Panasonic Takes Blu-ray on the Road

Okay, so I've seen a few reports on the new in-car Blu-ray player from Panasonic. Cnet is talking about it, as well as GadgetVenue and a few others. Supposedly the Panasonic CN-HX900D is the "world's first" portable Blu-ray player. Let me take that back…it is the first in-car Blu-ray player. I told you about the first portable Blu-ray in January at the 2009 CES trade show- the DMP-B15 (also from Panasonic).

Details on the CN-HX900D are kind of sketchy, but this is what I've read: It is Windows powered with GPS, and is a CD / DVD player with 5 channel amplifier. It also has Bluetooth, a 7-inch LCD screen, a 40 GB hard drive and is iPhone / iPod compatible. You do need to hook it up to the optional CY-BB1000D Blu-ray player. My question is this: if the optional CY-BB1000D is required, why doesn't this come bundled into one unit (or maybe they will prior to launch?). Only time will tell, I guess.

Pricing and availability have not been officially announced, but most are saying it will be available fall 2009.