to be ready not earlier then June. Its design and speed will justify a price of $2,499.