Who else is looking forward to the Panasonic DMP-BD50? - Page 2

Cees Alons · 08-21-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Btw. About that mod-chip for BD30/BD50... This might help (at least get you started):
Bluraymods.com - Home

Thanks, Jari.

Cees

RobertR · 08-27-2008, 10:54 AM

Panasonic is telling people that the BD50 has been discontinued. Make way for the BD55.

Cees Alons · 08-27-2008, 02:20 PM

Yep.

Yet, I just ordered one, because I won't be waiting until X-mas.
(Well, it might be November even, but that doesn't change my mind.)

Cees

Michael Reuben · 08-27-2008, 02:34 PM

You can generally assume with the CE industry that, by the time they finally get the product into consumers' hands, they've already moved on to the next model.

Panasonic is a past master at this. I remember when they got rave reviews for a laser disc player, the LX-1000. But I never found a dealer who had one in stock. Before the reviews were even published, they'd discontinued the 1000 and replaced it with the cheaper (and more cheaply constructed) LX-900.

M.

Jeff Ulmer · 08-27-2008, 02:56 PM

Have there been any rumors of a region free (PAL/NTSC) mod for the US BD30s? I don't know that I really need 7.1 outs for audio (would get a new receiver that handles this via HDMI) or ethernet (handier, but at what additional price?). It would be nice to have access to my non R1 DVDs again after my Malata failed prematurely.

Cees Alons · 08-27-2008, 09:39 PM

Jeff,

See my post #31 above (where I quote a post of Jari's).

Cees

Jeff Ulmer · 08-28-2008, 10:36 AM

Hi Cees;
That mod kit isn't available for US machines, which is why I asked the question.

Bluraymods.com - Our Products

Jari K · 08-28-2008, 11:14 AM

I just got the European press release about the upcoming DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55. They´re coming in October (in Europe, that´s).

Cees Alons · 08-28-2008, 12:33 PM

Too bad I need an Reg-A machine.

Quote:

That mod kit isn't available for US machines, which is why I asked the question.

I see.
But after the mod is applied, there won't be much difference in that respect.

(I know, you're not contemplating import.)

Cees

ChrisCook · 08-28-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertR

Panasonic is telling people that the BD50 has been discontinued. Make way for the BD55.

Well, that's just perfect.

I bought the BD50 earlier this month on Amazon, after waiting for it since January. I almost bought the BD30, but then this was announced as coming at CES.

I've been debating whether to send it back to them and wait for the BD55. Guess I better make that decision quickly before I missed the return window.

Jari K · 08-28-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisCook

I've been debating whether to send it back to them and wait for the BD55. Guess I better make that decision quickly before I missed the return window.

From some other thread (probably in AVS), somebody got this e-mail:

"Dear Valued Panasonic Customer,

Unfortunately, due to the release of an ever newer Panasonic BluRay model, the DMP-BD50K has been discontinued.

The DMP-BD55 will be released in early October. This model be smaller in size, and will contain the same PHL Reference Chroma Processor, and P4HD for advanced picture processing in 1080P, but will also offer enhancements sound quality."

I have to say, that it´s a bit odd that BD50 just arrived, and now it has been "discontinued" (I guess)... What was the point actually?

I probably would wait for the BD55. It´s just a few months away... Not sure what you actually "gain" with it, though (vs BD50).

Official site:
http://panasonic.net/pavc/blu-ray/dmp-bd35_55/
(pictures also show, that BD55 is indeed "slimmer": http://www.panasonic.net/blu-ray/ )