Panasonic Brings VOD to Blu-ray Players

Today Panasonic is updating its entire line of 2009 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray disc players with a new firmware revision that adds Amazon's Video On Demand service. The service was originally brought to Panasonic's VIERA CAST-enabled Plasma HDTVs back in April 2009, however owners of the DMP-BD60, BD70V, BD80, and the company's portable Blu-ray disc player (B15) can now enjoy the streaming service as well.

According to this press release, Amazon's Video On Demand service provides more than 45,000 commercial-free titles, including the latest new releases and over 1000 titles in HD, all available through the Blu-ray disc players. The service provides instant video playback streamed to the player, and doesn't require downloading, waiting, or subscription fees. Consumers can add purchases to an online virtual library that can be accessed on the Blu-ray players, a PC, Mac, or other compatible players.

Unfortunately, Panasonic's VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players aren't cheap: Amazon lists the DMP-BD60 for $299.95 (but $194.99 in the shopping cart), and the DMP-BD80 for $399.99 (or $262.99 in the shopping cart). As for the streaming movies, new titles such as Watchmen and Obsessed cost $14.99 to own, $4.99 to rent for 48 hours.