Panasonic DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V

[Sansho]

PANASONIC’S EXPANDED 2009 BLU-RAY LINE UP FEATURES VIERA CAST®, BD LIVE™, WORLD’S FIRST VHS-BLU-RAY PLAYER AND REDUCED POWER CONSUMPTION

Amazon Video-on-Demand Included in VIERA CAST For 2009

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 7, 2009) - Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, today introduced the successors to last year’s award winning DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55 players, as well as presenting the world’s first Blu-ray-VHS dual player. All three of the new Blu-ray players – DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80, DMP-BD70V – combine high quality images with enhanced networking functions, including VIERA Cast’s improved internet functionality that provides access to Amazon VOD’s huge selection of titles. Continuing its commitment to producing products that stress ease of use, the 2009 line of Blu-ray Disc™ players continue to incorporate VIERA Link™, allowing the consumer to operate their audio/video components, via HDMI, with one remote. And, in keeping with Panasonic’s pledge to reduce the planet’s carbon footprint, the new Blu-ray players have been designed to reduce power consumption.

Each of the three models employs the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. Developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, this high image processing technology reproduces clear, vivid colors that are faithful to the original film. Recognizing that audio is important to the overall entertainment experience, Panasonic’s three 2009 Blu-ray Disc players feature a high definition audio decoder (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) to take advantage of the exceptionally high quality 7.1 channel surround sound now integrated in Blu-ray Discs. The DMP-BD70V distinguishes itself as the world’s first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player, providing the consumer with a video product that features multi-format playback allowing the user to play VHS, CD, DVD and 1080p high definition Blu-ray Discs. The BD70V allows for premium 1080p up-conversion for all video formats.

VIERA CAST technology, introduced in Panasonic’s PZ850 2008 VIERA Plasma, is now available in Panasonic’s 2009 Blu-ray players. The internet enabled technology lets the consumer access the internet without the need of either an external box or a PC and enjoy the entertainment value provided by such targeted sites as Amazon VOD, with an extensive library of streamed titles, YouTube™, Google’s Picasa™ Web Album , Bloomberg and a weather channel. The DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V include an SD Memory card slot and USB slot, making it easy for the consumer to view and share both digital still images and HD video recorded with an HD camcorder in the AVCHD format.

“With the expansion of the unique VIERA Cast functionality and the introduction of the industry’s first dual VHS-Blu-ray deck, Panasonic’s 2009 line cements our position as technology leaders and places Panasonic in the forefront of the Blu-ray arena,” said Richard Simone, Director, Panasonic, the Entertainment Group. “Panasonic was the first company to produce a Blu-ray player with Bonus View and the first to incorporate BD Live functionality into a stand alone player. Now we are the first to bring to market a dual VHS-Blu ray player. When coupled with a Panasonic HDTV, Blu-ray gives the consumer the essential 1080p high definition experience.”

In order to produce the ultimate picture quality, Panasonic’s Blu-ray players employ high precision 4:4:4 signal technology, which working in tandem with PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the horizontal direction, to compliment vertical direction processing. P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD) is another technology that contributes to the superior picture quality of the Blu-ray players. P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel. Panasonic’s Blu-ray players further utilize 16-level motion detection to categorize the image motion of each pixel into one of 16 levels; diagonal processing to detect diagonals and correct the pixels accordingly; 1080p up-conversion to up-convert content recorded in the 480i/p or 720p format to 1080p. The Blu-ray players also provide 1080/24p output, thereby reproducing cinema images from a Blu-ray Disc and DVD in their original 24p form with no need for conversion. This allows the user to enjoy cinema images in the same format used in cinema with a 1080/24p compatible TV.

Complimenting the HD audio codecs the three Blu-ray players feature 96kHz surround re-master, a function that enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even improves the quality of the multi-channel audio data on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs. The DMP-BD80 further enhances the audio experience with 7.1 channel analog out to produce true 7.1 surround sound, thereby affording the consumer a home theater environment that rivals the movie theater. The BD80 also includes a playback information window that can be used to display detailed image information while a movie is playing.

In order to obtain a reduction in power consumption the 2009 Blu-ray players use Auto Power Stand-By, a function that automatically turns off the player when you return to TV operation using the VIERA Link menu. In addition, the Stand-by Power Save automatically turns off the player’s Quick Start function. When VIERA is turned on, Quick Start also turns on. In addition, the development of the UniPhier® single chip LSI makes it possible to pack an entire video signal processing circuit onto a single chip. This helps lower power consumption, reduces the number of parts needed and allows for a more compact design. The BD60 consumes 16% less power in standby mode than last year’s model, the DMP-BD35.

