PANASONIC INTRODUCES THIRD GENERATION BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER IT´S THE DMP-BD50

DMP-BD50 Continues Advancement of 1080p High Definition With Inclusion of BD-Live Function

Panasonic Corporation of North America, announces the introduction of the anticipated DMP-BD50, Panasonic’s third generation Blu-ray disc player - the ultimate playback source for high definition 1080p content. Blu-ray media offers a wide range of functions that foster the transition to HD - including 1080p image quality, lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and versatile Picture-in-Picture applications. The BD50 adds the new BD-Live function, which uses the internet to further enhance the consumer’s entertainment experience and employs VIERA Link, a technology that allows the consumer to operate VIERA Link equipped home theater components with a single remote. The DMP-BD50 will be available this spring and will have an SRP of $699.95.

BD-Live opens up a myriad of interactive possibilities for the consumer. In the future BD-Live 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.

For optimum image quality the DMP-BD50 features the PHL Reference Chroma processor and P4HD i/p conversion processor, which combine to create Uniphier, a precise digital video processor that produces sharp, crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. Uniphier reflects the advance encoding and authoring technologies developed by Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory.

The true to the original source images are complimented by an exceptionally pure, accurate sound achieved through Audio Re-master and integrated decoders for the lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Furthermore, the DMP-BD50 can be combined with a 7.1 channel amplifier and speakers for full 7.1 channel surround sound.

Networking is an essential product of the DMP-BD50. The included SD Memory Card slot allows for easy transferring of images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera via an SD Memory card. The consumer simply inserts the SD card into the BD50 and then 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.  In addition the DMP-BD50 has been awarded the Energy Star certification.

“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,” said Paul Sabo, Panasonic, National Marketing Manager Entertainment Group. “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 televison to create a true living in high definition experience.”

PANASONIC SC-BT 100 WIRELESS HOME THEATER SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER IS NOW SHIPPING

Media Friendly System Boasts Blu-ray, SD Memory Card Slot, iPod Dock

Panasonic Consumer Electronics just announced that its first home theater in a box (HTiB) system with an integrated Blu-ray Disc player will be available for purchase in late Spring, with a suggested retail price of $999.95.  The new model, SC-BT100, is the perfect complement to a high definition, flat panel large screen TV.

 The new model epitomizes Panasonic’s emphasis on media friendly capabilities.  It is made for iPod* and features an advanced integrated dock which not only recharges an iPod but plays music or video through the home theater system, displays audio tracks and menus on the TV screen and operates with the supplied remote control. Its SD Memory Card slot offers simple playback of digital images or original video footage in either standard or High Definition AVCHD format. The optical input offers simple digital 5.1channel audio connection for a set-top box, digital video recorder and game system.

“The Panasonic SC-BT100 home theater system is the best of both worlds,” says Paul Sabo, national marketing manager for Panasonic Home Audio.  “It combines the installation ease and user-friendly operation of an HTiB plus the features and performance of high-end audio/video components, including full High Definition 1080p resolution Blu-ray video, wireless rear speakers and 7.1channel upgradeability.  This is the simple, ideal solution for those embarking on the high definition home theater experience.”

The SC-BT100 can be upgraded to wireless full 7.1 channel sound with the optional purchase of two side speakers and a transceiver. It is equipped with Viera Link™ HDAVI control, HDMI digital A/V connectivity for one-touch operation of all the components including a Panasonic High Definition TV.

The Blu-ray Disc player boasts the Final Standard Profile for advanced functions such as Bonus View and audio mixing, which allows the consumer to switch the sound between the main and sub windows.   

In addition to superb video, this system delivers advanced state-of-the-art audio. Its built-in receiver is compatible with the state-of-the-art audio codecs, including: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Linear PCM.

The Kelton-design subwoofer features a driver anchored to the cabinet and a passive radiator to reduce vibration and noise while delivering more dynamic bass.  The front and center channel speakers are made with a bamboo diaphragm which provides a tightly intertwined fiber to deliver greater rigidly and accuracy. To allow viewers to enjoy surround sound effects without disturbing others, the system even has Whisper-mode Surround™, which dynamically boosts bass and surround-channel levels as the volume is turned down to provide a full surround effect even at low volume. 

Nvidia launches the APX 2500

NVIDIA just introduced NVIDIA APX 2500, a breakthrough applications processor that enables intuitive 3D user interfaces and engaging high-definition video on connected Windows Mobile phones. The APX 2500 applications processor delivers an unprecedented 10 hours of 720p HD playback—an industry first for video quality and power consumption on a mobile device, as well as stunning HD camcorder and ultra-high-resolution photo imaging capabilities.

“This is the dawn of the second personal computer revolution,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA. “Technologies are converging in amazing mobile devices, that have all of the rich, visual capabilities of a modern PC—from watching movies and making video calls to surfing the web and playing 3D games. The APX 2500 combined with Microsoft Windows Mobile, will make the next generation of smartphones our most personal computer.”

NVIDIA has worked closely with Microsoft on the development of APX 2500, marking a significant milestone in a long-term relationship that has seen the companies share a passion for making interaction with technology more visual and instinctive across multiple platforms. The combined engineering efforts of the two companies will ensure that next generation versions of the Windows Mobile operating system will harness the capabilities of the APX 2500 applications processor across challenging multimedia use cases.

