Panasonic Unleashes First Ultra HD Blu-ray Players which support HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is today delighted to announce the launch of its latest Ultra HD Blu-ray Players, including two models – the DP-UB820 and DP-UB420** – which support HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology, the next-generation HDR format. And with the accompanying DP-UB330/DP-UB320 series, the line-up for 2018 comprises four players, all Ultra HD Premium certified.

The 2018 line-up of Ultra HD Blu-ray players is powered by an HCX Processor, expertly developed and refined by specialists in the heart of Hollywood. Regardless of the type of content, the result is a thrilling home entertainment experience, just as the artists intended.

Panasonic's 2018 Ultra HD Players*** support voice control from both Amazon Alexa (coming soon)* and the Google Assistant (coming soon)*. Simply speak to an existing Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa enabled device, and you can conveniently fast forward or pause your favorite movie without having to use the remote control.

Taking HDR to the max

Two of the new Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray players, the UB820 and UB420, support** HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology which will offer considerable benefits to viewers through optimizing the viewing experience on a scene-by-scene basis. HDR10+ is an open, royalty-free dynamic metadata platform created by 20th Century Fox, Panasonic and Samsung. To learn more about the HDR10+ license program, please contact the HDR10+ license administration office at [email protected].

Furthermore, as a step up model, the UB820 also supports Dolby Vision**.

High Quality Pictures: Proprietary technologies faithfully reproduce original images

The 4K engine powering the line-up is Panasonic's proprietary HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) processor for Ultra HD Blu-ray. This has been improved by applying unique chroma and gradation processing to the video technologies which were developed at the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL), the R&D facility for enhancing Blu-ray picture quality. Launched last year, the HCX Processor reproduces Ultra HD Blu-ray and internet-streamed 4K video images with stunningly precise colors and optimal brightness.

Precise Chroma Processing

The UB820, UB420 and UB330/320 have an original 4K Direct Chroma Up-scaling feature that up-converts Full HD to 4K resolution for displaying beautiful colors.

Optimum HDR Processing

With more and more HDR content available on disc and via streaming services, the optimal reproduction of HDR content has become essential. In addition to having a wide range of contrast, images from Ultra HD Blu-ray players must be reproduced with fine detail in both dark and bright areas. To achieve this, Panasonic's new players use unique technologies to provide three HDR adjustment functions.

1.    HDR Optimizer***

HDR-compatible TVs use tone mapping to match the brightness range of images according to the static metadata within the content, but optimal results are sometimes not possible due to the manufacturer or specific model. By conducting the tone mapping on the player, stable HDR picture quality is delivered regardless of the TV. Panasonic's original image processing technologies achieve HDR images with higher definition while tone mapping is used to adjust the brightness level of the content. Even HDR images from ordinary HDR10 and TV footage provide optimal playback.

2.    HDR to SDR conversion (Optimised Tone Remapping for SDR-TV)

Dynamic Range Conversion reproduces images with greater brightness and beauty than ordinary Blu-ray Disc images when played on a non-HDR TV with standard dynamic range (SDR-TV). This feature maximizes the image expression that is inherent to Ultra HD Blu-ray.

3.    HDR Adjustment for various viewing conditions

These models have a HDR adjustment feature which reproduces dark and bright areas with high fidelity regardless of the viewing environment. Dark scenes in HDR images are sometimes difficult to see when viewed in a bright room and may require brightness adjustment. Because HDR signals are inherently different from SDR signals, existing adjustment functions are insufficient. The UB820, UB420, UB330 and 320 use an original technology to optimize HDR video signals, which enables them to freely adjust the brightness of the HDR images. An HDR Setting button on the remote control allows the user to simply select the optimal setting for the viewing environment.

High Quality Sound: Unique audio technologies achieve rich sound reproduction

7.1-channel analogue audio output

The UB820 supports analogue 7.1-channel audio for direct connection to a home theatre system for lifelike surround sound. Each terminal is gold-plated to resist oxidization and maintain high signal conductivity.

Twin HDMI Pure AV (Audio/Video isolated twin HDMI)

The UB820 and UB420 Series feature dual HDMI outputs for isolating and transmitting TV (4K video) and amplifier audio. By separating audio and video signals, unwanted noise is suppressed, resulting in high-quality audio reproduction.

High-Res audio playback

The UB820, UB420, UB330 and 320 are designed for high-resolution audio reproduction. In addition to conventional WAV/FLAC/MP3/AAC/WMA formats, DSD (11.2MHz***/5.6 MHz/2.8 MHz) ALAC and AIFF music files can be reproduced. Simply connect to a home audio system to enjoy music sources equivalent to studio master sound quality.

Digital tube sound with up-sampling

The distinctive, warm, comforting sound characteristics of tube amplifiers are faithfully simulated on the UB820 and UB420. Six different kinds of sounds from vacuum tubes with 96-kHz/192-kHz up-sampling can be enjoyed in exceptionally high quality.

