At the end of last month, our editor Chris Boylan was teasing us with a hands-on peek at what Panasonic has in store for 2011 Blu-ray players and Blu-ray 3D players. Now, it appears that we have pricing on a few of those players. Amazon was the one to leak the info. They aren't just giving out pricing, but they're also taking orders, even though exact release dates have yet to be announced.
NOTE: Panasonic has removed pricing info and pre-order capabilities from their web site after we published this article, but we have confirmed from another authorized dealer that the MAP pricing data below is accurate.
At a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $99.99, the DMP-BD75 is the brand's only non-3D-ready Blu-ray player this year. But it promises ergonomic improvements over the 2010 line including faster loading times, an enhanced splash screen and GUI as well as VIERA Cast networking capabilities (including Netflix and Cinema Now) via its hard-wired network port.
At $149.99, the least expensive Blu-ray 3D option is the DMP-BDT110 Blu-ray 3D Player. The obvious differentiating feature on this model from the 2D-only DMP-BD75 is the Blu-ray 3D playback, but this unit also includes Panasonic's 3D Effect controller and real-time 2D to 3D conversion, as well as a "Pure Sound" jitter purifier, Adaptive Chroma Processor, and the newly enhanced VIERA Cast platform. That means that aside from Netflix, CinemaNow and other streaming content services, this unit can also do Skype video calling with video voice mail.
Like the BD75 and other players in the line, DMP-BDT110 will have a new GUI and faster booting and disc loading times, MKV (and other media) playback. Also, it is the least expensive player to offer iPhone control via an upcoming app, as well as media playback from the player's USB port and SDXC slot, DLNA support, and PAnasonic's VIERA Link (enhanced HDMI-CEC controls).
The MSRP on it is $149.99. However, Amazon has it listed for about $6 cheaper, including free shipping. Orders are fulfilled in the order received so be the first on your block to take one home by ordering today:
Nestled right in the middle is the DMP-BDT210 Blu-ray 3D Player. This player includes all of the same features as the DMP-BDT110, but also has integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi, a "touch-free sensor" for easy disc tray opening, and tube sound effects. The DMP-BDT210 is listed with a MAP of $199.99, but is currently being offered on Amazon for $16 less, which also includes free shipping.
The cream of Panasonic's 2011 crop is the DMP-BDT310 Blu-ray 3D Player. This model includes all of the same features listed above, but throws in dual HDMI outputs for compatibility with pre-3D HDMI receivers. Isn't that nice of them? That kind of convenience should cost around $249.99 (MAP), although Amazon has it available for pre-order now for $219.99 shipped.
One major feature that we are glad to see is that the new Panasonic players will be processing streaming and other non disc-based video content through the full power of their UniPhier video processor. This means that both standard def and high def streaming video will get the full benefits of Panasonic's scaling, upconversion and chroma upsampling technology. The bottom line? These should be among the better players to choose for watching streaming content, in addition to standard DVDs, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Discs.
Although Amazon is currently taking pre-orders on all three players, both the retailer and Panasonic have yet to announce any official ship dates. Stake your claim on one of these 2011 players today and stay tuned for any additional release information.
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