Panasonic has taken the wraps off four new Blu-ray players for 2012 at its Convention event in Hamburg, all with a selection of new features, better designs and improved audio tech, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The four models that will be coming to the UK in the near future are the entry-level DMP-BDT77, mid-range DMP-BDT220, eco-friendly DMP-BDT320 and the flagship model DMP-BDT500.
All include support for playing FLAC audio files, a range of settings to improve audio quality, Panasonic’s new DVD Super Resolution Processor for improved picture quality, and finally a new jitter-reduction technology to make both sound and vision smoother.
Asides from the entry-level DMP-BDT77 mode, all models are feature packed, offering 3D-Blu-ray support, inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity, DLNA tech for wirelessly streaming content from other devices, and access to Panasonic’s Viera Connect service, which hosts on-demand content from the likes of BBC’s iPlayer and Netflix.
DMP-BDT500
The BDT500 (pictured above) sits at the top of the pile – the jewel in Panasonic’s 2012 line-up of Blu-ray players. It features support for 3D Blu-rays, high-end audio components to provide impressive 7.1 surround sound output, gold-plated connections, and of course, inbuilt Wi-Fi, DLNA and access to Viera Connect as we mentioned above. There are also two HDMI-out ports, which will prove useful for sending high quality picture to your TV and high quality audio to an AV receiver using the other port.
Panasonic is calling this model its best Blu-ray player yet, offering unrivalled picture and audio quality for both Blu-rays and DVDs, which Panasonic say it will upscale excellently.
Interestingly, the new touch remote that Panasonic unveiled with its new range of Plasma and LED televisions just the other day will be bundled with this model, along with a regular remote.
DMP-BDT320
This model is all about design and energy saving, featuring smart eco features to help keep power consumption down. It’s got motion sensing technology which, if activated, will automatically turn the player on when you stand in front of it. Once a disc finishes playing, the sensor will detect motion again, and if it can’t sense anybody it will put the device into standby mode – very clever.
The design is gorgeous too; both slim and stylish with the sides tapering inwards from the top of the device. Like the BDT500, this model also comes packaged with Panasonic’s new touch remote, plus a regular remote.
DMP-BDT220
This model is very similar to the BDT320, offering identical specifications but without the stylish design, touch remote and power saving eco features. If your Blu-ray player sits in a cupboard and isn’t on display for all to see, this model makes sense, especially as it will be cheaper than the BDT320, while offering the same innards.
DMP-BDT77
The entry-level Blu-ray player from Panasonic for 2012, this is a no frills player. While it doesn’t feature support for 3D Blu-rays, it has inbuilt Wi-Fi for connecting easily to your home network, DLNA for wirelessly streaming content to the player and no doubt provides both a great quality picture and impressive audio output while sticking to a budget.
With the exception of the entry-level BDT77, these players will be controllable using an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android device using a new application that Panasonic has created.
All four players will be available to buy in the UK from next month. Which one takes your fancy?
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.