Panasonic Brings VOD to Blu-ray Players

By Kevin Parrish, published on August 4, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: , , , , | Themes: Digital Entertainment, Audio/Video Players
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Today Panasonic is updating its entire line of 2009 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray disc players with a new firmware revision that adds Amazon's Video On Demand service. The service was originally brought to Panasonic's VIERA CAST-enabled Plasma HDTVs back in April 2009, however owners of the DMP-BD60, BD70V, BD80, and the company's portable Blu-ray disc player (B15) can now enjoy the streaming service as well.

According to this press release, Amazon's Video On Demand service provides more than 45,000 commercial-free titles, including the latest new releases and over 1000 titles in HD, all available through the Blu-ray disc players. The service provides instant video playback streamed to the player, and doesn't require downloading, waiting, or subscription fees. Consumers can add purchases to an online virtual library that can be accessed on the Blu-ray players, a PC, Mac, or other compatible players.

Unfortunately, Panasonic's VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players aren't cheap: Amazon lists the DMP-BD60 for $299.95 (but $194.99 in the shopping cart), and the DMP-BD80 for $399.99 (or $262.99 in the shopping cart). As for the streaming movies, new titles such as Watchmen and Obsessed cost $14.99 to own, $4.99 to rent for 48 hours.

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chripuck 08/04/2009 11:07 PM
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Of course they won't update my BD55K...

wiyosaya 08/04/2009 11:19 PM
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I want my stand-alone Blu-ray recorder in the US with a digital input. Untill then, all the bling in the world will not get me to buy.

bk420 08/05/2009 3:01 PM
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I just got one of those Home Theater System in a box (SC-BT303.) The Amazon video on demand is GREAT, very simple to setup and HD movies look great. Not bluray quality, but it sure beats having to wait in the mail for the next batch of movies. I really like that you can stop a movie go on a grocery run or whatever and come back and start off at the same point through the your library.

Movie selection is great and there are even tv shows. Not to forget to mention that these viera cast units also do youtube.

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