Panasonic's DMP-BD70V combines a high quality image with enhanced networking functions, including Panasonic's VIERA Cast internet functionality for enjoying online entertainment from YouTube, Amazon VOD, and more. Play back your favorite Blu-ray discs, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs and more, and enjoy up-conversion to 1080p with formats of lower resolutions. The DMP-BD70V also lets you take advantage of 7.1 channel Blu-ray surround sound, and enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources.  A high quality image with enhanced networking functions
Click to enlarge | PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus
Developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, this high image processing technology reproduces clear, vivid colors that are faithful to the original film. High-Def Audio
Recognizing that audio is important to the overall entertainment experience, Panasonic's three 2009 Blu-ray Disc players feature a high definition audio decoder (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) to take advantage of the exceptionally high quality 7.1 channel surround sound now integrated in Blu-ray Discs. 96kHz Surround Re-Master
This function enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even improves the quality of the multi-channel audio data on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.  View rear connections
Click to enlarge |  Full-function remote included
Click to enlarge | Format-Friendly
The DMP-BD70V distinguishes itself as the world's first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player, providing the consumer with a video product that features multi-format playback allowing the user to play VHS, CD, DVD and 1080p high definition Blu-ray Discs. The BD70V allows for premium 1080p up-conversion for all video formats. VIERA CAST
VIERA CAST technology is now available in Panasonic's 2009 Blu-ray players. The internet enabled technology lets the consumer access the internet without the need of either an external box or a PC and enjoy entertainment from sites like Amazon VOD, YouTube, Google's Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg and more. The DMP-BD70V also includes an SD Memory card slot and USB slot, so you can view and share both digital still images and HD video recorded with an HD camcorder in the AVCHD format. 4:4:4 Technology
In order to produce the ultimate picture quality, Panasonic's Blu-ray players employ high precision 4:4:4 signal technology, which working in tandem with PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the horizontal direction, to compliment vertical direction processing. P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD) is another technology that contributes to the superior picture quality of the Blu-ray players. P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel. Panasonic's Blu-ray players further utilize 16-level motion detection to categorize the image motion of each pixel into one of 16 levels; diagonal processing to detect diagonals and correct the pixels accordingly; 1080p up-conversion to up-convert content recorded in the 480i/p or 720p format to 1080p. The Blu-ray players also provide 1080/24p output, thereby reproducing cinema images from a Blu-ray Disc and DVD in their original 24p form with no need for conversion. This allows the user to enjoy cinema images in the same format used in cinema with a 1080/24p compatible TV. Lower Power Consumption
Panasonic's 2009 Blu-ray players use Auto Power Stand-By, a function that automatically turns off the player when you return to TV operation using the VIERA Link menu. In addition, the Stand-by Power Save automatically turns off the player's Quick Start function. When VIERA is turned on, Quick Start also turns on. In addition, the development of the UniPhier single chip LSI makes it possible to pack an entire video signal processing circuit onto a single chip. This helps lower power consumption, reduces the number of parts needed and allows for a more compact design. What's in the Box
Panasonic DMP-BD70V, Remote control (batteries included), A/V cable, Power supply cord Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand With Amazon Video On Demand (available only in the U.S.) , Panasonic customers can now instantly watch more than 50,000 commercial-free movies and television shows, including hit new releases and the latest episodes available in HD.
| Using an intuitive interface, order movies right from their couch and enjoy instant playback without waiting for lengthy downloads or annoying commercials. Prices start as low as $.99 and no subscription fee is required
| 
| Find
Choose from thousands of movies and TV shows by browsing the Amazon Video On Demand store (U.S. only) on your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player or TV. Access and add to your virtual collection of purchases via Amazon Video On Demand’s Your Video Library and re-watch anytime on your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player, TV, your PC or Mac and other compatible devices.
| 
| Rent or Buy
Renting and purchasing titles is a snap with the power of Amazon’s 1-click purchasing. Order new release movies and the latest TV shows right from your couch and you’re watching within seconds. Prices start as low as $.99.
| 
| Watch
Enjoy Amazon Video On Demand’s high quality video right from your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player or TV. Videos playback instantly, without waiting for a download. Purchases and rentals are added to Your Video Library and stored online by Amazon so you can conveniently watch them again on your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player, TV, PC or Mac, and other compatible devices. |
|
|
 Yes, I still have VHS movies to watch |
| Review Date: June 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: V. Stoltz, Virginia |
Why would someone want to buy a video player that accepts both the latest Blu-Ray format and the perhaps obsolete VHS formats? Well, as someone who has their foot in both the past and the future, let me tell you why I love this player.
Yes, I can definitely appreciate the crispness and clarity of the high definition Blu-Ray format, and I wish to experience that format. But Blu-Ray discs are pricey, so I will likely choose to purchase only a few new select and favorite films in that format. I feel no need, and don't have the wallet, to replace my entire film library in a Blu-Ray format.
I also have a collection of nearly 500 VHS tapes, most of them unwatched, which I mostly purchased in thrift stores. (current standard price for VHS tape in a thrift - $1) I also have a fair number of films that have not yet been released on DVD yet.
It is nice to have a player that will accept both VHS and Blu-Ray, along with standard DVD formats. No switching back and forth of cables, etc.
The DMP-BD70V upconversion of the VHS to 1080p is really quite amazing. My current television is a 42" HDTV (one year ago it was a 19 inch color set) When I connected my previous standard VHS player to the HDTV, the picture quality, as expected, was quite poor, with much of the image being rather pixelated - it was quite painful and distracting to watch.
