Star Wars Complete Saga Blu-ray news: release in September, 30 hours of special features, available for preorder now (video)

This might not be the “most impressive” Star Wars announcement you were looking for. Not that it’s a bad thing the complete saga will be released on Blu-ray in September, and there was no mention of any exclusivity shenanigans, but despite making this the least disappointing thing that has happened to the series in a decade or so forgive us for being slightly underwhelmed. Fans will appreciate the promised 30 hours of special features — or wait for Red Letter Media to recut them into a careful dissection of everything wrong about the prequels — but the ability to buy the two trilogies individually for $44.99 ($69.99 MSRP) is definitely appreciated. You can queue your $89.99 ($139 MSRP) preorder on Amazon right now while you check out video of the announce featuring Lord Vader himself, including a peek at the trailer embedded after the break.

Continue reading Star Wars Complete Saga Blu-ray news: release in September, 30 hours of special features, available for preorder now (video)

Star Wars Complete Saga Blu-ray news: release in September, 30 hours of special features, available for preorder now (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with the new Panasonic 3D camcorder and 3D still camera

Panasonic 3D camcorder

Well we actually weren’t able to play with the latest consumer Panasonic 3D camcorders ourselves, but we were able to get close enough to snap some pics and live vicariously through a stage model who did actually get to hold it. There’s nothing small about the HDC-TM90, but it looks cool enough. The GF2 still camera is just as crazy looking and is sure to get you just as much attention if you walked about town with one.

Hands-on with the new Panasonic 3D camcorder and 3D still camera originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic’s CES 2011 HD lineup: Blu-ray players, 3D video conferencing, HDTVs, audio gear

Panasonic’s blowing it out here at CES, partciularly on the HD front. There’s a boatload of new content to disgest, so we’ll take you through it all step-by-step below:

  • For starters, Panasonic is dishing out seven new plasma HDTVs, six new LED LCDs and five new standard LCD HDTVs. For the 2011 model year, Panny’s introducing the VT30 series, GT30 and ST30 lines, and two of the LED LCDs are joining its array of Full HD 3D TVs. Naturally, the biggest addition to the new sets is the Viera Connect system, but the Easy IPTV functionality is another boon.
  • For those who’ve got a Viera Cast-enabled BD deck, Panny’s adding Skype voice and video calling. The addition of Skype to Panasonic’s new DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, and DMP-BDT110 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players allows consumers to make Skype voice and video calls on virtually any HDTV using a Skype-compatible camera.
  • As for new Blu-ray and DVD players? There’s a near-limitless flow of them, with the DMP-B200 (8.9-inch display) and DVD-LS92 (9-inch) portable players serving the road warriors. The DMP-BDT210 3D Blu-ray deck is now holding down the top spot in the company’s at-home range, and if you’re still down with DVD, you’ll find a load of new options with USB ports for loading up additional media.
  • The company is also debuting the April-bound SC-HTB520 soundbar, meant to match up with flat-panels that are 42-inches or larger, and it’s also throwing in a wireless, down-firing subwoofer.
  • Finally, Panny’s introducing 3D video conferencing (HDVC), which may or may not make your weekly boardroom meetings entirely more tolerable.

Head on down to the source for more, but don’t expect to find much in the way of price and availability.

Panasonic’s CES 2011 HD lineup: Blu-ray players, 3D video conferencing, HDTVs, audio gear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic opens up Viera Connect apps to other manufacturers, SDK to devs & gets Hulu Plus

As the connected TV battle continues to heat up, Panasonic is arming its Viera platform by bringing in allies. Dubbed Viera Connect, it builds on the old Viera Cast system by opening up the SDK to developers, and increasing the audience by opening up access to its middleware and market for other device manufacturers. Falling somewhere between Samsung’s more closed Samsung Apps experience and the Google TV approach, Panasonic’s 2011 TVs and Blu-ray players will come out of the gate with apps like MLB.tv., Hulu Plus, NBA Gametime, Asphalt 5, Tetris and more. Even videogame peripheral manufacturer Thrustmaster is getting in the mix with two wireless gamepads. Check the press release for all the details and new apps for this year.

