Question: I'm planning a vacation with my wife and kids this summer, and I want one camera to cover it all. Something small enough to take around with us wherever we go, and most importantly, super durable and waterproof so we can take it to the beach without giving daddy a heart attack. Any suggestions?

Hey reader: "Tough" cameras have definitely been the rage lately, with several of the big manufacturers recently unleashing new models into the wild. Over the past few years, Olympus has definitely led the way in this category with its Stylus Tough series of nearly unbreakable cams.

But we aren't in love with the Olympus photo quality. So we were excited when Panasonic brought out the ultradurable DMC-TS1 earlier this year.

Plasma's dying, huh? Go and tell that to Bang & Olufsen. Just in case the 50- and 65-inch versions of the BeoVision 4 HDTV weren't expansive enough, the high-end home cinema outfitter has just pushed out news of an all new addition: the 103-inch BeoVision 4-103. If that number immediately rings a bell, here's a cookie. The 103-inch Panasonic TH-103PF9 panel is indeed the exact one used here, but B&O has obviously spruced up the design, added an automatic rising stand and incorporated the BeoSystem 3 and the VisionClear technology that automatically adjusts colors and brightness. Oh, and it tossed in a B&O logo, which is darn near priceless. Speaking of stickers, the set should be available this July for around €100,000 ($136,220) pre-VAT. Check the demonstration vid after the break and the gallery over at Engadget.

[Thanks, John]

With VIZIO and Pioneer jumping out of the plasma game, we can totally foresee sales of Panasonic's 103-inch PDP skyrocketing. All kidding aside, a startup arcade would be ludicrous to not shove one of these into the center of the action. What you're looking at above is a mutltitouch air hockey table, made possible by Panny's ginormous plasma and a U-Touch overlay from uicentric. The table was on display over in Amsterdam at ISE 2009, and quite frankly, we're intensely envious of the attendees who were able to blow off some steam by grabbing a game on this. Obligatory video is just past the break.

Panasonic refreshed its Lumix line of digital cameras today with six brand new models and a range of colors. For the most part, you'll see 5x optical zooms and 12.1 megapixel sensors, but specs vary by model. We were hoping for some announcements along the lines of a sexy new micro four thirds camera like the DMC-G1, but it's nice to see a move away from 3x optical zooms, which have been standard on most point-and-shoot cameras for years. Except for the DMC-FS25, all of Panasonic's new digital cameras shoot high-definition video. Panasonic is using AVCHD Lite, a new format that promises to double recording time over current formats -- we'll be getting some hands-on with the cameras later today to see how the HD video really fares. Click on the link below to get a feature breakdown of each model.

Panasonic is looking to reinvent the remote control with its EZ Touch Remote prototype that it is showing off here at CEATEC. Rather than rely on a touch-screen interface that forces one to look down at a remote (and away from the object of one's entertainment), the concept puts the visual feedback where it belongs: on the screen.

The remote can sense left- or right-handed users and adjust the interface appropriately, moving important triggers around based on where one's thumb may (or may not) be. Dual touch pads allow for multitouch data entry and zoom manipulation, while gestures allow for quick scrolls, making this one of the most intuitive and drool-worthy remote controls we've seen in a while, or ever.

We're so into it that we've provided a full gallery and three videos after the break (and if you want to see more of what televisions are going to do in the coming years, check out our gallery of 7 Cool TVs From the Future).

Panasonic just announced its brand new PT-AE3000 LCD Home Theater Projector at the CEDIA Expo (the annual convention of the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association, if you were wondering). According to Panasonic, this projector pumps out images at a full native 1080p HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels), 60,000:1 contrast ratio, and 1,600 lumen brightness. The projector includes several tools that let users customize the image to their liking, whether it be color, brightness, sharpness, or aspect ratio (the proportion of the horizontal length to the vertical height of the image).

We're intrigued by the Frame Creation Technology, which enables quick and easy switching between various widescreen formats -- most projectors on the market that allow aspect ratio changes force you to refocus the lens each time. This means the PT-AE3000 will let you switch from the 16:9 aspect ratio to others. The projector also features an aspect ratio of 21:9, which comes close to simulating the movie theater experience. As for inputs, the PT-AE3000 comes with a generous three HDMI 1.3 inputs and two component inputs.