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Note, they also announced a portable blu-ray player, not detailed in this press release.

[Blu Titan]

PAnasonic had a very strong Blu-ray showing n the Blu-ray side. A portable Blu-ray player, a BD/VHS BD player, and two additional Blu-ray players. Let see what Sony has to offer on the Blu-ray side today.

[Sansho]

Let see what Sony has to offer on the Blu-ray side today.

Nothing ... they reannounced the S550 and S5000ES. Lots of new TV's, camera's, etc, but no new blu-ray players.

[HDPlasma]

VHS ?????
Why not throw a betamax player in there as well.

[Chevypower]

Originally Posted by HDPlasma

VHS ?????
Why not throw a betamax player in there as well.

Don't knock that idea, i really want a Betamax/HD-DVD combo player! In the SECAM format! With a Swedish plug!

[bootman]

Originally Posted by Chevypower

Don't knock that idea, i really want a Betamax/HD-DVD combo player! In the SECAM format! With a Swedish plug!

What no 8-track?

[HDPlasma]

Originally Posted by bootman

What no 8-track?

If there is such a thing as 8-track video, then by all means, add it to the video combo beast.

[Sussudio]

Panasonic's new DMP-BD70 plays both Bluray's (and obviously DVDs) and VHS's, making it one of the first to play all 3 of the major consumer video formats released. The player is 2.0 compliant, supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio onboard decoding, and features an SD slot and USB input.

I'd love to see a VHS movie upconverted to 1080p
(yes I realize that's not what a combo player does)



Full story: http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-101...CmoreStories.0

[SHines-IT]

This may be my next Blu Ray player, as I have some family videos on VHS. But would not want to buy a new dedicated VHS player...

[Paul.R.S]

If they're going to support VHS in a BD deck, it sure would be nice if they would bring back the BD10's DVD-A capability, too.

[ozzman]

Originally Posted by Paul.R.S

If they're going to support VHS in a BD deck, it sure would be nice if they would bring back the BD10's DVD-A capability, too.

This player is definitely for a select few.
Personal i can't see something like that in my house .
Sold all my VHS movies.I think it was something like 10 bucks for 40 movies (a Friend).

But i could see this in my parents house ,just because of the simply fact they don't like to throw things out and still have a small collection of VHS movies.

So people like that,their will be a martet for them.
I can't see it being Large, but there is a market

Anyways thats how i see it,But what the hell do i know

[Mr. HiDef]

do they even put new releases on vhs anymore?

[spartanstew]

No. In fact, the last shipment of blank VHS tapes were sent last month (12/23 by Distribution Video Audio of Florida). There'll be no more.

[primaz]

so do these combo units replace the BD55 or are there going to be a new blu ray only player? The store I was going to buy it 6th Avenue said that Panasonic said the new models will be out in the end of Feb but they had no info on them?

I already have a Sony ES super VHS, and a good DVD player and a Sony multi disc CD player so I'd rather just get a blu ray only?

[spartanstew]

Originally Posted by primaz

so do these combo units replace the BD55 or are there going to be a new blu ray only player? The store I was going to buy it 6th Avenue said that Panasonic said the new models will be out in the end of Feb but they had no info on them?

I already have a Sony ES super VHS, and a good DVD player and a Sony multi disc CD player so I'd rather just get a blu ray only?

Did you read the first post?

[primaz]

would be the replacement for the BD55? the 80? Have you heard any ideas as to the pricing?

[Sunnyboy]

Does anyone in the CES mentioned the difference/improvements of these 2009 models vs BD35K/55K?

[spartanstew]

$399/$299

[Paul.R.S]

Originally Posted by Sunnyboy

Does anyone in the CES mentioned the difference/improvements of these 2009 models vs BD35K/55K?

"Did you read the first post?" Sheesh.

VIERA Cast. PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. Eco-friendly lower power consumption. USB ports.

At Gizmodo one can see the actual Pan slide of the players shown during the press conf, which shows that they are touting the 60 as the world's slimmest BD player. The 80 features what sounds like a bitrate meter. The 70V plays {gulp} VHS, too.

[netgem21]

Originally Posted by Paul.R.S

"Did you read the first post?" Sheesh.

VIERA Cast. PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. Eco-friendly lower power consumption. USB ports.

At Gizmodo one can see the actual Pan slide of the players shown during the press conf, which shows that they are tiuting the 60 as the world's slimmest BD player. The 80 features what sounds like a bitrate meter. The 70V plays {gulp} VHS, too.

According to the Panasonic website, the 35 has PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus already. So it's just Viera Cast, USB and Power efficiency? - is that it?