Blu-ray

Toshiba today announced their first Blu-ray player. The BDX2000 supports BD-Live, outputs 1080p at 24 frames per second, and has the REGZA-LINK function which connects the player with a REGZA LCD TV via HDMI cable to watch content using a single remote control. The BDX2000 also includes an SD slot so photos and videos can be viewed.

Additional Features:

• AVCHD Playback
• Support for enhanced audio formats from Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio | Essential Playback
• Bonus View
• ENERGY STAR Certified

The Toshiba BDX2000 will be available in November for $249.99. Read more

Panasonic announced today that Amazon Video On Demand is now available on its entire line of 2009 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc players. If you are a current owner of a Panasonic 2009 Blu-ray Disc player, you will automatically receive a free software update today and can use service as soon as you register your VIERA CAST Blu-ray Disc Player with Amazon Video On Demand.

With Amazon Video On Demand on VIERA CAST, you can:

• Browse and shop for movies and TV shows from Amazon Video On Demand's selection of more than 45,000 commercial-free titles, including the latest new releases and over 1000 titles in HD.
• Enjoy instant playback streamed to your player, no downloading, no waiting and no subscription fees.
• Access and add to your virtual library of purchases, via Amazon Video On Demand's Your Video Library, and re-watch them on any of Panasonic's VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc players or online with a PC, MAC or other compatible device.

VIERA CAST also gives you access to YouTube, Picasa Web Albums, Bloomberg News and weather information.

For more information on Panasonic's VIERA CAST Blu-ray players visit www.panasonic.com.

The ASUS TV monitor T1 series combines the best in desktop monitor and LCD TV technology to deliver HD TV broadcasting and Full HD Blu-ray Disc playback for the ultimate entertainment and work experience. Equipped with inbuilt TV tuners, these large screen monitors—available in 22-, 24- and 27-inch sizes—allow users to watch digital (DVB-T) and analog (PAL/SECAM) channels and enjoy all common TV functions in Europe.

The T1 Series also boasts surround sound with a pair of 7-Watt speakers, a rich complement of I/O ports catering to various connectivity needs and ASUS' exclusive Splendid Video Intelligence Technology for spectacular color reproduction.

Other Specs:

• Full HD 1080p (1920x1080)
• Inputs: HDMIx2, SCARTx2, D-Sub, Composite, Component, S-Video, audio-in jack, S/PDIF out, audio out, earphone out and CI slot
• Contrast ratio: 20,000:1

No word yet on a ship date or MSRP. Check out the full spec sheet and press release here.

Samsung has just announced its new HT-BD3252 home theater system that combines a high quality viewing experience with powerful audio and an array of advanced networking options in a boldly designed player that can help convert almost any living space into a premium HD showroom.

This system delivers theater-like sound and exceptional video playback with its integrated Blu-ray player, which supports BD-Live interactive content. Consumers can instantly stream the latest SD and HD content from Netflix and access Pandora's library of online music right on their TV (subscriptions required). Starting in the Fall of 2009, BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand service will become available via a future firmware upgrade.Read more

Availability: Available Now
MSRP: $499

Most Blu-ray players can be purchased for around $200 now. However, at $499, is the Harman Kardon BDP 1 worth its price, still?

Portability

Obviously, this is a standalone Blu-ray player that offers other features. So, with dimensions of 2-5/8" x 17-5/16" x 13-7/8" (66mm x 440mm x 352mm) and a weight of 8.2lbs (3.7kg), this Blu-ray player is rather large. But, it is meant to be stationary anyways, so I cannot fairly judge this player in this category.Read more

Sony has just announced a new line of VAIO PCs that provide a powerful high-definition experience while starting at just $800 for the standard model and $880 equipped with Blu-ray Disc technology.

The NW notebook features an optional Blu-ray Disc ROM drive making it ideal for viewing pristine HD content on-the-go. It also has the added convenience of DVD and CD read/write functionalities.

The model features a high-resolution 15.5-inch widescreen display with Sony's XBRITE-ECO LCD technology. It also comes equipped with HDMI out, built-in webcam/microphone, three USB ports, ExpressCard, SD card and Memory Stick PRO slots, Intel Core 2 Duo processor an optional dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 graphics card, and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit. Read more

The Harman Kardon BDP 1 Blu-ray player will feature BD-Live which will give you access to a new world of interactive content, including games, ringtones and other specialized Internet content. With its elegant design, the BDP 1 complements high-definition displays and audio/video receivers. Great news for the DVD aficionados, the BDP 1 will elevate standard DVDs to 1080p via HDMI connection.

Other key specifications:

• Disc formats: Blu-ray Disc media, including BD-R/RE, BD-Live and BonusView, DVD/DVD+R/DVD-RW, CD/CD-RW, MP3 or JPEG files on disc
• Audio formats: LPCM, MP3, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio and WMA.
• RJ-45 connection for Internet access
• IR-remote in/out jacks for system integration
• HDMI output (V.1.3a with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD bitstreams and high-resolution video)
• Front-panel USB jack for additional BD-Live memory or MP3 or JPEG file playback
• Optical and coaxial digital audio outputs
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 66mm x 440mm x 352mm
• Weight: 3.7kg

The Harman Kardon BDP 1 will be available this June at a suggested retail price of $499. Expect to see a full review later on, too.

First unveiled at CES, the Panasonic DMP-B15 was and still is the only portable Blu-ray player. Well, starting today, Panasonic is now shipping this awesome little device.

At a MSRP of $800, the DMP-B15 features an 8.9-inch WSVGA display and includes Panasonic's VIERA CAST Internet accessibility, BD Live functionality and an SD card slot. The battery is said to hold around a 2.5 hour charge.

You can easily connect the DMP-B15 to an HDTV via HDMI cable, and use it as a stand-alone Blu-ray Disc player. Also, the player can also be connected to an HD-Audio compatible AV receiver with a home theater speaker system, enabling you to enjoy movies with outstanding surround sound.

Get the full press release here.