Fujitsu General has released its first full digital video processor, AVM-II (Advanced Video Movement II) for its Plasmavision colour plasma monitor range.

The release of the new generation Plasmavision panels commences this month and will be available in five screen sizes including a 63", 55", 50" and 42" high definition model as well as a 42" low resolution model.

Responding to the worldwide trend of digital broadcasting and increased popularity of digital storage devices, Fujitsu's new AVM-II processor is designed to optimise the performance of digital video signals to deliver superior picture quality.

According to Fujitsu, the new AVM-II digital video processor creates rich, accurate and lifelike colours, high contrast in both light and dark rooms, plus stunning brightness from any viewing angle. Fujitsu claims that it also reduces 'digital noise' by minimising the marring and jagged edges of images, resulting in crystal clear picture quality.

Fujitsu boasts that its new processor provides advanced colour management technology. To achieve this, according to Fujitsu, the new processor uses floating decimal point arithmetic, designed to resemble the light detecting ability of the human eye, combined with multi gradation processing to give more detail and depth to dark images. Using a 10-bit processing system, the AVM-II plasmas produce over 1.07 billion colours to represent on-screen images in their most natural colour, according to Fujitsu.

In addition, claims Fujitsu, 'image adaptive processing' distinguishes between on-screen text and graphics so they appear sharper while the 'ambient light sensor' recognises the relative light of the viewing room and digitally adjusts the screen brightness and contrast to suit it.

The Fujitsu Plasmavision panels are HDTV compatible for Australian and international standards. They also use improved phosphor technology to extend the panel life to 60,000 hours.

The new panels range from 3.4 to 4.9 inches in depth with a chassis that enables all connecting cables to be easily and invisibly installed. Each panel features a lightweight bezel in a metallic silver finish. The panels can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or placed on a stand.

The Fujitsu AVM-II Plasmavision(tm) range is available from major retailers and specialist audio visual stores from March at the following price points:

P63XHA40WS - 63 inch HDTV plasma display: $29,999 rrp (available end Mar)
P55XHA40WS - 55 inch HDTV plasma display: $19,999 rrp (available early Mar)
P50XHA40WS - 50 inch HDTV plasma display: $14,999 rrp (available now)
P42HHA40WS - 42 inch HDTV plasma display: $9,999 rrp (available now)
P42VHA40WS - 42 inch EDTV plasma display: $7,999 rrp (available now)