A recent In-Stat report, on global Blu-Ray and DVD player/Recorder market predicts that by the year 2013, Blu-Ray shipments will be able to create an income four times more than the sale of DVD players.

Michelle Abraham, Analyst at In-Stat said that the reduction in price of Blu-Ray players and the introduction of enhanced features like IP/network connectivity helped them gain recognition.

In-Stat predicts that Blu-Ray players/recorders shipments will reach 80 million units by the year 2013. The cost of these Blu-Ray players will decrease by 70% by 2013. Blu-Ray Europe will be the biggest income markets for these Blu-Ray players, while Japan will rule the market for Blu-Ray recorders.

All new Panasonic Blu-Ray series
The main focus of the show was Panasonic DMP-BDT300 3D Blu-ray player while others included DMR-BS850/BS750 models which followed the Panasonic’s Blu-Ray players introduced last year.

The collection comprises of the DMP-BD85, DMP-BD65, and DMP-BD45. Besides, there were portable models such as DMP-B500, and DMP-B100. Panasonic SC-BTX77 and SCBTX75 are models designed specially for those who seek slim home cinema units.

Main highlight of this year is the Panasonic DMP-BDT300 HD 3D Blu-ray player which can effectively display 3d images when connected to Panasonic VT20 or any other compatible TV. It supports Viera Cast and web access feature. Apart from that the device is capable of displaying web content including YouTube and Picasss.  Not only does this player allow you to view 3D movies but they can also view their own films and pictures through its SD card slot and USB.

Panasonic BS850 and BS750 Blu-ray recorders
Panasonic BS850 and BS750 Blu-ray recorders features twin HD tuners with which the user can record two channels simultaneously while watching another channel. Tuners being Freesat, the user can record contents from any free to air channels provided. The user can also access online content with the availability of Viera Cast. The only notable difference is the hard drive capacity, BS850 features hard drive of 500 GB capacity and BS750 features 250 GB capacity

Faster boot time is another feature that the company has introduced in their models BD-85, BD-65 and BD-45. Main drawback with Blu-ray when compared to DVD was that it took more time to boot up. However, Panasonic claims that they have lessened the boot up time to 0.5 seconds. Jack Turner, Technology Researcher spoke during the convention that the live demonstration proved that the 2010 models has faster boot than 2009 models, with meticulous testing you could really identify how fast quicker the recent models are.

Panasonic B500 and B100 Portable Blu-ray players
The B500 and B100 portable models from Panasonic supports SD card slot which enables the user to watch movie and images. The B500 can be used more or less like a digital photo frame which showcases images by themselves or along with a clock function or calendar. B100 comes complete with car DC adaptor and car bracket.

It is capable of delivering rich and vivid Full HD 3D images as it supports Active Shutter glasses with 200Hz high frame rate. When paired with Sony LX900 range of 3D TVs, it delivers exceptional Blu-ray 3D images. The advanced technology and smart features works together to improve the quality of 3D images.

Apart from the BDP-S770, Sony has also brought out BDP-S370 and BDP-S570 blu-ray player which amazes the user with its comprehensive features and attractive looks. These Monolithic designed blu-ray players’ supports Wi-Fi, Bravia Internet Video and Entertainment Database Browser. It also supports DLNA & USB connections for seamless connectivity.

All these models can be controlled by using your iPhone and iPod in place of a BD remote control.

DMP-BDT300, the first Full HD 3D Blu-ray DiscTM Player from Panasonic comes packed with distinctive features. In order to process large volume of full HD 3D movies in 1920 x 1080 pixels resolutions or in frame-sequential method it is integrated with UniPhier LSI chip. This brings slight changes in the pictures displayed for left and right eye resulting in the creation of 3D images. The research conducted by Panasonic Hollywood Laboratories suggested that DMP-BDT300 creates a distinction with its exceptional picture reproduction technology, capable of working together flawlessly with compatible 3D TVs.

Apart from delivering 3D experiences, this device ensures perfect picture performance for conventional Blu-ray Disc as well as DVD movies. Rich and vivid colours are reproduced, highlighting the minute details with Adaptive Chroma Upsampling particularly in Blu-ray Disc movies. Besides, the advanced side of I/P conversion technology for DVD movies, the Enhanced Full HD Upsampling ensures the creation and enhancement of missing details.

Networking functions such as VIERA CAST, featuring extra content from fresh partners this year, Wireless LAN adaptor and DLNA compatibility are worth a note. Above all, the user can view images content from their digital camcorders or cameras with the USB port and integrated SD card slot. SD card slot accepts AVCHD, MPEG2 and JPEG files and the USB port accepts JPEG, DIvX Plus HD, and MP3 files from your digital camcorder for playback.

It consist of dual HDMI output of which one is used as an Audio signal output for enhancing sound quality and for those who want to customize cinema and audio systems.

In the last 12 months, home entertainment market all over the continent had a value of £5.5 billion. When compared to the 2008 statistics this figure showed a seven per cent reduction.

