blu-rayplayer
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Insignia's NS-2BRDVD Blu-ray player gets reviewed
Ever heard that phrase "you get what you pay for?" Yeah, it applies here. Insignia's low-cost NS-2BRDVD has been effectively panned by reviewers over at CNET, with the only bright spots coming in the form of a relatively low price, a USB port for accessing digital media and "solid Blu-ray image quality with most movies." The bad? That Profile 2.0 compatibility we reckoned it had actually isn't there (currently, at least), and it lacks full onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In truth, that's not totally awful, but what affluent individual with a decoding AV receiver (psst... those aren't cheap) would go out and grab this? At any rate, the deck is also slow to load some flicks, and it doesn't support firmware updates via Ethernet or USB. If you really needed a bottom line, here goes: "The NS-2BRDVD is an under-featured and slow-loading Blu-ray player, but it provides basic BD playback at a bargain."
Panasonic's portable Blu-ray player previewed in Japan
The Japanese variant of Panasonic's slick all in one portable Blu-ray player has peeked out from behind cover, ready to launch March 15. The DMP-BV100 adds a 1seg TV tuner but is otherwise the same as its U.S. cousin, ready to play your HD discs on its 1024x600 screen, or a max 1080i via HDMI out. BD-Live is still part of the package, as well as SD card reader, DLNA, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA support. If you're watching on the go, a 7 hour charge time will yield 2 and a half hours of either Blu-ray or OTA video, so getting through the LOTR trilogy on an airplane ride is unlikely unless you can plug in. Around 850€ ($1,070) will nab one for anyone who can't wait for a localized antenna-less version in May. Check out our CES hands on or more pics over at AV Watch.[Via AV Watch & Akihabara News]
Mitsubishi unveils prototype in-dash Blu-ray player
Difficult though it may be to believe, Panasonic showcased a conceptual in-dash BD deck of its own back in October of 2007. Obviously, nothing has really come of that, so Mitsubishi's stepping in with a prototype of its own. It's stated that the player has only a third of the volume compared to a traditional "home Blu-ray player," with it somehow being able to slip into a standard single-DIN opening. Better still, we're told that the final unit -- which is slated to hit production during fiscal year 2009 -- could also boast a mobile TV tuner in select markets, giving us even more reason to not pay attention to pedestrians, road signs and stop lights while taking that Sunday cruise.
Panasonic drops the axe on DMP-BD35 Blu-ray player
Not that the act of discontinuing Blu-ray players rather early on in their life is unheard of, but Panasonic's DMP-BD35 still had a few months left in it by our estimations. Shortly after Panny unveiled a new trio of BD decks at CES, the company has reportedly killed production of its BD35, and we're left to assume the BD55 ain't far behind. Of course, this means that those on the prowl for a Panasonic Blu-ray player will either have to wait until April (for the DMP-BD60) or try and procure one of the remaining BD35 / BD55 models from a local retailer. If you've waited this long, however, we'd suggest holding off -- the connected nature (YouTube, Amazon Video on Demand) of the forthcoming models makes 'em way more attractive. Just sayin'.
Denon delays Japanese delivery of its DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray deck
Have you been waiting for Denon's DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray player to fill that gaping hole in your equipment rack left when sold your SACD, DVD-A and Blu-ray decks on eBay? Be prepared to wait a little longer than expected -- the Japanese launch, originally set for January, has been moved out by a couple of months due to a "delay in the launch of production." That means the February US release is right out, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the European availability slip from its March date either. It looks like sister company Marantz's BD8002 will have to serve D&M Holdings' kilobuck Blu-ray player market for a while longer. Hit the link for the bad news, made worse by machine translation.[Via Electronista]
Sony issues revised firmware for BDP-S350 Blu-ray player
Sony already gifted its BDP-S350 Blu-ray player with BD-Live functionality last September, but apparently that firmware just isn't good enough any longer. The outfit has just released a newer version that elevates the machine from 010 to 015, and with the update comes "improved BD-Java compatibility to enhance interactivity with some BD-ROMs and improved BD-Live performance." The file weighs in at a rather hefty 49.42MB, so hit up the read link if you're interested in getting it started.[Thanks, Brendan]
Marantz's pricey BD8002 Blu-ray player on sale in UK
We were told at CES that Americans would have to wait another quarter or so to take possession of Marantz's pristine-but-pricey BD8002, but Britons can grab one and simultaneously stick their tongues out in this direction right now. A number of UK-based retailers are now stocking the Profile 1.1 player, but given the current economic situation, we have to wonder who all is willing to hand over £1,799 or so for this thing. Then again, a $131,000 cellphone sold out in just three days late last year, so we suppose anything's possible.%Gallery-43438%
Multi-region capabilities come to third-generation Blu-ray players
Ah, the sweet smell of progress. Just months after Blu-ray Mods hosted up a wave of BD-Live decks with multi-region support, the site is now offering up the next gaggle of units in the same fashion. For those scouting a high-end player with an ICOS HD mod baked right in, you can order up a number of Pioneer players (the BDP-LX91 and BDP-09 Elite included), Denon's DVD-1800BD / DVD-3800BD and Sony's BDP-5000ES. We won't even scare you with the prices here, but you can venture to the read link if you're suddenly curious.