Smart Networking: Fully fledged network functionality to easily enjoy a variety of 4K sources

Viewing Experience Controlled via Voice

Panasonic's 2018 Ultra HD Players*** support voice control from Amazon Alexa (coming soon)* and the Google Assistant (coming soon)*. By simply speaking to them, a variety of operations, such as fast forward and pause, can be carried out by voice without having to use the remote control. Future plans will include starting and operating apps, such as VOD.

Compatible with 4K VOD

Two models in the 2018 line-up, the UB820 and UB420, both support 4K VOD (Video on Demand) services, offering a paramount video viewing experience for those who demand uncompromised quality in picture and sound when watching streamed content.

4K camcorder video and JPEG playback

4K videos (MP4 format) taken with a camera or camcorder can be reproduced using Panasonic's 2018 Ultra HD Players, while JPEG data can be created in 4K resolution so you can enjoy the memories of vacation trips in all their natural beauty.

Design: The stylish and compact design provides a high-quality presence

3D Glass Cut Design

All of this advanced technology is packed inside a stylish, compact body featuring Panasonic's 3D Glass Cut Design. This simple yet eye-catching design perfectly complements any flat-panel TV, while the Ultra HD Blu-ray Player's front panel features a bevel cut finish on all four sides to present a subtle yet distinctive presence.

* Subject to availability           
** Enabled by software update
*** Excluded in UB330/320 Series

DP-UB820 Series Main Features

High Quality Picture

• Ultra HD Blu-ray Playback (4K/HDR)
• HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) Processor for Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
• Supports HDR10+/ Dolby Vision™ dynamic metadata technology^*1
• 4K High-Precision Chroma Processing
• 4K Direct Chroma Up-scaling
• 4K 60p/50p/4:4:4 Output
• HDR Optimizer
• FULL HD 3D Blu-ray Disc™ Playback

High Quality Sound

• 7.1ch Analogue Audio Output
• TWIN HDMI PURE AV (Twin Isolated Output）
• High Clarity Sound Premium
• HDMI Low Clock Jitter Process
• Digital Tube Sound with Up-sampling
• High-resolution Audio Playback (DSD (11.2MHz/2.8MHz/5.6MHz), ALAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF)
• 192kHz/96kHz Surround Re-master

Smart Features

• Viewing Experience Controlled via Voice
• 4K VOD^{*1 *2}
• 4K Networking (4K Video/ 4K Jpeg Playback)
• Internet Apps^*2
• DLNA (Client/Renderer)
• Network Drive Access
• External HDD Playback
• Mirroring with Smartphone / Tablet
• Web Browser^*2
• Wireless LAN Built-in
• Stylish GUI
• Quick Start
• Home Screen Wallpaper
• Control by HDMI Connection

*1 Enabled by software update
*2 Requires broadband Internet service.

DP-UB420 Series Main Features

High Quality Picture

• Ultra HD Blu-ray Playback (4K/HDR)
• HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) Processor for Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
• Supports HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology^*1
• 4K High-Precision Chroma Processing
• 4K Direct Chroma Up-scaling
• 4K 60p/50p/4:4:4 Output
• HDR Optimizer
• FULL HD 3D Blu-ray Disc™ Playback

High Quality Sound

• TWIN HDMI PURE AV (Twin Isolated Output）
• High Clarity Sound Premium
• HDMI Low Clock Jitter Process
• Digital Tube Sound with Up-sampling
• High-resolution Audio Playback (DSD (11.2MHz/2.8MHz/5.6MHz), ALAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF)
• 192kHz/96kHz Surround Re-master

Smart Features

• Viewing Experience Controlled via Voice
• 4K VOD^*1*2
• 4K Networking (4K Video/ 4K Jpeg Playback)
• Internet Apps^*2
• DLNA (Client/Renderer)
• Network Drive Access
• External HDD Playback
• Mirroring with Smartphone / Tablet
• Web Browser^*2
• Wireless LAN Built-in
• Stylish GUI
• Quick Start
• Home Screen Wallpaper
• Control by HDMI Connection

*1 Enabled by software update 
*2 Requires broadband Internet service.

DP-UB330/320 Series Main Features

High Quality Picture

• Ultra HD Blu-ray Playback (4K/HDR)
• HCX(Hollywood Cinema Experience) Processor for Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
• 4K High-Precision Chroma Processing
• 4K Direct Chroma Up-scaling
• 4K 60p/50p/4:4:4 Output
• FULL HD 3D Blu-ray Disc™ Playback

High Quality Sound

• HDMI Low Clock Jitter Process
• High-resolution Audio Playback (DSD (2.8MHz/5.6MHz), ALAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF)

Smart Features

• 4K VOD Supported^*1*2
• 4K Networking (4K Video/ 4K Jpeg Playback)
• Internet Apps^*2
• DLNA (Client/Renderer)
• Network Drive Access
• External HDD Playback
• Web Browser^*2
• Wireless LAN Built-in^*3
• Stylish GUI
• Quick Start
• Home Screen Wallpaper
• Control by HDMI Connection

*1 Enabled by software update
*2 Requires broadband Internet service.
*3 Except the UB320.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S. including LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Blu-ray players, Home Audio, Technics, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Beauty, Grooming, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good.  Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution. 

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