Panasonic has launched Australia’s first 3D Blu-ray Disc recorder that offers 1 terabyte of recording capacity, enabling users to record a masive 684 hours of 3D or full HD footage for playback.
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The devices will also have the convenience of being able to record two 3D or high definition broadcasts at the same time, enabling families to make the most of their home entertainment.
Paul Reid, director of consumer products at Panasonic, said streaming and downloading accounts for a quarter of the market in the US, and Australia is likely to follow the same pattern.
The DMR BWT800 and DMR-BWT700 top the list Blu-ray players which also feature easy connectivity over wireless LAN and DLNA, as well as Skype and access to Viera Cast capability. The devices will also offer networking across other DLNA home entertainment devices.
Both models lead a comprehensive Blu-ray Disc and DVD line-up. The full 2011 range comprises two new 3D Blu-ray Disc Recorders, a 3D Blu-ray Disc Player with HDD recording, two 3D Blu-ray Disc players, one 2D Blu-ray Disc player, one Full High Definition DVD Recorder and four DVD players.
The DMR-BWT800 and DMR-BWT700 recorders can act as a hub allowing the user to stream content such as images, music and movies wirelessly for viewing on other DLNA-compatible devices in the home as well as receiving content from the home PC.
This fits with Panasonic’s philosophy of getting the whole family actively participating with home entertainment content in the living room.
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Panasonic has also enhanced Skype voice and video calling via the TV by giving users the ability to record a personalised video message for callers; and for callers to leave their own video message. According to Reid, the take up rate for Skype via TVs is 48 percent.
Users can also access Internet sites wirelessly in their loungeroom, including YouTube, Web-based photos on Picasa, stock information on Bloomberg and weather forecasts. BD-Live also allows Blu-ray Disc bonus content to be downloaded and Internet games to be played.
The two new models offer twin HD tuners which allow customers to record two 3D or High Definition broadcasts at the same time. Further expanding content storage and sharing capabilities, the SD Memory Card slot on the recorders lets users view and archive 3D content captured on cameras or camcorders. 2D-3D Conversion also converts 2D Blu-ray Disc images or 2D DVD images into 3D images.
Sophie Barton, group marketing manager for Panasonic Australia, said: “We are excited to offer consumers an Australian market first with a 3D Blu-ray Recorder with archiving capabilities and 1 terabyte capacity, which allows you to record an amazing 684 hours of 3D or Full HD footage.”
“These new models represent the very best available in 3D Blu-ray recording – with storage and connectivity features that open up a new world of sharing content in the home, as well as communicating with friends and family across the world via Skype. You can also really get the most from 3D – whether it is viewing a broadcast, 3D Blu-ray disc or a home movie shot on your 3D camcorder.”
The DMR-BWT800 retails at $1,199, and the DMR-BWT700 is priced $999. Both are available now.
