Panasonic announced the immediate availability of its new high-resolution BT-LH2550E LCD HD production monitor. With a full 1920 x 1200-pixel In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel, the 25.5” LCD production monitor features an expanded colour gamut, exceeding the NTSC standard, to ensure vivid, true-to-life color for critical monitoring at a cost far less than premium-priced reference monitors.

The LH2550E offers six colour space settings - SMPTE, EBU, ITU-R BT.709, Adobe 2.2, Adobe 1.8 and D-Cinema – to expand the range of colours that can be viewed onscreen for high-end applications ranging from broadcast and print to digital graphics and postproduction. The monitor’s image processing engine has a three-dimensional look-up table (LUT) that calibrates it to reproduce content according to the specific colour standard selected. With its advanced IPS panel, 1920 x 1200 resolution and 10-bit processing circuit, the LH2550E produces ultra-faithful colour and exceptionally clear detail in any video format. Its high contrast and brightness, excellent motion response and wide 178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles make it the cost-effective choice versus more expensive reference monitors.

In addition to its state-of-the-art colour reproduction capabilities, the monitor is equipped with invaluable production tools, including built-in waveform monitor and vectorscope functions that display all picture lines for signal level monitoring. It also features pre-installed calibration software that allows the monitor to be calibrated directly with colour analyzers without using a PC. A split-screen function permits the simultaneously display of two video sources side-by-side from two different video inputs.

The monitor also features a Cine-gamma Film-Rec compensation function for compatible use with cameras such as the new AJ-HPX3700 and AJ-HPX2700 P2 HD VariCam camcorders and the AJ-HDC27 VariCam HD Cinema Camera. Additional monitoring tools include split-screen/freeze frame (live input vs. freeze frame), Standard Markers and Blue-only, H/V delay display, monochrome and Cross Hatch overlay display.

The LH2550E incorporates a new lightweight, slim-frame, space-saving design (it’s 1/3 lighter than its predecessor, the BT-LH2600W) and an aluminum alloy back panel. The monitor features a full range of professional level inputs including DVI-D input, two auto-switching SDI (HD/SD) inputs (with switched output), component and RGB, as well as standard RS-232C (9-pin) and GPI (9-pin) remote inputs, headphone jack, green and red tally lamps on the front panel. It also has an embedded audio decoder on board (through its headphone jack), time code display, closed caption (through video input only), audio level meter display of up to eight channels. Five customizable function keys on the front panel can be assigned with various display modes and settings for quick, one-touch adjustments.

The LH2550E operates without a cooling fan for noise-free performance. It comes standard with a desk stand and is VESA-mount compatible. A 24-volt AC Adapter, 3-pin AC cord and 4-pin XLR DC cord are included.