blu-rayplayer
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Three new Blu-ray players from Panasonic: BD60, BD80 and BD70V
Panasonic didn't spend much time on its new trio of Blu-ray players, but we caught a quick snap just to give you a heads-up of what's coming down the pike. The BD60 will support YouTube / Amazon Video on Demand content, while the BD80 will include BD-Live (Profile 2.0) support and the BD70V will simply go down as the "ultimate multi-format player." Or something like that.
Samsung delivers HT-BD7200 / HT-BD1250 Blu-ray HTIB systems, HT-BD8200 BD soundbar
Samsung's comin' at us hot and heavy from the desert, and if those two BD players already got your ears perked up, here's a little more for your future home theater. Up first is the HT-BD8200 Blu-ray soundbar, which -- as the name implies -- is actually a soundbar with a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player baked right in. The bundle also includes a wireless subwoofer and promises 5.1-like sound despite being just 2.6-inches deep. Moving on, we've got the 2.1-channel HT-BD2700 and 5.1-channel HT-BD1250 Blu-ray HTIB systems, which offer up 400- and 1,000-watts of power, respectively along with WiFi support. Per usual, dollars and ship dates remain a mystery, but the more we look at those glossy black coats, the harder we find it to be patient.%Gallery-40649%
Samsung trots out BD-P4600 / BD-P3600 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray players at CES 2009
Here they are, folks: the world's first wall-mountable Blu-ray player alongside the ultra-sleek BD-P3600 (pictured above). It only takes a glance to see that Samsung has certainly broken away from the boxy mold with its latest BD decks, and we couldn't be happier about it. The BD-P4600 -- which we spotted on the show floor a few days back -- is just 1.5-inches thin with a piano black design, ruby highlights and a clear, "prism-like edging." Both units support Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) interactivity, DVD upscaling, DivX support (huzzah!), touch sensitive controls, 1GB of internal memory and a pair of USB 2.0 ports. Of note, one of those USB sockets will get filled with an included 802.11b/g/n WiFi dongle, but those still wary of cord-free internet can hook things up via Ethernet. Finally, we'll mention that the pair decodes the latest high-res audio formats and includes an HDMI 1.3 port, while the P3600 includes 7.1-channel analog audio outs for good measure. Take a wild guess at the pricing and availability -- you might be close.%Gallery-40647%
JVC's 42-inch LT-42B300 LCD HDTV includes built-in Blu-ray player
So we heard that Sharp would be bringing a few Blu-ray-infused HDTVs to CES, but it's JVC breaking one out first. Here in Vegas, the company has introduced the 42-inch LT-42B300, which packs a 1080p panel, integrated ATSC-QAM tuner, a 5-band equalizer, dual 10-watt speakers, three HDMI inputs (with CEC) and an inbuilt Blu-ray player to boot. It'll be ready for consumption this June at an undisclosed price.
Samsung's skinny Blu-ray player uncovered
Stop staring at the plastic wrapped photos from our pre-CES tour and have a look at Samsung's totally uncovered 1.5-inch thick Blu-ray player. The BDP4600 is sure to kick off an all new battle of "thin for thin's sake" amongst CE manufacturers, but honestly, given the emphasis on design or complete lack thereof on most Blu-ray hardware so far, this can't come a moment too soon. What does it do? Your guess is as good as ours, until Samsung decides to let loose with the specifications.
Samsung to launch 1.5-inch thin Blu-ray player at CES
We don't have any hard details yet, but word on the street is that Samsung is planning on pairing up its 6.5mm (.2-inch) thick LCD HDTV with an equally svelte Blu-ray deck just 39mm (1.5 inches) thick. We'll find out more during Wednesday's press event, we're sure -- any bets on whether "thin BD players" will be this year's "thin displays?"
Sherwood's BDP-5003 Blu-ray player reviewed: perfectly average
If Sherwood's BDP-5003 were a buck fifty or so, this thing may actually be worth buying. After all, critics loved the quick start-up and disc load time, appreciated the "very good" image quality and stellar audio performance and bowed to the easy-to-use onscreen menu system. So, what's the problem, you ask? For starters, there's no internal decoding of high-resolution formats nor a 5.1 analog output, so unless you've got a receiver that'll decode for you over HDMI, we wish you the best of luck squeezing any surround out. Furthermore, it's not upgradeable to Profile 2.0, the remote wasn't backlit, DVD upscaling was just so-so and the reds and blues were "slightly oversaturated." In other words, this here player does a decent job with the basics, but for $299 (list), it's about time we started demanding more from our BD decks.
