Denon has added two new 3D-Ready Blu-ray players to its lineup.  The DBP-1611UD and DBP-2011UDCI both offer powerful audio and video features, including Netflix and YouTube streaming, as well as SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility.

The DBP-1611UD should be available in June 2010 at an initial retail price of $399. Check availability on Amazon.com.

The higher-end DBP-2011UDCI should be available in August 2010 at an initial retail price of $799. Check availability on Amazon.com.

Denon Press Release

Mahwah, NJ, April 26, 2010 – Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, is providing discriminating consumers the opportunity to enjoy an enriched Blu-ray experience with the addition of two new 3D-Ready Universal Blu-ray players to its lineup. The new models, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, include the DBP-2011UDCI (SRP: $799, Aug.) and the DBP-1611UD (SRP: $399, June) that will join Denon’s DBP-4010UDCI (SRP: $1,999) and critically acclaimed DVD-A1UDCI (SRP: $4,499) Universal Blu-ray Disc Players in the company’s line of Blu-ray components, which also includes the S-5BD BD/Receiver (SRP: $1,799), a single-component that combines a 5.1-channel surround sound receiver with an advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player.

3D-Readiness, Ultimate Quality Audio, True “Universal” Players

Denon’s Blu-ray players represent the leading edge in performance and features for the fast-growing high-definition format. The “universal” Blu-ray models provide superior playback of virtually all 5-inch silver discs. To ensure total future-readiness, an upcoming firmware update is scheduled to be available in the fall for 3D capability in the new Blu-ray players. In addition to their ultimate-quality video reproduction, all Denon players reflect the company’s longstanding heritage as an audio leader, offering impeccable high-resolution sonic playback, including DVD-Audio and SACD.

Exciting New Content Opportunities, More On-Board Memory

Both new Universal Denon Blu-ray players provide easy and straightforward access to the Internet, opening up new content and networking opportunities. For instance, both offer Netflix* and YouTube streaming and are DLNA 1.5-certified for audio/video/photo streaming with other DLNA certified products across a network. In addition to their many innovative interactivity features, including built-in BD Live and “Bonus View” functionality, they offer leading-edge Web access features with 1GB** of on-board memory for BD-Live playback and a USB connector for additional external memory for media and BD-Live content. The players are designed to enhance a consumer’s total home entertainment experience with features such as Kodak Picture CD compatibility, as well as DivX HD+, MP3 and WMA playback (all via either recordable DVD/CD or external memory).

Noted Phil Cohn, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Denon Electronics: “As we celebrate our centennial this year, Denon is reaffirming our core principle to provide customers with the best possible options for elevating their home entertainment experience. With our new Universal Blu-ray products, we now offer consumers the best that this exciting new format has to offer, delivering all the audio and video power intended by content providers, as well as a greater level of interactivity and Internet access.”

In the new Denon Blu-ray players, ultimate quality audio and video playback is assured. Notably, the new DBP-2011UDCI features inclusion of the very latest Anchor Bay Technologies decoding Engine and Scalar, as well as all-new Burr-Brown 32-Bit, 192-kHz Audio DACs on all channels for unprecedented high-definition audio playback. For ultimate-quality image resolution, both new players feature HDMI v1.4a outputs with 3D and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) capability and 36-Bit Deep Color. Further enhancing performance, they feature independent pathways for interlaced and progressive display, plus the DBP-2011UDCI has a full complement of advanced decoding circuitry, with decoding of all the latest HD audio formats from Dolby and dts.

Not only do both the new Denon models feature the capability to stream content from the Internet, they join all other players in the company’s Universal Blu-ray lineup that are able to utilize their onboard Ethernet ports for BD-Live and firmware update access. Designed as an ideal solution for custom installation, the DBP-2011UDCI includes an RS-232 port for third-party controllers.

Panasonic has announce that its Full HD 3D Home Entertainment System will be available exclusively at Best Buy’s Magnolia Home Theater department.  The system consist of a number of individual components, which include the following:

• Panasonic VIERA VT20 50″ Plasma 3D HDTV (model # TC-P50VT20)
• One pair of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (model # TY-EW3D10U)
• BDT300 3D Blu-ray Disc Player

The glasses are actually included with the 3D TV, and additional pairs of glasses are available for $150 retail.

Of course, you can buy any of these components separately at other retailers.

Panasonic Press Release

SECAUCUS, NJ / RICHFIELD, MN (March 10, 2010) – Panasonic and Best Buy today continued their commitment to bringing 3D technology into American homes with the world’s first consumer purchase and retail availability of Panasonic’s Full HD 3D¹ home entertainment system certified² under the new Blu-ray Disc^TM Association (BDA) 3D standard, sold exclusively at select Best Buy stores via Magnolia Home Theater.

