News: Souped up Blu-ray recorder to hit market

Consumers waiting for a snazzy Blu-ray player that also records can at last get their jollies. Panasonic’s DMR-BW850 Blu-ray Disc Recorder with Twin HD Digital Tuner and 500GB HDD will not only play and record high definition content, but record two channels at once.

Panasonic claims this will be the first model in NZ to feature twin digital tuner. The BW850 will also allow extended time recording (77 hours in DR mode) of digital broadcasts in full HD quality.

The twin HD digital tuners also make it possible for users without a digital TV to watch a digital broadcast and record it at the same time. The 5.1 channel surround sound (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or HE-AAC) signal and subtitles that are included in digital broadcasts can also be recorded, allowing users to enjoy surround sound and subtitles during playback.

Release date for the BW850 Blu-ray recorder on the New Zealand market has yet to be announced, but is expected within the next few months. Watch this space.