With some high-end projectors pushing upwards of $50,000, the $3,499 retail price is a steal -- for a projector. Expect the PT-AE3000 to hit stores in Japan in October, and hopefully soon thereafter in the states. Given that it was announced at CEDIA, though, it's likely you'll have to have it professionally installed -- then again, if you can afford this projector, you can probably afford a custom installed home theater system.

Alright, so you're stocked up on locking HDMI cables, but what are you to do about those real tight situations where a traditional HDMI cable end simply sticks out too far? Panasonic to the rescue. As the pre-IFA news continues to trickle out, Panny has introduced a new HDMI cable with a swiveling head, one that can point up or down in order to work nicely in wall-mounted TV applications and the like. We are told to expect a 1.5- and 3-meter version this September, although pricing has yet to be revealed. [Source: Panasonic via HDTV-Space, thanks Marcus]

We're still a bit unconvinced about this whole "using our own energy to induce motion" thing, but if you got restless leg or some other siren call to the bicycle, the Lithium Vivi RX-10S seems the way to go. Panasonic is launching the bike in Japan this August, and stuffed in some fancy hybrid car-style regenerative braking to set it apart from the pack (though Sanyo does have something similar).

There are four levels of assistance electric motor assistance, which means you're probably going to end up peddling now and then, but the bike's range with regenerative braking to power a secondary battery is almost 78 miles, compared to 56 miles without it. You'll obviously benefit more if you have a lot of hills and "stop and go" type stuff on your commute, but that's certainly nothing to scoff at. [Source: Far East Gizmos]

We've been interested in Panasonic's VIERA PZ850 line ever since hearing about its Internet video functionality, and we finally got a chance to check it out in person earlier this week. This high-end line of plasma HDTVs currently has four models, sized at 46", 50", 58" and 65." The picture calibration (brightness, contrast, etc...) can be quickly and easily adjusted for different inputs -- games, home theater, television or custom -- via the on-screen menu system.

One of the key features of the line is the new VIERACast IPTV system. Essentially, it's a portal that lets you access specific Internet entertainment right from your television, and it currently features four different content providers: YouTube (videos), Picasa (pictures), the Weather Channel (weather) and Bloomberg (market information). Once you plug an Ethernet cord into the back of the TV, you'll be able to browse and search YouTube with the TV's remote, and the system will allow you to log in to your YouTube account in order to access favorites, personal videos and other options. You'll also be able to access your pictures if you store them on Picasa.

Although the TV's on-screen menu system for controlling the television itself is both powerful and easy to use, the VIERACast interface felt clunky and unresponsive. Panasonic promises to update the content and interface over time, and they plan to bring additional content providers and Internet functionality to VIERACast.

The TV also comes with multiple connectivity options for a range of digital devices. It can read and display both pictures and video from SD cards -- the storage format that many digital camcorders and cameras use.

We're impressed with the VIERA's picture quality and specs, but the Internet features still leave much to be desired. AppleTV and other media-streaming devices already let us watch Internet video in our living rooms, and we'd really like to see HDTVs offering access to more online content and giving users the ability to customize and pick content providers. Sites such as flickr, Hulu, Netflix and more should be accessible on the TV and just as easy to use as on a computer.

Check out the gallery below for a pictures of the PZ850 and the VIERACast interface. Pricing and release info after the break.

Panasonic announced a new digital still camera that will likely have you wishing your birthday was coming up soon. The FX500 has a high definition movie mode, a 10.1 megapixel image sensor, a 25-milimeter wide angle lens and 5x optical zoom, plus a touchscreen LCD -- a feature that has us rubbing our hands together and getting our index fingers ready for some serious touching.

The HD movie mode is great for all you folks out there with HDTVs who want to play back full 720p clips.

The company's digital camera marketing manager calls it "a new flagship model" for their slim line, so Panasonic clearly has high hopes for this unit.

