dmp-bd70v
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Panasonic finally gets around to enabling Amazon VOD on 2009 Blu-ray players
Don't let us rush you Panasonic. But we were expecting Amazon VOD streaming capability when the DMP-BD60, BD70V, BD80 and the B15 Blu-ray players launched, then later were told it would be available by May. Now, in early August, comes word that a new firmware update has enabled access on all players (including the over 1000 HD selections on the service.) We know a few of you probably couldn't live without the DMP-BD70V and its Blu-ray / VHS combo, are you finding the new Amazon access included in the VIERA Cast streaming satisfactory for your needs?
Panasonic CES 2009 Blu-ray / HTIB lineup eyes-on
We were able to spot a few of Panasonic's latest innovations in the home theater space back at CES 2009, but we got a much more intimate look at things during a recent New York showcase. The new Blu-ray decks look nice, if not a touch plain. Not that everyone wants an Alienware-esque BD deck or anything, but we digress. The Blu-ray HTIB systems were particularly of interest, as these things are perfect for sneaking BD into homes that are currently DVD-only, and while we longed for more information on the portable DMP-B15, the on-hand reps didn't seem too anxious to gush over technical specifications with us. Their loss, totally.
Panasonic's 2009 VIERA Cast Blu-ray players priced, shipping in April
We first got a peek at Panasonic's DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and VHS-packing DMP-BD70V at CES, and now they've got official pricetags ahead of their April release. Beyond the VIERA Cast support for Amazon VOD, YouTube and other Internet content, this year's decks also include improvements in power consumption, with the BD60 drawing 16% less juice than last year's DMP-BD35. The DMP-BD60 can be had for a suggested $299, while the BD80 and BD70V are both priced at $399, depending on whether you prefer VHS or 7.1 analog outputs. Check out the CES 2009 hands on for a better look before these show up at a retailer near you.
Honestech's conversion software takes VHS memories to Blu-ray media
If Panasonic's BD70V had a Blu-ray burner in it, this here software would be a lot less relevant. As it stands, however, you'll still need a middleman of some sort if you plan on getting that grainy VHS footage onto those newfangled BD-Rs. To that end, Honestech is providing a new version of its VHS to DVD Deluxe software (v4.0), which provides the means for transferring VHS, HDV, C-VHS and Beta (seriously!) content to DVDs or Blu-ray Discs. $79.99 gets you the program, the VIDBOX interface hardware, a USB cable and the ability to get your mother and her decade-old home movies off of your back.
Hands-on with Panasonic's new Blu-ray decks
We've heard about Panasonic's new Blu-ray players a couple of times now, but we put our mitts on them today. The DMP-BD60 and DMP-BD80 on the low and high side of the line, respectively, are solid players and also add in the VIERA Cast capability we heard about, but we'll be honest -- we really came to see the DMP-BD70V. This omnivorous deck will gobble up your old VHS tapes, DVDs and Blu-ray discs and upscale them to 1080p glory.%Gallery-41543%
Panasonic gets official with DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V Blu-ray players
Remember those three Blu-ray players we saw briefly during Panasonic's keynote today? Now that's totally official, with the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V arriving with VIERA Cast support that provides access to Amazon Video on Demand. Quite honestly, the trio is pretty average at first glance, but we can't help but dish out a round of golf claps for the BD70V, which is the planet's first (and last, probably) VHS / Blu-ray combo player. Talk about going from one extreme to the other.
