It'll definitely run you less here in America than it would if you chose to
import straight from Japan, but the planet's first BD-Live-capable portable Blu-ray player still ain't cheap. Today, Panny announced that its
DMP-B15 -- which originally
broke cover at CES -- will be shipping later this month in the US for $799.95. That nets you an 8.9-inch WSVGA display, VIERA CAST internet accessibility, an SD card slot, 2.5 hour rechargeable battery, HDMI output and BD-Live (Profile 2.0) functionality. Oh, and quiet kids on the next road trip to Gramps' pad, which is totally priceless.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul @ Jun 1st 2009 11:12AM
I understand the technological advancements that this device represents, but why would anyone want a Blu-ray player that played on a screen thats only 80% of 720p. I would like to watch my Blu-rays on some sort of a portable player, either dedicated player or laptop, but I wouldn't settle for anything less than 720p from the screen.
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L3 @ Jun 1st 2009 11:21AM
For me, it's not the quality for the kids, but the idea that I can leave DVD behind forever.
I can have one format of disc for home and not have to explain to my 4-year-old that "Daddy doesn't have 'Cars' on DVD, only Blu-ray."
glenn s @ Jun 1st 2009 12:32PM
At first, I thought that was a reasonable price at this point. Then I realized that for $800 I can find a laptop with a blu-ray player, and a better screen.
BarkingGhost @ Jun 1st 2009 1:11PM
The question is at what distance must I be within in order to actually be able to resolve the resolution I am seeking and paying for? If I am sitting a few inches too far back then the resolution, and the Blu-ray are meaningless as I'd be paying for something I cannot resolve.
iouttolunch @ Jun 1st 2009 1:45PM
Only way I can see this fetching $800 is making it a oled 1920x1080 display. I mean, you can debate the benefit of that resolution in this size all day long, but that will never be the point to me. The point is 1024 X 600 lcd is a joke for an $800, albeit portable, blu ray player with a 9" display :(
ccweems @ Jun 1st 2009 4:56PM
You know, I never thought about screen resolution when I bought a Panasonic DVD-L50 portable player for $800 back in 1999. As it was it had more pixels than I could resolve with younger eyes. Having a 9" 1080P HD display would just cost more money yet provide no tangible benefit. As it is I expect that Pany will have no problem selling all that they can make.
My story is that "since we need another BR player it really only is a $500 premium and it is much better on road trips than the laptop". Will report back if it works.