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Review of Panasonic DMP-BD35 blu ray player

December 6, 2008



Panasonic updates their mainstream consumer Blu-ray disc player with the DMP-BD35k. Like Samsung and for obvious reasons, Sony, Panasonic has jumped on Blu-ray band wagon early on. They introduced the popular DMP-BD30 as the mainstream consumer model. However, the DMP-BD30 lacked many features that are now standard on most of new models. Mainly, it lacked high defintion audio decoding and Profile 2.0 compliant with the BD LIVE features on the newer Blu-ray movie discs. The DMP-BD35 fixes these problem.

The DMP-BD35 supports new sleek design over the DMP-BD30 model. The length is same as the old model but the width and depth has been drastically reduced. Also, the new model cuts about almost 4 lbs over the older model. The DMP-BD35 sports black glossy finish. The disc tray is located in the middle with the LCD to the left of center. The other function buttons are hidden behind pull down tray at the base of the player. There are plenty of connectivity including HDMI, component video, SD card reader and the important Ethernet. There are no direct 7.1 channel audio output which might deter some buyers. But, the SD card reader is definitely a big plus. The player supports the Profile 2.0 out of the box which is nice bonus. And, future firmware upgrade should be easy with the ethernet port.

The video quality is stellar. The colors were spot on without any noticeable hue difference. Again, different set up might produce different results from the player. I've ran it through two different television set and found them to be consistantly excellent. I noticed no jaggies or artifacts watching Batman Begins disc. The addition of high definition audio will be a great plus for many buyers. If you have older receivers, the decoding of high defintion audio might not be possible. This model will decode most high definition audio formats including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master audio. As I've stated earlier you can go with analog 7.1 channel only thorugh receiver. Otherwise, the quality of audio is simply amazing.

If you already own older model with latest receiver, this might not be a necessary upgrade. Even if you want the Profile 2.0 which has limited support as of now. However, for little more money, this player will had onboard decoding of the latest high definition audio as well as latest profile support. And the video and audio quality simply amazing.

Panasonic DMP-BD35K 1080p Blu-ray Player Panasonic DMP-BD35K 1080p Blu-ray Player
List Price: $299.95
Sale Price: $49.99
You save: $249.96 (83%)
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Description

Amazon.com Product Description Panasonic's two new slim, BD-Live compatible, feature-filled Blu-ray players, the DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55, offer cutting edge technologies focused on producing the ultimate movie-viewing experience...

Features

  • Blu-ray Player; BD Live
  • Home Theater audio system and a VIERA HDTV converts the home entertainment experience into a true-to-life cinematic experience
  • VIERA Link: Operate with your VIERA Remote Control
  • SD Card Slot
  • 7.1-channel surround sound.

Rating:

 

Video Review

Exclusive Review: Sony BDP-S550 Blu Ray Player

December 6, 2008



The Sony BDP-S550 represents an upgrade to the popular entry level BDP-S350. Like Samsung's BD-2500's upgrade over BD-1500, this player adds few more features as well as audio processing from the entry level models at a nomial cost increase. The BDP-S550 includes out of the box support for most of high definition audio decoding as well as bitstream capability. Also, it includes ethernet and USB connectivity as well as internal storage capacity.

As with Samsung's upgrade, the Sony BDP-S550 looks remarkably similar to the BDP-S350 model. The tray dominate the middle of the player with LCD screen to the right of the tray. The basic play back function at the far right. The true 24 fps light is there when the play back is at true 24 frames. The back contains all the connectivities. These include the analog 7.1 channel output, HDMI, ethernet, usb port, and your s-video, and component outputs. Most people would probably only use the HDMI and the various audio outputs.

BDP-S550 adds profile 2.0 out of the box unlike the previous BDP-S350. It's not a huge deal since BDP-S350 can be upgraded to profile 2.0 via firmware upgrade. Most significantly, The BDP-S550 adds the onboard decoding capability of DTS-HD high resolution audio and DTS-HD Master audio. These can be handy if you don't have receiver capable of decoding these audio. Also, the 7.1 channel might be useful if you have that home theater set up. Another addition is the 1 GB worth of internal storage available which might come handy for various BD-LIVE features or just storing digital medias files.