Continue reading Panasonic opens up Viera Connect apps to other manufacturers, SDK to devs & gets Hulu Plus

Panasonic opens up Viera Connect apps to other manufacturers, SDK to devs & gets Hulu Plus originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic’s Android-based Viera Tablet unveiled at CES 2011

Panasonic has just revealed the Viera tablet at its CES 2011 press conference. What we know so far is that it’s Android based and will be available in 4, 7, and 10-inch sizes. Besides the difference in screen size, each of the tablets will feature identical hardware. Panasonic is positioning the device mainly as a TV companion. Using a feature called Viera Connect, tablet owners will have the flexibility to transfer content between the tablet and TV — or even view the same content simultaneously from different angles. The tablet will also function as a remote for controlling home theater components and content. Pricing in the US is unlikely to be announced in the near term, but further details related to its Japan launch will be revealed later today. Check out more images of the device in the gallery below.

Continue reading Panasonic’s Android-based Viera Tablet unveiled at CES 2011

Panasonic’s Android-based Viera Tablet unveiled at CES 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic debuts Lumix FP5, FP7, FH5 and FH2 ultraslim compact cameras

It ain’t Photokina, and it ain’t PMA, but darn if the cameras aren’t rolling out left and right here at the 2011 edition of CES. This evening, it’s Panasonic’s turn, and we’ve got four new Lumix point-and-shoots to discuss in more detail below:

  • For starters, we’ve got a pair of newcomers to the Lumix FH series, the FH5 and FH2. Both of these are sporting sleek, svelte exteriors, with the DMC-FH5 nabbing a 16 megapixel sensor and the DMC-FH2 stepping down to 14 megapixels. Both of ’em feature a newly-developed retractable 28mm wide-angle lens, a 4x optical zoom and a 720p movie mode. You’ll also find a newly-incorporated Venue Engine VI, which hastens startup and overall reaction times. Mega optical image stabilization, face detection and an intelligent scene selector are all included, as is the Lumix Image Uploader to get your shots up onto the web, STAT. Pricing on this duo is expected at a later date, though we are told that the FH5 will ship in silver, violet, black and gold, while the FH2 dons black, red, pink and blue outfits.
  • Looking for something with a bit more pizazz? The ultrathin FP series is growing by two today as well, with the 16.1 megapixel DMC-FP7 and 14.1 megapixel DMC-FP5 offering up a sexy exterior, 4x optical zoom and a 720p movie mode. The FP7 goes with a mirror-like finish, while the FP5 sticks with matte. The FP7 (shown above) also has a nicer-than-average rear, with a 3.5-inch LCD; the FP5 steps it down ever-so-slightly to a 3.0-incher. Both models include Smart Touch Screens that enable shooters to tweak lots of settings within hitting a single physical button, and the FP7 goes one step further by offering one-touch re-touching. The duo also incorporates Panny’s Venus Engine VI, mega optical image stabilization, face detection, an intelligent scene selector and a dedicated iA button. Pricing remains a mystery for these as well, but you can decide between red, blue and black on the FP7 or black, pink, silver and blue on the FP5.

Continue reading Panasonic debuts Lumix FP5, FP7, FH5 and FH2 ultraslim compact cameras

Panasonic debuts Lumix FP5, FP7, FH5 and FH2 ultraslim compact cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic’s CES 2011 camcorder launch: 3D, HD, 3MOS and 1MOS all present

Panasonic already rolled out the red carpet to issue a gaggle of new cameras, but now it’s time to tickle the fancy of those who prefer full motion video. The company is introducing a metric ton (we checked, trust us) of new camcorders here at CES in Las Vegas, so we’ll be giving you the highlights just below. For those that yearn for more, the press releases can be peeked in full after the break.

  • Panny’s “full roster” of Full HD camcorders includes a half-dozen newcomers: the HDC-SD40, HDC-TM40, HDC-HS80, HDC-TM80, HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD9, all of which are stacked with a 1MOS sensor capable of capturing clips at 1920 x 1080. The SD90 and TM90 are even capable of shooting at 1080/60p, and if you toss on the optional CW-CLT1, you’ll instantly gain the ability to record in 3D. The whole lot is designed to handle low-light scenarios like a champ, and the each feature a 28m wide-angle lens. The aforementioned power duo also have a 40x intelligent zoom, and we’re told that these can withstand up to 135 minutes of continuous recording before the battery keels over. A select few also feature touch-screen operation, but absolutely none of them have a price or release date just yet.
  • What’s better than 1MOS? 3MOS, naturally. The HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 are also making their debut here in the desert, with 1080/60p recording, support for capturing 3D (when using the CLT1 conversion lens) and a manual ring on the TM900 and HS900. Those two also tout a 20x zoom and a 3.5-inch touchpanel, and Panny claims that these guys are good enough to handle “professional-level video shooting.” The whole bunch can record to SDXC / SDHC / SD cards, while the TM900 adds 32GB of internal memory. You’ll also find an optical image stabilizer, a Crystal Engine Pro processor and an Eco-Mode function on all three, while the TM900 and HS900 get gifted with five internal microphones for 5.1 recording. Per usual, your guess is as good as ours when it comes to a price and release.
  • Bringing up the rear are a handful of SD camcorders — the SDR-H100, the SDR-T70 and the SDR-S70 — all of which are on the lean side and boast a 78x zoomer. These three offer a 33mm wide-angle lens, optical image stabilization and an Active mode, the latter of which helps to reduce blur when zooming. The group stores clips on SDXC / SDHC / SD, but the H100 also has an 80GB hard drive and the T70 a 4GB slab of flash memory. All three will be available in March, but pricing won’t be determined until sometime next month.

