If you've been waiting to buy Avatar on Blu-ray 3D disc, there's going to be a slight delay. Panasonic has again extended its exclusive Avatar Blu-ray 3D promotion through February 2012, or (more likely) revealed timeline details of a deal that was previously agreed with the studio.
According to Amazon, if you buy one a qualifying Panasonic Blu-ray 3D player between March 1, 2011 and February 29, 2012, you can receive the Avatar Blu-ray 3D disc via a mail-in rebate. To get the disc, you must complete the rebate form and send it in along with a copy of your sales receipt of the eligible model with the purchase price circled, as well as the UPC code and serial number cut from the product carton. For more details, check out Amazon's promotion page:
The rebate form lists the qualifying models as the DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT215, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, and DMP-BDT115 Blu-ray 3D players, as well as the SC-BTT770, SC-BTT370, SC-BTT270, SC-BTT268 and SC-BTT273 Blu-ray 3D home theater systems.
Amazon currently has three eligible Blu-ray 3D players and three of the systems available, including the top of the line DMP-BDT310 Blu-ray 3D player. As we pointed out in our hands-on look at Panasonic's 2011 models, this model doesn't have multi-channel analog outputs or component video outputs, which seems to be consistent with current trends. However, it does have built-in Wi-Fi and dual HDMI outputs for compatibility with pre-3D HDMI receivers.
Other features on the DMP-BDT310 include real-time 2D-3D conversion, VIERA Connect with Skype, iPhone compatibility, and a Touch-Free Sensor to open and close the disc tray for smooth operation. It also has the new 3D Effect Controller feature, which allows viewers to adjust the level of those in-your-face 3D effects. Amazon currently has the DMP-BDT310 listed for pre-order at $249.99. Take a peek at the product page:
If you can't wait, both the DMP-BDT210 and DMP-BDT110 are shipping now. Aside from Blu-ray 3D playback, both include the VIERA Connect with Skype features, the 3D Effect controller, 2D-3D conversion, iPhone support, and VIERA Link. The DMP-BDT210 adds in built-in Wi-Fi, the Touch-Free Sensor, and Tube Sound Effects. The DMP-BDT210 is listed at $199.99, with the BDT110 costing about $50 less. However, Amazon is shipping both now for under that MSRP.
If you plan to hook up one of these players and crank movies using the speakers attached to your TV, you might want to consider one of the theater packages being offered in this deal. Amazon is taking pre-orders on the SC-BTT770, SC-BTT370, and SC-BTT270.
The top of the heap is the SC-BTT770, which features Blu-ray 3D playback, Audio Return Channel, Cinema Surround Plus technology, the Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone dock, and 3D Effect Controller. Also, the built-in Wi-Fi makes accessing VIERA Connect easy. This model includes the same Netflix, VUDU, Amazon and Pandora services, plus more -- including Skype.
Other features include a down-firing subwoofer, one HDMI output and two HDMI inputs with Standby Pass through for HD and 3D gaming and set-top box connections. However, what makes the $599.99 (MSRP) SC-BTT770 a true standout is the inclusion of rear wireless speakers and a wireless kit to complete that setup. Find out more on Amazon:
Don't forget to save your receipt and the box once your new Blu-ray 3D goodies arrive! You'll need them for the mail-in rebate. Just make sure to get that rebate form postmarked by March 31, 2012.
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