Netflix Streaming Comes to Panasonic VIERACast TVs and Blu-ray Players in 2010

[MrBoylan]

As you may have seen in our CES coverage, Netflix instant streaming is finally going to be available on Panasonic's VIERA Cast platform this year. This means you'll be able to watching any title in the Netflix instant streaming catalog on compatible Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players and TVs. The bad news is that this enhancement required a re-design of the VIERA Cast platform (Linux-based vs. Windows-based, according to Panasonic reps). So only the 2010 models are going to have Netflix. Owners of the BD60, BD70V and BD80 will not be able to take advantage of this enhancement.

But the good news is that the 2010 models will be WiFi-enabled (dongle included with the BD85, optional on BD65). And Panasonic's first ever Blu-ray 3D player was shown at the show, the DMP-BDT350. With its multi-channel analog outputs, it's basically a DMP-BD85 but with 3D capabilities. The 3D demos at CES were pretty impressive so if it's something that you're interested in, then you won't have too long to wait (April/May) for the new 3D-enabled players and 3D-enabled V Series plasma HDTVs.

-CB

[Daylightdon]

So now I have to go out and buy a new Blu-ray player!!!

[MrBoylan]

So now I have to go out and buy a new Blu-ray player!!!

Yes, and a new TV too if you want to check out 3D. But for Netflix, a new player alone will do.

-CB

[Daylightdon]

Netflix yes!!!
3d HO HUM!!!
Saw my first 3D movie in mid 50's at a theater in Queens Village on Jamaica Ave.
Fort Ti Conderoga...(not sure of spelling??)

On my TV, Blu-Ray is almost 3D...Good enough for me.

[MrBoylan]

Netflix yes!!!
3d HO HUM!!!
Saw my first 3D movie in mid 50's at a theater in Queens Village on Jamaica Ave.
Fort Ti Conderoga...(not sure of spelling??)

On my TV, Blu-Ray is almost 3D...Good enough for me.

This is not your father's 3D (anaglyph red/blue glasses, complete with color shifting and major eye strain).

The active shutter glasses and dual 1080p streams (one for each eye) make 3D look awfully good on the new Panny plasmas... They've also improved the phosphor response speed which makes even plain old 2D content look better. I know.... TOO SOON! TOO SOON!

-CB

[Daylightdon]

My father never saw 3D to my knowledge, but I saw a lot!!!
It will have to be better than what I have by a magnitude of 10!
Unless I win the LOTTO the wife will have to approve!
A new BD Player can be had though.

[Maximus DukusErectus]

I have the BD80 in the living room,and the BD60 in our bedroom and have really enjoyed these units.It looks like the "free shipping"Amazon has given me will not go to waste.Are the release dates,"Down the road"?,or "Right around the corner"?

[MrBoylan]

I have the BD80 in the living room,and the BD60 in our bedroom and have really enjoyed these units.It looks like the "free shipping"Amazon has given me will not go to waste.Are the release dates,"Down the road"?,or "Right around the corner"?

The 3D model is expected around April/May time frame. The other models might be available sooner.

-CB

[intuition]

As you may have seen in our CES coverage, Netflix instant streaming is finally going to be available on Panasonic's VIERA Cast platform this year. This means you'll be able to watching any title in the Netflix instant streaming catalog on compatible Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players and TVs. The bad news is that this enhancement required a re-design of the VIERA Cast platform (Linux-based vs. Windows-based, according to Panasonic reps). So only the 2010 models are going to have Netflix. Owners of the BD60, BD70V and BD80 will not be able to take advantage of this enhancement.

But the good news is that the 2010 models will be WiFi-enabled (dongle included with the BD85, optional on BD65). And Panasonic's first ever Blu-ray 3D player was shown at the show, the DMP-BDT350. With its multi-channel analog outputs, it's basically a DMP-BD85 but with 3D capabilities. The 3D demos at CES were pretty impressive so if it's something that you're interested in, then you won't have too long to wait (April/May) for the new 3D-enabled players and 3D-enabled V Series plasma HDTVs.

-CB

Roku is Linux based. This does not hold water on the Panasonic side. I picked up the BD60 hoping they would add netflix less $$ on power used than the pc. not in to 3-D at home hate glasses to watch. Its fine at the theater. Avatar was awesome.

[MrBoylan]

Roku is Linux based. This does not hold water on the Panasonic side. I picked up the BD60 hoping they would add netflix less $$ on power used than the pc. not in to 3-D at home hate glasses to watch. Its fine at the theater. Avatar was awesome.

I'm only telling you what the Panasonic booth rep said at CES but I found it curious as well. I've confirmed from a couple of sources at Panasonic that they have no plans to implement Netflix on the BD60/BD80.

3D at home with the new Panny TVs/Blu-ray players is as good or better than in the theater, at least from what I've seen at meetings and shows so far. We haven't gotten a review sample in yet. And obviously you don't have to wear glasses all the time, only when you're watching 3D content.

-CB