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"Panasonic DMP-BDT210 could have been a good product"
on by markmi300Pros Easy setup and good interface
Cons Netflix streaming and Panasonic Tech Support
Summary Since I do not own a 3D television, the feature on the Blu-Ray player was not a driving factor for me.
Sorry if some folks don't agree with my review, but when I buy a product I expect ALL of the features to work and the manufacturer to take responsibility for their product. This is a heads up for anyone that DOES want to use the Netflix feature in conjunction with the Blu-Ray.
I bought the DMP-BDT210 from Best Buy for the Internet streaming options of Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand. I was very disappointed that I was forced to return this player and replace it with the Sony BDP-S580.
The reason I say disappointed is that (PROS) I liked the setup and feel that Panasonic has for its interface. The wireless setup automatically connected to my Wireless N instead of Wireless G using the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). The DLNA services worked without issue.
The problems (CONS) are with the Netflix streaming. Panasonic uses the login/password method for you to connect to Netflix instead of the activate code used with other products. Once you input your credentials, you are presented with a very nice layout of your Instant Queue, Recently Watched and Recommended. Unfortunately, YOU CANNOT WATCH THEM! When you choose ANY movie/TV show, you get the message "We're having trouble playing this title right now. Please try again later or select a different title."
When I contacted Netflix about it, I was informed that this is a known issue with the T210 and they gave me Panasonic's Support phone number. Netflix also told me to ask for 2nd level support as first level would not be able to actually do anything to fix the problem. Long story short, Panasonic DID NOT HELP with the issue. Their response was that Panasonic is aware of the problem. I was told that someone from 2nd level support would contact me within 24-48 hours. A week and a half later I still had not heard from tech support. I did some Google searches and discovered that this has been a problem since early March 2011. This is now the middle of April!!
As of this writing the latest firmware update is 1.56 and does not resolve the issue.
Now here is the kicker. It appears that this problem is a hit-or-miss. SomeT210's work perfectly while others do not. Something is different on the player other than the firmware/Software. I tried with two different BDT210's from two different Best Buy stores and had the same error with Netflix. I exchanged the Panasonic for the SAMSUNG BD-D6500 and was able to stream Netflix, but it would occasionally freeze. The player also would freeze on the Twitter App. I exchanged the Samsung for the SONY BDP-S580. Sony uses its own custom interface for the internet apps and the Netflix one is not as sophisticated as the Panasonic or the Samsung. Actually Sony's is subpar compared to the competition, but it works. The other (semi-bad) thing about the Sony is that they did not integrate a high end Wireless card in the hardware. The player will not connect to a Wireless N network unless you are broadcasting at the lower 2.4 GHz range. 5.0 GHz will not even show up when scanning for networks. Both the Samsung and the Sony connected to the 5.0 range.
My feelings on the Panasonic: It could have been a very good product. I might have been willing to wait a bit longer for a fix if the Panasonic Tech Support would have been more straight forward about the problem AND had at least responded to me in the 24 to 48 hour time frame that they committed to. I work in a tech support environment and a nonchalant answer and no follow up with the customer would be un-acceptable at my company.
So if you're thinking of getting the Panasonic DMP-BDT210 for Netflix streaming, check on the Panasonic site to see if they have a newer firmware version than 1.56. Also call Netflix to see if the problem is still being reported. Good luck.
Updated on Apr 20, 2011 -
"Don't buy this if you want to use Netflix!"
on by elgreco62Pros Cool controls on the front. Nice remote
Cons Netflix doesn't work! Panasonic has been aware for months and still has not fixed it
Summary Stay away from this unit if you are buying it for Netflix use. There are known bugs that Panasonic is aware but as of yet they have not fixed them.
It is amazing to me that the CNET crew continues to rate items high just on features. All you have to do is 5 min of research to see that this thing is not worth the money due to its problems. Is CNET taking payola from Pana guys???? Only my opinion here...not fact! -
"AWESOME-WORKED AS ADVERTISED"
on by jye4everPros Easy Set Up!
Easy To Use (even easier and quicker than my PS3)!!
Wi-Fi works great!!!
Netflix, Vudu, Amazon, You Tube, Cinema Now all worked as advertised!!!!
Free 3D Avatar Disk!!!!!
2D/3D Bluray looks great!!!!!!Cons None, that is correct, none!
Summary Hands down one very awesome 3D/Internet Ready/Wi-Fi Blu-ray player, especially at $170.00!
Forget to mention, out of the box it downloaded the latest 1.59 firmware. Since I didn't use this before 1.59 I don't know if it had previous problems but like I said in my review, it's working flawlessly, yes, eve Netflix and NO, I don't work for Panasonic.
Updated on Apr 22, 2011 -
"Blazing Load Speed - Great Features"
on by WildClayPros Fast Disc load speed, Fast Menu's, Solid selection of streaming services, Easy Navigation, Very Flexible config option, Easy Wireless or Wired set-up (tried both), DLNA that works, nice form factor.
My 210 was out of the box and playing in 15 minutes,Cons Menu speed while navigating streaming services is a little slow but not bad and I think maybe a function of the services. USB keyboard support would have been nice.
Summary In Summary, the price/perforamance is about as good as it gets, the 210 has got a great feature set, but most important, at least to me, was the disc load speed, I don't think twice about flipping through a few discs on this where on my BD-80 it was just not practical.
Hard to go wrong with this. -
"Great product if only the Netflix worked."
on by cocarbPros BluRay Picture, Easy of Wifi Setup
Cons Panasonic Customer Support and Netflix Streaming
Summary Bought this player for 2 reasons, watch BR movies and stream Netflix. I too am having the Netflix issue, the interface looks nice but many of us (based upon feedback from AVS Forum) can't watch a single stream from Netflix. I tried via wifi and hard line with no luck. First line customer support acts like it is a new problem every time you call. After 3 calls got a message to call Nick in customer service, after 25 minutes on hold was told that the engineers in Japan were working on the issue. When I said he could have left that on the message instead of having me wait on hold to tell me that, he hung up on me. The common answer for every call is we will have more information tomorrow, like they are close to a solution, that was a month ago.
Now that the Netflix issues have been solved am very happy with the player. Would improve my rating to 5 stars.
Updated on Oct 6, 2011
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