The new range of Full HD 3D capable VIERA Plasma HDTVs and a fully-featured 3D Blu-ray Disc³ player will bring a new era of immersive visual entertainment into consumers’ homes, by creating a 3D experience that easily rivals the best that can be seen in cinemas. By delivering a full 1080p-resolution image to each eye, Panasonic’s Full HD 3D technology offers consumers the highest possible visual experience. To enjoy Full HD 3D programming, users wear a stylish and lightweight pair of active-shutter eyewear.  The sets are also Full HD TVs that display pristine 1080p content in two dimensions (2D) for conventional HD viewing.

“Television has successfully moved from black and white, to color, to High Definition. But immersive, totally realistic 3D imagery has been the final frontier and beginning today, Panasonic has conquered that as well,” said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Best Buy has been a proactive and important partner in bringing 3D into the living rooms of America and we are happy to share this milestone with them.”

“The demand for 3D technology in the home is just beginning for consumers”, said Michael Vitelli, President, Americas, Best Buy, “and Best Buy is uniquely positioned to bring this experience to life for our customers through our Blue Shirts and Geek Squad Agents.  We are thrilled to partner with Panasonic as it allows us to be the first retailer to offer this complete 3D home theater solution and underscores our promise to always deliver on the latest and greatest technology.”

Beginning today, Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Home Theater System will be exclusively available at select Best Buy Stores via Magnolia Home Theater. The total combined SRP of the Panasonic Full HD 3D Plasma Home Theater System components is $2899.99.  The system consists of a 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally) Panasonic VIERA VT20 Plasma 3D HDTV (TC-P50VT20 – SRP $2,499.95) which includes one pair of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (TY-EW3D10U), and the Panasonic BDT300 3D Blu-ray Disc Player (DMP-BDT300 – SRP 399.95).   Additional pairs of 3D eyewear will be available with an SRP of $149.95. The individual components of the system will also be sold separately.

The VT20 is a Best Buy exclusive model and is equivalent to the VT25 series that was voted “Best of Show” at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.  The BDT300 is also a Best Buy exclusive model and is equivalent to the BDT350 which received the Consumer Electronics Association’s esteemed Innovations Award for its innovative 3D technology.

In addition to the 50-inch class size, the Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater System will also be available in a 54-inch class (54” measured diagonally), 58” class (58” measured diagonally) and 65” class (64.8” measured diagonally) screen sizes with suggested retail pricing and availability to be announced at a later date.

To create the best possible 3D picture, Panasonic has developed new, faster screen phosphors; coupled with its 600Hz sub-field drive, the new displays output alternating imagery at 60 frames per second to each eye. The brain then combines the images and interprets them as 3D.

The BDT300 outputs stunning, rock-solid, and immersive Full HD 3D imagery to compatible displays.  It also handles a wide variety of audio standards, and up converts all standard definition video formats. The BDT300 utilizes groundbreaking technologies incorporated in Panasonic’s proprietary UniPhier LSI chip, enabling the player to flawlessly process the large quantity of visual information necessary to create a Full HD 3D image in 1920 x 1080 resolution. Adaptive Chroma Upsampling insures that colors will be faithfully reproduced; and all native digital DVD formats are up scaled to 1080p resolution quality.

Panasonic’s Full HD 3D products meet the recently announced Blu-ray 3D™ specification standard.  This standard, which represents the work of leading Hollywood studios and consumer electronic and computer manufacturers, enables the home entertainment industry to bring the 3D experience into consumers’ living rooms on Blu-ray Disc, the most capable high definition home entertainment platform. Individual manufacturers and content providers will now be able to provide the technical information and guidelines necessary to develop and bring products to market.

In January, DIRECTV and Panasonic announced a strategic relationship that will make it possible to bring 3D TV into the homes of millions for the first time. DIRECTV’s HD 3D channels, powered by Panasonic, will offer a 24/7 3D DIRECTV Cinema and pay per view event channel focused on movies, documentaries and other programming, a 24/7 3D DIRECTV on Demand channel and a free 3D entertainment channel featuring event programming such as sports, music and other content. In addition, to celebrate the launch of Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Home Theater System, DIRECTV is giving the first customer to purchase the system at today’s Best Buy launch event in New York one year of free programming, including its upcoming HD 3D service, which will be available this June.

“The superior quality of the HD 3D programming that DIRECTV will debut in June will be unlike anything that is available in the television market today,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president of DIRECTV Entertainment.  “Being able to experience that quality through Panasonic’s Full HD 3D home theater system will make our customers feel like their living room is a 3D movie theater. We have had a long- time relationship with both Panasonic and Best Buy and we are proud to be partnering with these industry leaders to make the next frontier of television a reality.”

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has been the leader in the 3D revolution taking place in the entertainment industry.  The company has consistently supported efforts to bring consumers the benefits of 3D entertainment as quickly as possible.  In particular, Fox has distinguished itself by partnering with companies from other industries, including Panasonic, to make Full HD 3D TV a reality in the home.

