Panasonic is launching the DMP-UB30 Ultra HD Blu-ray player this month in Japan, an entry-level BD player that will retail for not more that 40,000 yen ($360.1)

The compact device (320 x 191 x 45 mm) supports all the basic functions of the high-end DMP-UB90 model - playback of UHD BD' BD/DVD video, BD-R/RE, DVD-R/RW, audio CD, and CD-R /RW. The difference between the two players, besides their external size, is that the UB30 has only one HDMI output. In addition, the UB30 has been optimized to respond faster. For instance, the tray will open or close in about 1 second.

The UHD BD player is powered by Panasonic's "4K real chroma processor" and aoffers high-quality color up-sampling, support for HDR10 and HLG (hybrid log gamma).

It has both HDMI and optical outputs, supporting 4K/60p/4:2:2/ 36bit output or 4K/60p/4:4:4/ 24bit. Besides the ethernet port, the player can playback content stored in a USB memory stick. The supported audio files formats include DSD up to 5.6MHz, up to 192kHz/24bit, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, FLAC, MP3, AAC and WMA. Video files stored in an attached USN memory can be also reproduced ( MP4, maximum 4K/30p, HDR, HEVC.)

Sony is also expectd to respond to Panasonic's new DMP-UB30 player with the release of the UBP-X800 model in June 24. This one will cost about 45,000 Yen ($405.1).