Although Blu-ray is the dominant next-generation optical disc format, its rate of adoption is still far from that of its predecessor, the DVD. Of course, standalone Blu-ray players are becoming more and more popular (as their price point decreases), but there are relatively few portable computing systems that come equipped with BD readers, and the same applies to desktop computers.

However, as AV Watch informs us, it would seem that the Japanese company Panasonic is keen on bringing Blu-ray to other segments of the consumer electronics market as well, namely that of automotive accessories, to be more precise. So, Panasonic has just announced the launch of the CN-HX3000D, an infotainment unit that can be easily connected to a Blu-ray optical unit. And that's because this device features a built-in HDMI port that lets users connect the recently unveiled CY-BB1000D Blu-ray drive to the main unit.

Besides the BD unit, the CN-HX3000D incorporates a 7-inch touchscreen display, which allows drivers to either watch movies at 1280 x 720 pixel resolution (720p) or control the multimedia center's various functions. And this really comes in handy, since there are a lot of such features to control.

Hence, Panasonic's head unit provides such functions as GPS navigation (compatible with Google Maps), support for 5.1-channel surround music playback, as well as a built-in 1Seg TV tuner. Moreover, the unit features Bluetooth connectivity and a connector for iPod and iPhones.

For the time being, no actual information regarding the availability of the new Blu-ray capable unit from Panasonic has been provided. The only thing we do know is that this unit should become commercially available at some point in the fall of 2009, with pricing details to follow at a later date. However, since this is pretty much the first of its kind for Panasonic, don't expect it to be cheap.


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