Panasonic’s BD-Live Capable DMP-BD50 Blu-ray Player

May 8, 2008

In my estimation every new Blu-ray player that launches with BD Live capabilities (like Panasonic’s recent DMP-BD50 ) is a good thing for the format. Blu-ray needs as many points of entry as possible, simply put consumers have heard the better picture and sound pitch before, it was called DVD and they already have it. It’s going to be the combination of much better image, noticeably better sound and advanced interactivity that finally pushes Blu-ray into the mainstream.

The field of standalone BD-Live capable players is growing but currently only consists of a few Models from Panasonic and Sony (at least those are the only ones I could think of with firm launch dates) so the more the merrier in my estimation. Panasonic’s DMP-BD50 ($699.95) sports the usual assortment of features we’ve come to expect in a high-end Blu-ray player including: Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color and x.v.Color, 1080p/24 playback and 5.1ch analog audio outs.

All in all the player looks like a solid performer but I’m still a bit put off by BD-Live capabilities only showing up in the upper tier products. I suppose the manufacturers assume the early adopter clock is still ticking and there’s enough time to worry about Joe public later.

I’m starting to doubt that particular theory, Blu-ray can’t afford to offer top tier features only to those willing to shell out over $500 for a player. It’s time to level the playing field and propel the format forward before it falters and goes the way of laserdisc, mind you I wouldn’t mind that scenario (I loved laserdisc) but I would imagine the manufacturers and studios wouldn’t be all that excited by the prospect.



Posted by B.Greenway | | Filed Under Blu-ray


Comments

  • Gary J
    Who cares about Deep Color? The HD DVD specification does not provide for it.
  • G.N. Culleton
    Men in Black is our first big title that I know about in the UK. It's interactive content is a ropey game and adverts for other titles. So that's the big pull is it, pushing adverts *sigh. Hope i'm way off the mark but I doubt it.
  • Kevin
    Great player and fits my needs, and desires.

    But, I can't afford it. I am an early adopter too.Just paid $55 to fill the family sedan (not an SUV).
  • B.Greenway
    G.N. Culleton, no that's not the big pull, no more than any other poor implementation of a particular technology is its big attraction. Sounds like a piss poor first attempt is all.
  • B.Greenway
    Gary J, I feel like I'm missing something from your comment... this isn't a HD DVD player.
  • Justin Dohman
    This is good news!
  • Brian Hoyt
    I want to know why Panasonic and other Blu-Ray player makers decided to try to make excessive profits on these devices. If Sony can sell a Playstation 3 for $399, why does Panasonic feel the need to charge $699? It seems that the parts lists between the two don't even compare. Even assuming Sony is taking a loss on the PS3, Panasonic should be able to sell this player much below the price of PS3. Further the only difference between a 1.1 player and 2.0 player (in theory) is a an Ethernet port and additional RAM/FlashROM. That is at most $50 in parts. The rest is exactly the same.
  • Fred Brown
    I just ordered a Panny dmp-bd50k bluray player.
    I'm tired of these whining people complaining about the high price of blu ray. Either say something productive or shut up. I'm not interested in hearing about why you can't afford audio/video equip
  • Brian Hoyt
    I think Fred was commenting toward me so I thought I would respond. It isn't that I can't afford a $700 Blu-Ray player. Heck I paid $1000 for my first DVD player. I have a dedicated home theater with 106" of 1080p and 6.1 100 watt TrueHD and DTS-HD MA.

    I am complaining because I want the new format to be successful. For that to happen there needs to be wide adoption. Wide adoption happens based on price. Panasonic and others and excessively charging. That was all I was saying.
  • Jason
    Still PS3 would be attractive to mass market, due to price factor coupled with same features. Ofcourse, that's a gaming machine too!

    Jason
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