Panasonic showed off their three newest Blu-ray decks in New York City earlier this week, building upon the strengths of their popular 2009 offerings. The high-end DMP-BD85 boasts superior componentry inside and out, such as gold-plated terminals and a 192kHz-24 bit audio D/A converter. Furthering the emphasis on audio, the BD85 offers the allure of the new Digital Tube Sound Simulator, with three different settings: "Smooth and Sensitive" is best on classical music; "Spice" works its magic on high- to mid-range, ideal for jazz; and "Flat and Soft" is more for female vocals. [Seriously!? Who comes up with these names?? - ed.] It also packs an HDMI "Jitter Purifier," which reclocks the digital signal to eliminate jitter, helping to deliver clearer, more robust bass on any receiver.
On the video side, the 2010 models offer further enhancements to Panasonic's UniPhier video processing engine with Adaptive High-Precision 4:4:4 signal technology, offering improved Blu-ray and DVD playback, with the BD85 getting the most attention in the video department. [update: read more about the BD85 in our DMP-BD85 Review].
In previous models, Wi-Fi network connectivity had been deliberately held back as an option on Panasonic Blu-ray players, because the quality and reliability available for high-definition streaming was not quite there, according to the manufacturer. But this is no longer the case, courtesy of Panasonic's new DY-WL10 Wi-Fi Adapter, a 802.11a/b/g/n wireless USB adapter. The WiFi adapter can be separated up to 3 feet from the unit, courtesy of a USB extension cable. This can offer better reception than a hard-wired os surface-mount USB adapter sitting in the back of your A/V rack. This WiFi adapter comes in the box with the BD85, and is available as a separate $100 accessory for the new DMP-BD65, which will be replacing the extremely successful BD60.
Performance-wise, expect the BD65 to be quite similar to the excellent BD60, but with additional VIERA Cast online channels--Netflix, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports are new for 2010--and the new Quick Boot feature, available across the entire 2010 lineup. Quick Boot enables the player to go from standby to powered on in only 0.5 seconds, and then a disc can begin playing less than 14 seconds later. It's actually a little weird seeing a player respond so quickly!
The no-nonsense DMP-BD45 offers performance comparable to BD65 but without any internet access (no Viera Cast, no BD-Live), which for some is considered an unnecessary frill. It's being positioned as a high-value, solid-performance Blu-ray deck. Each of the three new models employs the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus, and the eco-friendly trio has been given a slimmer, more efficient design to reduce packaging waste, in addition to their reduced power consumption.
The DMP-BD65, with a MAP (minimum advertised price) of $179.95 and DMP-BD85 (MAP: $299.95) are available now, from select Panasonic retailers, with the DMP-BD45 (MAP: $159.95) expected to ship later in Q1. The 3D-ready DMP-BDT350 is expected to be available in May.
Where to Buy:
More information:
