Original press release
Panasonic Introduces New Blu-ray Disc Players with SkypeTM Functionality for an Entirely New Form of Communication
London, UK (February 15, 2011) Panasonic today announced the introduction of three 3D-compatible players and one 2D player. Panasonic Blu-ray products use high image and sound quality technologies to reproduce images and sounds that are faithful to the original movie, so they bring all of the excitement of a movie cinema right into the living room. In addition to producing high quality images and sounds, the five new 2011 models are even easier to operate and come with a wide range of handy functions, such as the quick starting and high speed playback of Blu-ray DiscsTM, a stylish, easy to use on screen control menu, and a Touch-Free Sensor that opens and closes the disc tray without the press of a button. The five new players now also include Skype functionality. By using a separately purchased communication camera, users can communicate visually with faraway family and friends.
Panasonic has worked with Hollywood film studios at Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory that we have maintained in Hollywood over a long period of time to research image reproduction technologies. These activities have enabled Panasonic to accumulate the know-how necessary to faithfully reproduce original movie images on Blu-rayä discs. By applying these technologies to the Blu-ray Discä players, Panasonic has made it possible to render extremely high-level 2D images. Panasonic has also applied these advanced 2D technologies directly to 3D movie reproduction, to achieve truly beautiful images with even more lifelike realism, depth and texture. Sound quality has also evolved to match this image quality, which further enhances the beauty and power of the images.
One of the newest features available in the DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111 is the Skype functionality. Skype lets you enjoy real-time visual communication on a large screen with faraway family and friends by displaying their images on the TV. The Blu-ray Disc players also feature a convenient and unique Auto Answering Video Message function. Let Panasonic’s Skype-compatible players expand your range of communication from the living room to the world.
* Functions and designs vary depending on the model.
**Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, BD-Live, and the logos are trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association
Some of the new video features of the new Blu-ray Players include:
1. FULL HD 3D Blu-ray DiscTM Playback
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
Advanced 2D image technology accumulated over the years at the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL) has also been applied to 3D image playback, allowing high quality images to approach original film quality. Lifelike 3D images with dramatic leaping effects and enhanced depth, lustre and texture are beautifully reproduced.
2. Adaptive Chroma Processing
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
Adaptive Chroma Processing is a high quality image-processing technology developed to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in vertical and horizontal directions. Compared with 2010 models, vertical colour data processing has been increased by 1.5 times. This allows Adaptive Chroma Processing to faithfully reproduce colour data.
3. 2D-3D Conversion
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
The 2D-3D Conversion makes it possible to convert images from DVDs and Blu-rayä discs into 3D with natural depth perception. So you can watch your prized DVD movie collection in 3D for even greater viewing enjoyment.
4. 3D Effect Controller
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
The 3D Effect Controller lets you moderate the leaping effects of 3D images. It also lets you adjust the amount of depth, so you can view expansive images and enjoy movies with exactly the kind of 3D effects you want.
5. Full HD Up Sampling (New P4HD)
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
Full HD Up Sampling also allows standard definition movies on DVD discs to approach Full HD quality. The picture is intelligently analysed to optimise the processing of each pixel.
6. Video on Demand in HD Quality
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
Enjoy smooth images even with the low frame rate of video on demand. Super resolution processing optimised for video on demand up-converts all streaming images into HD quality. You get beautiful streaming images even on a large-screen TV.
Some of the new audio features of the new Blu-ray Players include:
1. Twin HDMI
(DMP-BDT310)
One output can be dedicated to an audio signal output. The Twin HDMI function achieves better sound quality and matches the needs of the users who want to customise their cinema system with legacy* audio equipment.
*Legacy audio equipment refers to audio systems that are not compatible with 3D content.
2. Digital Tube Sound
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210)
Panasonic has been studying the sound of vacuum tube amplifiers for over years. And now, we are able to faithfully simulate the characteristics of the distinctive warm comforting sound of the tube amplifiers. With this feature, 6 different kinds sound of vacuum tubes with different personalities can be enjoyed.
3. Pure Audio on HDMI
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
By providing greater stability to the audio signals than last year’s models, we’ve minimised the occurrence of jitter during HDMI signal transmission. This makes it possible to reproduce sounds that are highly faithful to the originals recorded onto Blu-rayä discs and DVDs. High-grade audio signals from the player can also be received regardless of the TV or AV receiver brand.
4. High Clarity Sound
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210)
When the analogue video terminal is not being used, the electrical current that flows through the analogue video circuit can be completely stopped. This prevents adverse effects on the audio signals and produces clearer sound.
5. 96kHz Surround Re-master
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
The 96kHz Surround Re-master function enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even raises the quality of the multi-channel audio data on Blu-rayä discs and DVDs. It increases the amount of sound information to produce highly realistic sounds.
Some of the easy-to-use features of the new Blu-ray Disc Players include:
1. New Stylish GUI
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111, DMP-BD75)
A stylish and simple menu design is achieved by using large menu icons and illustrations. Operation is also easier for the FULL HD 3D Blu-ray DiscTM player, which features a simple menu, thanks to its one-click action, you simply place the remote control cursor onto the menu item that you want to choose, and the menu proceeds smoothly to the next screen. It’s easy, even for first-time users.
*GUI varies depending on the model.
2. Home Screen Wallpaper
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111]
Set the GUI screen background for your Blu-ray DiscTM player to any image you want. For example, you can use a photo that you took with a digital camera and stored onto an SD Memory Card.
