A Wotsat blog article today says Panasonic have advised that the CE company do not have Freesat recorder plans to reveal at present. This is the same statement PVR Junction and other online publishers have received this week from Panasonic UK. Our advise, like last week, is to do like us and wait for any official news or statements from Freesat or Panasonic on this, as and when, they are ready to do so.
Last week PVR Junction commented on Panasonics plans for the DMR-BW500 in the UK as not being a twin tuner terrestrial Blu-Ray recorder, but a satellite one and that discussions with Freesat taking place, as Panasonic execs at trade stands reveal earlier. This is exciting news, however, Panasonic UK were unaware of this and have no further comment to make at this time.
Relevant video snippet clip below
Update 16:00:
As Blu-Ray and Panasonic fans, we are excited to say Wotsat has changed its blog title originally titled ‘Panasonic quashes Freesat Blu-ray PVR rumours’. Their article today picked up on PVR Junctions story and stated “Panasonic has told Wotsat that it has no plans to launch a combination hard disc and Blu-ray PVR with built-in Freesat reception.”
Since publishing our page here on PVR Junction this lunch time, together with the small video clip showing Panasonic own Freesat statements at IFA on the internet, the Wotsat article is now titled “Updated: Panasonic considering Freesat Blu-ray PVR” and goes on to now say ”Panasonic is considering launching a Blu-ray recorder for Freesat when more HD channels are added to the service.”
Of course, many of our readers may be forgiven for being already under the impression this is certainly a possibility; considering the Panasonic news articles on PVR Junction on the 13th September and 11th October. In a turn around Panasonic has pointed out to Wotsat this afternoon that they will release the blu-ray recorder in the UK but the Panasonic spokes person “can not give a date yet”. As with other EU countries we know Panasonics policy is to release this recorder in areas where customers have access to high definition broadcasting.
At PVR Junction, we expect during 2009 there will be not only BBC and ITV (as is now) but also Channel 4 hi definition on Freesat. Freeview is expected to roll out its high definition broadcasting on DTT from 2009 also. BBC, ITV and Channel HD channel offerings have today been accepted by Ofcom for Freeview HD. A 4th HD slot on Freeview HD is thought a strong possibility, leaving the passage for FIVE, Virgin or other broadcasters in with a chance to feature on the HD platform should they see value.
Panasonic UK deny Freesat Blu-Ray
Panasonic have DVD recorders for freeview. Why wouldnt they have a blue ray recorder for freeview, and now the new freesat, when they are available. It was never about if, but when! The video seems to have changed the official line though.
The clip does seem to have changed the official statement. We had contacted Panasonic UK out of courtesy prior to publishing to check we could release this story or if they wanted to take a part, as, if they were planning their own press release at some stage they may want us to hold back.
However it went quiet and our guess is there was some confusion because the European arm of the Japanese company were talking publically about the blu-ray recorder for the UK and freesat, but Panasonic UK were unaware of this. PVR Junction can only relay what both sides of Panasonic are saying on the subject.
I wish somone would get on with something pretty soon – TVs should be simple and integrated. Simple standard connections and standard remote controls. No miscellaneous boxes and dozens of cables.
Nice to see that Panasonic are bringing out 32 and 37″ Freesat TVs as well. They seem to be the only company who recognise that customers want simplicity and integration – if they can pull it off (and at a reasonable cost) they have my vote!
Mike, what is a reasonable cost? Whatever the budget it will still be an expensive purchase.
Why on earth do Panasonic deny any rumours of forthcoming products?!! Most people know, that these ‘rumours’ are so often true. More than likely, Panasonic denied it at the time, because it wasn’t the news THEY wanted released at the time! Why not just enjoy the kudos of being the first maufacturer to produce a Blue Ray recorder and HDD and for the Freesat service? ( or indeed any platform for that matter!. I shall definately be purchasing one, whether it be Sony or Panasonic ( by the time i buy) and the prices fall to a more realistic price!, i’ll wait and see!