CES 2009: Blu-ray and DVD at CES 2009
Samsung unveils super-slim Blu-ray player
Samsung has unveiled what it says is the world’s slimmest Blu-ray player at CES 2009 in Las Vegas.
At only 1.5 inches thick, the BDP-4600 is a real departure from the bulky Blu-ray designs that we’ve seen to date. You can mount the BDP-4600 on a wall or tilt it on a stand. Its attractive frame matches LG's popular Scarlet range of HDTVs.
As it’s internet-compatible, the BDP-4600 can take advantage of BD-Live technology, which allows you to access additional bonus features, games and online forums on compatible discs. The BDP-4600 accesses the internet via a wireless Wi-Fi dongle.
An improved load-time means Blu-ray discs should be up and running quickly. You can also eject a disc in only one second. A number of the Blu-ray players we’ve looked at have disappointed our testers with their sluggish load rates, so we’ll be keen to test Samsung’s claims when the BDP-4600 is available later this year.
For help in choosing the best high-definition video equipment, be sure to check the Which? reviews of the best Blu-ray players, and the Which? reviews of the best HD plasma and LCD TVs.
LG to launch new Blu-ray players in 2009
LG has revealed its latest range of internet-capable Blu-ray players at the CES 2009 in Las Vegas.
The existing LG BD300 Blu-ray player is internet connected and has ‘BD-Live’, which enables users to access additional bonus materials, games and forums on compatible discs. However, LG is expanding on the potential of internet-compatible Blu-ray players with the upcoming BD370 and BD390 systems.
As well as taking advantage of BD-Live, the new LG range will give users direct access to YouTube and similar video-streaming services – this means you will be able to stream internet video directly to your Blu-ray player and watch it through your TV.
These systems do not function as full web browsers, but LG intends to release various compatible services such as video streaming.
Blu-ray home entertainment systems
LG also announced that it will be releasing three Blu-ray home entertainment systems in 2009. This will allow consumers to fully enjoy the surround-sound audio recorded on high-definition Blu-ray discs, with a bespoke multi-channel system.
The Blu-ray players included in these home entertainment systems will also be able to access internet video-streaming services.
For help with choosing the best high-definition video equipment, be sure to check the Which? reviews of the best Blu-ray players and the Which? reviews of the best HD plasma and LCD TVs.
Panasonic has reduced power consumption with its latest Blu-ray players
Panasonic launches three new Blu-ray players
Panasonic has revealed the world’s first dual VHS-Blu-ray player at CES 2009.
The DMP-BD70V combines a VHS VCR alongside a Blu-ray player – ideal if you can’t quite part with your library of old videos, but still want to embrace the latest Blu-ray technology.
It has also launched two new Blu-ray players, the DMP-BD60 – a new entry-level player – and the DMP-BD80.
Both these models include Panasonic’s Viera Cast feature, previously only available in the company’s high-end 850 series plasma HDTVs. This allows you to view select web-based content, including Amazon Video on Demand and YouTube, directly via the Blu-ray player and any connected display.
Green credentials
All of Panasonic's new range is built to reduce power consumption. They feature ‘Auto Power Stand-By,’ which automatically turns off the player when you return to TV viewing through the Viera menu. In addition, the Stand-by Power Save automatically turns off the player’s Quick Start function.
These features mean the DMP-BD60 consumes 16% less power in standby mode than last year’s DMP-BD35, according to Panasonic.
Pricing and availability details have not been announced for any of these products.
To see more pics from our time at CES 2009, check out the Which? CES 2009 photo gallery on Flickr.
The world’s first portable Blu-ray player
Panasonic has unveiled the world’s first portable Blu-ray player at CES 2009.
The DMP-B15 has a high-quality 8.9-inch LCD screen, and Panasonic claims that the rechargeable battery will last for three hours.
The small screen is not the most ideal way to appreciate the extra detail of high-definition content, but fortunately the DMP-15 can also be used as a standalone Blu-ray disc player. It can be connected to an HDTV via HDMI cable or to an HD-Audio compatible home theatre speaker system.
Like all Panasonic Blu-ray players, the B15 has an SD memory card slot that allows you to view and share digital photos. The Viera Cast functionality allows you to access selected entertainment sites, including Amazon Video on Demand and YouTube.
The DMP-B15 will be available in the US from May, but Panasonic hasn't announced a UK launch date yet.
Toshiba has launched new DVD recorders at CES 2009
Toshiba showcases new DVD players and recorders
Toshiba has unveiled its full range of new DVD players and recorders at CES 2009.
First up was a 9-inch portable DVD player, the SDP93S, which has a striking white finish and a 180-degree widescreen LCD swivel screen. A smaller version, the 7-inch SDP72S, was also revealed. Both players support MP3 and Jpeg playback.
Toshiba also showed off two in-home players, (the SD4200 and SD7200) and four DVD recorders (the DR420, DVR670, DR570 and DVR620).
Few specification details were revealed, although the recorders all feature 1080p upconversion capabilities, HDMI inputs and support all the popular DVD formats. The recorders also support auto-finalisation, meaning that once you’ve recorded a programme onto disc, the recorder will automatically format it so it’s ready to play back on other machines.
UK pricing and availability is not yet known.
Looking to buy now? Check out our reviews of DVD players and DVD recorders.
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