“Microsoft is dedicated to providing people true mobile freedom, so that they only need to carry one device for both communication and entertainment,” said Todd Warren, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s mobile communication business. “We are delighted to work with NVIDIA to offer our users an amazing visual experience on the next-generation Windows Mobile phones.”

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor, which is the culmination of 800 man years of engineering, delivers:

• The industry’s first HD (720p) playback and capture capability for handheld devices.
• A new ultra-low-power (ULP) GeForce core that is fully OpenGL ES 2.0 and Microsoft Direct3D Mobile compliant and the lowest power 3D hardware solution available for acceleration of intuitive 3D user interfaces.
• NVIDIA nPower technology, enabling over 10 hours of high-definition video playback and up to 100 hours of audio—more than four times the audio playback of the latest touch-screen phones.
• The connectivity and media acceleration technologies required to enable the latest Web 2.0 applications, from effortless web browsing and social networking to GPS and mapping applications.

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor is sampling today with key customers and will enter into full production by the end of Q2 2008.

Palm Sized Media Player from Archos with 30GB

The ARCHOS 405 30GB* lets you enjoy all your digital entertainment in the palm of your hand. This pocket-sized Portable Media Player offers a large storage capacity and a 16 million color screen. Its sleek and compact design holds everything you need in your pocket while you’re on the move.

With a 30GB* hard drive capacity you can store and enjoy movies, personal photos and music on the go. The large 3.5″ color screen offers excellent quality playback of videos and photos.

Capacity:	30GB* store up to 40 movies3*, 300,000 photos3 or 15,000 songs3
Display:	3.5” TFT LCD, 16 million colors
Video playback**:	MPEG-4(4) (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution) WMV (MP@ML, up to DVD resolution) With optional software plug-ins (available for purchase on www.archos.com): - Video Podcast plug-in Gen 5: H.264 up to DVD resolution and AAC - Cinema Plug-in Gen 5: MPEG-2 MP@ML up to 10 Mbps (up to DVD resolution) and AC3 stereo sound (5.1)
Audio playback**:	Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 Kbits/s CBR & VBR, WMA, Protected WMA, WAV (PCM/ADPCM) With optional software plug-ins Gen 5 (available on www.archos.com): - AAC(5) stereo audio files - AC3 stereo audio and 5.1 sound files
Photo viewer***:	JPEG, BMP, PNG
PDF viewer:	Reads PDF documents (may not implement all PDF features)
Video recording5:	Via the optional DVR Station Gen 5/DVR Travel Adapter Gen 4. Records NTSC/PAL/SECAM in MPEG-4 AVI format with stereo sound, VGA resolution (640 x 480) @ 30 or 25 f/s
Audio recording:	Via the optional DVR Station Gen 5/ DVR Travel Adapter Gen 4: stereo line-in, WAV (IMA ADPCM or PCM) format Voice recording through the built-in Microphone
Interfaces:	USB 2.0 High-Speed Device (compatible USB 1.1): Mass Storage Class (MSC) and Media Transport Protocol (MTP) USB 2.0 Host : Mass Storage Class (MSC) and Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) with optional Docking Adapter Gen 4 or DVR station Gen 5
Connections:	USB 2.0 port (via ARCHOS cable) 3.5 mm mini jack for headphones and Audio/Video/TV output Docking connectors to connect DVR Station Gen 5 and other ARCHOS Gen 4 accessories
Speakers:	Built-In Speakers
Battery life:	Music playback time: 12 hours6 Video playback time: 4 hours6
Power source:	Internal: Lithium-Ion Polymer battery Device charges via computer USB port External: Power adapter/charger (via optional accessories)
Scalability:	Download firmware updates from www.archos.com
Dimensions & weight:	Approx. 3.9″ x 3″ x 0.59″ / 100mm x 78 x 15mm Approx. 190gr / 6.75 oz
Package includes:	ARCHOS 405 30GB*, headphones, ARCHOS USB cable, DVR Station Gen 5 adapter, protective pouch, Quick Start Guide (QSG), legal and safety notice

Another TV Box, this time from Archos

The ARCHOS TV+ is the first WiFi Digital Video Recorder that provides the easiest access to content, and the most advanced features of any DVR today. ARCHOS TV+ combines a WiFi Media Player with a high-capacity DVR for enjoying movies, music, photos, podcasts, Web video, the full Internet and more right on your widescreen TV. With up to 250GB of capacity on a multimedia hard drive, you can record hundreds of hours of video and transfer content via high speed to your ARCHOS Portable Media Players.

• Record and schedule your favorite TV shows and movies in high quality with the TV program Guide
• Download movies, TV shows and music wirelessly from the ARCHOS Content Portal for playing on your TV
• Stream digital entertainment content from your PC to your TV
• Surf the Web, access online email, and enjoy Web video from sites like YouTube and Dailymotion
• Sync your recorded TV shows to your ARCHOS portable media player at high speed, and take your home theatre wherever you go (a 2-hour movie syncs in only 10 minutes)
• Play and store nearly limitless content-up to 300 movies-on an 80GB or 250GB multimedia hard drive.

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