3D Blu-ray

Panasonic this week announced pricing and availability for its 2012 Blu-ray player lineup. It consists of four new Full HD 3D models – the DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320, DMP-BDT220, and two 2D Blu-ray players – DMP-BD87 and the DMP-BD77. All four of the 3D models include VIERA Connect, and the 2D models feature IP VOD for access to Netflix, CinemaNow, Vudu and YouTube.

Panasonic's Full HD 3D Blu-ray players include an improved UniPhier chip processor, 24p output for VOD, an expanded VIERA Connect functionality, and FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec),192Hz/32bit Audio DAC (not available on the DMP-BBT01), Smartphone remote control capability, a new touchpad remote control (available on DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320), 2D-to-3D up-conversion, and a new slot-in drive (only on the DMP-BBT01 and DMP-BDT320). In addition, the DMP-BBT01 features a stand, allowing for operation either vertically or horizontally.

"Panasonic is always working to improve its technology, design, and commitment to providing the consumer with the best possible video and audio experiences. We are also very mindful of the need to provide products that are user friendly and easy to operate," said Alex Fried, Product Manager, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "Features such as the slot-in drive, home screen customization, enhancement of VIERA Connect allow consumers to easily personalize their entertainment experience to fit their lifestyle. Additionally, a feature like the slot-in drive is one that makes it extremely easy for the user to insert and play the disc."

Specs:

Pioneer Electronics announced three new Blu-ray 3D players at CEDIA - the BDP-140, BDP-52FD and BDP-53FD, the last two being Elite branded models. All three offer improved loading times, wireless capability (AS-WL300 required), and audio/video streaming from Pandora, YouTube and NetFlix. Additional features include high definition audio and video playback from both USB and DLNA sources.

The new players deliver a 1080p HD picture, as well as include 3D video output with the latest HDMI 1.4a. All three models can up convert standard definition video to 1080p resolution, and deliver excellent color reproduction, thanks to 36-Bit Deep Color support. Each model also supports high-quality audio formats such as DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Super Audio CD. The Elite models add in Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) Bit-Stream Multi-channel for jitter-free reproduction of Blu-ray Disc, DVD-Video/Audio, Super Audio CD and CD content. Read more