Panasonic 'bullish' on Blu-ray

Company demonstrated players, including VHS/BD model

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 3/17/2009

MARCH 17 | LOS ANGELES—Panasonic showed off its 2009 Blu-ray Disc slate, including the industry’s first dual VHS/Blu-ray and portable models, during demonstrations here Tuesday.

Although the economy is at its weakest point in years, Panasonic is confident of its four new Blu-ray set-tops. The company displayed the abilities of its players in side-by-side comparisons with similar players from competitors Samsung and Sony.

With Panasonic’s VHS/Blu-ray DMP-BD70 model, executives underscored the player’s ability to upconvert the video quality of VHS tapes over a rival Sony DVD recorder/VHS model. The DMP-BD70 will hit retail in April for $399, as earlier announced by the company.

Executives also touted better imaging and disc speed for its now-streeting entry model, the $299 DMP-BD60, over Samsung’s latest, the BD-P1600.

The company also revealed a $799 price tag for its portable player, which is expected to roll out to stores in June.

Panasonic is introducing Viera Cast Web streaming technology into its Blu-ray hardware for the first time, spanning all four set-tops. Viera Cast models include the now-available $399 DMP-BD80, which has enhanced audio over the entry model. Already integrated into many of its TV models, Viera Cast will deliver Amazon Video on Demand services to the new Blu-ray players this June.

Panasonic also is working to add to its Viera Cast offerings, which presently feature YouTube, Bloomberg and Google’s Picasa photo service. Any additions to Viera Cast, potentially including Netflix or sports programming options, would not require firmware upgrades and viewers would be immediately notified of the enhancements, Panasonic executives said.

“Panasonic is still bullish on Blu-ray for 2009,” said Alex Fried, national marketing manager of the company’s entertainment group. “Head to head with other machines, Panasonic will win.”

Fried acknowledged that several high-end retailers might not carry the VHS/Blu-ray player, as the stores cater to early adopters.

“But you will see [the player] at retail across the country,” he said. “Some feel that it doesn’t fit their demographic, and it won’t be in 100% of the market. This doesn’t appeal to 100% of consumers, but there will be a sizeable niche. Many still have VHS tapes at home.”

Panasonic also is launching two new 7.1 surround sound Blu-ray home theater systems, the $599 SC-BT200 and $699 SC-BT300.