SECAUCUS, N.J., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, a major
developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray Disc™
format, today announced pricing and availability for an expanded
2012 Blu-ray Disc player lineup featuring four new Full HD 3D
models – the DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500,
DMP-BDT320, DMP-BDT220, and two 2D Blu-ray Disc players –
DMP-BD87 and the DMP-BD77. All four of the 3D models include
Panasonic's proprietary VIERA Connect™ IPTV platform(1), while the
2D models feature IP VOD(1), a service that offers a targeted
selection of sites including Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube™
on TV
Panasonic's Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players (BBT01, BDT500, BDT320 and
BDT 220) 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(2), which can convert 2D images from VIERA
Connect(1), DVDs and Blu-ray discs into 3D with natural depth
perception, a new slim design and a unique slot-in drive that is
found in two of the models (the DMP-BBT01 and DMP-BDT320). The slot-in drive allows the user to
insert a disc without the need for a tray and prevents
inadvertently loading a second disc. In addition, the DMP-BBT01
introduces a new design concept and a greatly reduced form factor
featuring a stand and enables operation either vertically or
horizontally.
The DMP-BDT220 (SRP $149.99) and the DMP-BDT320 (SRP $199.99) are the first of the Full HD 3D Blu-ray
Disc players to ship and are now available. Also now
available are Panasonic's two 2D Blu-ray Disc™ players -- the
DMP-BD87 (SRP $119.99) and the
DMP-BD77 (SRP $89.99). Panasonic's
two top-of-the-line Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players; the
DMP-BDT500 (SRP $349.99) and the DMP-BBT01 (SRP $269.99) will be available in May.
The 2012 Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player line builds upon the
company's commitment to continually seek improvements to its
state-of-the-art products. With that in mind, the 2012 lineup
includes a number of improvements over last year's models.
- The UniPhier single chip signal processing LSI employs a
simplified circuit architecture that eliminates unnecessary wiring
and reduces noise on the picture and sound signal to the absolute
minimum. The UniPhier chip produces high clarity sound and turns
off the analog video circuit when not needed – otherwise the analog
video circuit is working even when not in use, causing interference
to the other circuits.
- Adaptive Chroma Processing, a high quality image processing
technology, precisely processes the video signal of each pixel in
vertical and horizontal directions, resulting in a 50% increase in
vertical color data processing as compared to 2010 models.
- A redesigned DVD Super Resolution Processor helps produce
natural pictures with no false contours, higher resolution for
details and a reduction in noise, all resulting in richer
gradation.
The new 2012 models can convert 2D content from VIERA Connect™
(2), DVD discs and Blu-ray Discs into 3D images with
stunning depth. Also new for 2012 is technology that allows for VOD
24p output, thereby synching with the original 24 fps (frames per
second) video format and delivering film-like motion
characteristics. Using 24 fps, each frame is uniformly converted,
so more natural and flickerless images are reproduced.
Recognizing that audio is an essential component to any viewing
experience, Panasonic has made a number of improvements to ensure
that the audio quality meets the same high standards as the video
quality. To that end, the DMP-BDT500,
DMP-BDT320 and the DMP-BDT220 utilize a 192kHz/32bit audio DAC, while
the BDT500 also includes high-grade
audio parts (gold plated terminals, high grade electric capacitor
and insulator) to reproduce audio content that is faithful to the
original. The BDT500 also provides
for 7.1 channel output and includes twin HDMI outputs, allowing one
to be dedicated for audio output. Not only does this result in less
interference with the video signal, but the additional HDMI makes
the BDT500 compatible with legacy
amplifiers. Audio is further improved via Panasonic's unique clock
control technology that drastically reduces jitter during HDMI
transmission, thereby lessening noise and delivering pure sound.
Furthermore, the 2012 players are compatible with a variety of
formats such as the lossless audio codec FLAC, an audio format
similar to MP3, but lossless, meaning that audio is compressed in
FLAC without any loss in quality. In addition, the Blu-ray
Disc™ players simulate the warm, comforting sound of tube
amplifiers with six distinct sound environments.
Panasonic's VIERA Connect™ IPTV platform, now under the Smart
VIERA umbrella, has been expanded and now utilizes cloud technology
to offer access to a virtually unlimited collection of many of the
most popular applications for social networking (including Skype™
voice and video calling, YouTube™, Facebook, and Twitter), video
content (including Amazon Instant Video™, Netflix, Hulu™ Plus, and
Ustream), professional sports (including FOX Sports, MLS Matchday
Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center), gaming (Accedo Funspot,
Gameloft, and PlayJam), fitness (including BodyMedia, ifit, and
Withings), music (including Pandora and Shoutcast) news and
information (including AccuWeather, Associated Press, and WSJ Live)
and more.
