Euro spec Panasonic DMP-BD30: Now with DivX
by Richard Lawler 
posted Mar 3rd 2008 at 11:17AM
Already available (and firmware updated) in the U.S., it looks like Panasonic's DMP-BD30EG/EE has a present for European and Russian buyers because when it launches this month, it will be the first DivX Certified Blu-ray player. With no indication of a firmware update to add DivX compatibility to U.S. players, that leaves U.S. buyers the option of the DivX compatible (but not yet certified) PS3, or waiting for Panasonic's DMP-BD50. Even in the post Stage6 world, DivX is a nice bonus to throw on top of Blu-ray playback while we wait for BD Live.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ivan @ Mar 3rd 2008 12:12PM
"European and Russian"?
Would you be kind enough to explain to me since when Russia is not a part of Europe? Geographically, politically, economically, in terms of sports and just about any other way Russia is part of Europe, so why did you separate the two?
Jon @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:07PM
Russia extends into Asia. So when you're talking about Russia it's not just Europe your talking about. Plus Russia is a country so they can and may have completely different trade agreements and standards if they choose to. Also, Russia is not a part of the EU so they exist as a sovereign entity in geopolitical terms.
Jon @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:10PM
D'oh! "it's not just Europe *you're* talking about."
Richard Lawler @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:18PM
If you have a problem with Panasonic treating Europe and Russia as separate markets, talk to them. I really don't care.
Scooby1966 @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:07PM
Russia spans both Europe and Asia. Many across the world consider Russia to be part of part of Europe, many consider it to be part of Asia and many prefer the Combination known as "Eurasia". Since this Board is read all around the World, you may as well separate them because either way you call it, not everyone's gonna be happy with it ;-)
Ivan @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:26PM
Is Russia part of Europe? Yes, there can be no doubt about it. Therefore, the aforementioned separation should not have taken place.
@Jon: is Europe a country? So if a country isn't part of EU it's not part of Europe? Then Switzerland is definitely isn't part of Europe, except it's almost in the heart of it.
Scooby1966 @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:34PM
Well, most Asians consider Russia to be ab Asian Country and Engadget was going by a Quote from Samsung Group Manager of Product Technology Yuki Kusumi:
"In order to give our users access to the extremely popular, high-quality DivX format, we have introduced the first DivX-Certified Blu-ray Disc Player for Europe and Russia. The timely launch of this strategic product is a direct response to the strong demand for DivX playback among consumers. We are very confident this product will be very popular in the European and Russian markets."
Like I said, any way you put it not everyone will be happy with it, so just let it go already ;-)
Ivan @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:13PM
Since Richard wasn't quoting when he mentioned either Europe or Russia, I don't think it's right to apply "what an asian man said" philosophy.
What's next? Will we see posts saying that products are being distributed well in European and Turkey markets? Give me a break :)
Scooby1966 @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:21PM
Wow!!! The HD War is over and now we're flaming over Geography!! ;-)
That "Asian Man" was the Manager of Samsung his quote was the basis of Richard's Headline, so I still say the shoe fits. This kind of reminds me of the argument "How many Continents are there?"
I say there are 7. How bout you?
Ivan @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:50PM
I say there are 6: Eurasia, North America, South America, Africa, Antarctica and Oceania. That's the way I was taught and, according to Wikipedia, that's the way geographic community gives its backing ;)
Scooby1966 @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:59PM
I was taught (I'm American) that there are 7 (N. America, S. America, Asia, Europe, Antactica, Africa and Australia). My wife is German and she was taught that there are only 5 (America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia). This is what I meant with "Not all will be happy, no matter how you say it".
Ivan @ Mar 3rd 2008 3:29PM
I guess "that Asian man" was more heavily involved in physics and maths at school than geography and history :D
Scooby1966 @ Mar 3rd 2008 3:21PM
Oh, I noticed an error in my previous post. That quote was from the Product Manager of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co (Panasonic) and not Samsung. Sorry.
fofoforever @ Apr 15th 2008 12:43PM
What about divx-hd compatibility ????
Bd30 seems to be not ready for this....it's like a standard DVD/divx player of 50£ !!!!!