Panasonic Launches Blu-ray Recorders with 3D in the UK

Panasonic announced the introduction of two new 3D compatible DIGA Blu-ray Disc recorders, models DMR-BWT800 and BWT700, available only in the UK. Both feature twin HD terrestrial tuners, which enable customers to record digital broadcasts in full-HD quality. They can convert 2D Blu-ray or 2D DVD into 3D images, as well as convert a normal 2D digital broadcast TV program into 3D in combination with a 3D TV and 3D glasses. Hard drive capacity is 500GB for the BWT800 and 250GB for the BWT700.

The DMR-BWT800/BWT700 also records onto a dual-layer Blu-ray Disc, and comes with an SD memory card slot, making it easy to view motion (AVCHD format) and still images captured with an HD camcorder or digital still camera. 5.1-channel surround sound (Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus) signal and subtitles that are included in digital broadcasts can also be recorded, allowing users to enjoy surround sound and subtitles during playback. All models also feature an HD Archiving function that makes it possible to save Full-HD images from an SD memory card onto the built-in hard disk drive and a Blu-ray DiscTM.

Also, in addition to a High Speed Copying function, a DR File Conversion function makes it possible to convert TV programmes recorded in DR mode on HDD into HG, HX, HE, HL or HM mode (High Definition). This greatly shortens the time required to archive recorded programmes in HDD onto BD-RE or BD-R. Image-enhancing features include the Adaptive Chroma Processor for Blu-ray Disc™ content, which reproduces films with colours that are exceptionally faithful to the original. The combination of the Blu-ray Disc™ software encoding technology cultivated by the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL) and the decoding technology accumulated by Panasonic has led to the development of the "PHL Chroma Processor Plus," a high quality image technology for faithfully reproducing film content. For standard definition DVDs as well as 1080i and less sources, the P4HD renders progressive images superbly, expresses motion smoothly, and draws crisp diagonal lines.

The DMR-BWT800/BWT700 are equipped with DLNA server functionality. By connecting to LAN and with compatible DLNA client device, the recorded programmes, AVCHD and JPEG files archived on DIGA's hard disc drive can be enjoyed in a separate room. Also by connecting the DMR-BWT800/BWT700 to the Internet, VIERA CAST lets the user communicate in Skype, enjoy Video on Demand on Acetrax™, view videos on YouTubeTM, Web-based photos on PicasaTM, stock information on Bloomberg, as well as the weather forecast. BD-Live also allows Blu-ray Disc™ bonus content to be downloaded and Internet games to be played.

The DMR-BWT800 and BWT700 also incorporates Wireless LAN system so that users can enjoy using IP services like Skype. The DMR-BWT800/BWT700 also incorporates DLNA function, so they make it possible for users to play and watch TV programs recorded in BWT800/BWT700, even they are in the other room, with combining using Panasonic BD players that corresponds to DLNA. The SD Card slot adapts to AVCHD which allows for users to view images filmed by the 3D camcorder, as well as MPO files which allow users to view images from 3D cameras, in addition to adapting to a regular videos or pictures images data. It makes it possible for users to move and save data in SD card into HDD, and to archive the saved data in HDD to Blu-ray.