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NEWS: June 10th launch for new Panasonic Blu-ray player, system and HD receiver

Clare Newsome 16 May 2008 13:15

As previously reported, Panasonic's full-spec, DMP-BD50 Blu-ray player (pictured above) is due in June. We now know the official launch date is 10th June, and it's to be accompanied by a matching, 7.1 channel receiver plus a one-box Blu-ray system.

The DMP-BD50 - expected to cost around £500 - is a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player that supports the format's BD-Live functionality and offers full bitstream output of HD Audio formats.

Its slbling receiver - the SA-BX500 - is a 7.1 design that also supports those HD audio formats. Little more is known about the receiver at this stage, but Panasonic has a track record of slimline AV amps, so it'll be interesting to see how this one shapes up. We'll bring you more news as soon as we get it.

As previewed earlier this year, the SC-BT100 (below) is a home cinema in a box system complete with Blu-ray profile 1.1 playback and 5.1 surround sound - complete with wireless rear speakers plus the option of upgrading to 7.1 with an extra transceiver and speakers.

The system - predicted to cost under £500 - also boasts a flip-down iPod dock, with remote control of the Apple player from the system's handset, plus an SD Card slot.

You should be able to read our test of the Panasonic SC-BT100 by the end of June, as we've been promised a review sample shortly. Sc Bt100-1

Technorati Tags: Blu-ray, Panasonic, Blu-ray system

Comments

skr1 May 16, 2008 14:19

Counting the money and the days

LovesChange May 16, 2008 14:39

Any clue on the output(w) ? im looking for a system like this that runs music as good or better than cinema.

Clare Newsome May 16, 2008 14:43

LovesChange - I really wouldn't expect this system to be any great shakes with music, though we will of course test it with CDs (and iPod) when it arrives.

As for wattage figures - these really should be taken with a massive pinch of salt. Panasonic quotes 1000W, for example.

LovesChange May 16, 2008 14:48

i found this on another site:

Home Theatre Receiver

• Home Theatre Mode: Total Output Power of 1250W

Front: 250W x 2 (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)

Center: 250W (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)

Surround: 125W x 2 (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)

Subwoofer: 250W (100Hz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)

• Home Theatre Mode: Total Output Power of 472W

Front: 104W x 2 (120Hz - 20kHz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)

Center: 101W (120Hz - 20kHz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)

Surround: 34W x 2 (120Hz - 20kHz, 3 ohms, 1 % THD)

Subwoofer: 95W (45Hz - 120Hz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)

if anyone was interested. its got some power :D me likey

Marc P May 16, 2008 15:04

I already own a Panasonic Harddisc recorder, is this going to give me problems with the remotes??

Clare Newsome May 16, 2008 15:20

Marc P - do you also use a Panasonic TV? Their Viera Link remotes seem to work well with a wide range of Pana home cinema kit.

stefanr May 16, 2008 15:30

The only problem with the SC-BT100 is it's lack of HDMI, only one out, what good is that to anyone with an extra HDMI source.

:-(

professorhat May 17, 2008 10:15

Bit harsh on the SC-BT100 considering the price...

Marc P May 17, 2008 10:28

Clare, not yet, I am planning on buying a Panasonic Plasma. Waiting for the z800 to see what it looks like and then make a choice. It will probably be either the z80 or 800.

Zombunny May 18, 2008 16:32

they should have put freesat inside this to make it a must buy

pptdgc May 27, 2008 14:11

Was going to get the BD-30 but may wait until this BD-50 comes out now. Looking forward to the review.

praveet June 10, 2008 21:09

So was it released today? Has anyone know where I can get one from online?

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About Clare Newsome

Clare Newsome has been a technology journalist for 17 years, the past 9 years as a consumer electronics specialist. As well as being editor-in-chief of What Hi-fi? Sound and Vision, whathifi.com and the Ultimate Guides series, Clare is a regular contributor to The Guardian and other national newspapers and magazines, and often comments on all aspects of home entertainment technology and trends on TV, radio and online.