Blu-ray Recorder Escapes Japan; Lands in Australia

Since the format launched, Blu-ray recorders have been somewhat of a myth outside of Japan (where optical disc players with recording features are as common as a toaster). For some reason (maybe due to the proximity), Panasonic has announced the DMR-BW500 for Australia, a 500GB Blu-ray Recorder with twin HD tuners.

Panasonic Australia's Director for Consumer Electronics Group, Paul Reid commented, "Panasonic has led the way in home entertainment products and continues to bring innovation to the market with Australia's first Blu-ray Recorder for the living room. This product is a significant breakthrough for Blu-ray and sets the standard in Full High Definition recording."

Similar plans have not been revealed for the United States or Europe, regions which are curiously without a Blu-ray Recorder option despite numerous companies producing them in Japan. The good news, however, is that if they can make the flight to Australia, a trip to other parts of the world might not be far behind.