Panasonic came out with two new 3D Blu-ray DVD Players in 2010, the DMP-BDT300 ($399.00) and the DMP-BDT350 ($429.99). While these are excellent 3D Blu-ray Players, Panasonic has released yet another new 3D capable Blu-ray Player, the DMP-BDT100. Listed at $249.95, the player, is a nice alternative to the higher priced 3D Blu-ray DVD Players. While being a step down from the higher end players, the DMP-BDT100 still has a great combination of functions and features. Including excellent features that give you great quality in both audio and visuals.

The 3D player has a smart, sleek looking design made up of a black finish and a silver strip running through the middle of the player. It does have a flap on the front of the panel that when lowered reveals a USB Port, SD Card Slot and some control buttons. This flap of course has to remain open when using the USB Port. The overall design is reminiscent of most Panasonic players, with the exception of the 3D Full HD logo located on the front.

VIDEO QUALITY: The DMP-BDT100 has the standard video connections of HDMI, Component Outputs and Composite Outputs. Unfortunately, unlike the higher end players, the DMP-BDT100 does not have dual HDMI 1.4 outputs, only a single. With a second HDMI output you can send the 3D video signal straight to your 3D TV via the HDMI 1.4 output and send your audio to your Audio/Video receiver via the HDMI 1.3 output.

While lacking this feature, the DMP-BDT100 single HDMI Output still handles both 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 video output resolutions. Like other Panasonic players, the DMP-BDT100 uses PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. This helps to greatly improve the color accuracy of your pictures. There is also the new P4HD Enhanced Full HD Upsampling. Taking standard DVDs and displaying them to near High Definition quality. Along with these features you have a few preset picture modes, user defined settings and some noise reduction modes, all design to provide you the kind of image you want.

AUDIO QUALITY: Audio connections for the DMP-BDT100 include HDMI, Optical Digital and 2.0-channel Analog Outputs. If you are looking for 7.1-channel Analog outputs, you will find them in the two higher end players, DMP-BDT300 and DMP-BDT350. The only way to get the highest quality 7.1-ch surround sound is via HDMI. There is on board decoding for the high resolution audio formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It can pass these audio formats in their native bitstream form over a HDMI connection to your Audio/Video receiver, if you want them decoded externally. The player is not without its audio adjustment; there is dialog enhancement and you can choose various sound effect modes such as Night Surround or Re-master 1, 2, and 3.

BD, AVCHD, DVD, Divx Plus HD, D audio, MP3, MKV and JPEG playback are all supported by the DMP-BDT100. Playback of media files can be done through the SD Card slot or USB port. The USB port, located on the front panel, can also be used to connect a wireless LAN adapter for easy connection to the internet. There is an Ethernet Port located on the rear of the player if you choose a wired connection. But once connected to your Home Network you can access Online Streaming Services, DLNA media devices and BD-Live data.

However, when accessing BD-Live content you require at least 1GB of external storage memory from either a SD Card or USB flash drive. The DMP-BDT100 is lacking internal storage memory. It does have a sufficient Online Streaming Media Service in VIERA Cast. Giving you access to Amazon Video on Demand, Netflix, YouTube™, Dailymotion, Bloomberg, Picasa™ and other Internet web sites.

The 3D player is DLNA certified as well. But it will only playback media store on a networked Panasonic recorder. Video, music and Photos from your PC can not be accessed. On a more positive side, the DMP-BDT100 has a 0.5 Second Quick Start mode for very fast booting. Over all the DMP-BDT100 offers you a great alternative to the more pricey Panasonic 3D Blu-ray DVD Players. You may lack some features, but the DMP-BDT100 3D Blu-ray DVD Player should provide you with a very pleasant Blu-ray experience.

THE PROS: The Panasonic DMP-BDT100 Blu-ray DVD Player supports Full HD 3D Playback, as well as 1080p/24 playback of 2D Blu-ray Discs. It has great audio, providing you with internal audio decoding and bitstream output for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. It also has support for Wi-Fi, BD-Live, VIERA Cast (Online Streaming) and DLNA streaming (Only from Panasonic Recorders).

THE CONS: The Blu-ray Disc Player lacks the dual HTMI Outputs that will transmit two separate signals to your 3DTV and A/V receiver. It has no multi-channel analog audio outputs. Wi-Fi requires a USB LAN adapter that is sold separately. The player has no internal memory, so an external device such as a SD Card or USB flash drive is needed for accessing BD-Live content. DLNA streaming is limited.

THE FINAL WORD: The Panasonic DMP-BDT100 Blu-ray DVD Player provides great HD audio and image quality. It has many great Blu-ray functions and features such as VIERA Cast, Wi-Fi 'Ready', BD-Live and of course 3D capability. The DMP-BDT-100 is considerably cheaper than Panasonic's other 3D Blu-ray DVD Players. (Keep in mind if you want to go wireless, you have to purchase a LAN adapter that will cost around $80.00) This should appeal to many people wanting to enjoy 3D films at home. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $250.00