DMP-BDT110 - Quick Overview of Panasonic\\\'s New 3D Blu-ray Disc Player

Whether we, as consumers, want it or not, 3D home entertainment is here and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon. This is evident by Panasonic's new Blu-ray Player line-up for 2011. Three out of its four new players are 3D capable. This includes the DMP-BDT110 model. If 3D is still something you have no interest in, no need to worry, the DMP-BDT110 has many other features that should give you endless entertainment. While the DMP-BDT110 does not have all the features of some higher-end models; it does have a low price tag and the main essentials of excellent disc playback. As well as having some very nice extra features thrown in.

Panasonic has always tried to make their player's as environmentally friendly as possible. Decreasing the size of its players is one thing they have adopted, and the DMP-BDT110 is a very slim player. The model has two buttons located on the top for power and for Opening/Closing the disc tray. There is a front panel that has to be open to access the other controls and ports. These are the standard Play/Stop buttons and a SD Card Slot and USB Port. Of course the front panel will have to remain open when you are using a USB device.

VIDEO QUALITY: HDMI and Video Out are the only video connections for the DMP-BDT110. Component Video outputs are missing, but since most users will be using the HDMI connection, this should not pose any problems. The HDMI connection will give you Full HD 1080p/24 video resolution on both standard and 3D blu-ray discs. It can also up-convert any standard DVDs to near high-definition. The DMP-BDT110 is equipped with the new UniPhier Chip, which creates stunning image quality. And the Adaptive Chroma Processing has improved the vertical colour preference process by 1.5 times, providing better detailed images. Visual tests performed by experts and users have been positive.

AUDIO QUALITY: Besides the HDMI connection, the DMP-BDT110 has 2-ch analog Output (Red,White) and an Optical Digital Output. It has support for DTS-HD Master Audio Essential and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, both for internal decoding and bit-stream output. Resulting in great sound effects and wonderfully clear, crisp lossess 7.1 surround sound experience.

The start-up time for the DMP-BDT110 is very fast, within seconds you will find yourself staring at the newly designed Home Page. If this is not fast enough for you, there is an option under Settings to use the Quick Start Mode. But be warned, while this increases the start-up time, it does use up more power consumption. From the Home Page use can choose the many different features available to you.

Under the Network options is VIERA Cast. Here you can access many online streaming media and social networking services. Such as Netflix, Twitter, VUDU, Amazon, Pandora, Picasa, YouTube and many more. A new feature Panasonic has introduced to its players is Skype. Via a web cam (Sold Separately), you can communicate with family and friends. Even leave a video message if you are not home. Callers can also leave a message. Since the DMP-BDT110 does not have internal memory capable of supporting such recordings, a SD Card or USB memory device will be required. This goes for downloading any BD-Live content found on certain Blu-ray Discs as well.

Of course an internet connection is needed to access these features. The DMP-BDT110 has an Ethernet Port located on the back, and a USB port for a wireless LAN adapter (Sold Separately) connection. The DMP-BDT110 is also DLNA certified - once you are connected to your home network you can stream videos, music, and photos from your PC or other DLNA certified devices.

As mentioned before, this model can handle playing back 3D Blu-ray Discs. But it can also convert 2D images to 3D. So you can play all your old DVD movies and view them in 3D. Another feature that may assist you in your 3D viewing is the 3D Effect Controller. This feature lets you change the 3D depth settings. Overall, the DMP-BDT110 is a solid player with new and innovative 3D technology and immaculate image quality.

THE PROS: The DMP-BDT110 is one of Panasonic's latest Blu-ray Disc Players. For an entry-level player it is full of great features and at a very reasonable price. It is capable of Full 1080p/24 video resolution on blu-rays and 3D Blu-rays. Offers DVD up-scaling, faster loading times, Wi-Fi "Ready', and access to Viera Cast (CinemaNow,VUDU,Netfilx,YouTube,Pandora,Amazon and many more). It is DLNA capable (rare to find in an entry-level player), as well as Skype™ Video Calls.

THE CONS: Like most entry-level players, there is no internal memory for accessing BD-Live functions. A USB memory device of at least 1GB will be needed. The play does offer WI-Fi options, but you will need to purchase a wireless LAN Adapter which is sold separately. Not a fan of the 2D to 3D conversion, this technology still has a long way to go to become an effective entertainment feature. The same maybe said for the 3D effect Controller. While it is fun to go in and change the 3D settings, it is not something everyone will want to play around with. Services like Hulu Plus and live out-of-market sports (MLB, NHL, MLS) are available with Viera Connect but not on Viera Cast. Hopefully these services along with other apps with be added later.

THE FINAL WORD: The DMP-BDT110 is shaping up to be one of the best entry-level Blu-ray Disc Players for 2011. Offering many great features. The DMP-BDT110 is getting many positive reviews from both experts and consumers. The only major drawback of the player is the WI-Fi 'Ready" feature. If going wireless is an important feature for you, you may want to consider Panasonic's DMP-BDT210. For $30.00 more you basically get the same player but with integrated WiFi Networking. - Price you should look for when buying Blu-ray DVD Player - Under $150.00