Retailers give thumbs-up to newest line of Blu-ray decks
We've got to say -- we agree with the "retailers" here. According to a new report on VideoBusiness, the Blu-ray players unveiled at CES 2009 are being smiled upon by those that'll have to move 'em. Panasonic's Profile 2.0 DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player was seen as one of the more attractive units, with airport-based InMotion Entertainment deciding that it would carry this very unit as its first BD deck in order to appeal to travelers. As expected, reactions were somewhat mixed on Panny's DMP-BD70V VHS / Blu-ray player, though it is anticipated that a small niche of consumers will eat it up. All in all, the entire '09 lineup was seen as a nice step forward from decks we've seen in the past -- our only question is do you agree? Which BD unit from the show had you most interested?
Samsung BD-P2500 unboxing and hands-on
Samsung's BD-P2500 has been on store shelves for a bit now, but given that we just got one in for our HD Netflix roundup, we figured we'd unbox it all proper like and give you a look. The gallery's just below for your perusal.%Gallery-42675%
Memorex MVBD-2510 Blu-ray player sinks below $100
Check it, deal seekers -- yet another milestone has been reached, though we get the idea the deal won't be around for long. The patently obscure Nebraska Furniture Mart (we know, right?) has just dropped the price on an unnamed Memorex Blu-ray player (we're betting it's the MVBD-2510) to below $100. Even for those that aren't within driving distance of an actual B&M location, you can pony up $10 or so on top of the $99.99 price tag in order to have it shipped your way. Just think, in six months we'll have a half dozen BD decks to choose from for under a Benjamin. Or so we very much hope.[Via SlickDeals, thanks Shaun]
Future Arcam Blu-ray player spotted at CES
Arcam may not be at the top of your list of must-have brands, but it's about to join the flourishing Blu-ray player market in the near future, regardless. Sadly, the only details about the deck you see above -- which was seen sporting a high-end-signifying FMJ-xxx logo at CES -- are that it's likely to be staggeringly expensive and it should ship next month. 'Til then, it looks like you'll be testing your patience.
Amex Digital launches $239 BD-P1 Blu-ray player
Given that Blu-ray player prices are supposed to be headed downwards, we're a bit miffed by this one. Amex Digital, who is usually good for delivering wares on the cheap, has just announced a standalone Blu-ray deck for $239 (MSRP). Of course, we can't imagine the unit streeting for that, but we digress. As for specs, the deck includes built-in Ethernet, USB 2.0, HDMI 1.3 / component / composite outputs, optical / coaxial digital audio ports and integrated Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio decoders. There's no indication of its Profile status, but unless you can find this puppy for around $175 or less, it probably matters not.
VIZIO jumps into the sub-$200 Blu-ray player ring with its VBR100
Never mind that VIZIO is breaking from its discount-market image, the combination of a known brand name and $199 pricetag for its VBR100 Blu-ray player is the one-two punch here. The company is showing off this new 2-inch thick (not the slimmest, but not exactly portly, either) Blu-ray deck at CES this week, and the feature set is pretty encouraging. The upconverted DVD feed coming out of the HDMI jack can be switched between 720p, 1080i and 1080p, but even more importantly, the unit's 7.1-analog jacks around back can output decoded Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. Set for release in April for a penny under $200.
Panasonic makes it official: Profile 2.0 DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player
Hard to say just how well this thing will or won't sell, but honestly, we see the value here being the portability and not necessarily the inbuilt display. The DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player is fully Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) compliant and features an 8.9-inch WSVGA screen, VIERA Cast support, an HDMI output and an SD card. It'll ship this May for an undisclosed price -- so, do you (or your child) plan on picking one up?
Eyes on Memorex's new MVBD-2520 Blu-ray player
Plenty of budget-priced Blu-ray players make their cost-saving apparent in looks alone, but Memorex's forthcoming MVBD-2520 Blu-ray player got a good dose of design. Nothing jaw-dropping, but it won't pull down the overall look of your equipment rack, either. It's a shame that the 7.1-channel analog outputs didn't make it to the back panel, though.%Gallery-41029%
Ask Engadget HD: Which Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player loads discs the quickest?
CNET's UK branch already ran a number of Blu-ray players through a timed gauntlet, but this week's Ask Engadget HD question places the responsibilities squarely on your shoulders. We're hoping Mick's question enables us to compile some pretty meaningful data, so break out the stopwatch and contribute! "Which current Blu-ray player (Profile 2.0, of course) has the quickest load time? I'm looking for something that loads much faster than my BDP-S300. Manufacturers don't bother listing load times on their decks, so I'm looking for some help from the audience." You heard the man -- we want model name, startup time and disc load times, along with any other tidbits you feel like tossing in. Get to it, partners.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.
Memorex ups to Blu-ray Profile 2.0 with its MVBD-2520 player
What a difference a few months makes -- just about $69 -- back in September, Memorex rolled out its MVBD-2510 (pictured) at $269, but the follow-up MVBD-2520 will show up this summer at $200. The inclusion of Profile 2.0 on this unit is good to see, but holding back the Dolby TrueHD and DST-HD MA to bitstream output spoils some of the fun, especially compared to what we're seeing at the same price point from VIZIO. That $200 figure is MSRP, so expect street prices to duck lower still. Based on what we're seeing, Blu-ray player prices won't be a valid excuse for failure in the marketplace come this time next year.
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.
Samsung BD-P4600 hands-on: 'world's slimmest' Blu-ray player
We're not quite sold on its world's slimmest Blu-ray player claim, but this Samsung BD-P4600 is certainly one of the sleekest, especially with its Touch of Color aesthetic. Also like its ToC muse, it seems to have a knack for catching and showing off dust particles. We didn't see the touch controls on top of the unit, and we weren't allowed to pull it out and get a clear shot of the ports, but did manage to snap a image of the disc loader on the right side of the unit. Still no word on pricing, so keep guessing.%Gallery-40913%