3. iPhone Remote Control
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
By installing a Panasonic App onto your iPhone, iPod touch, you can easily operate your Blu-ray DiscTM player by tapping and flicking on your iPhone or iPod touch.
*A wireless LAN environment is required.
4. Touch-Free Sensor
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210)
A sensor is now provided on the top panel of the Blu-ray DiscTM player. The disc tray can be opened or closed by simply passing your hand over the sensor. This is very useful when your hands are full or when you’re in a dark room and can’t see the buttons clearly.
5. Built-in Wi-Fi System
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210)
A Wi-Fi system is built right into the main unit, so you can enjoy VIERA CAST and BD-LiveTM content without having to connect the Blu-ray DiscTM player with a LAN cable or wireless LAN adaptor.
*A wireless LAN environment is required.
**Optional Wireless LAN Adaptor for DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111 is available.
6. Ultra Fast Booting and Loading
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111, DMP-BD75)
After starting the player, the time it takes from launching the menu to playing a disc is much shorter than in conventional models. Starting and loading the disc from standby is also quick, for more comfortable movie viewing.
Some of the other of Panasonic Blu-ray DiscTM Player features include:
1. Quick access to the menu screen
You can instantly access the Skype menu screen by simply pressing the Skype button on the remote control. This is very handy because it lets you easily access the menu screen even while you’re watching a TV programme.
2. Incoming Ringtones
While watching TV programme, a ringtone from the player tells you that you have a call. The ringtone also rings during standby mode.?
*The incoming call cannot be received during Blu-ray DiscTM playback.
3. Auto Answering Video Message
Record an original message and set it as your answering voice message. The message will respond automatically when you receive a phone call while you’re away.
4. Video Voice Mail Recording
Callers can also record messages for you while you are away onto the SD Memory Card*, so you can watch the messages when you return home.
* Minimum 512MB required.
5. Use with your existing television
With a Panasonic Blu-ray DiscTM player and Communication Camera, you can use Skype on any existing TV.
6. VIERA CAST
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
VIERA CAST has been further enhanced with Skype. You can also access other content from the special VIERA CAST screen. And you can check weather and stock information on other sites.
VIERA CAST home screen is subject to change without notice.
The services through VIERA CAST are operated by their respective service providers, and service may be discontinued either temporarily or permanently without notice. Therefore, Panasonic will make no warranty for the content or the continuity of the services.
All features of websites or content of the service may not be available.
Some content may be inappropriate for some viewers.
Some content may only be available for specific countries and may be presented in specific languages.
Google, Picasa and YouTube are trademarks of Google Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Bloomberg is a registered trademark of Bloomberg L.P.
Requires broadband internet service.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
7. DLNA
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111, DMP-
BD75)
Using DLNA technology, Blu-ray Disc players can access files on a DLNA server-compliant PC* or high definition recorders (DIGA)**. By simply connecting to a home network (LAN), you can enjoy AVCHD, WMV, DivX®, JPEG and MP3 on your PC or AVCHD files and recorded programmes on your DIGA**.
* Requires Windows 7 Operating System. The playability may depend on the PC performance.
** The recorder requires wired connection to wireless LAN router.
***DLNA, the DLNA logo and DLNA CERTIFIED are trademarks, service marks, or certification marks of the Digital Living Network Alliance.
8. Network Drive Access
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
Network Drive Access provides Blu-ray DiscTM players with an alternative network file access platform. You can enjoy pictures, videos and music on a shared folder on your Windows PC or Network Attached Storage (NAS).
9. SD Image Viewer
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
The SD slot lets you enjoy still images and movie files shot with a LUMIX (digital still camera) or HD camcorder on your large screen Full HD TV with HD quality (1920×1080 resolution). The SD Image Viewer also lets you enjoy 3D photos (MPO) and movie (AVCHD) shot by 3D-compatible digital camera and camcorder.
* To enjoy 3D photo/movie, 3D compatible TV and 3D eyewear are required.
10. USB Playback
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111, DMP-BD75)
You can enjoy photos, movies and music archived on a USB memory device or external hard disk drive*.
* Compatible only with FAT 32 file systems. Playback is not possible with some external hard disk drives.
Some of the environmental features include:
1. Compact Main Unit
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111, DMP-BD75)
These new models are more compact than Panasonic 2010 models, with a height that’s 14mm*1 lower and a depth that’s 20mm* shorter. The carton box volume is also reduced by 50%* to raise transportation efficiency and help reduce CO2 emissions. The reduced height allows the player to fit into slim and stylish AV racks.
* Compared with the DMP-BD65 2010 model.
2. Compact Design
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111, DMP-BD75)
By making products more slim and compact, the materials used on the products and the packaging are reduced. With rationalized packaging, more efficient logistics are made possible, leading to less CO2 emission. Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players are produced with environmental consideration that extends from the factory to final delivery.
3. Low Power Consumption
(DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
A reduction in power consumption has been achieved compared with 2010 models. Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player is designed to consume as little as possible in order to save natural resources.
4. VIERA Link Reduces Power Consumption
(DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT111)
Standby Power Save automatically minimises power consumption when the VIERA TVs power is turned off with the remote control. The Blu-ray Disc players are also compatible with Intelligent Auto Standby which puts Blu-ray Disc players into standby mode with Quick Start on when the input switches back to TV after a movie finishes.
* Available for 2009 and later VIERA models.
