• Vizio VBR110 Blu-ray player with free HDMI cable: $99.99 at Costco and online at Costco.com from November 27 to 29, while supplies last ($40 savings).
• Vizio VSB210WS sound bar with wireless subwoofer: $199.99 at Costco from November 27 to 29, while supplies last ($50 savings).
• Vizio VA19LHDTV10T 19-inch HD LCD TV: $178 at Wal-Mart; available now through the end of the year ($30 savings).
• Vizio VA26LHDTV10T 26-inch HD LCD TV: $248 at Wal-Mart from November 21 to 27, while supplies last ($99 savings).
• Vizio VO320E 32-inch HD LCD TV: $339.99 at Sam’s Club, Samsclub.com, Costco, and Costco.com; available now through November 29, while supplies last ($50 savings).
• Vizio VL320M 32-inch full HD 1080p LCD TV: $399.99 at Costco from November 27 to 29, while supplies last ($50 savings).
• Vizio VO400E 40-inch full HD 1080p LCD TV: $599.99 at Costco from December 3 to 20 ($100 savings).
• Vizio VF550M 55-inch full HD 1080p 120Hz LCD TV: $1199.99 at Costco and Costco.com from November 27 to 29, while supplies last ($300 savings).

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Later this month marks the release of the Sony PlayTV, a Tivo-esque HDTV recorder that hooks to your PS3 and records television to the PS3’s hard drive.  They’ll be asking $169.95, at least in Australia, and can actually be used to record TV while the Playstation is actually playing games or Blu-ray discs.

Even more interesting, the PSP will work like a remote for the system, similar to how Apple uses the iPod touch or iPhone as a remote on its own stuff.

This has actually been something of a bit of vaporware for the Aussies, who’ve been waiting on this one since the start of 2009, but Sony made a bit of a splash when they put the announcement that this would come out in the second half of 2009 in writing.  Will it actually make it to market?  Time will tell, but not much of it.

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On to some not so exciting news.  JVC kicked out a new entry level Blu-ray player today, the JVC XV-BP11.  For $200 you get HD playback, AVCHD compatibility (what some HD camcorders record in) and a USB input.  Yup, far from exciting, but hey, it’s entry level.

JVC XV-BP11 Features

• Playable Discs: BD-Rom, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Audio CD, CD-R/RW
• Playable Formats: AVCHD, WMV, JPEG, MP3, WMA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital plus, Dolby True HD, DTS, DTS HD Master Audio/Essential
• Connections:
  • Video: HDMI V1.3, composite
  • Audio: Analog L/R, coaxial, HDMI V1.3
  • USB Host (front panel)
• Convenience Features: Quick loading, cinema zoom (x16), parental lock, slim design

JVC Announces Popularly-Priced Blu-ray Player

New XV-BP11 player offers AVCHD file playback.

WAYNE, NJ, October 28, 2009 – JVC today announced the availability of a new entry-level Blu-ray player. The new JVC XV-BP11 is a truly versatile high definition player, offering playback of high definition Blu-ray discs, plus playback of the AVCHD format, the high definition format widely used for HD camcorders, including the JVC HD Everio line.

JVC XV-BP11 Features
Playable Discs: BD-Rom, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Audio CD, CD-R/RW
Playable Formats: AVCHD, WMV, JPEG, MP3, WMA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital plus, Dolby True HD, DTS, DTS HD Master Audio/Essential
Connections:
o    Video: HDMI V1.3, composite
o    Audio: Analog L/R, coaxial, HDMI V1.3
o    USB Host (front panel)
Convenience Features: Quick loading, cinema zoom (x16), parental lock, slim design

The new JVC XV-BP11 Blu-ray player is available immediately for $199.95.

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While the idea might be cooler than the product to some, just announced is the God of War 3 demo will be on the District 9 Blu-Ray when it releases on December 29th.  This is another example we’re seeing now in regards to what can and should be done with Blu-Ray discs.

Play through the God of War 3 Demo and gain access to the making-of featurette once the game releases.

