November 14, 2006

PANASONIC MOURNS THE LOSS OF PHIL LIVINGSTON

For the last five years, Livingston directed the company's Technology Partnering Program, where he worked with more than 30 manufacturers to incorporate Panasonic's digital compression technologies into their products and systems.

He had been involved in the work of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) since 1987 and served on the ATSC Board of Directors from 2002 to 2006, and as Board Chairman from 2002 to 2005. Livingston was a member of SMPTE, a SMPTE Fellow, and chaired the Committee on Television Production Technology (P-18) for two years. He wrote numerous white papers and articles, and gave many presentations throughout the United States and abroad on emerging technology. Recently, Livingston received a 2006 SMPTE Award for co-authoring the paper "A News Solid State Memory-based Television Acquisition System."

"Phil was tremendously respected for his knowledge and contribution in the broadcast industry," says John Baisley, president of Panasonic Broadcast. "The entire Panasonic community will truly miss the invaluable contributions he made in furthering the company's initiatives in the broadcast and production industries for over 28 years. Of more significance, Phil was a true gentleman and a gentle man.  Our heartfelt sorrow and prayers are with his wife, Jan, and his family during this very difficult time. Phil's memory will live on with the people of his Panasonic Broadcast family."   

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, of 140 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ, 07054.