Some other interesting features: Auto Focus (AF) tracking lets you track a photo subject even if it moves after the AF is set (this is something new), which is good for getting shots of people who won't sit still, like kids, or pets, or your friend Eddy after too many beers. We're keen to see this feature in action.

Something old but useful is optical image stabilization, which means the lens itself moves ever so slightly to correct for when your hand shakes a little bit (how many beers have you had?) -- this cuts down on blurry pictures. The camera also features face detection, intelligent scene selector and intelligent exposure.

Now, for some reason it is the touchscreen that has us most excited about this new camera, but we know there are many of you out there who are not big on smudging up your LCD -- or maybe you just have a hard time using your fingers to press on-screen icons. The camera does come with a little "pen" (see picture) that lets you tap away with a little more accuracy. Also, it has a tiny joystick you can use to move around and make selections on screen.

The camera has 50 MB of built in memory and takes SD and SDHC memory cards. If you plan on using that HD video capture mode, we suggest getting a nice big SDHC card (the HC stands for high capacity).

And it has 5x optical zoom, which is pretty good considering how small the body of this camera is (it measures 3.74 inches by 2.25 inches by 0.90 inches).

Look for the FX500 in May for about $399. Comes in silver or black.

From Panasonic and Engadget.

Related links:

• Just Tell Me What To Get: Digital Camera Under $300 for Vacation
• Canon Adds New Digital ELPH Models
• Collector's Edition Olympus Mju Camera

Soon it may be easier to list the companies that don't have navigation devices in their roster of products than those who do.

If the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show proved anything about the personal navigation category, it's that finding your way from point A to point B is what manufacturer's think will get you to find your way to the store to buy a new GPS device.

Garmin and TomTom, the two leading personal navigation device (PND) makers, are certainly looking over their shoulders as major brands such as Sony, Panasonic and Pioneer introduce new devices. Rather than being simply test products for a burgeoning market, the new GPS devices by these major cross-category consumer electronics companies are serious contenders, offer a plethora of the latest features.

Nevertheless, even upstart companies such as the one below are adding innovative features into the mix. The result? There has never been a better year to take the plunge and buy yourself a GPS device.

If you're in the market for a new GPS device this year, you should take a look at our roundup. We've compiled a list of the most anticipated new navigation devices coming out in 2008, along with release dates.

Improved real-time traffic data: No new products at the show, but a continued push to get consumers to pre-order its upcoming product launch. What's special about DASH? It offers real-time traffic data based on the position of other DASH-equipped cars (plus data from a host of other sources). If the product works as promised, the extra bulk of the unit on your windshield won't matter because you'll be getting where you need to go in less time. The DASH Express will cost $599.99.

Related links:

• Survivor Tech: Gadgets That Can Save Your Life
• Voice-Activated Voicebox GPS Likes How You Talk
• Goodyear to Guide Drivers by GPS (Blimp Not Included)

Let the memory wars begin anew. SanDisk and Panasonic unveiled some impressive advancements in memory cards at the kickoff of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Memory card maker SanDisk has attempted to make it easier for users with High Definition camcorders to choose the memory card for their needs by listing the actual recording time capabilities of each different size Video HD card. The largest, and thus most sought, is the 120 minute or 8 GB Video HD card that comes with the class 4 rating which translates into super-fast transfer speeds for those data intense HD recordings.

Panasonic decided to bypass the HD branding of its card and, instead, produced a world's first 32 GB SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) card. Also ideal for HD camcorders the card can be used with any other SDHC designated devices and features a class 6 label which puts its data transfer speed at the enviable 20MB/sec mark.

The SanDisk 8 GB Video HD card will be available this March at the MSRP of $139.99 whereas the Panasonic 32 GB SDHC card does not have a pricing or release date yet.

From Panasonic and SanDisk.

Related links:

• World's Largest TV Measures 150 Inches
• Hype Check: Sansa Connect
• Nokia Working with Competition on Memory Card Standard

Right now it seems Sony is the only television manufacturer interested in making things smaller and thinner than the competition, releasing their super-skinny OLED set as a preview of things to come. Just about everyone else is focused on the "bigger is better" wars, and they're heating things up again with the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show right around the corner, where Panasonic will leap ahead with a giant new plasma television.

