Panasonic expanded their 2009 Blu-ray product lineup this week with the announcement of three new models (one of which happens to be the world’s first Blu-ray/VHS dual deck player) – the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80, and DMP-BD70V. All three models incorporate VIERA Cast internet functionality (which  includes support for Amazon’s Video On Demand (VOD) service) as well as support for VIERA Link which allows customers to control/operate their A/V equipment via HDMI using a single remote.

Common features across all three new models include:

• PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus image processing technology
• HD audio decoder with support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential
• VIERA CAST provides access to Internet content from providers such as Amazon VOD, YouTube, Google Picassa Web Album, Bloomberg, and others
• Built-in SD memory card slot
• USB slot
• 1080/24p output support
• 96kHz surround re-master enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources
• Auto Power Stand-by which automatically turns off the player when you return to TV operation using VIERA Link menu

Specific features of the three new models are as follows.

DMP-BD60:

• Consumes 16% less power in standby mode than previous DMP-BD35 model
• The suggested retail price will be $299.95

DMP-BD80:

• 7.1 channel analog out
• Includes playback information window used to display detailed image information while a movie is playing
• The suggested retail price will be $399.95

DMP-BD70V:

• World’s first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player – play back VHS, CD, DVD  and of course Blu-ray
• 1080p upconversion for all video formats
• The suggested retail price will be $399.95

All three new models will be available in April.

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