“3D has invigorated the theater experience and it will be the same for the living room,” said Mary Daily, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  “Panasonic has announced amazing new products today and along with Best Buy’s commitment to the format, 3D will become a game changer for the home entertainment industry.  We are thrilled to have Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs as our debut title in the Blu-ray 3D format.  The Ice Age franchise has grossed nearly $2 billion in worldwide box office and sold more than 75 million units in home entertainment.  Blu-ray offers the premiere high definition viewing experience for the home, and Blu-ray 3D uses the advanced quality to bring the movie theater 3D experience to your home.”

In addition to its new 3D technologies, each Full HD 3D Plasma model incorporates a rich set of advanced features. VIERA CAST™, Panasonic’s innovative Internet programming package, gives viewers the ability to access  feature films plus information and communication offerings including Amazon Video on Demand™, Bloomberg News, Fox Sports, Netflix™, and Skype™ on Your VIERA TV, among others.

To bring the excitement of Full HD 3D and Panasonic’s range of home entertainment solutions to consumers, Panasonic will launch a 15-city, Panasonic Touch The Future nationwide tour next week.  The tour will kick off in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles beginning March 15 and then visit Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, Detroit, Minneapolis, Dallas and Houston in March and April.  For more information on Panasonic’s Full HD 3D technology as well as product images, please visit www.panasonic.com/3D.

Corel is a mainstream provider of computer applications for photo and video solutions, includinng WinDVD Pro.  The company recently announced the development of a WinDVD version that supports 3D Blu-ray playback on PCs.

The new software is expected to be available in 2010, and we should be able to check it out at CES in January.

More details in the press release below.

OTTAWA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corel Corporation (NASDAQ:CREL) (TSX:CRE) is working with partners including NVIDIA to offer a stunning 3D-entertainment experience on the PC. Building off the strengths of its renowned Corel® WinDVD® software, Corel today announced that it has developed a prototype 3D Blu-ray playback software application.

Developed in anticipation of the upcoming 3D Blu-ray specification, this new prototype is poised to become a cornerstone of the 3D experience as exciting possibilities emerge with the anticipated growth of PC-driven home theater systems.

“Corel is already a leader in the Blu-ray video market for editing and playback and this WinDVD 3D Blu-ray prototype is our next step in pushing the evolution of PC entertainment,” said Joe Roberts, Executive Vice President, Products for Corel. “Driven by our goal to offer the ultimate video entertainment on the PC, we’re committed to introducing a new playback application that will bring this absorbing and engaging 3D experience to the next generation of home-theater.”

“With 3D Blu-ray on its way to consumers’ living rooms and desktops, we’re pleased that Corel is supporting this exciting emerging standard,” said Phil Eisler, General Manager of 3D Vision Business at NVIDIA. “This new prototype software demonstrates Corel’s leading role in the video space and the tremendous potential for the 3D playback experience when used in conjunction with NVIDIA GPUs and 3D Vision technology.”

Currently available as prototype software to industry partners, Corel expects to make a 3D Blu-ray version of WinDVD® commercially available later next year. Customers and partners can see Corel’s 3D Blu-ray prototype software in action at the NVIDIA booth (#35912, South Hall) at CES 2010.

The Blu-ray Disc Association (whose website sucks) has announced a task force to work on the integration of Blu-ray and 3D technology for some serious 3D TV enjoyment.  Fortunately for us, Blu-ray’s tech development appears to be more adept than their wesite development, which means we will be seeing in 3D 1080p sooner rather than later.

“The format has been widely embraced by consumers, and the 1080p picture quality and overall experience have become the standards against which all other high-definition delivery platforms are measured. Blu-ray Disc’s capacity, flexibility and incomparable picture quality coupled with the activities of the BDA’s 3D task force sets the stage for a 3D home entertainment specification that establishes another industry standard and enables an in-home 3D consumer experience unmatched by any other delivery mechanism,” said the BDA in the statement.

[via Video Business]

The Polar Express is now available in 3D for both Blu-ray and standard DVD.  I decided to pick up the DVD version and give it a try, since it is a household favorite.  While I greatly enjoyed the movie (I had seen it several times before), I have to say that the 3D effects failed to live up to my expectations.

I think a lot of the problems that I noticed or experienced were due to the poor quality of the 3D glasses included with the DVD, which were cardboard with red and blue plastic over the eye-holes.  Unfortunately, these are just plain cheap.

I followed up with a second “test-viewing” (not the whole film again though) with some marginally better 3D glasses and noticed a bit of an improvement in the 3D effects.  I will note, however, that my wife and 6-year-old didn’t have the same complaints in the first viewing.  Perhaps I am just too picky – or maybe because I’ve seen where the tech is going and expect so much more out of a 3D experience?

If you’ve got kids, I’d say that they would enjoy this movie and it’s probably worth the $15 I paid for it for that reason alone.  Just don’t expect to be impressed by the 3D effects.