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.
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