Panasonic unveils gesture-controlled TV

You have to give Panasonic credit for pushing the envelope. After launching a TV last year that let owners record programs to an SD card, the company has now taken the wraps off of a new set that does away with the remote control.

Customers in Japan can now buy the VIERA DMP-HV200, a gesture-controlled set that allows users to adjust the volume and change channels with a wave of their hands. The 10.1-inch sets will go on sale March 18 for a converted price of $640.

Like the record-to-SD sets, this line will only be available in Japan for now – but the idea behind the technology is already being actively explored on this side of the ocean. Microsoft's Kinect is leading the charge so far, with its ability to rewind and fast forward films via gestures – and pause and play movies by voice command.

Meanwhile, PrimeSense, the company behind the peripheral's technology has already said it expects at least one U.S. cable company to release a product this year allowing subscribers to change channels, access video on demand and more through hand gestures.