Denon's DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray player gets priced / dated for UK: 3,299 in March
Denon's format-lovin' DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray player has already notched prices and release dates for Japan and America, and now those in the UK can start counting their pounds as they await a launch of their own. The beefed-up deck -- which handles Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, SACDs and DVD-Audio discs -- is slated to go on sale this March in the UK for a stiff £3,299 ($4,808), and to-be buyers can go ahead and start thinking about whether they prefer silver or black.
China Hualu Panasonic AVC Networks launches three Blu-ray players
Scads of individuals thought the BDA was crazy / lying / joking when it granted 11 China-based manufacturers with Blu-ray licenses earlier this year, but now we're beginning to see some fruits of that labor. China Hualu Panasonic AVC Networks -- a joint venture between China Hualu Group and Panny -- has just launched a trio of BD decks in China, the BDP0801, BDP0810 and BDP0821. Not much is known about the middle child (ain't that always the case?), but the first deck is the most basic of the bunch while the latter one handles BD-Live interactivity. Apparently, all three units are available now for 1,999 yuan ($292), 2,299 yuan ($336) and 2,499 yuan ($365) in order of mention, which is probably vastly more expensive than any of you were imagining.[Via DigiTimes]
Bush BD01 becomes UK's first sub-100 Blu-ray player
We're not even going to front -- prior to this article, we hadn't heard of Bush (the consumer electronics manufacturer) nor the BD01. According to reports from the UK, though, the Bush BD01 has become the nation's first widely available sub-£100 Blu-ray player. At least at Argos, the deck -- which typically sells for £146.80 -- has just dropped to £97.86, and while the specifications aren't anything to write home about, it'll certainly handle the BD basics. You won't find BD-Live support and it won't help those in NTSC territories (PAL only), but it will upscale vanilla DVDs via HDMI and it won't totally demolish your savings. Better get a move on though, as we're told that stock is "very limited."[Via ITProPortal]
Sharp giving away free BD-HP21U Blu-ray player with most AQUOS HDTVs
With LCD HDTV sales expected to slow dramatically in the new year, it's no wonder that Sharp's playing the tried-and-true "Buy something, get something else free" card in order to shave down its presumably bloated AQUOS HDTV inventory. From now until January 31, 2009, anyone who purchases one of over a dozen AQUOS HDTVs will receive a Profile 1.1 BD-HP21U Blu-ray deck absolutely free; if you're after the next model up, you can opt for $300 off of the purchase of a BD-HP50U Blu-ray player. Curiously, there's no mention of where exactly this promotion is valid, but we get the idea that you'll have to buy from a Sharp authorized retailer and pay way too close to MSRP in order to qualify. Prayerfully we're dead wrong, but you can decide for yourself by checking the full print after the break.
Olevia's BD-100 Blu-ray player dropping to $149.99 at Target
Missed your opportunity to score a low-cost Blu-ray player on Black Friday? Worried senseless about how you're ever going to get a BD deck for that special someone at a price you can stomach? Chill, please -- you're making us all anxious around here. As you can see above, Target is planning to slash the price on the Olevia BD-100 starting Sunday to a totally delicious $149.99. Granted, the cut is slated to be for "a limited time" only, but that's all the time you need to get in, right?
