Panasonic Takes System Tack for Blu-ray Bow; Adds Concierge Plasma-buyer Customer-care Program

Taking what it characterized as the next step in its transition from standalone product marketing to offering complete digital home entertainment solutions, Panasonic unveiled its first Blu-ray Disc player -- DMP-BD10 ($1,299.95; September delivery), earmarking it as the core product in a high-definition home theater consisting of a matching receiver (SA-XR700; $999.95; Sept.), and speaker system (SB-TP1000; $2,999.95; Sept.). The 65-inch 1080p-capable plasma TV model TH-65PX600 ($10,000; Sept.), is being introduced at the same time, as a complement to the system.

Reid Sullivan, vice president of Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co.’s Entertainment Group, says that while all elements are being sold separately, dealers will be encouraged to mount a combined display at retail.

Each element in the system has Panasonic’s proprietary EZ-Sync system capability, which provides integrated, one-touch operation, and each piece is cosmetically matched to the others.