Panasonic DMP-BD30K
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"Great when it works. Best feature-set available today. Seemingly incompatible with Samsung LCD HDTV" on by ysroq1
Pros: Great features. Great output when working.
Cons: Does not work with my Samsung LN-T5265F. Others report same problem.
Summary: After researching Blu-ray players, because I have a high-quality AVR, the dmp-bd30 was by far the most attractive player to me. On the few times it has worked with my t.v., the sound and picture are fantastic. But most of the time, when running this player through my TV using HDMI, the screen flickers white and the handshake between the two devices drops and reconnects every few seconds. The player flashes a U73 error. I upgraded the player's firmware AND tried multiple, expensive HDMI cables (as well as different HDMI ports on my TV), but nothing helped. I even exchanged the player for another, to no avail.
The problem is intermittant (but occurs more than it doesn't), but once it starts, it is awful.
Searching forums on the 'net, other users and even professional reviewers have found this problem, and only when using this player with a Samsung LCD.
I am jealous of those of you who have a different make of LCD (though I LOVE my Samsung). I am going to take mine back and wait for more 1.1 generation players to come out. -
"This player does not work with Samsung LCD TV" on by jturnidge
Pros: JPEG and MP-3 playback
Cons: Does not work with Samsung LCD TV
Summary: This player had all the features I wanted, such as Blu-Ray 1.1 profile, JPEG and MP-3 playback, etc. except for one glaring problem: It does not work with my Samsung LCD TV.
The screen shows absolutely horrible screen flashing problems, image artifacts, sometimes dropping out completely and displaying snow or black screen. I have a Samsung LNT5271F LCD connected via HDMI. After some online research I found others with this same problem on Samsung LCD and Plasma sets. I tried 3 different players, different cables, different ports and they all had the same problem. Apparently the HDMI handshake drops out.
Be warned! If you have a Samsung flat panel TV, avoid yourself the hassle and get something else! -
"Outstanding 1080P Picture Quality" on by houndpr
Pros: Displays 1080P at 24 or 60 MH
Cons: Nothing that bothered me
Summary: This stand alone blu ray player replaced my
LG BH100 multi player for use on my 65"
Panasonic TH-PX600U. The LG multi player only output 1080P at 24 or 30 MH. My 65"
Panasonic TV only output 1080P at 60 MH.
Therefore, I was unable to display 1080P.
Only 1080i with the multi player. However,
the BD30 displays 1080P at 24 or 60 MH.
This was the first time that I was able to
display true 1080P on my HDTV. And the difference is noticeable and amazing. I played the first season of Prison Break with
the new player and the PQ was amazing. So much noticeably different than watching a 720P TV show on FOX or ABC, no matter what
the TV source was, OTA, cable or satellite.
Planet Earth in Blu Ray was noticeably better than Discovery Channel.
I hooked the LG BH100 up to my 61" plasma which is only 1080i. The difference in PQ
at 1080P with the BD30 vs the BH100 at
1080i is noticeably different whether Blu
Ray (Underworld Evolution, Casino Royale, Prison Break, Sopranos 6th Season) or HD DVD (Transformers, Shrek III) discs were used.
Because of the 24/60 variable 1080P output,
the BD30 is a real winner because it can
be used on a number of different 1080P displays. To the best of my knowledge all of
the stand alone HD DVD players only output
24 HZ. There are no variable 1080P HD DVD
players. If you are going to buy a blu ray
or HD DVD player make sure the 1080P output
is compatible with your 1080P HDTV.
My BD30 is in a bedroom setting with the
65" plasma. I am using the surround sound
processor built into the 65" HDTV hooked up to a pair of McIntosh LS 340's. No need for
a full blown 5.1 system. With these two
speakers the surround sound is amazing.
