Panasonic showed off its line of Blu-ray disc players at CES, but only now released details on the prices and availability for the line including four Full HD 3D models and two 2D Blu-ray disc players. All four 3D models feature Panasonic's full VIERA Connect suite of internet apps; the 2D models come with IP VOD, which offers a reduced set of streaming services including Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube.
The DMP-BDT220 is in the sweet spot, retailing for $149.99 with built-in WiFi and the DMP-BDT320 offers a new sleek design and touch pad remote for $199.99. Both of these Full HD 3D Blu-ray disc players are currently available. Panasonic also released the two 2D models, the DMP-BD87 for $119.99 and the DMP-BD77 for $89.99.
In May Panasonic will ship its remaining two Full HD 3D Blu-ray disc players: the top of the line DMP-BDT500, with dual HDMI output and even multi-channel analog out for $349.99 and the petite, wall-mountable DMP-BBT01 for $269.99.
The four Blu-ray 3D disc players will have an improved UniPhier chip processor, 24p output for Video on Demand, an expanded VIERA Connect functionality, as well as FLAC (free Lossless Audio Codec) support. The 192Hz/32bit Audio DAC is available on all models except the DMP-BBT01. All models include a smartphone remote control capability, and the DMP-BBT01, BDT500 and BDT320 include a touchpad remote control, which was shown at CES.
In addition to the upgraded UniPhier single chip processing, Panasonic is building the Blu-ray players with Adaptive Chroma Processing, a high-quality image processing technology that provides better color detail on any source material. The player processes the video signal of each pixel in vertical and horizontal directions, which increases the vertical color data processing by as much as 50 percent over 2010 models.
Panasonic's VIERA Connect IPTV platform utilizes cloud technology to bring content to the player. Services available on VIERA Connect include media content, live sports, gaming, music and fitness, among other categories. Social media outlets include Skype voice and video calling, YouTube and Facebook. Video content is provided from Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Upstream. Professional sports events from FOX Sports, MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time and NHL Game Center are available. Gaming outlets include Accedo Funspot, Gameloft and PlayJam. Fitness enthusiasts will be able to get workout programs from BodyMedia, ifit and Withings. Music programs from Pandora and Shoutcast will entertain. News and information junkies can get updates from AccuWeather, Associated Press and WSJ Live.
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