Panasonic lowers BD Live player prices

DMP-BD35 set-top priced at $399

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 9/18/2008

SEPT. 18 | Panasonic will price its latest BD Live model, the DMP-BD35, at $399, which is $300 less than the tag for its first Web-enabled DMP-BD50 model.

Panasonic’s BD Live pricing now matches that of current BD Live models for Sony and Samsung, which today rank as the top two Blu-ray set-top brands. Panasonic’s DMP-BD35 streets in October. A higher end model distinguished by 7.1 surround sound analog output, Panasonic’s DMP-BD55, is expected to street at $499 next month.

Trying to top its Sony and Samsung rivals, Panasonic’s DMP-BD35 can playback BD Live software title features without the need for additional firmware. Sony’s $399 BDP-S350 and Samsung’s $399 BD-P1500 still require additional firmware upgrades before they can handle BD Live interactivity. Samsung is expected to rollout a ‘no firmware necessary’ BD Live player, the $499 BD-P2500, this October.

However, Panasonic’s DMP-BD35 will still require buyers to additionally purchase a SD memory card to view all available BD Live software features.

Further baring its teeth, Panasonic demonstrated its players side-by-side with Sony and Samsung for the media on Sept. 18. This is the first time that Panasonic has made such direct comparisons with its players and rivals in media demonstrations.

Panasonic executives touted better detailed color display and image motion control over Sony’s BDP-S350 and Samsung’s BD-P1500.