Panasonic Introduces Industry's Only Second Generation of Portable Blu-ray Players

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic (NYSE: PC), a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, introduced the industry's only second generation portable Blu-ray Disc players at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Continuing Panasonic's tradition of presenting innovative entertainment products, the DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 are designed to provide the ultimate high definition experience for those traveling, as well as serving as an additional stand alone Blu-ray Disc player for use with multiple TVs, either in the home, a second vacation home or a hotel room.

Both the DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 feature much of the same state-of-the-art technology found in Panasonic's stand alone Blu-ray Disc players, including the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology, a proprietary technology developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, which assures the highest level picture quality. The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology that precisely processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces color data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems, resulting in faithful and sharp colors.

The B500 features an increased High Resolution WSVGA screen size to 10.1-inches, an expanded VIERA CAST internet functionality with Wi-Fi wireless LAN connection, an SD Memory card Slot that can playback digital still JPEG images and High Definition video (AVCHD), a USB port, Dolby® Digital and DTS(TM) HD and VIERA Link(TM), a technology that utilizes HDMI to enable control all VIERA Link combatable products with one remote. The B100 features an 8.9-inch High Resolution WSVGA screen, an SD Memory Card Slot for playback of JPEG images, an adjustable position screen, Dolby Digital and DTS HD. Both portable Blu-ray Disc players will be available in the Spring.

"Last year Panasonic was proud to introduce the unique and innovative, DMP-B15, the world's first portable Blu-ray player and this year Panasonic cements its industry leadership position as a pioneer in the development of audio/video products," said Richard Simone, Director, Entertainment Group, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This continues our commitment to provide the consumer with state-of-the-art technology that is created to enhance ones' entertainment experience. With more people purchasing Blu-ray discs, there is a growing market for this product, a Blu-ray player that allows the consumer to view those Blu-ray titles while traveling. Plus, there is the added bonus that the B500 also provides a second player for use with any HDTV to provide true 1080p quality."

For 2010 Panasonic's VIERA CAST's content, found on the DMP-B500, has been expanded to include Netflix(TM), Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. Viera CAST continues to offer access to Amazon Video on Demand(TM), YouTube(TM), Picasa(TM) Web Albums, Bloomberg and a weather channel. VIERA CAST is accessed via an on-board Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi and therefore does not require any external set top boxes. The service is free, though there is a charge for movies streamed from Amazon Video on Demand and Netflix. Furthermore, as additional sites are added to the 2010 VIERA CAST service, they are added automatically.

In addition the design of the B500 and B100 has been refined. With a mono-arm design, the display angle of the B100 can be freely adjusted, while the photo stand-like design of the B500 allows for comfortable positions.

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