The video quality is outstanding as usual. Most players will display great video quality. The pictures were vibrant and sharp. I didn't notice any artifacts or jagginess. The fast motion sequence were
flawless as well. The upconversion of regular DVDs were not as sharp as I'd like them to be. However, you can't expect too much in upconversion as it is just a bonus in my opinion. You buy the Blu-ray player to play Blu-ray movies. This does not mean it looks terrible. It just means your dvds are not going to be as good as the blu-ray movies. The plethora of audio output option is nice to have. I have the 7.1 channel set up and it sounds pretty good. I've ran it through receiver and directly from the unit itself. I did not notice any drop off in sound quality.This is a great player to go along with your high defintion television set. As of writting, you can purchase this player at sub $400.00 price mark in various retailers and internet retailers. This is solid performing unit at a competitive price.

Sony BDP-S550 1080p Blu-ray Player Sony BDP-S550 1080p Blu-ray Player
List Price: $399.99
Sale Price: $125.00
You save: $274.99 (69%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Description

Amazon.com Product Description Bring home the future of Blu-ray Disc technology with BD-Live and the BDP-S550 Blu-ray Disc player. The S550 is the step-up model to Sony's BDP-S350. It adds a gigabyte of onboard memory, so you can enjoy expanded Blu-ray capabilities like BD-Live interactive features right out of the box, and dts-HD compatibility for studio-quality sound...

Features

  • Bonus View & BD-Live (Profile 2.0) w/1GB flash memory for local storage
  • Full HD 1080/60p & 24p True Cinema Video Output
  • Dolby? True HD/DTS?-HD decoder built-in with 7.1ch out. Quick start up mode.
  • Dolby? TrueHD & DTS-HD bitstream out over HDMI? (V1.3)
  • x.v.Color? for AVC-HD

Rating:

Video Review

Samsung BD-P2500 Review – First Impression

November 29, 2008



As the manufacturer to first release a Blu-ray disc player, Samsung has enjoyed the status as one of premier manufacturers when it comes to Blu-ray disc player. Most of us don't need introduction to Samsung as they make great consumer electronics. The korean company has come very far in reaching and perhaps surpassing Sony as the most recognized consumer electronic brand. As such, we come to expect solid, if not great players from Samsung. Their previous main consumer player, BD-P1500, has been pretty popular player with solid performance at a great price. This player builds on the success with added features such as Profile 2.0, ethernet and USB connectivity, and added audio supports.

The player looks pretty identical to the BD-P1500. You have the tray on the left side of the player. The LCD display is positioned in the middle with basic playback function buttons on the right side. The glossy finish welcome change from the BD-P1500's finish. Other than that, it is pretty similar player with different connectivity. The player comes with ethernet and USB connectivity. This is handy for updating firmware as well as enjoying the BD-LIVE feature on the new blu-ray movies. One thing that is missing is the SD card reader. The SD card reader would have been nice little addition as most consumers have digital cameras.

The video quality is just amazing on this player. All the blu-ray discs played without any flaws. No jaggieness, motion blur, or choppy sequences were detected in any of the blu-ray movies I played. I played the entire Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy on the player and detected no artifacts. If there is any defects, I doubt anybody can notice it without trying. The audio options are great. It has your standard analog 7.1 channel audio ports should you not have a receiver. It can natively decode DTS-HD, Dolby digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD. Rest of the high definition audio formats can be bitstreamed to your receiver for decoding. If don't have receiver for your audios, this player might be pretty good choice.

Overall, this is solid successor to the BD-P1500 player from Samsung. At this time, this player can be pruchased at less than $400.00 in various retail outlets as well as internet. There are no visible flaws with this player in terms of video or audio quality as well as solid construction. Highly recommended!

Samsung BD-P2500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Samsung BD-P2500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
List Price: $349.99
Sale Price: $100.00
You save: $249.99 (71%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Description

Amazon.com Product Description Samsung's BD-P2500 is BD-Live 2.0 Ready with an ethernet port so you can enjoy special interactive features, download extra content from the internet, and more. It has 1Gb of onboard memory and a USB port for memory expansion...

