Panasonic rolls out new $500 Blu-ray player in Japan

Panasonic announced the DMP-BD60 in Japan today [JP], a Blu-ray device, which is at the same time the company’s first without a recording function. Panasonic is marketing the $500 player as a low-priced machine that people can use as a second device, for example in their bed rooms.

The Blu-ray disc player is equipped with DLNA, supports 1080/24p as well as 1080/60p, is compatible with BD Live and comes with a YouTube function. It also features an HDMI port, VIERA Link, a LAN port and a SD/SDHC port.

The DMP-BD60 goes on sale in Japan on April 25. Panasonic hasn’t said yet whether it will be available outside Nippon as well. The company plans to produce 2,000 units per month.