Panasonic at CES 2016: 5 things we learned

Panasonic's CES 2016 press conference may have involved a lot of talk about the company's deep involvement with the infrastructure of an entire city (Denver, Colorado) but also included several extremely interesting home entertainment stories. Here are five key points from Panasonic at CES.

See all our Panasonic news and reviews

1. 4K Blu-ray is imminent

There's at least one 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player - the DMP-UB900 - coming to Europe in the spring of 2016. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but we're told it will be shy of 1000 euros. We'll keep an eye out for the full specs of the player (not to mention some discs).

MORE: Panasonic's 4K Blu-ray player to go on sale in Europe this spring

2. UHD Premium is now an official Thing

Panasonic's range of 4K TVs (currently one of the widest on the market) will get wider still in 2016, with the introduction of the DX900 series of UHD Premium-certified LED TVs. UHD Premium is a recently devised standard for HDR 4K from the UHD Alliance.

MORE: Ultra HD Premium spec announced for HDR 4K content and devices

3. Meet the new boss - hopefully the same as the old boss

The Technics Grand Class range of stereo separates (unveiled at IFA in Berlin last September) now officially includes the SL-1200G direct-drive turntable, an updated reworking of a genuine hi-fi (and DJ) classic. And it looks rather lovely.

MORE: Technics launches Grand Class SL-1200G turntable

4. Pana' goes in-car

Panasonic has partnered with Grammy Award-winning engineer/producer Elliott Scheiner to produce a cutting-edge in-car entertainment system (called the ELS Studio) for 2017's hotly anticipated Honda/Acura NSX supercar. We expect plenty more by way of in-car entertainment news throughout the week.

5. The place is Rio and it will look grand

And lastly, there's the exciting news that Panasonic will be providing more than 100 HD projectors for the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. In 4K, we hope...

MORE: CES 2016 news highlights

Kashfia Kabir
Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products (including speakers, amplifiers and headphones), been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. In her spare time, Kash can be found tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and hanging out with her cat Jolene.