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The company says the energy rating labels to appear across its range of Viera Plasma and LCD televisions during the coming months following the finalisation of the scheme by industry and government.

As part of the voluntary program, an energy ratings label will help consumers to compare the power consumption of televisions. A mandatory scheme is expected to be introduced in 2009. 

And Panasonic also today confirmed plans to bring a new power-saving Plasma technology, which halves power consumption, to Australia.

Improvements to product design and manufacturing will enable the next-generation screens to use up to 50 per cent less power than existing models. The panels will be available in Australia following the completion of new manufacturing facilities in Japan next year.

Steve Rust, Managing Director, Panasonic Australia said the company was committed to improving environmental performance in the home.

"Panasonic supports the new energy rating label scheme announced by the Federal Government today. We look forward to helping Australian consumers better understand energy consumption in the home and make a more informed choice", said Rust.

Last week Panasonic brought two Plasma prototypes to Sydney, for the Australian consumer electronics industry to see the new technology first-hand. It was the first time the two prototypes, a power saving 42-inch display and super thin 50-inch model, had been seen in the Southern Hemisphere.