Earlier this year we ran posts about the Watchmen Movie/Game Combo and the possibility of other synergistic implementations but I have yet to see this idea really fleshed to what it could be.

We’re getting there I guess…

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If the Xbox 360 is going to make it to 2015, Microsoft better have definite plans to get Blu-Ray compatibility on board on the ASAP.  In a recent interview with Gizmodo, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer is quoted saying that we will “soon” be able to watch Blu-Ray movies on the Xbox 360.

The CEO had expressed that an external Blu-Ray drive would be the best way to get the format on the 360.  I bet it looks identical to ill fated HD DVD drive from a few years back.

At the moment however, Ballmer seems to think that there is enough HD content via streaming sources (NetFlix and the upcoming Zune Video) to keep the masses happy.  Are we happy?

How about that web browser?

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In a move that is entirely all things Sony,  some featured Blu-Ray releases will contain a free digital copy for your PSP.  The catch is that you will need a PS3 to do the transfer.

For example, Sony Films will be releasing the Blu-Ray version of Godzilla on November 3rd that will be bundled with a separate DVD-ROM that provides access to the digital copy.  From there you just jam the disc into your PS3 and download the digital version of the Godzilla.  After that all you have to do is transfer it to your PSP via USB and you are good to go.

Essentially you will have all this Sony stuff to make this a worthwhile deal.  But do you really care anyway?  If you are going out and actually buying Godzilla on Blu-Ray do you really need to watch it again on your PSP?

Again, another nice move by Sony but will it go largely unnoticed?

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Sharp has recently developed a new technique that has allowed them to stretch the capacity of a Blu-Ray Disc to 75 and 100Gb’s.  Pretty cool eh?  Through changing the way the discs are manufactured and improvements made upon the laser, Sharp is waiting for approval from the Blu-Ray Disc Association.

In an attempt to explain the tech specs in basic jargon,  Sharp has pioneered a new laser that reads a new aluminum oxynitride film (dielectric is the old one) coating that allows the disc to have up to three and four layers instead of the current two, allowing for more storage.

All of this sounds like progress to me but I have a few questions.  How will this affect Blu-ray players already out in the field?  Will this new tech render them useless in the coming years?  That would definitely have a negative effect on early adopters and those on the fence now in regards to committing to the format.

We are just now starting to see larger Blu-Ray offerings such as game collections and TV seasons on one disc, but what could be done with 100GB’s?

Any thoughts?

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As the Tokyo Game Show approaches, chatter involving a 250GB PS3 has begun to surface.  Talk about future proof.  Sources indicate that this ‘beefcake’ version of that PS3 could be part of a new movie bundle that would include the Sony Blu-Ray remote, a Blu-Ray movie, and Sony’s new PlayTV attachment, which turns a PS3 into fully functional freeview TV recorder.

The Tokyo Game Show starts on September 24th so we’ll hopefully get some solid answers then.

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I’m about one short and curly away from pulling the trigger on a blu-ray player.  And just when I think I’ve found the one, the Sony BDP-N460, it falls short of the everything mark by leaving out the always quintessential WiFi.  That’s right, you’ll have to buy a separate WiFi dongle from Linkys (WET610N) to get this bad boy up and running on the Net with no wires.

But despite that one short coming, the BDP-N460 does offer a plethora of features that includes BD-Live, USB input, DVD upscaling, all the latest audio codecs and the ability to stream media from the BRAVIA Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.

The BDP-N460 will launch this fall and retail for $250.  Or you can just grab a Sony PS3, which includes WiFi but lacks Netflix integration.

Full release after the ‘leap’

NEW SONY BLU-RAY PLAYER Integrates STREAMING INTERNET VIDEO

FOR ULTIMATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

Device to Stream Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and Other BRAVIA Internet Video Content

ATLANTA (CEDIA Booth # 1409), Sept. 9, 2009 – Offering the best of full HD 1080p and streaming Internet video, Sony today introduced the BDP-N460 networked Blu-ray Disc™ player.

Beside playing Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, the device instantly streams one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment from the BRAVIA™ Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.

