Portable Panasonic DMP-B15 Blu-ray Player Priced

We had a good look at the Panasonic DMP-B15 when it was on display at the CES back in January and if you were tempted back then, now it's time to get out your wallet, as it has just gone on sale in the US.  It's no bargain though, as you'll have to count out $800 before the box is handed over!  So what do you get for your money?

Panasonic claim the B15 is the world's first portable Blu-ray player (a niche few knew even existed) and it sports an 8.9" widescreen LCD display, presumably really showing off that 1080p sharpness, which folds out to stand like a digital photo frame rather than being a clamshell, like most portable DVD players.  Panasonic have used their PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology to provide the best possible image quality, as found on their main players.

The B15 is BD-Live enabled, has an SD Memory Card slot for pictures and video, and gives access to Panasonic's online Viera Cast content including Amazon On Demand and YouTube.  The battery is claimed to be worth two-and-a-half hours before needing to visit the charger, and there is an HDMI socket allowing you to connect the B15 to an HD TV, so it can be used around the house.  Finally, a kit for using the player in the car will also be available.

For $800, you could buy two regular Blu-ray players and a portable DVD for out and about, so we can't see this making a big splash until prices come down and even then, the portable DVD market it's up against is hardly massive.  Still, there's no denying it's a very flash gadget and if the cash is flowing freely, that Panasonic quality is certain to impress.  The UK is also scheduled to get the DMP-B15 at the end of the summer, with a price to be confirmed.