Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray Disc Player

By Desmond Carter

lue-ray – it’s the buzz word that everyone has heard but when push comes to shove, most don’t really know too much about it. Often mentioned by videophiles and hi-def-loving geeks, Blu-ray was created to complement the image quality that snazzy flat-panel TVs are now capable of. After all, conventional DVDs – with a storage capacity of 4.7 GB – aren’t able to offer up enough storage space that the larger files containing crisper video and better sound require. With a storage capacity of 25 to 50 GB, Blu-ray discs, are the solution for those with a penchant for some serious movie watching.

Many have been hesitant to buy into this new technology due to the continuous (and highly-publicized) format war between Blu-ray and its chief competitor, HD DVD. The battle has been an arduous one of negotiations that ultimately failed to materialize. While Blu-ray has the strong support of Hollywood studios, Sony and Panasonic, rival HD DVD is backed by equally impressive names like Microsoft, HP and Intel. Sony wisely introduced their favoured technology in a roundabout way to the masses by incorporating it into PlayStation 3. This strategy worked, and by February 2007 Blu-ray discs had outsold HD-DVDs by about two to one.

Another reason many have stayed with less-than-amazing regular DVD players is the cost of Blu-ray players. Initially entering the market in late 2000, these machines used to break the bank at around US$4000. That’s a lot of cash for crisper images and Dolby sound.

Luckily, Panasonic has finally brought a top-notch Blu-ray player to the masses with their next-generation DMP-BD30 Blu-ray disc player, at a price that is much more reasonable. On the market for approximately US$500, this player has been called “the one to beat” by Gizmodo. What makes this Blu-ray player so special, though? It’s the more stringent qualification known as “Final Standard Profile” amongst techies, but to you it means three things: vivid video, glass-breaking sound and a slew of amazing options for your viewing pleasure. The Picture-in-Picture feature is one of the best aspects of this machine, as it allows viewers to watch their favourite flick and hear commentary from directors and actors at the same time. Meanwhile, Audio Mixing allows the viewer to seamlessly change the sounds from one screen to another.

Panasonic Entertainments’ VP, Gene Kelsey, describes further advantages that will make the viewing experience more interactive, stating “with an animated movie, you might see the actor performing their character’s voice over, all while still watching the movie,” just as an example.

The DMP-BD30 also features a multi-function SD Card slot that will allow users to display still images taken on their digital camera, listen to MP3s, or play home-movies recorded on a camcorder in the AVCHD format.

So, if you’re looking to enter the world of Blu-ray, then stop waiting and pick up this excellent machine. Whether you want to display life-like images from your most recent vacation or experience your favourite movies in ways you haven’t imagined before, the Panasonic DMP-BD30 is right for you and your wallet. Grab some popcorn, turn off your cell phone and relax.