Panasonic's new Blu-ray players in stores in April

Line includes Blu-ray/VHS player priced at $399.95

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 3/11/2009

MARCH 11 | Panasonic has finalized pricing and set April as the launch period for its three new Blu-ray Disc players, including the industry’s first dual Blu-ray/VHS player, priced at $399.95.

Unveiled at January’s Consumer Electronics Show, the Panasonic models are somewhat more expensive than the going $200 to $250 range for many existing Blu-ray set-tops. However, Panasonic’s models add new streaming capabilities lacking on many manufacturers’ earlier players.

All three models incorporate Panasonic’s Viera Cast technology, which will allow the Web-enabled BD Live set-tops to access Amazon.com’s Video On Demand, YouTube and Bloomberg, among other services.

Panasonic’s latest entry-level model, the DMP-BD60, is priced at $299.95. Its step-up, the DMP-BD80, is $399.95.

Additionally, the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and BD/VHS dual player DMP-BD70V all include SD memory card and USB slots for viewing digital photos and camcorder-recorded video.

“With the expansion of the unique Viera Cast functionality and the introduction of the industry’s first dual VHS/Blu-ray player, Panasonic’s 2009 line cements our position as technology leaders and places Panasonic in the forefront of the Blu-ray arena,” said Richard Simone, director of the entertainment group at Panasonic.