Yeah Allan,  Panasonic has had a bunch of interesting stuff over the years.  

I just don't think the market was there when they came out with their bag of tricks... Plus the cost was very high.

Asymmetric AC current for aluminum is very cool, but lets keep in mind that probably more than 95% of X-ray quality GTAW welds made in production around the globe are made with parameters that can be produced by any Synchrowave 250.

High speeds, super thin base metal, small fillet size, smaller melt thru on grooves, minimized etch zone are all things the Asymmetric AC can do....

These "garage models" like the one mentioned above are pretty sexy, and a fraction of the cost of the U.S. made units.  Which makes me happy,  as the imports progress is quality and reliability, the U.S. makers decrease price to stay in the market.  Win-win for us welders.

Lincoln has just introduced the "Aspect" which is everything the Miller Dynasty is but much less expensive and MUCH BETTER OPERATOR INTERFACE!    I test drove one of in Cleveland before they came on the market and it's a freakin Ferrari.

The Lincoln Aspect fully loaded with liquid cooled, torches and cart is about $6,400
Miller Dynasty fully loaded with liquid cooled, torches and cart is about        $11,300

The little machines that are imported don't compare apples to apples... They do have 110/220 flexibility, but some can run 250 amps AC, they don't have all the features the U.S. brands do... But on the other hand.. They are affordable $1,500....  I can get a water cooled torch and use the garden hose and a bucket or floor drain for my garage welding.   Will they last?  Is the warranty as good?   Are they U.S. made?  Those are important factors too .    But they offer AC Tig welding for less than $1500 bucks and that opens doors to quite a lot of people.