Panasonic Introduces Second-Generation Blu-ray Player

Panasonic on Tuesday announced the release of its first second-generation Blu-ray Disc player. Known as the DMP-BD10A, the new player will be available in all major CE outlets. It follows the DMP-BD10, Panasonic’s first Blu-ray player, which was introduced barely over a year ago.

The biggest upgrades from the BD10 to the BD10A are the addition of 7.1 channel surround, Dolby True HD and dts-HD High Resolution Audio sound. The player hits the market with a suggested retail price of $599.95. It comes bundled with five popular movies on Blu-ray Disc: The first two “Pirates of the Carribbean” films, in addition to “The Transporter,” “Fantastic Four,” and “Crash.”

The DMP-BD10A will compete with second-generation Blu-ray players from Samsung (the BD-P1200) and Pioneer (the Elite BDP-94HD).