Panasonic previously held the "World's Largest TV" crown when it debuted a 103-inch plasma HDTV at the 2006 CES. However, this past January Sharp showed off a 108-inch LCD HDTV, snagging the crown by a measly five inches. Now Panasonic is set to return at the 2008 CES next month with a plasma HDTV that will measure a whopping 150-inches diagonally. If you do the math, that makes this TV 138-inches wide by 79-inches tall. That's nearly twelve feet wide and over six feet tall! No details on resolution, brightness, cost, but when you get to a set that large we're more curious about the non-technical details, like how much will the thing weigh and how will you keep the heat that will radiate off of the thing from burning your house down?

From Gizmo Watch

Related Links:

• Panasonic 50-inch 1080P Plasma
• Just Tell Me What To Get: 42-Inch Plasma
• Our Best TV Pick: Pioneer Kuro Elite 50-Inch Plasma HDTV

If your shopping list includes a frequent traveler who needs a new laptop and who also happens to be a bit of a klutz, consider the just-released Panasonic Toughbook 7 series. Toughbooks are rugged notebooks built to withstand all of the tortures the average person could throw at them. Knock them off a table, right on the LCD, and it wont crack. Spill your morning coffee in them and the darn things survive.

They even comes in three different flavors, all of which start with the same battery-sipping but powerful Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of RAM, magnesium alloy casing, shock mounted hard drive, and 3G cellular data radio (so users can surf the Web at high-speeds).

The Y7 (starts at $2,400) is the 14-inch standard bearer, with a five hour battery life. The W7 is the ultra portable 12-inch laptop that weighs in under seven pounds, and has a seven hour battery life, making it ideal for the always-mobile and always-connected on your shopping list, as long as you don't mind dropping a minimum of $2,100 on them. Then there is the T7, a rugged tablet that comes in at the same price as the W7. The T7 drops the built in optical drive (for CDs and DVDs) of the Y7 and W7, adds a touch screen, and gets its battery life up to a jaw dropping nine hours.

Unless someone backs up over these with their SUV, the Toughbooks should be pretty indestructible -- even for the biggest of klutzes.

From Panasonic

A reader writes: I'm getting ready to go on vacation, and I want to bring along a small point-and-shoot digital camera. Thing is, I want the thing to be able to do a little bit of everything, so I'm willing to spend around $300. I'm mostly concerned about picture quality, fast movement, and lots of flexibility in terms of lighting situations as I'll be taking pictures both during the day and at night, inside and outside.

Hey reader: There are plenty of $300 point-and-shoot digital cameras out there, so we understand your confusion. Sounds like you need a feature-packed camera that won't break the wallet -- or the fanny pack -- for your vacation.

We recently got to play around with Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-FX33 camera, and despite the crazy confusing name, it's a great little unit. It's super small, has a big 2.5-inch screen and has plenty of scene modes for all your vacation-taking needs.

One thing that really sets this one apart is how easy it is to use. If you want to turn off the flash, just push a button. If you want to take a picture inside and don't want to think about the flash and ISO settings, just put the camera in auto mode and it will adjust everything for you. All that said, if you're a bit of a camera geek like we are, you can manually set just about everything.

What makes this camera stand out is Panasonic's use of 28mm Leica optics, which are some of the best lenses in the biz. Typically, Leica lenses are only available in much more expensive cameras.

Outside of that, this camera has all the standard features you would want in this price range. It does 8.1 megapixels, has a wide 28mm lens, uses inexpensive SD cards, does 4x optical zoom, has a macro setting (for close-up pictures of flowers and what-not), a widescreen video mode and this it's pretty quick when you need to take multiple pictures. Finally, for fashionistas, the Lumix comes in an assortment of colors: black, silver, blue, and the brown seen above.

Related Links:

• Just Tell Me What to Get: 42-inch Plasma
• Just Tell Me What to Get: Bedroom HDTV
• Camera Posts at Switched