Panasonic Mourns Passing Of Phil Livingston

[Steve Mullen]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PANASONIC MOURNS PASSING OF PHIL LIVINGSTON,
VICE PRESIDENT FOR TECHNICAL LIAISON

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 10, 2006) -- Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company announced today the passing of Phil Livingston, Vice President. Mr. Livingston died November 8th in Secaucus, NJ.

“Phil was tremendously respected for his knowledge and contribution in the broadcast industry. 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,” said John Baisley, President, Panasonic Broadcast. “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.”

Mr. Livingston was a 28-year Panasonic employee and held numerous technical positions there. Most recently he was responsible for Panasonic Broadcast’s strategic business development activities. For the last five years, he directed the company’s innovative Technology Partnering Program where he worked with more than 30 of the industry’s leading manufacturers to incorporate Panasonic’s leading digital compression technologies into their products and systems.

Phil Livingston began his broadcast career, which spanned over four decades, in radio at WVOS and WVIP in upstate New York. He helped build WOKR-TV in Rochester, N.Y. and developed an Instructional Television system for the City School District there. Subsequently he served for 10 years as Associate Director for Instructional Resources at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

He represented Panasonic on the Board of WHD-TV, the Digital Model Station in Washington, and had been involved in the work of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) since 1987. He served on the ATSC Board of Directors from 2002 to 2006, and as Board Chairman from 2002 to 2005. He 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. He recently received a 2006 SMPTE Award for co-authoring a paper entitled “A News Solid State Memory-based Television Acquisition System.”

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

-----------------------

All of us in the Press loved Phil. He was always direct in his many, many presentations on the deepest technical aspects of Panasonic products. NAB, and pre-NAB briefings, will never feel the same. He was the highlight of every meeting -- both on the stage and afterwards when one had a chance to just talk technology. He seemed to always know everything about video prodction.

Jan Crittenden, his wife, you all know from her many contributions here and at NAB plus other meetings around the country. Jan, please take comfort in knowing how much Phil was loved.

Best Wishes,
Steve Mullen

[Chris Hurd]

The last time I saw Phil, he was arm in arm with Jan emerging from an evening function at this year's NAB. We stood in the cab line together and had a nice, upbeat chat and shared a few really good laughs. I'm grateful that my memory of him will always be that one particular golden moment, away from the working environment, smiles all the way around with Jan at his side, and that happy, prevailing Las Vegas mood where the real world is so far away. Jan, my heart goes out to you and the entire Panasonic family. All of us here at DV Info Net extend our most sincere condolences.

[Paulo Teixeira]

I’m surprised I didn’t know about that until I read it here.

[Zack Birlew]

My brother, Pat, and I are sincerely sorry for your loss, Jan.

[Rob Lohman]

So so sorry to hear about this. My sincere condolences go out to Jan and his (Panasonic) family.

[Jan Crittenden Livingston]

Hi Everyone,

I appreciate everyone's kind words. Phil was so wonderful and kind. He had this inate ability to make the person he was talking to feel like the most important person in the conversation, and that could have been the maintenance staff at Panasonic or anyone in the industry. He was just simple a lovely gentleman and my best friend.

I haven't been here in a while as this nightmare started about a month or so ago and it has taken up so much of my time. This was the final stage of his bout with bladder cancer and and while the chemo kicked the cancer that was in the bladder, it didn't resolve the metasesed bladder cancer on the bone. That was resistant to typical bone cancer treatment which was radiation, and it was associated with a lot of pain. The good news is that he is no longer in pain.

So I knew that Panasonic sent out the notice yesterday afternoon and I am finally without company and went out looking for solice. Thank you so much for posting this and offering such kind words.

All the best,

Jan

[Greg Boston]

Originally Posted by Jan Crittenden Livingston

So I knew that Panasonic sent out the notice yesterday afternoon and I am finally without company and went out looking for solice. Thank you so much for posting this and offering such kind words.

I hope that you'll take comfort in knowing that we are all your extended family here, Jan. So few of us are lucky enough to have a spouse and best friend in the same person.

Know that if you need a 'virtual hug', our collective arms at DVINFO are extended to you.

Sincerely,

Greg Boston

[Lynne Whelden]

I send my condolences as well. Didn't know Phil but knew Jan thru this forum and was always impressed with the courtesy and respect she gave us here with our incessant questions. Sounds like she imitated her husband in that regard. And didn't they just get married a year or two ago?

[Chris Hurd]

Originally Posted by Jan Crittenden Livingston

The good news is that he is no longer in pain.

It was a similar situation when my mother passed away. Knowing that this is finally so, that she was no longer suffering, is what brought me the most relief. Having her at peace greatly eased my grief. I certainly hope you're finding that same kind of solace.

[Heath McKnight]

Jan,

I'm thankful for what you and your husband have helped bring to us, the guys and gals who enjoy using Panasonic gear. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, friends and Panasonic.

Heath McKnight

[Robert Lane]

Jan,

You're family to us on this forum; my condolences for your loss.

Robert

[Jacques Mersereau]

Hi Jan,

You and your families have my deepest sympathies and well wishes
in this very difficult time.

Jacques

[Shervin Mandgaryan]

Hello Jan,

My condolences to you and your family for this tragic loss, I hope this troubling time passes you.

-SM

[Michael Horton]

So very sad and tragic. My thoughts are with Jan and all his friends and family.

Michael Horton
lafcpug

[Peter Richardson]

My very deepest condolences Jan. You, your family, and Phil will be in my prayers.

Peter