Gadgets Blog

Panasonic is on a roll here with a trio of Blu-ray players for the discerning consumer, and they consist of the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V. Heck, the consumer electronics giant has even gone so far as to present the first Blu-ray-VHS dual player in the world. This is a stunning revelation (to me at least), as I thought that DVD-VHS combo players were about as far as VHS tapes would go, but to see a similar kind of backwards compatibility found in the most modern Blu-ray player? Just unbelievable, and I’m still suffering from bruises all over that I obtained while pinching myself. These three models will combine high quality images with enhanced networking functions, and they include VIERA Cast’s improved internet functionality that opens up a whole new door to Amazon VOD’s huge selection of titles.

All three models will feature the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus that was developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, allowing this high image processing technology to reproduce clear, vivid colors that are faithful to the original film. They also come with a high definition audio decoder (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) that will bring to life the exceptionally high quality 7.1 channel surround sound that is available in Blu-ray Discs. The DMP-BD70V is the highlight among the three, being the world’s first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player, letting one play your VHS tapes and notice the stark difference in quality when you pop in a Blu-ray disc later. The BD70V offers premium 1080p up-conversion for all video formats, but don’t get your hopes up too high where VHS is concerned.

The entire 2009 Panasonic Blu-ray line will up will be out sometime next month, where the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V will retail for $299.95, $399.95; and $399.95, respectively.

Press Release

Panasonic is back with a couple of brand new 7.1 channel Blu-ray Home Theater systems, and these come complete with wireless-ready rear speakers and an integrated iPod dock (as any other decent home theater system should these days), allowing maximum enjoyment for downloaded video and audio content. The two models in question are the SC-BT200 and SC-BT300, where they will feature seven speakers to envelop viewers in a remarkably true-to-life surround sound experience. We’re pretty sure that not only movie buffs will find this set to be highly entertaining, but gamers as well - especially for those whose computers come with a multi-channel sound card - too bad game programmers rarely go more than 5.1 in their audio programming.

Both the front and center channel speakers are made out of a bamboo diaphragm - the reason being it offers a tightly intertwined fiber that is able to deliver greater rigidity and accuracy, giving you clear reproduction of sounds across a wide frequency range, regardless of whether you’re into massive explosions or metallic clangs. As for the subwoofer, it features a Kelton system with a dual diameter structure that will deliver a deep powerful bass. Panasonic has rightly included the Smart Set-up guide that relies on a graphical user interface navigation that enables users to set up their SC-BT200 or SC-BT300 home theater for optimum performance without having to be an audiophile in the first place - the result? Enjoying a thrilling, incredibly lifelike audio performance that rivals a movie theater right smack from the comfort of home.

Great audio isn’t the only thing that Panasonic offers with the SC-BT300 and the SC-BT200, as both systems can connect to the Internet for downloading bonus content that are available with Blu-ray Discs, as well as playing Internet games via BD-Live. The inclusion of VIERA Cast also helps integrate the Amazon Video-on-Demand online movie rental service, giving you an even wider range of entertainment options. You can pick up the SC-BT300 for $699.95 while the SC-BT200 is going for $599.95, where both sets will be out sometime next month.

Press Release