Panasonic Archives - Journeys Are My Diary

I recently got a brand new Panasonic Blu-Ray player and I wanted to tell you all about it! It’s a Panasonic DMR-PWT550EB (if you care about that type of thing!). It plays Blu-Ray discs (as well as regular dvds) but not only that, it has built in Freeview AND recorder. This beautiful looking dvd player has fantastic functions, all-in-one and for anyone who doesn’t have Sky (or something similar) this is a great idea for watching freeview channels and being able to record them – as well as the obvious – watching blu rays and dvds.

As all our TV, stand, X-box One etc are black, this dvd player fits in perfectly. It’s stylish and modern in design, light weight but still feels sturdy. Nearly all functions are via the remote control, with the box itself being very simple. The DVD/Blu-Ray functions are fairly standard, but having the built in freeview, really gives this box something special.

The Freeview Play menu and interface is really simple and easy to use. You can watch programs from the last 7 days, as well as the current live shows. You can record programs, both from the box itself or even via the internet while you’re out. There are loads of great features and while my TV isn’t 4K, it supports this and full HD. Again, my TV doesn’t support it, but I believe it’s also suitable for 3D dvds and can even convert 2D ones into 3D.

This Blu-ray/dvd/freeview/recorder is really everything in one and with a nice look, simple use and good brand, it really is one to recommend!

Recently Chris told me that he might be picked to trial a new Panasonic 4K TV, as part of his job. He works for BT and apparently its something you can sign up for and if he’s lucky, we’ll get a TV to try for a while. Since I didn’t really have a clue what he was talking about, I nodded and smiled politely, saying that sounded great while really not caring. However after seeing the odd thing here and there about 4K TVs, I decided I’d actually do some research!

If like me, you’re wondering what the hell 4K TVs are, then you should definitely read on. I’ve been finding out all the details – to save you doing it too!

Ultimately, 4K TVs are the next step forward in advanced technology. They are the next big thing, with regards to TV. They offer four times the resolution of HD TVs and 8 million pixels on screen versus 2 million you get from 1080 HD. They project a crisper, cleaner and sharper picture, than any TV available before. So is it all about picture quality? Well in short, yes. The new 4K screens will allow you to view everything better – better than cinema quality in fact, in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking for great deals on 4K TVs, consider checking out local pawn shop.

Like with HD though, you need things to be available that cater to the higher quality and resolution – just like Sky HD does. 4K is already being picked up by several companies, Netflix being one of the first to pick it up, but other companies hoping to follow, such as Sky with a 4K box and hopefully Amazon Instant video too. Other companies are likely to follow too and no doubt the list will grow.

Although the main point of 4K TVs is to offer better quality pictures, that’s not to say that’s all a 4K TV does. Connectivity to other devices is sure to be a big selling point, as connecting to these platforms is what allows you to use and appreciate the better quality picture. Not only will the TVs allow you to connect to other devices via HDMI, it will also connect you to your camera, your camcorder, your gaming console – all so you can experience and benefit from the high quality screen res. Using various apps you will also be able to “Swipe and Share” – swiping a photo to your TV and viewing it there – or insert a camera SD card and view pictures and videos that way. And of course – bigger is always better – so with TVs available in 65″ screens, its sure to get a lot of the tech and gadget people interested anyway.

I have no idea where we’d fit it but I’d definitely love to give a 4K TV a try. I’m always interested in changing technology and now as a household who owns 4 iPad Minis, 2 iPhones, 3 laptops and 3 computers, I feel like an uber new TV is definitely the upgrade we need – even if it is just temporary!