Then I hooked up the DMP-BD70V, and lone behold, the picture quality was much, much better - and very watchable. At first I almost thought that the VHS tape had been replaced by a DVD - the improvement was that great. There was no pixelation at all, and the colors were quite bright. The overall quality of the picture was much better than the picture obtained with my old 19" color TV and VHS player. The upscaling features of the DMP-BD70V is almost as if a magician had waved his wand over your entire library of VHS tapes, and suddenly replaced them, Cinderella-like, with a much higher quality product.
There are some things you cannot do with a VHS tape. The picture size remains at the older 4:3 format - meaning there is considerable empty space at the left and right sides of the HDTV screen. You also won't get the added commentary tracks that appear on DVD and Blu-Ray discs, but sometimes all one really wants to do is simply watch a movie, with no other frills involved.
For a few years, I will have several options for my home movie viewing. On one end, the $1 VHS tapes (upgraded to 1080p), in the middle the standard DVD format, and on the high side, the Blu-Ray format. This DMP-BD70V allows me to watch all three formats, and allows me to choose whether I want to pay $1, $15, or $30 for each movie format. That is what I call flexibility.
I did a comparison price check for the DMP-BD70V model, versus a similar model without the VHS tape compatibility - the difference was about $50 more. For me, it was well worth it.
Obviously those without VHS tapes do not need this DMP-BD70V model. But those who do have some older VHS tapes, and wish to still view them, will love this model.
|
Thank you, Panasonic
|
| Review Date: July 18, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Cannon, Olympia, WA United States |
| As far as I know this is the only combo of this kind on the market, and I couldn't be happier. Despite the outdated format and my dwindling videotape collection, I wanted to replace my old Magnavox VCR instead of abandoning VHS altogether. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I not only could still do that, I could additionally upgrade to Blu without having to find more shelf space or another power outlet. Since it isn't really all that versatile otherwise, this player is a snap to hook up. There are no inputs (except LAN) and the outputs consist of HDMI, component and composite video, with analog and digital audio (fiber optic only). It only comes with a set of RCA analog audio/video cables, so plan ahead. I am only using the HDMI video and optical audio and it plays discs flawlessly. Pop in a videotape and it automatically switches to VHS mode and reformats itself to 4:3, while still outputting only through the digital ports. Yes, this is only a player--I prefer DVD-RAM for recording these days, anyway--but if you want the ultimate in all-in-one playback, including USB devices and SD cards, this device is for you. |
Easy To Use and Excellent Pictures but freezing
|
| Review Date: July 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: EM, Old Saybrook, Connecticut United States |
| Have about 300 movies about 70-80% VHS and the rest DVD. After a lot of research chose this make and model. I'm using this with a Monster HDMI connected to a new 46" Samsung 640. Tested with 3 movies: DVD of Parenthood, VHS of Gilda, VHS of Lion King. Lion King looked exactly like HD quality from cable company. The other two weren't as perfect as Lion King VHS, but despite that, I was thrilled at the quality of those two movies. My VHS does play full screen without any black bars. So, I'm happy with the up conversion. As for set up and programming: this unit is very easy to set up and fine tune in the programming features. As a female who hates all this tech stuff, the manual was very easy to follow and understand. I'm so pleased with this unit and it's ease of use that I just ordered a 2nd unit for my bedroom to use with the new 32" Samsung 640. EDIT: Just started playing blu ray and this model does freeze periodically for a about 5 seconds like the other models without the vhs. Also this model does not have any firmware updates like the other models. So, if allowed, I would reduce the stars from 5 to 4. |
A simple idea, well executed.
|
| Review Date: September 24, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Kevin Farnsworth, Florida |
Like most movie lovers, I already have a bunch of VHS and DVD movies, and I'm not about to rebuy all my favorites. I chose this unit because it would allow me to play all three of these media types with one component, and boy am I glad that I did! Prior to purchasing this system, we had basically stopped watching our VHS collection. The fuzzy, pixelated mess was just too much of a distraction to watch on our 42" plasma. Panasonic made such a tremendous difference with the VHS picture and sound quality that we've actually been watching some of our old tapes. Mind you, the VHS is not as clear as a DVD or Blu-Ray, but our old favorites now have virtually no static or distortion and the sound is at least 10 times better. I'm truly surprised by how much the quality actually improved. This really has really brought our VHS library back from the dead.
As for the Blu-Ray and DVD, the picture and sound quality is just as flawless as you'd expect. The HDMI cable makes for easy hookup and there was virtually no additional setup or configuration required beyond choosing my TV Type. I haven't yet used the added online features (YouTube and whatnot), because I can already do that on TiVo, but I was also excited to see the USB and SD support. This unit does a great job of bringing your entire media collection together. I'm surprised that this hasn't caught on more... it is really such a simple and practical idea. I'm glad that I picked this up, and I'd recommend it for anyone else who wants to keep their old favorites. |
The bridge between technologies
|
| Review Date: September 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Consumer, mid-atlantic |
we have yet to play a blu-ray disc in the DVD player, but it produces dramatic improvement in our LCD TV image of standard DVD's and VHS tapes. The upconversion seems to work rather well, based on HD images we have seen.
We expect there will be many consumers like us who would like a bridge between full digital-disk based media and the old VHS era. This player is it. Big question is whether the unusual combination will be known widely enough to make it a viable item.
One detail the consumer should note: This is a player only. That means it plays VHS but does not record VHS. If you still want to record VHS, you need to keep your old VHS VCR.
Very much a niche product but if it's your niche, go for it.
|
|