“Whether its Full HD 1080p or streaming video and audio from the Internet, entertainment comes in so many flavors that consumers want choice,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president of Sony Electronics’ home audio and video business. “Leading the entertainment experience, Sony brings the best of both worlds together in one player that offers more content than other stand-alone devices on the market.”

The BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc/DVD/CD player delivers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™ output, decodes the latest advanced audio codecs, and is BD-LIVE™ capable with your broadband internet connection and purchase of external memory.

The BDP-N460 also features built-in software specially designed for use with the Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N Ethernet Bridge with Dual-Band (WET610N, sold separately). The bridge helps ease the connection between the Ethernet–enabled player and a wireless router in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio band for optimal streaming.

The model also features a cross search function to make finding Internet content on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform easier.

Since many consumers own extensive DVD movie libraries, the BDP-N460 incorporates Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to near HD quality.

Additionally, the model features Sony’s Precision Drive™ technology, which helps to detect and correct wobbling discs from three directions, supporting stabilization of warped or scratched Blu-ray Discs and DVDs during playback.

The BDP-N460 can decode the latest advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio. The model can also output 7.1 channel L-PCM via HDMI after decoding.

It supports Deep Color video output and x.v.Color™ (xvYCC) technology. The model is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), AVCHD, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/RW (CD-DA format), and JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media.

The model features an external port for local storage so users can add a USB flash storage device required for BD-LIVE content. A front USB port can be used to display digital photos.

Available in October, the BDP-N460 will be offered at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges, and at authorized retailers nationwide for about $250.

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Think about it.  The PS2 had a lengthy lifespan that spawned several quality franchises such as:  Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, GTA3, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Brothers in Arms, and more.  All these titles are totally still playable beyond a nostalgic standpoint and could have new life breathed into them if bundled together and re-released on the PS3 via Blu-Ray disc.

With the recent news of a God of War collection being re-released on Blu-Ray with a framerate increase, resolution upscaling and trophies, some rumblings have other publishers agreeing to the coolness factor of this idea, but not confirming anything.  The storage capacity of a Blu-Ray disc alone could make this a very possible scenario for down the line.  Sweet!

I think this is a great idea especially if you are a fan of a particular series and want to catch up on past story lines before you play the current title.   Hopefully we’ll here more about this sometime soon.

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My roommate just watched a 3-D version of Coraline in standard definition.  I can only imagine how nice it would have looked if it were in 3-D on Blu-Ray.  Soon enough perhaps as the Blu-Ray Disc Association (BDA) is working on the technical specifications to bring 3-D to a higher resolution.  In case you don’t know, the BDA is comprised of major movie studios executives, consumer electronics companies, and IT firms.

Some of those specifications include the need for the Blu-Ray disc to be backwards compatible so it plays in 2-D as well as 3-D on the same disc.  The other big specification is that a resolution of 1080p would have to reach each eye, presumably through a pair of 3-D glasses.

The BDA has offered no such time line as to when the consumer might see 3-D on Blu-Ray but I’m sure the results will be well worth the wait.

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None Found

Onkyo has always held a place in my heart, but pardon me when I say that their latest Blu-ray player, the DV-BD507 is God awful ugly.  So ugly in fact that it bears resemblance to the early days of DVD.  If that isn’t bad enough chew on the price tag of $449 and you’ll surely be spitting with disgust.  Course it does include the ability to play AVCHD video clips stored on an SD card, which might make this player niche enough to have a place in every aspiring auteur’s home.  And like all good Blu-ray players that cost about half as much, the DV-BD507 can also upscale regular DVDs to 1080 and includes BD-Live (Profile 2.0).

[via iTechnews]

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Later this year Toshiba will release their very first Blu-ray drive.  Just in case you don’t remember, Toshiba was one of the few who backed the now failed HD DVD format.  As a result of Toshiba entrance into the Blu-ray player market, rumor and speculation have once again emerged pointing to Microsoft possibly adopting an external Blu-ray drive for their Xbox 360 gaming console.   After all, Toshiba did produce the 360’s HD DVD player so it seems only fitting for them to produce an external Blu-ray player for the console.