Features

  • Full HD 1080p
  • BD Live 2.0 Ready
  • Ethernet and USB for firmware upgrades
  • Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True-HD
  • DTS-HD upgradable

Rating:

 

Video Review

New Blu-ray player Sony BDP-S301 reviewed by Tim Tatum

November 21, 2008



I bought a Sony BDP-S301, and PS3. In the 1 week that I've had this player, it's done a marvelous job on video and audio quality. I'm running it on a 55" Samsung connected through HDMI. I've never had any of the stutters or other audio/video glitches that others have mentioned. I went with this player due to positive reviews and how I feel about the the brand. The BR players are all updatable so it's possible to play the latest movies. However, this player has a VERY difficult failure mode and upgrade procedure. But once you get that 1080p flat screen there's just no other way to watch video. Even with the problem it is worth getting this player for 1080p picures.

I have only had significant problems with one disk that I own and that was "Lord of War". It played the first 3/4 of the movie just fine and then started freezing up every 1-2 minutes making the movie unwatchable. For those who wonder if it will play homemade Blu-Ray DVDs I can report that I have sucessfully created a Blu-Ray DVD with menus on a 25G Single Layer BD-RE (Rewritable) disk using the LG GGW-H20L burner. Other firmware updatres are available but I haven't needed them yet. This player is good as far as disks that work on it but it does not support 48kHz/24-bit HD true sound that few blu-ray disks come with. The sound will pop out of sync with the visual. Before you buy call the manufacturer and ask if they have solved this problem by issuing a firmware (disk to put in the machine to update the harddrive) or not.

Upconversion on this player is pretty good, which is very important if you have large library of DVDs. I figured instead of spending $100 or so on upconvert DVD player to work with my new TV, I decided to go directly to Blu-Ray, since the Blu-Ray is now standard of HD DVDs. The Upconversion of standard definition DVDs is defnitely a strong point for this player. Overall, I found this player to be competent Blu-ray player and a great upconverting DVD player.

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Rating:

4 Blu-ray rating

 

 

Review was sent in by Tim Tatum. Send in your reviews to Admin@buyblurayplayers.com

Sony BDP-S300

September 10, 2008



Manufacturer's overview

Everyone will marvel at the stunning sound and picture quality of this second-generation Blu-ray Disc player. With remarkable features and versatile performance, the BDP-S300 is an amazing value.See and hear a whole new world of high definition with the incredible BDP-S300 Blu-ray Disc Player. The crystalline clarity of 1080p Blu-ray Disc movies and DVD up scaling has to be seen to be believed. Amazing 24p True Cinema output and cinema-tuned picture presets allow you to see movies exactly how the director intended. And with BRAVIA Theatre Sync, you can now you can control your compatible BRAVIA TV and AV systems from just one remote.

Our Take

This is predecessor of Sony's BDP-S350 model. As such, it is similar in terms of features. The one missing feature is the ability to upgrade the Profile 1.1 to 2.0. This player lacks the ethernet port which limits it to the Profile 1.1. As there are very few if any disc with internet content, you might not mind a player with Profile 1.1.

The connectivity exactly same as the S350 model with the exception of ethernet port. It has the standard HDMI interface as well as component and S-video for standard definition output. It does have 5.1 channel audio support for better backward compatibility.

The image quality is on par with most Blu-ray player, which means it is excellent. This player has option to output the video in true 24 fps format. 24 fps is the original frame rate at which most movies are shot. The review sites and user reviews generally rate the video output of this player as excellent. The upconversion quality is pretty similar to that of S350's level. If you have big DVD collection, this player's upconversion will be more than adequate.

The audio decoding capability is pretty similar to that of S350 model. It lacks the decoding of high definition Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. This can be easily overcome if you have receiver capable of decoding them as this player can send the signal through bit stream. Other than that, it can handle any other audio format.

The remote is very similar to that of S350. Very functional unit which lacks the back lit buttons. You should not have any problem with this unit.

Overall this is very popular model as it is feature rich model. However, if you must have profile 2.0 than you might want to have look at the S350 model as that model can be updated where as this model can not.

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Video Review

Sony BDP-S350 Review

September 10, 2008



Manufacturer's overview

Revel in astounding HD clarity with the BDP-S350 Blu-ray Disc player. The most noticeable additions to this year's model are the Ethernet port that lets you download firmware updates directly to the player, and -- with one of those firmware updates -- access web contetent encoded to Blu-ray discs via BD-Live, compatibility with the Bonus View feature of select Blu-ray movies, and a USB port that allows you to add more storage to access the growing number of special features that will be available given the immense storage capacity of Blu-ray discs themeselves. This player also outputs a Full 1080/24p True Cinema picture, and upscales your existing DVD collection to 1080p when using an HDMI connection. Dolby TrueHD capability delivers lossless sound that is true to the original studio master. Bringing it all together is the new icon based Xcross Media Bar, which provides simple navigation of the player's menu system.

Our Take

Sony has pushed its Blu-ray format to victory over the HD-DVD format. It has made foray into the mass market by offering BDP-350 model. Althought it lacks the Profile 2.0, it has plenty feature and punch to become a very popular Blu-ray player. Sony has promised to update the Profile in the near future.

The connectivity lacks some of the backward compatible audios. It lacks the 5.1 or 7.1 audio channel connectivity. The standard HDMI is present as well as component and S-video. The big plus is having the ethernet port for future update to Profile 2.0.

The video output is very good across the board. None of the problems that plagued earlier players are present in this player such as jaggies, blockiness, and chopiness. The image quality is very sharp and can handle fast moving scenes with ease according to user reviews. The upconversion quality is fantastic for exisiting DVD movies.

The audio support is bit lacking as it does not have onboard decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio. However, it does have onboard decoding capability of Dolby TrueHD. If you have receiver capable of decoding these you can easily output these formats via bitstream. But if you are lacking receiver you will be limited to Dolby TrueHD decoding.

The remote is pretty good with plenty of big directional pads and good compatiblity with other components. However, we would of have liked to have back lit buttons.

Overall, it is an excellent player at a great price. This is one of the most popular stand alone Blu-ray player.

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Video Review

Panasonic DMP-BD10A

September 10, 2008



Manufacturer's overview

The DMP-BD10A features an audio upgrade package that brings high end surround audio to the viewing experience via the inclusion of 7.1 channel surround, Dolby True HD and dts-HD High Resolution Audio decoding technology. The DMP-BD10A also incorporates Panasonic's proprietary EZ-Sync system for integrated one-touch operation of Panasonic home-theater components. In addition to playing pre-recorded Blu-ray movie discs, the DMP-BD10A plays conventional standard-definition DVDs and conventional CDs. Other key features of the DMP-BD10A include proprietary P4HD technology for performing IP conversion at the pixel level for ultra-fine details, a 297MHz 14bit Video D/A Converter with 4X oversampling, video noise shaping that improves signal-to-noise ratios by shifting noise to an unused band, and theoretical support for nearly 4400 billion colors.  The DMP-BD10A also incorporates Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital and dts decoding, and BD-J (Java application) interactive capability.

Our Take

This is one of the first attempt at Blu-ray player by Panasonic. As such, it lacks some of the features that are present in recent Blu-ray player releases. The player lacks the newest Blu-ray Profile. This player comes with Profile 1.0 which lacks the picture in picture capability of 1.1 and internet connectivity of Profile 2.0. If having the latest profile is a must for you, you might want to look for some of the newer models.

The connectivity is pretty standard.  It has HDMI and component video output as well S-video. The 5.1 and 7.1 audio channel connectivity is pretty nice if you lack a receiver.  As stated earlier, the high definition signal can only be carried by the HDMI interface.

While this player lacks the feature of some of the newsest players, it makes up for it in video output quality. As with other Panasonic players, it has received great reviews across the board. The pictures are sharp and it lacks the blockiness or choppiness experienced by some players. Having said that, most Blu-ray players have great imaging quality for most part. The upconversion quality is excellent as with other Panasonic models.

For an earlier model, this player has excellent audio support. IT can decode standard Dolby Digital and DTS. It also supports high resolution audio tracks Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via bit streaming to the receivers. The addition of 7.1 audio channel support is big plus for people with 7.1 audio channel set up.

The remote control is pretty bad for Blu-ray player of this caliber. It lacks back lit buttons as well as difficult navigation. The remote also lacks good support for other devices. You might want to pick up Logitech Harmony remote control.

Overall, it is an excellent player and can be had at low price due to its earlier spec. If you have to have the Profile 2.0, you might want to avoid this player. However, if you can live with older spec, this player is an excellent pick up.

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Video Review

Samsung BD-P1500

September 10, 2008



Manufacturer's overview

Experience the blu-ray difference with the SAMSUNG BD-P1500. You’ll get incredibly detailed images with brilliant color in full high definition 1080p resolution. Amazing picture quality isn’t the only benefit. This blu-ray disc player comes with SAMSUNG’s Anynet+ technology which lets you control all your SAMSUNG AV devices from just one remote. The BD-P1500 lets you have it all - watch your favorite DVDs and blu-ray discs or listen to CDs with the highest-quality audio.

Our take

This is an affordable player that is cheaper than most other popular Blu-ray players. The player forgoes the Profile 2.0 for the earlier Profile 1.1. This might turn off some buyers. However, Samsung has promised to upgrade the Profile in near future. This is possible because the player does have network connectivity via its ethernet port.

The player includes standard connectivity options. It has the standard HDMI output for 1080p video output. It includes component and composite output for standard definition output. It lacks the analog 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog outputs. More importantly, it has ethernet port as mentioned earlier. This will allow firmware update or Profile update in future.

The overall video quality is perfectly acceptable according to many user reviews and various review sites. Some have reported seeing some chopiness and blockiness. But these instances were minimal hard to notice unless you are looking for it. The upconversion of existing DVDs were reported to be outstanding.

The audio option is somewhat limited when it comes to high definition audio decoding. The player can deocde Dolby TrueHD but lacks the deoding capability of DTS-HD Master Audio. The good news is that it can output both of these format in bit stream format which can be decoded via receiver. If you already own a quality receiver, the lack of decoding capability should not deter you from this player.

The remote control is fairly standard. It can operate other components. However, people have complained about its lack of backlit buttons which can be pain when viewing movies in the dark environment.

Overall, it is an excellent player with great price point.

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Video Review

Panasonic DMP-BD50

September 10, 2008



Manufacturer's overview

The Ultimate Playback Source for High Definition 1080p Content

The DMP-BD50 is Panasonic's third generation Blu-ray disc player. Blu-ray media offers a wide range of functions that foster the transition to HD including 1080p image quality, lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and versatile Picture-in-Picture applications.  The DMP-BD50 adds the new BD-Live function, which uses the internet to further enhance your entertainment experience by allowing you to download additional contents and share the information with other BD-Live users.  In the future, BD-Live will allow users to connect the DMP-BD50 to the internet to download such data as images and subtitles, and to join in multi-player interactive games that are linked to bonus movie content contained in Blu-ray discs.

Experience True Cinema Viewing Right in Your Living Room

For optimum image HD i/p quality,  the DMP-BD50 features the PHL Reference Chroma processor and P conversion processor,  which combine to create UniPhier,  a precise digital video processor that produces sharp, crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie.

Incredible Sound Completes the Hi-Def Experience
The true to the original source images are complimented by an exceptionally pure, accurate sounds achieved through Audio Re-master and integrated decoders for the lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Furthermore, the DMP-BD50 can be combined with a 7.1 channel amplifier and speakers for full 7.1 channel surround sound.

HD Networking with SD Card
Networking is an essential product of the DMP-BD50. The included Memory Card slot allows for easy transferring of images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera via an SD Memory card. You can simply insert the SD card into the DMP-BD50 to view images on a large screen HD flat panel television with AVCHD format video images or JPEG stills in full 1920x1080 resolution.

One-Touch Control from Your TV's Remote
With EZ Sync HDAVI Control, you can control your Blu-ray Disc player and all your home theater components with your TV's remote2. Simply press the EZ Sync button and select "BD Player" on the menu screen; the BD player's menu will be displayed and you can begin playback.

Our Take

This player is one of the first player to implement the Blu-ray Profile 2.0, BD-LIVE, which supports the internet connectivity.  The movie studios will have internet only contents available on the upcoming Blu-ray movie releases.  Also, the Profile 2.0 will allow firmware update via internet instead of flashing through the use of discs.

The player offers plenty of connectivity including HDMI and component video output. It offers 5.1 analog output for backward compatibility. As an added bonus, the player has SDHC card reader that can read various data such as MP3s and JPG pitcure files.

The review on the video quality seems to be positive from various review sites. Both users and reviewers are very satisfied with the video output quality. The picture displayed no choppiness or blockiness. It also handled various video output format such as 1080i as well as 1080p.

There is no shortage of audio output option on this player, It supports high resolution audio formats Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio via onboard decoder.  It can also send out the audio via bit stream format to receiver should you choose to do that. Naturally, it supports the 5.1 and 7.1 channel analog output.

The included remote does the job adequately. It is programmable remote so you can use it to control various other home theater equipments.

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