Panasonic's 2011 Blu-Ray Line Up Focuses on High-Quality Picture and Sound, Ease-of-Use, Connectivity Energy Efficiency and Introduction of Skype™

SECAUCUS, N.J., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic , a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, recently introduced an expanded Blu-ray disc player lineup with three new Full HD 3D models – the DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110 – and a new 2D model, the DMP-BD75.  

The BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 are all high-quality Blu-ray Disc players with 2D-to-3D up-conversion, which can convert 2D images from DVDs and Blu-ray discs into 3D with natural depth perception. With the 3D Enhancer and Depth Controller (allows user to adjust amount of depth when viewing 3D), these players produce movie theater-style 3D effects. Also contributing to higher picture quality is the new UniPhier chip, which simultaneously lowers power consumption. Vertical color data has also been increased by 1.5 times, to express fine details and nuances in movie scenes with the PHL Reference Chroma Processor 2. The new HDMI Jitter Purifier improves sound quality, delivering pure and robust bass sound reproduction with minimal noise compared to previous models.

The newest addition to VIERA Cast™, Panasonic's IPTV solution, on the BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 is Skype™ video and voice calling.  Skype, along with the freetalk conference camera , lets users easily and affordably engage in long distance video conversations with family and friends by transforming their existing TV into a two-way communications device. The freetalk conference camera, with a wide-angle lens and beam-forming microphones, provides High Definition 720p resolution and will be available in March at major retailers and on-line at www.panasonic.com, with a SRP of $99.

Panasonic has made it even easier to access Skype through the Blu-ray Disc player with a devoted Skype button on the remote control. Other features of Skype include Standby Mode, which allows users to personalize ring tones, Answering Message, which allows users to create a personalized message when away, and SD Voice Mail which automatically records messages left onto an SD card. These three models are also DLNA-certified, allowing users to enjoy content on their Blu-ray player, from a computer or other DLNA compatible device.

In addition to the inclusion of Skype, VIERA Cast provides access to such entertainment, social media and business apps as Netflix™, Amazon VOD™, CinemaNow, Vudu, YouTube™, Twitter, Pandora®, Picassa™ Web Album and Bloomberg.

"Panasonic's 2011 Blu-ray Player lineup incorporates the successes of its 2010 line, while adding innovative features that meet the demand of consumers and new trends in technology," said Richard Simone, Director, Panasonic, Entertainment Group. "Features such as the touchless sensor, homescreen customization and Skype allow consumers to easily personalize their entertainment experience to fit their lifestyle. And now the consumer can enjoy the benefits of Skype from any HDTV."

The BDT310, BDT210, BDT110 and BD75 each feature a unique updated design, making operation simple with icons and text indications. They also have ultra-quick playback, the industry's fastest, with half the booting and loading time as 2010 models.  The BDT310 and BDT210 feature a touchless sensor to open and close the disc tray for smooth operation, perfect for dark rooms. Additionally, each of these 3D Blu-ray Disc players works with an iPhone as a remote. Movies, photos and music can be loaded from a computer, to the iPhone, and then played back through the Blu-ray Disc player on your TV.

New networking capabilities are among the highlight features of the new 2011 Blu-ray Disc player lineup. All four players allow users to customize their own home screen using your favorite photo or wallpaper. Simply insert an SD card into the Blu-ray player to transfer over the image. The BDT310 and BDT210 feature a built-in WiFi System, while the BDT110 includes a wireless adaptor for local area network connections.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are also important to the overall design and functionality of these models. All four models have compact slim designs and packaging reduction (50% less from 2010 models), significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 have an energy-saving design which saves on electricity bills and natural resources with a 37 % power reduction.

The Panasonic DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110 and DMP-BD75 are currently available, while the DMP-BDT310 ships in May.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs.  Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom. 

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

SOURCE Panasonic