The two 2D players (DMP-BD87 and DMP-BD77) feature IP VOD, a
targeted internet solution that offers consumers access to Netflix,
CinemaNow, Vudu and YouTube.
Connectivity and ease of use continue to be of prime importance
to Panasonic. The entire 2012 line features easy connection to
other DLNA-equipped products and VIERA Link, which provides
connectivity to other VIERA Link-compatible products and NAS
compatibility. This year's players are also compatible with the
NTFS format HDD. Five of the six Blu-ray Disc players provide
built-in WiFi, while the DMP-BD77 is wireless ready. To personalize
the experience, the new multi-user mode allows one to register four
users and each can record individual, favorite settings. They can
also select a personal icon from 16 pre-installed images, or photos
from an external source. To further personalize the player, there
is the option to customize the home screen with any image the
consumer chooses. Also new this year is the ability to use any
Smartphone(3) as the remote control. There is also a new touch pad
remote control that offers simple, intuitive operation.
Always mindful of the impact on the environment, the 2012 models
are ENERGY STAR qualified. Additionally, the DMP-BDT320 features a Smart Eco Sensor which detects
the user's movement and switches to the quick start mode (boot time
0.5 seconds) automatically. When a user is within 16 feet of the
player it is in ECO mode, using approximately 0.1 watts. When
motion is detected within 16 feet the player turns on the quick
start mode (approximately 3.2 watts). The BDT320's new slim design also cuts down on
packaging, thereby saving on paper and allowing more players to be
placed on a pallet, which can reduce carbon emissions due to
transportation.
"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."
DMP-BBT01
SRP $269.99
|
- Full HD 3D
- Adaptive Chroma Processing
- 2D --> 3D conversion
- High Clarity Sound Plus
- Digital Tube Sound
- Pure Audio on HDMI
- Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility
- VIERA Connect
- DLNA
- NAS
- HDD Playback
- Built-in WiFi
- Smartphone Remote Control
- Touch Pad Remote Control
- Multi User Mode
- VIERA Link
- Ultra fast Booting and Loading
- Slot-in drive
- Low Power Consumption
- Energy Star Qualified
|
DMP-BDT500
SRP $349.99
|
- Full HD 3D
- Adaptive Chroma Processing
- 2D --> 3D conversion
- Twin HDMI
- 192kHz/32bit DAC
- 7.1 Analog Output
- High Clarity Sound Plus
- Digital Tube Sound
- Pure Audio on HDMI
- Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility
- VIERA Connect
- DLNA
- NAS
- HDD Playback
- Built-in WiFi
- Smartphone Remote Control
- Touch Pad Remote Control
- Multi User Mode
- VIERA Link
- Ultra fast Booting and Loading
- Low Power Consumption
- Energy Star Qualified
|
DMP-BDT320
SRP $199.99
|
- Full HD 3D
- Adaptive Chroma Processing
- 2D --> 3D conversion
- 192kHz/32bit DAC
- High Clarity Sound Plus
- Digital Tube Sound
- Pure Audio on HDMI
- Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility
- VIERA Connect
- DLNA
- NAS
- HDD Playback
- Built-in WiFi
- Smartphone Remote Control
- Touch Pad Remote Control
- Smart Eco Sensor
- Multi User Mode
- VIERA Link
- Slot-in Drive
- Ultra fast Booting and Loading
- Low Power Consumption
- Ultra Slim Design
- Energy Star Qualified
|
DMP-BDT220
SRP $149.99
|
- Full HD 3D
- Adaptive Chroma Processing
- 2D --> 3D conversion
- 192kHz/32bit DAC
- Pure Audio on HDMI
- Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility
- VIERA Connect
- DLNA
- NAS
- HDD Playback
- Built-in WiFi
- Smartphone Remote Control
- Multi User Mode
- VIERA Link
- Ultra fast Booting and Loading
- Low Power Consumption
- Energy Star Qualified
|
DMP-BD87
SRP $119.99
|
- Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility
- IP VOD
- DLNA
- NAS
- HDD
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Multi User Mode
- HDMI-CEC
- Ultra Fast Booting and Loading
- Low Power Consumption
- Energy Star Qualified
|
DMP-BD77
SRP $89.99
|
|
- Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility
- IP VOD
- DLNA
- NAS
- HDD
- Wireless LAN Ready
- Multi User Mode
- HDMI-CEC
- Ultra Fast Booting and Loading
- Low Power Consumption
- Energy Star Qualified
|
About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J.,
Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic
Corporation of North America, the
principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:
PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and
R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in
the U.S. and Canada. The Company's portfolio of innovative
consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray
players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless
Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and
more.
Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the
earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the
company's Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer
Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the
Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic
on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for
media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
(1) Requires an Ethernet connection
(2) Except for Skype
(3) Not available on DMP-BD77 and DMP-BD87
SOURCE Panasonic