Panasonic is on a roll here with a trio of Blu-ray players for the discerning consumer, and they consist of the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V. Heck, the consumer electronics giant has even gone so far as to present the first Blu-ray-VHS dual player in the world. This is a stunning revelation (to me at least), as I thought that DVD-VHS combo players were about as far as VHS tapes would go, but to see a similar kind of backwards compatibility found in the most modern Blu-ray player? Just unbelievable, and I’m still suffering from bruises all over that I obtained while pinching myself. These three models will combine high quality images with enhanced networking functions, and they include VIERA Cast’s improved internet functionality that opens up a whole new door to Amazon VOD’s huge selection of titles.

All three models will feature the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus that was developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, allowing this high image processing technology to reproduce clear, vivid colors that are faithful to the original film. They also come with a high definition audio decoder (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) that will bring to life the exceptionally high quality 7.1 channel surround sound that is available in Blu-ray Discs. The DMP-BD70V is the highlight among the three, being the world’s first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player, letting one play your VHS tapes and notice the stark difference in quality when you pop in a Blu-ray disc later. The BD70V offers premium 1080p up-conversion for all video formats, but don’t get your hopes up too high where VHS is concerned.

The entire 2009 Panasonic Blu-ray line will up will be out sometime next month, where the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V will retail for $299.95, $399.95; and $399.95, respectively.

Press Release