But with that all said I have a few questions:  Why would Microsoft wait this long to adopt the Blu-ray format to their gaming console? Surely, Microsoft didn’t have an exclusive contract with Toshiba stating that they could only produce external disc drives, right?  Since the Xbox 360 will soon offer 1080p movies on demand does it make sense for them to build a piece of hardware that possibly negates their business model?

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Really Sony?  Does anyone really need a 400-disc Blu-ray changer?  Who in their freakin’ right mind owns this many Blu-rays, let alone needs to be able to watch any single one of them at the push of the button?

Announced today, the Sony BDP-CX960 and slightly higher end BDP-CX7000ES store and play up to 400 Blu-ray discs.  Pop in any Blu-ray or CD and the changer will dial up Gracenote’s Music and Video ID service and automatically adhere box art and fun movie info you never before cared about.  Both units output full HD, include a USB input for adding local storage, all the audio codecs you’d expect at this point in the game as well as BD-Live capabilities.  The higher end CX7000ES on the other hand features DVD upscaling and an RS232 connection and IR-in for fully integrating the unit into your home’s automation system.

The CX7000ES will launch this August for $1,900, while the CX960 will hit sometime this fall for $800.

Also of note, Sony launched their 13th player as well today, the BDP-S1000ES.  The mainstay of this unit is the built-in WiFi and is DLNA compliant, meaning you can watch photos and other content right on your TV, but still lacks the ability to stream Netflix.  The BDP-S1000ES will be available this August for $700.

Full release after the ‘leap’

SONY ORGANIZES YOUR ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTION WITH NEW 400-DISC BLU-RAY DISC/DVD MEGACHANGER
Company Expands Blu-ray Disc Player Options with Three New Models

NEW YORK, July 23, 2009 – Looking to help consumers simplify and manage their living room entertainment experience, Sony today announced the  new BDP-CX960 and the “Elevated Standard” (ES) BDP-CX7000ES 400-disc Blu-ray Disc™ MegaChangers.

The company also announced the BDP-S1000ES single disc ES player expanding the Sony’s Blu-ray Disc line to 13 models offering a broad set of performance and features.

The Blu-ray Disc MegaChanger models store and play 400 Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs, allowing consumers to relocate their disc library to a convenient, easy-to-access location.

They also feature the ability to download information from Gracenote’s MusicID® and VideoID™ products to organize movies and music.  When a disc is inserted into the device, Gracenote technology automatically downloads information across an existing Internet broadband service and saves title, director, some cast information, release year, and genre information for most titles, allowing users to easily navigate the library intuitively through the player’s xross media bar™ menu system.

“Think about all those great movie and music discs in your collection,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president for Sony Electronics’ home audio and video business.  “Wouldn’t it be great to instantly play those movies or CDs — definitely gives a new meaning to the notion of a movie marathon!”

BDP-CX7000ES and BDP-CX960

Leading the MegaChanger line up is the BDP-CX7000ES which outputs full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™.  Designed to integrate with third-party automation control systems, the model features an RS232 connection and IR-in and is built to high-quality ES standards.

It offers exceptional audio quality with 7.1 channel analog output and superior video incorporating Sony’s HD Reality Enhancer and Super Bit Mapping technologies.  The HD Reality Enhancer technology continually analyzes the original source bit by bit, sharpening edges and reproducing detail, while reducing the effects of film grain.  Super Bit Mapping delivers smoother color gradation realizing true 14-bit equivalent color tone from 8-bit sources.

The model also upscales standard definition DVDs to 1080p through Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology when connected to a 1080p display via HDMI.

Precision Cinema HD Upscale uses advanced conversion and processing to detect image changes at the pixel level, rather than the level of whole scan lines.  Additionally, separate algorithms are used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are free from motion artifacts.

Complementing the BDP-CX7000ES, is the new BDP-CX960.  This 400-disc MegaChanger also delivers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output and Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology.

