Specs from Panasonic's new DMP-BD50
By Steven Kim 
posted Jan 6th 2008 3:17PM
posted Jan 6th 2008 3:17PM
Please note: If you're a current Engadget commenter, you do not need to re-register. Simply login and you will be prompted to select a username.
Pricing and dates? Come on Panasonic...already can't wait!
I'm thinking $799? Anyone else?
I'm hoping for $599 or less. With the 80GB PS3 topping out @ $499, it's going to get harder and harder to justify much higher premiums for movie-only blu-ray players.
ztruempy:
Is there any reason to get the 80GB vs the 40GB? I just got the 40 and with a $50 gift card I paid 349.99. What a deal for such an incredible machine!
Hot.
RIP...
On topic, I want this.
In the wake of the 11th hour swing of Warner going Blu-ray... looks like maybe I just have found my new Blu-ray player. Was looking to snag the DMP-BD30K soon, but with ethernet and near profile 2.0 (close enough to being a final spec), I can wait.
Of course, except for the Web hookup, the 50 is pretty much identical to the BD30... all of those neat little buzzwords (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, PIP, Viera-link, and SD playback) are all right there in my week-old DMP-BD30 (yes, I got it on sale, so I'm not too bitter).
Does it decode TrueHD and DTS-HD internally or output as bitstream only? Anybody have details?
"integrated decoders for the lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats"
Press release:
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=215165&modelNo=Content01052008065621607&surfModel=Content01052008065621607
Quote-(Unconfirmed)
"Beyond all the dreamy 1080p goodness, audiophiles will rejoice at the integrated decoders for the lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats."
Link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=968914&highlight=ces+2008&page=2
This is the first Blu-ray player I am excited about. Too bad I probably won't be able to afford it, just like everything else Blu-ray.
yeah except for the movies. It pays to get a blu-ray player soon so that you can take advantage of all the BOGO sales going on. I got the Pan 30 too and it is nice. Just got Pirates 2 and 3 for 24.99 at Toyrus. If you wait till you can afford it you'll be paying regular price for movies.
severian00
I'd tell people to start buying up BOGO movies even before they get a player if they are waiting for some specific model to come down in price.
Wouldn't it be cool if they fixed the LFE is 10db too low issue with their existing Blu Ray players before releasing a new generation?
This is the player I'm looking forward to most. I'm holding out for a 2.0 profile player before I stick my hand in the blu.
I'm in the exact same boat. I'm thinking sometime around christmas this year it'll be time to pull the trigger.
It takes 3 generations of players to become full-featured? What about all of the people that bought the 1st gen or 2nd gen players? Blu-ray specs should have been finalized from the very beginning that should allow players to be upgradeable. This is why PS3 was probably the most futureproof choice to play Blu-ray movies from the very beginning.
"Last but not least, this player gets treated to playback of SD-based media."
What a Joke.
Blu-Balls prices are a Joke, except for the PS 3.
The prices of HD movies are a Joke.