AV Magazines

Panasonic has let it be known that on 7 October, 2008 it manufactured its 300 millionth TV set after 56 years in the business, setting a world record.

Panny is claiming it's the first to reach the gargantuan figure, and we wouldn't argue with them, as its momentum is clearly gathering pace - the 200 million milestone was hit only ten years ago, in 1998. Using the announcement as an excuse for a stroll down memory lane, the folk at Panny commented that it begun production of its first black and white TV in November 1952, becoming the first manufacturer of colour TVs in Japan in 1960.

Its big success of recent years has undoubtedly been its VIERA range, which launched in January 2003 and it still going strong, with thinner, bigger and greener models promised for the future. And they don't come any bigger than the 150in monster pictured.

Congrats Panasonic!