Both the BDP-CX7000ES and BDP-CX960 feature an Ethernet port for connectivity to a local home broadband network to download metadata from Gracenote, software updates and to access BD-Live™ content.  There is also an external port for local storage so users can add their USB flash storage device to support BD-Live content.

The models support 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding as well as bit-stream output via HDMI.  It is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-ROM/R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), DVD-+ Video/R/RW, CD/R/RW, and MP3/JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media and supports x.v.Color™ (xvYCC) technology.  The BDP-CX7000ES also supports Deep Color via HDMI (v1.3).

The BDP-CX7000ES is available this August for about $1,900, while the BDP-CX960 will be available this fall for about $800. BDP-S1000ES

The single-disc BDP-S1000ES Blu-ray Disc player bolsters the ES line adding built-in Wi-Fi® (802.11N/G/B/A) capability for easy BD-Live access.  The model offers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™ and upscales standard definition DVDs to 1080p through Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology.

The model can easily connect to the Internet through an existing wireless home network to download and stream BD-Live content from select titles including additional scenes, short subjects, trailers, interactive games, and more.  It also enables easy firmware updates to assist in keeping your player up-to-date with the latest Blu-ray Disc media and features.

While compatible with most wireless routers, the BDP-S1000ES also supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup™, for a quick and easy connection to enabled wireless routers.  Additionally, the player is Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) ready, allowing it to connect to other DLNA compliant devices to watch digital photos on your TV.

The model also incorporates Sony’s HD Reality Enhancer, Super Bit Mapping, and Precision Drive HD technology.

It supports Deep Color video output and x.v.Color technology.  The player is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-ROM/R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), DVD-+ Video/R/RW, CD/R/RW, and MP3/JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media.

The model also is compatible with advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS -HD Master Audio, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio decoding and bit-stream output, as well as analog 7.1 channel output.

The BDP-S1000ES is available this August for about $700.

The models will be available at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, and at authorized retailers nationwide.

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Having never really grasped the allure of the Halo universe, news of a new 7 part anime series is sure to soil the panties of fanboys everywhere.  Supposedly expanding on story threads that hard core Halo fans are in dire need to know, Halo Legends will have a sneek peek on Xbox Live this fall.  Five Japanese animation houses are dealing with the visuals while Microsoft is calling the shots in regards to story lines and everything else.  Blu-Ray and DVD release is scheduled for early 2010.

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Starting with the release of The Fast & And The Furious Blu-Ray disc on July 28th, Universal Studios Home Entertainment will have companion apps that allow you to do a bunch of stuff relating to the associated movie.  For example, in F&F you can rotate cars on your iPhone or iPod touch in the “virtual garage” feature and view specs on cars.  Sounds thrilling!  Future features on other movies will include the ability to download bonus content for on the go viewing, remote control style functionality, and access to additional film detail while watching the movie.  The free companion app for “The Fast & The Furious” will be free and should appear sometime early next week.

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Perhaps taking a cue from the PS3 or Xbox 360, Asus has introduced an external Blu-ray combo drive that can stand vertically or lie horizontally.  Better yet, no external power source is needed since the Asus SBC-04D1S-U draws its power from your computer’s USB 2.0 port.  Sure, Blu-ray read times peak at 4.8X, but at least you can burn DVDs/CDs and that blue X, it glows ominously as you watch your flicks, which can either be cool or just straight up distracting.

[via TFTS]

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Unfortunately, it’s already sold out, but this is the first $100 Blu-ray player to hit the market.  I’m sure it’s slow as all getup, but if you just want to fulfill your Blu-ray fantasies sans features then Mejier has it.  It’s $99.99 + free shipping coupon (DOTMJR09) = $99.99 shipped!