Continue reading Panasonic’s CES 2011 camcorder launch: 3D, HD, 3MOS and 1MOS all present

Panasonic’s CES 2011 camcorder launch: 3D, HD, 3MOS and 1MOS all present originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic intros Lumix DMC-S3, DMC-S1, DMC-FH25 and DMC-FH27 compact cameras

More Lumix goodness? You betcha. Hot on the heels of Panasonic’s CES unveiling of the FP5, FP7, FH5 and FH2 ultraslim compact camera comes this: even more Lumix compacts. Per usual, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to know below, and those hungry for more can peek the full releases after the break.

  • Up first we have two new folks joining the S series: the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1. Both of these are designed for up-and-comers looking for ease of use, with the S3 having a 14.1 megapixel sensor and the S1 dipping to a 12.1 megapixel sensor. Both of ’em tout a 720p movie mode, refreshed designs and a 4x optical zoom lens. Panny admits that they’re both “entry-level,” though you’ll still find optical image stabilization, face detection, an intelligent scene selector and the Venus Engine VI image processor. There’s a 2.7-inch LCD on the rear of each unit, and while the S3 will ship in blue, red, black and violet, the S1 will arrive in black, gold, blue, pink and silver. Mum’s the word on a price and release date, sadly.
  • The DMC-FH27 and DMC-FH25 point-and-shoots are both aimed at the fashionistas in the crowd, with the pair touting a 16.1 megapixel sensor, 8x optical zoom lens and a 720p movie mode. There’s also an advanced Intelligent Auto mode for those who detest fiddling with settings, and the Venus Engine VI image processor promises to speed up just about everything dealing with operation. Face detection, optical image stabilization and an intelligent scene selector are all present, though the FH27’s 3-inch rear LCD one-ups the 2.7-inch panel that’s on the FH25. Per usual, Panny’s keeping its trap shut when it comes to a price and release date.

Continue reading Panasonic intros Lumix DMC-S3, DMC-S1, DMC-FH25 and DMC-FH27 compact cameras

Panasonic intros Lumix DMC-S3, DMC-S1, DMC-FH25 and DMC-FH27 compact cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars Blu-ray to get a ‘most impressive’ announcement at CES from Vader, Fox & Panasonic

Seeing that Lucas & Co. already announced that the Star Wars series would be coming to Blu-ray we’re not exactly sure what will be announced on Thursday at Panasonic’s CES booth — please, please, please don’t say it’s another Avatar-style two year pack-in exclusive — but the invite promises it will be most impressive. Darth Vader and a number of Stormtroopers will be on hand and you know we’ll be ready to pass all information revealed onto you (given the parties involved we’re leaning towards some news about a home release of the 3D converted flicks), even if it’s just that ol’ George has decided to release the prequels ahead of the original trilogy.

Star Wars Blu-ray to get a ‘most impressive’ announcement at CES from Vader, Fox & Panasonic originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix ‘one click’ remote button coming to nearly every device it streams to

We got a hint of this when Boxee announced one, but it’s clear now that Netflix’s plans are much larger as many of its hardware partners including Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Dynex, Haier, Memorex, Iomega and Roku will also offer one-touch Netflix buttons on remotes for TVs, Blu-ray players and media streamers. It’s pretty obvious, Netflix Watch Instantly is a killer app for any connected TV platform at this point and one of the most used features, making access quicker and easier is a no-brainer.

Continue reading Netflix ‘one click’ remote button coming to nearly every device it streams to

Netflix ‘one click’ remote button coming to nearly every device it streams to originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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