Hands-on with Panasonic's new Blu-ray decks

We've heard about Panasonic's new Blu-ray players a couple of times now, but we put our mitts on them today. The DMP-BD60 and DMP-BD80 on the low and high side of the line, respectively, are solid players and also add in the VIERA Cast capability we heard about, but we'll be honest -- we really came to see the DMP-BD70V. This omnivorous deck will gobble up your old VHS tapes, DVDs and Blu-ray discs and upscale them to 1080p glory.

Hands-on with Panasonic's Blu-ray players

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 8:59PM]

Fantastic. I wasn't sure what to do with the overwhelming collection of VHS tapes :)

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 9:20PM]

Upscaling old family home-videos on VHS to 1080p for the win?

[glennS Posted Jan 11th 2009 12:41AM]

I'll better that. I have OLD family home videos from reel film that were transfer to VHS 15 years ago...upscale to 1080P (yeah, right)! But seriously, I'm actually interested in the player. I still have my VHS hooked up, even though it seldom gets used. I wouldn't mind cutting down on the clutter.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 1:15AM]

oh well fun.

what about a freaking blu-ray recorder? why are none of these at CES this year? its about time we can record to disc and not need to use a computer.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 3:48AM]

I considered buying a BR 500GB HD DV recorder to copy my old home movies, but the costs for discs and the deck itself was outrageous. i purchased a Panasonic DVD recorder with 200GB hard drive for less than half the price and the DVD discs about 1/10th of the price.
At the end of the day, I don't think my old home movies would look any different, and even if there was a small amount of difference, the costs just couldn't be justified.
I love Panasonic, but personally, I think this is a ridiculous product.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 11:54AM]

In related news, the head designer for the Panasonic DMP-BD70V was fired after sales of the player reached two units....total.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 9th 2009 5:06PM]

Thats funny, the player doesn't come out until March 09

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 11:44PM]

Wow, that's handy. If only I hadn't just got a DMP-BD35.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 12th 2009 11:55AM]

It seems dumb in theory, marrying an ancient tech like VHS with Blu-Ray, but it's actually a great idea. I'd bet I'm not the only person who is fairly young, doesn't have a VHS deck or really any VHS tapes, but would like the ability to play them. Reducing Clutter is also a nice feature. Can it write DVDs though? (for copying VHS-DVD)

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 10th 2009 10:10PM]

ill buy your DMP-BD35, bikehorn.

VHS? I don't need no stinking VHS.