Don’t forget Meijer’s Free Shipping Coupon: DOTMJR09

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Panasonic officially announced the world’s first portable Blu-ray player today.  Called the DMP-B15, it’s a full fledge Blu-ray disc player with all the bells and whistle founds on its larger counterparts.  Features at a glance include an 8.9-inch WSVGA LCD, 2.5-hour rechargeable battery, BD-live functionality, VIERA CAST Internet accessibility and an SD card slot.  The B15 is designed to operate as a stand alone player or can be plugged into an HDTV via an HDMI port for an at home movie experience.  The built-in LAN port provides an Internet connection and allows access to VIERA CAST’s select set of websites, which includes: YouTube, Google Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg, and a weather channel.  Amazon VOD will become available sometime in June.  The B15 will ship later this month and cost $799.95.

Full release after the ‘leap’

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY AND PRICING FOR DMP-B15, THE WORLD’S FIRST AND ONLY PORTABLE
BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER

BD Live and VIERA CAST™ Internet Accessibility Featured On Innovative Blu-ray Player

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 1, 2009) – Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray Disc format, announced the availability and pricing for the world’s first portable Blu-ray player, the Panasonic DMP-B15. Designed to provide the ultimate High Definition Blu-ray experience for those on the go, the B15 features a high quality 8.9-inch WSVGA LCD screen and includes Panasonic’s VIERA CAST™ Internet accessibility and BD Live functionality, as well as a SD Memory Card slot. The B15 will be available in June and will have an SRP of $799.95.

The DMP-B15 includes all the technology found in its stand-alone counterparts, the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and the VHS-Blu-ray dual player DMP-BD70V. Image quality is of the highest level, thanks to PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology, developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory.

The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology that precisely processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces color data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems, resulting in faithful and sharp colors.

“As a pioneer in the development of DVD and Blu-ray expertise, Panasonic has always been at the forefront in developing cutting-edge, consumer friendly technology. Panasonic was the first company to bring to market a portable DVD player and stand- alone Blu-ray players to feature Bonus View and BD Live; and with the B15 we continue that tradition of being first to market with unique technology,” said Richard Simone, Director, Entertainment Group, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The B15 is a unique and versatile High Definition player that gives the consumer the ultimate entertainment experience, whether traveling or in the home as either an additional Blu-ray player or the primary source for 1080p viewing. Because it also features the VIERA CAST functionality, the B15 can transform any TV into an IPTV with the capability to access select web sites.  At a time when many families own multiple TVs, the B15 provides a number of entertainment options, giving them the ability to enjoy HD video in any room where there is an HDTV.”

Like Panasonic’s three stand-alone Blu-ray players, the DMP-B15 includes VIERA CAST functionality. This distinctive application gives the consumer access to select Web sites, including Amazon Video-on-Demand, a streaming video service that gives the consumer access to more than 40,000 titles; YouTube™; Google Picasa Web Album™; Bloomberg and a weather channel. The Amazon VOD will be available in late June. VIERA CAST does not require an external set-top box, nor is there a fee for the service. And, as additional web sites are added to the service, they will automatically appear. Viera CAST and BD-Live features require an Internet connection via the LAN port.

Ease of use is an important element in Panasonic’s products and the DMP-B15, with a 2.5 hour rechargeable battery, is designed with that in mind. In addition to its use as a portable player, the consumer can connect it to an HDTV via HDMI cable, and use it as a stand-alone Blu-ray Disc player. The player can also be connected to an HD-Audio compatible AV receiver with a home theater speaker system, enabling the consumer to enjoy movies with outstanding surround sound. To accommodate the traveler, the DMP-B15 offers an optional headrest mounting bracket for in-car use.  Like all Panasonic Blu-ray players, the B15 features an SD Memory Card slot that allows the consumer to view and share digital photos, as well as HD video recorded on a SD card.

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Back in February I posted about Sony bringing Blu Ray Movie/Game Disc Combos to market.  Warner Brothers has just announced that they will be releasing a combo version of the Watchmen Film and The End Is Neigh Game.  Having neither seen the movie or played the game, will this be a worthwhile idea?  Will the Fanboys care?  No word on exact street date or price but we’ll see if this sparks the interest of other game companies and movie studios.  Any guesses on price?  $80?  I think an online service that let’s you custom combo any movie to any game would be innovative.

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