Since Blu-ray has become the ultimate victor of the next-generation DVD format war, just about every major player on the consumer electronics' market has either prepared or launched something for this particular segment. And one such major name is Panasonic who has finally shed some new light on one of latest offering in this field, namely the DMP-BD50 player. And by some "light" I mean an estimated time of arrival (this spring), and, most importantly, a suggested retail price: $699.95.

One of the most important features provided by this third generation player is represented by the compatibility with the BD-Live technology. In the future, BD-Live will be exactly the tool that will allow users to connect the DMP-BD50 to the internet to download such data as images and subtitles, and to join in multi-player interactive games that are linked to bonus movie content contained on Blu-ray discs.

However, this is, after all, a high-end multimedia playback device, and for this reason the DMP-BD50 features the PHL Reference Chroma processor and P4HD i/p conversion processor, which together create the Uniphier, a high-end digital video processor whose purpose is to render HD images in a very accurate manner.

Furthermore, the images are complimented by a high-fidelity sound achieved through Audio Re-master and integrated decoders for the lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Additionally, the DMP-BD50 can be easily combined with a 7.1 channel amplifier and speakers for a complete audio/video multimedia experience.

Another important set of features worth mentioning about the DMP-BD50 is related to connectivity. Thus, the included SD Memory Card slot allows users to transfer images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera via an SD card in a fast and easy manner. All the users actually have to do is to simply insert the SD card into the BD50 and then they can view the images on a large screen HD flat panel television with AVCHD format video images or JPEG stills in full 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Now, as you might have suspected, Panasonic's reps had a lot to say about their new product, but we'll just give you the nitty-gritty, according to Paul Sabo, National Marketing Manager, Panasonic Entertainment Group: "Panasonic was the first to bring a Blu-ray player with Bonus View (Final Standard Profile 1.1) to market and now with the DMP-BD50 we are again leading the industry with the inclusion of BD-Live. The beauty of the Blu-ray player is that we can now see movies the way the film maker intended, in glorious HD video and audio. The consumer can now combine the new generation DMP-BD50 with a VIERA flat screen television to create a true living in high definition experience."


We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .