Panasonic DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55

[Zookster]

Thanks fo the input. I think I'm leaning more towards the Panny BD35 now for the reasons you've listed. It would be good to know if there will be any PQ advantage to either between netflix streaming for the devices (Roku is talking about lower bitrate compared to xbox). It sounds like the Roku will be stuck at prologic 2 for the forseeable future. I'm not sure if the streaming for other devices will also be limited that way. I know Netflix streaming is still in it's childhood, but I really think it will be a big deal in the near future.

If Netflix streaming continues to expand, as it looks like it will, then I expect Roku will come out with a 2nd gen box. Probably a safer bet than expecting the current Samsung and LG players to offer expanded capabilities through firmware updates (though 360 probably is more capable and likely to upgrade in that regard, I suspect).

 

[gadgtfreek]

After using Vudu, I can say I wont go any further than downloading Amazon VOD TV shows to my laptop for tv viewing, until HD Vod gets better PQ than current and adds better audio.

Blu-ray for all movies.

 

[cebbigh]

After using Vudu, I can say I wont go any further than downloading Amazon VOD TV shows to my laptop for tv viewing, until HD Vod gets better PQ than current and adds better audio.

Blu-ray for all movies.

I would like to say Bluray for all movies too but the quantity isn't there yet. Streaming gets me to a point where I am willing to shed premiums.

 

[gadgtfreek]

I generally only watch new releases, so BR is fine.

 

[Zookster]

I generally only watch new releases, so BR is fine.

Same here. Now that I have a second BD player, and so much more is coming out in BD, I've upgraded my Netflix sub and dropped the bitrate-starved HBO channels my cable co. puts out.

 

[cebbigh]

Got the Panny bd-35 at Amazon for 227.38 free shipping. (247.62 with WA state tax added because Amazon is headquartered here).

The Samsung bd-p2500 was tempting but there are so many glowing reports on the Panny. Maybe Sammy QC has improved but they do seem
prone to rush things to market before they work all the kinks out. Plus the price on the Panny was too good to pass up.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Got the Panny bd-35 at Amazon for 227.38 free shipping. (247.62 with WA state tax added because Amazon is headquartered here).

The Samsung bd-p2500 was tempting but there are so many glowing reports on the Panny. Maybe Sammy QC has improved but they do seem
prone to rush things to market before they work all the kinks out. Plus the price on the Panny was too good to pass up.

I agree, its a even better price than I just got from Amazon.

You'll love the picture quality of the unit, plus when a Panny player has disc issues, they are very fast with FW updates.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Dunno how many are sub'd to the AVS thread for these players, but its quite interesting. Is it me, or do people over obsess about audio? The last two weeks worth of posts are nothing but, now someone is yapping about licensing and why Panny doesnt note it.

I've never seen such a thing in a hardware thread. I actually unsub'd from the BD30 thread because of the same ol crap. We almsot need two threads, one for people who want to discuss FW updates, technical questions and new owners, then another for those who want to obsess over audio, video, "professional" reviews (you know at avs, nothing us amateurs state as observations carry any weight), receiver questions and why the BD55 has rubber feet. I swear, some of those guys would argue all day long over what color shade the sky is.

Im glad the tv threads Ive been on arent like this. The thread here will be better for asking a simple question and getting a simple answer. Another thing that happens when a thread gets out of control, is newbies see its 100 pages long and dont bother reading, then the same question gets asked over and over again, only causing the thread to grow and perpetuating the issue.

 

[Ilya]

AVS forum is a great resource when you are searching for something specific. But it's just too crowded and too noisy there. I never have time or patience to read through those 100+ page threads.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Im surprised we havent seen our resident troll in this thread dissing on Panasonic?

 

[teamerickson]

Im surprised we havent seen our resident troll in this thread dissing on Panasonic?

If you're talking about who I think you're talking about, it's probably because it internaly decodes and is profile 2.0.

 

[Zookster]

If you're talking about who I think you're talking about, it's probably because it internaly decodes and is profile 2.0.

Just to give you-know-who a little help if he wants to join in...the BD35 does NOT have a subtitle button on the included remote. Also, its load times are slower than my 5-year-old Panasonic 5-disc DVD changer. What gives Panasonic? You can do better than that!!!

 

[SatinKzo]

I noticed my BD55, the blu light is NOT the same color as all my blu-ray cases.

 

[teamerickson]

I noticed my BD55, the blu light is NOT the same color as all my blu-ray cases.

You better turn if off then.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Quick question for clarity to help a friend.

3.1 Setup
Wanting BD35
Non HDMI rcvr

If he runs toslink from the BD35 to the rcvr, he'll get the higher bit dolby and dts cores (640 and 1.5) correct? Also, by looking at the manual online, does it matter if you have bitstream on or off while using toslink?

Thanks

 

[Zookster]

Quick question for clarity to help a friend.

3.1 Setup
Wanting BD35
Non HDMI rcvr

If he runs toslink from the BD35 to the rcvr, he'll get the higher bit dolby and dts cores (640 and 1.5) correct? Also, by looking at the manual online, does it matter if you have bitstream on or off while using toslink?

Thanks

That's pretty much my bedroom set up for the BD35 (minus the 0.1). I fiddled around with the various audio options, including running the 2 analog out to my 6 channel analog capable receiver with the BD 35 set for PCM, and the best sound I've gotten from each of the BD's I've tried by far was bitstreaming DD/DTS via toslink. My receiver does a pretty good job of folding the surrounds into the fronts, and all three speakers have enough bass that I don't miss a sub (though any action/sci-fi movies will certainly be shown only on my living room HTC )

 

[gadgtfreek]

Cool, thanks.

 

[teamerickson]

Holly Cow! You can get the Panny 35 and 4 movies for about $200. The 55 for about $300.

Link

 

[gadgtfreek]

Hey Teachsac, I saw where you are using "Cinema" for the BD35. I have not seen much more commenting on these modes here or at AVS. Do you feel its the best PQ?

 

[teachsac]

I might have changed to normal or fine. I can't keep track any more.

S~