Using the BD30, it sounds like the screen
is talking to the audience with a center speaker and different sounds come from the
left or right speakers(e.g., doors open on the right or left, but not both, dogs bark
in the background on the left, etc)
The LG BH100 got moved to a full analog 5.1
theater setup and with the inability to provide 1080P on any of my four HDTVS, that is where it belongs.
If you are looking for 1080P, the BD30 is
the player. -
"Best One Yet" on by the computer genius
Pros: Color, sharpness,price what you get
Cons: High end Audio (however not enough understanding to make a fair judgment)
Summary: Hi,
This is my 3rd Blue Ray Player on a sony kdl-xbr40. I had the Sony S500, and now presently own the samsung p1400 and the best one yet the panasonic DMP-BD30
For the Price the Panasonic is the best one. It's less expensive than the Sony S500 which has the the old standard. The pic quality however is about the same Which is Amazing. However the Panasonic has more features such as the sd card and it's a faster machine.
Compaired to the Samsung p1400. The Panasonic (and sony) color was a lot better. Tonight I also tested regular DVD's Of course A regular DVD will never be as clear and sharp as a blue ray, But the Panaisonic did a better job. I found when playing a regular DVD through the samsung the picture was not as clear as the panasonic and the colors were a little washed out. With the Panasonic the colors were great and the faces and pictures were more focused.(however not perfect)However some movies played better than others. I judged this on the Rudy Guliani movie. However trading places looked a lot better. To sum this part up across the board on both movies the panasonic won my vote on color and clarity. With Sound to the TV. I first felt the samsung won. Then I equaled out the hdmi settings and found the panasonic had better seperation in audio (to TV) On blue ray The Samsung was great but the Panasonic was better.
I see reviews about the panasonic not having internal decoding for true hd and master. I am a person that likes the best but I am also in a small bedroom. I also have a mother who has a basic philips 5.1 suround sound which I guess is Dobly digital and that sounds great. The sales man told me the higher resolution stuff is a little clearer But we have been using dobly digital for years now. The higher end stuff after it's all said and done is over $1000.00. Which right now I don't want to spend. My speakers on the XBR40 are great and I'm happy. Much better than my 480i cathoray tv.
My question is- If my blue ray Player did internal decoding would the auido stuff be less expensive? If yes By how much. Does the reciver that does it's own decoding of bitstream any better quality than one that recieves that data already decoded?
I also have the feeling that if we are already spending this kind of money for the blue ray player and the TV We might just as well go all the way. I mean It would be stupid play true hd and master on a pair of walkman headphones? HEE HEE.
To rap this up I'm going to stick the panasonic I'll take the gamble on the audio. I like the sound to the tv which I understand is Doby digital (not sure dts) but anyway I like it and if I have a need for better sound later on I'll gradualy build up.
Have a great Holiday!!!Updated
I am watching Fiddler on the Roof in dvd form made in 1971 I am watching this with Motion enhancer on the sony xbr4(120 hz frame rate) and playing it on the panasonic dmp-bd30. This film look great the only way I see tiny improfections is if I get right nextg to the set. But from the Blue ray player the color is great, the picture is wonderful go with the blue ray player you won't you will be happy. -
"Finally a Blu-ray player loaded with features at a reasonable price" on by dvdirv
Pros: Great picture, total bitstream support, fast loading
Cons: Remote has weird layout, not lighted. No remaining time display
Summary: If you've been waiting to pick up a Blu-ray player loaded with features, check out the Panasonic DMP-BD30K. With its great picture and easy setup, it's the one to get.
It loads faster than most of my previous Sony players. You won't be waiting long to start your movie.
This player is very cool and features a cover that opens to expose the tray. Great looking unit.
Bitstream support for all audio formats is available, but you will need a compatible receiver to play them all.
The included remote is the worst part of this player. The layout is non-standard and you'll find yourself checking the manual to find the corresponding functions. None of the buttons are lighted, making it hard to read in dark room.
All in all, a great player that puts out a great picture. If only they would correct that remote!
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