LG's BD300 Blu-ray gets HD Netflix-enabling firmware update
First came Samsung's duo, then came the TiVo. Now, LG's BD300 is taking its turn, just as we were promised it would. Available now, the vBD8.11.480 firmware update will take your deck to the next level by solving the following symptom: "Netflix HD streaming is not supported." The update is also said to "fix the menu flickering when RMC key is served on the BD-Live menu," so yeah, there's that. Get that update going and report back, will you? Oh, and keep a close eye on quality -- we hear it's been wonky of late.[Thanks, Jerry]
Memorex issues firmware update for MVBD-2510 Blu-ray player
Memorex isn't spilling any details, but lo and behold, it has pumped out a version C firmware for its low-end MVBD-2510 Blu-ray player. 'Course, the player has only been out for a couple of months now, but it is apparently already in need of 23.1MB of refreshing. Oh, and don't bother checking for a changelog in the download hosted in the read link -- you'll just end up sorely disappointed. So, MVBD-2510 owners, we're all relying on you to hook your player up and report back with pluses and minuses. Who's down?[Thanks, Elmopio]
Oppo coughs up BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player details
Lookie, lookie -- we just might have a winner on our hands here. While Denon just announced the world's first universal Blu-ray player at $3,800, the highly respected Oppo is looking to trump said offering with a low-cost version of its own. The heretofore elusive BDP-83 has finally been detailed, as consumers who signed up to know more have received an email (posted in full after the break) with oodles of delicious information. For starters, the player will indeed be fully universal -- a Profile 2.0 BD deck with SACD, DVD and DVD-Audio support -- and for SACD playback, it will support DSD over HDMI and DSD-to-analog without any PCM conversion. As of now, the unit is currently undergoing "an extensive and thorough beta test program," and Oppo is considering opening up an "Early Adoption Program" later this month to give a limited number to mere mortals for feedback. Obviously, there's no finalized date for release, but the anticipated price will hover between $499 and $599.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Ask Engadget HD: A second Blu-ray deck, or an upscaling DVD player?
We've always heard that treating your guests well pays off in the end, but giving them their own Blu-ray player? Hmm... "I've got a PlayStation 3 in the living room, but I'm on the fence with what kind of player to get for our guest room. Should I spring for a second Blu-ray player of some kind, or should I just get an upscaling DVD deck? With prices of the entry-level BD machines just barely more than a decent upconverting DVD player, I'm leaning Blu. But, if I opt for another BD deck, which low-end one is the best choice?" We wouldn't hesitate to offer our recommendations of investing in a second BD deck -- after all, you never know when you'll need one for travel or loan -- but there's a whole heap to choose from in the entry-level sector. Any advice for our pal Gregory?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Standalone Blu-ray player sales triple over Black Friday
Black Friday sales overall may have been weak this year, but high-def sales were something special. HDTVs were up, and judging by the latest DisplaySearch numbers, so were Blu-ray players. Not including Sony's PlayStation 3, Blu-ray Disc player revenue during the week of Thanksgiving in the US and Black Friday "more than tripled from a year earlier after Sony and Samsung dropped their prices of entry-level machines below $200." Over $30 million was generated on sales of 147,000 Blu-ray decks, and overall prices averaged $200 compared to nearly $400 just a year ago. Of course, we can't say that the momentum will carry now that prices are hovering back up, but at least the BDA will have one particularly bright spot to brag over when it looks back at 2008.
SPHE's David Bishop talks Blu-ray, some tidbits crazier than others
Just in case interviews with Stan Glasgow and Jay Vandenbree weren't enough, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's president David Bishop is eager to give you more. In a recent sit-down with Home Media Magazine, the exec noted that Blu-ray players had hit their "sweet spot" in terms of price; of course, one must remember that Sony adores keeping prices high for the sake of the industry, so we'd be hesitant to take that seriously. Moving on, he also noted that SPHE wasn't apt to "change pricing" for its Blu-ray Discs anytime soon, which means it won't change it until market pressures dictate otherwise. Finally, he proclaimed that a 150% growth rate for Blu-ray movies would be about right for 2009, and he pointed out that January 2009 would be a particularly important month for it. The full interview is just a click away, but remember, pop your skeptic hat on before diving in and taking things at face value.[Via The HD Room]
10 Blu-ray questions keep the newbies in the know
We've already passed along one Blu-ray primer this holiday season, but just in case you missed it (or your one specific question remains unanswered), we'll point you to this one. USA Today has written ten relatively basic questions (and answers) that may be in the minds of those teetering on taking the plunge into high-def media. Things like "Will my sound system work with Blu-ray?" and "What features do Blu-ray movies have that DVDs don't?" are covered in sufficient detail, so we'd highly recommend having a look if "your friend" is still a bit clueless.
Denon prices DVD-A1UDCI universal Blu-ray player for US market: $3,800
So, there's good news and bad news. The good? Denon's US version of the DVD-A1UD (coined the DVD-A1UDCI) is priced considerably lower than the yen-to-dollar conversion led us to believe. The bad news? It's still $3,800. For those that that missed it, Denon's calling this the world's first universal Blu-ray player, and folks looking for a premiere unit to handle Blu-ray, DVD, SACD and DVD-Audio can satisfy their every desire in February 2009. Better hope that Christmas bonus comes through.
