Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray Player is I4U Top 100 Holiday Gift Guide Tip #32

Sep 19 2008, 12:00pm CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

You want the latest in Blu-ray technology, but do not want to deal with a Sony PS3 console in your living room? The Panasonic DMP-BD50 is the answer. The BD50 features the latest Blu-ray profile 2.0 (BD Live) support and as another added value has an integrated decoder for lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats.
This means you can keep your existing Audio Receiver and still enjoy the new audio quality the new formats available on Blu-ray discs offer.
There are actually very few BD Live Blu-ray players available. Samsung has a couple that are BD Live ready, but still need a firmware upgrade. The Panasonic BD50 is ready for the new Blu-ray discs with downloadable content out of the box.

For Whom:
Anyone interested in making the switch to Blu-ray but doesn't want to hastle with a video game console.

The Good:
Blu-ray Profile 2.0 Out of the Box
Integrated Decoder for lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats
Not a game console

The Bad:
If Sony is still not done with the Blu-ray format and will enhance it again some point, you are not as flexible as with the PS3.

Where to Buy:
The Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray is available on Amazon.com for $521.82. Compare Prices on other retailers here.

See all our top 10 gift tips in the Hometheater Components Category. Explore all our Top 100 Holiday Gift Tips 2008.

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.