Yves Caillaud, DEGE chairman at the annual general meeting in London said that Blu-ray’s popularity in Europe is growing tremendously and this is made possible through the intensive cross-industry promotional actions, improved consumer awareness, player affordability and introduction of high-definition TVs. He also mentioned that coping with last year was not easy and when compared to other similar industries, home entertainment business In Europe did pretty well.

The introduction of 3D TV will give new hopes in the industry. Announcements for 3D Blu-ray launches for later this year has already been done by Sony Pictures and Walt Disney with the films Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs and A Christmas Carol.

DEGE also said that 2010 saw successful beginning of 3D’s journey in theatre with box office hit performance of Avatar and the success of Monsters vs Aliens. The 3D technology will be soon brought to consumers’ homes in Europe as well.

This entry level player is a perfect blend of performance, value and utility. The striking design and the improved technical specifications of this device need special mentioning. With these attributes, this device becomes viable to large section of users.

HDMI connectivity ensures High-quality DVD upscaling up to 1080p for standard definition DVDs. Direct connectivity to audio is possible with the included Digital Coaxial Audio Output. Toshiba BDX2100KB is expected to be in the UK markets by May 2010 and it will be priced at almost £129.99.

Sony S360 – £120
The style and convenience offered by this Sony S360 – £120 over other digital players are incomparable. Priced at just £120, this stylish player offers unbeatable performance. It can play DVDs, CDs and MP3. However, it does not support DivX, or HD DVD

LG BD370 – £158
With the capability to support, DivX, Mpeg – 4, and MK formats, LG BD370 – £158 has become superior to rest of the digital players. Besides, it can support Youtube video and the contents can be accessed through a system of menus. Functions like accessing the flashdrive and downloading from Internet are also possible. For users with a collection of DivX, or MKV format, this device will be an ideal pick. You get all this at just £158. This device does not support analogue 7.1 audio output which is a drawback.

Philips BDP3000 – £97
Priced at just £97, Philips BDP3000 will suit users of all budgets. Unlike other digital players, this device is priced relatively less. With its low price you will have to sacrifice on certain factors like its sharpness and ease of motions. In order to access BD-live content it requires a memory card. It cannot decode DTS- HD master audio as well. For users who intend to watch mere HD quality films then this player will be a best pick.

Samsung BDP4600 – £181
The refined looks and the sleek design make Samsung BDP4600 one of the most stylish digital players in the list.  It is designed in such a way that it complements to the looks of Samsung televisions. Apart from being attractive, this device offers exceptional picture and sound performance. It can playback Blu-Ray discs and supports many files. It also comes with certain flaws like its incapability to support Youtube and its deficiency of outputs. This slimmest Blu-Ray DVD player has the fastest disk loader of all the models featured here at 43 seconds.

The prices of Blu-Ray drops drastically every day and therefore it is wise to check the prices regularly.

Panasonic’s 3D Blu-Ray Player
The advanced 3D Blu-Ray Player from Panasonic is expected to be in the markets on April 23rd. This DMP-BDT900-K player is engineered with Advanced AVC Engine. It supports UniPhier LSI, 2 USB ports, an Ethernet LAN (10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX) port, 2 HDMI Output and one Component Output. Just like any advanced version of Panasonic products, this Blu-Ray player is also compatible with SDXC memory card. Besides, it can read JPEG Files, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 Video. VIERA Link function is also supported in this device. This DLNA device is compatible with following formats such as BD-RE, BD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, CD-R and RW.

Panasonic’s 3D Blu-Ray Recorder
These 3D Blu-Ray recorders are expected to be in the markets from April 23rd onwards. This device comes with 2Digital BS / 110°CS TV tuner and 1 Analogue TV tuner. Besides, it features 1 HDMI port (750GB model), the I. Link, SDXC memory card slot supporting JPEG, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC / H.264. It also supports Ethernet LAN (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX), the VIERA Link, the latest generation of UniPhier system LSI, YouTube VOD Services, and BD-Live. With the capability to burn BD-RE at 1x, BD-R 6x (vers. 1.3), BD-R LTH, DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-R DL, this device becomes a superior product.

Since the device is a media centre extender you can watch all downloaded videos right on your TV sets. With Windows home server the user can archive Blu-rays, DVDs and CDs automatically. All you have to do is insert the discs in the unit and S1’s Blu-ray player will begin the process automatically.

S1 Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer and Media Centre is available at an affordable price. It perfectly performs its job without any interruptions.

On the technical side, the device incorporates technology from its big brother models. Cara Blu-ray beast, offers 5.1 channel surround sound, two-source, two-room distribution capabilities which allows you to listen to music from two different sources. Besides, it supports BD-Live and HDMI 1.4.

Almost all the popular formats are supported by this device. Facilities like SD card slots as well as iPod/iPhone digital direct playback via the USB port needs special mentioning.