$700 for Panasonic's new Blu-ray player

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Posted by	Tim Stork
Posted on	08/05/08 01:54
Number of views	864

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$700 for Panasonic's new Blu-ray player

We've all been waiting for a cheap Blu-ray player, but we've to disappoint everyone once again. Panasonic's third generation Blu-ray player, called the DMP-BD50, costs you $699.95. Despite BD-Live functionality the DMP-BD50 isn't really different from other Blu-ray players, but according to Panasonic it is "the ultimate playback source for high definition 1080p content".

Panasonic's third generation offers 1080p image quality, lossless Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and versatile Picture-in-Picture applications. Panasonic thinks that the inclusion of BD-Live gives them a new leading position in the Blu-ray market. "Panasonic was the first to bring a Blu-ray player with Bonus View to the market and now with the DMP-BD50 we are again leading the industry with the inclusion of BD-Live," said Paul Sabo, Panasonic, National Marketing Manager Entertainment Group.

What's weird is that we've been waiting for BD-Live functionality too long, and now companies say we should be happy with a seven hundred dollar price 'Live' Blu-ray player.

Next: Amazon starts Blu-ray promotion, slashes HD DVD prices

Previous: Walt Disney CEO 'true believer' Blu-ray format

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Reactions on this item

Posted by buggsy (guest) on Thursday 08 May 2008 02:48

They're trying to put lipstick on a pig and tell you it's Paris Hilton.

Posted by witchdoctor (guest) on Thursday 08 May 2008 05:45

I'd rather have the pig. At least I can turn it into pork chops and bacon....

Posted by Zyo (guest) on Thursday 08 May 2008 09:37

They keep introducing new profiles to blu-ray so they can overcharge ppl for "lastest model"

Posted by Scourge (guest) on Thursday 08 May 2008 11:05

This format should just die. If I see anyone buying these things, I'm going to club them in the head!

Posted by dorman (guest) on Thursday 08 May 2008 14:38

Guys, Blaim Panasonic and not blu-ray or sony in general. Nevertheless, it's outrageous price. Panasonic knows that their product is best seller. Their BD30 in Amazon is #2 for blu-ray player, below Sony BDP-S300, and the BD30 is still selling good at $500. Other reputable stores selling $450 and above. I guess they know business, why would they sell new hot products for less when there are people (not us) that can afford and want to buy at higher price. We can see street price of $599 though. Although I'd expect Retail $599 and street price $499. But it looks like it won't happen soon! Guess if there's more Profile 2 standalone in the market (other than PS3) we will see more lesser price? Or other profile 2 standalone will have retail $700??? If that's the case, go get PS3 for $399.

Posted by DukeNukem on Thursday 08 May 2008 15:41

I feel like I'm Johnny Appleseed. Only instead of travelling around the land planting apples seeds, I'm going to go from site to site bad-mouthing $ony and Blu-ray. In 30 years, when I'm gone, speak fondly of me.

"DukeNukem? Yeah, hell of a guy. He really put the boots to $ony, Blu-ray, and DRM. If it wasn't for him, HD DVD might never have made a comeback".

This message was edited at: 08-05-2008 15:41

Posted by Hypnosis4U2NV on Friday 09 May 2008 00:25

@DukeNukem;

LOL, maybe I can join your "Merry Men" clan..

Posted by ivid on Sunday 11 May 2008 18:30

Around 2000 - 2001 I believe, when DVD players were ~ $400, Panasonic released the RP-91 for $1200 officially, but it really sold for around $800. It was an "elite" player, with high end video and audio components and considered one of the better DVD players for a while. Yes, I bought one at the time !

I would hope for $700 there is something better about this blu-ray player than just the new BR profile features, i.e. higher-end components to provide better picutre, less artifacts etc..

Posted by Rich86 on Monday 12 May 2008 20:23

I am happy to report that the local Costco has a large stack of Sony model 300 blu-ray players sitting on the showroom floor - idle - not moving - at a $380 price. I just hope it stays that way so the blu-ray camp figures out that they need to offer feature complete and quality standalone players at reasonable prices if they expect their beloved format to grow and/or survive. Until then - it is HD-DVD and upconverted standard def dvd for me.

Posted by Liggy on Tuesday 13 May 2008 10:10

There actually is a difference between Paris Hilton and a pig with lipstick?

Posted by Paris (guest) on Tuesday 13 May 2008 11:27

jus quit making fun uf me. i worked hard fer my reputation. im a ho, not a pig. dam u all i never gonna sleep wit any of u.

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