Panasonic prices first portable BD player for US
updated 10:40 am EDT, Mon June 1, 2009
Panasonic prices BD player
Panasonic on Monday released pricing and release information for the first portable Blu-ray disc player, the DMP-B15. First shown at this year's CES, the device sports an 8.9-inch LCD screen with 1024x600 resolution and, more importantly, Internet access via Panasonic's VIERA CAST technology along with Bonus View and BD Live functionality. This allows users to access some websites from any connected TV in their home or on the DMP-B15 itself.
Via the free VIERA CAST service, users can access YouTube, Google Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg, a weather channel and Amazon's Video-on-Demand library later this month. More sites will be automatically added to the service. Accessing the sites requires that the DMP-B15 is connected to the Internet via its LAN port as there is no integrated Wi-Fi. An HDMI connection lets users connect the DMP-B15 to HDTVs. An SD Memory Card slot acts as another source of multimedia.
The DMP-B15's battery is said to provide it with a 2.5-hour life. A headrest mounting bracket for in-car use will be offered as an optional accessory.
The Panasonic DMP-B15 will be available in June for $800.
