At CES 2018, Panasonic unveiled four new 4K Blu-ray players (and two new OLED TV ranges), spearheaded by the DP-UB820 model. However, that won’t be the brand’s flagship player this year.
At Panacon, Panasonic's annual product launch event, the company announced that its 2018 flagship player will be the DP-UB9000 (not to be confused with the DMP-UB900 – the brand's first 4K player, launched in 2016).
The emphasis will be on audio performance, with the DP-UB9000 having a dedicated audio power supply, a 'high-performance' DAC and an XLR balanced output.
Panasonic also introduced two new soundbars: the SC-HTB200/208 and SC-HTB258.
The SC-HTB200 is exclusive to John Lewis - there will be a version called SC-HTB208 which is exclusive to Dixons, and both will sell for £149. The SC-HTB258 will cost £249.
Both models feature Bluetooth, two full-range speakers, an H.bass function to enhance low-frequencies, and ‘virtual surround’, ‘music’ and ‘cinema’ sound modes. Inputs include HDMI with ARC and digital optical.
The soundbars are compact, measuring 45cm wide and 14cm deep. The SC-HTB250 comes with a slim wireless subwoofer, which can be placed either vertically or horizontally.
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