The winner
Panasonic DMP-BD30
First Reviewed: HCC #154
Great news for anyone who has been waiting to commit to a hi-def format: we can confirm that the world’s first Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player is a genuine wow. With its slim looks, picture-in-picture trickery and thrilling audiovisual performance, this is the first BD player that really shows off what the Blu-ray format is capable of. Combine it with an affordable price tag (typically £350) and Panasonic’s reputation for reliability, and you have a recipe for home cinema hedonism. Take a bow Panasonic! The hi-def revolution has finally begun.
Also nominated…
Pioneer BDP-LX70A
First Reviewed: HCC #154
A revised £800 version of the brand’s debut BD deck, the LX70A’s LAN hardware, wide format support and audiophile features keep it relevant in this fast-changing market.
Samsung BD-P1400
First Reviewed: HCC #154
A good-looking player with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD High Resolution support, plus 1080p24 output. And at just £250, it’s difficult to ignore.
