Sony BDp-S500 or this one??? I'm in the market for a blu ray player and both these players have very good reviews, but i have no idea what this 1.1 compliance mean about Panasonic (yes i have no clue about technical stuff) Lets assume money doesnt matter which one would you prefer and why? Sony BDp-S500 or this one??? I'm in the market for a blu ray player and both these players have very good reviews, but i have no idea what this 1.1 compliance mean about Panasonic (yes i have... » Read More Sony BDp-S500 or this one??? I'm in the market for a blu ray player and both these players have very good reviews, but i have no idea what this 1.1 compliance mean about Panasonic (yes i have no clue about technical stuff) Lets assume money doesnt matter which one would you prefer and why? « Show Less
1984818
You should wait like me because blue ray players with profile 1.0 and 1.1 wont be able to play future discs. Since blue ray is coming out with 2.0 players later this year, newer disc will need the technical specs of the newer players. I was in the market on buying a blue ray player as well but then i read this http://www.cooltidbits.net/2008/01/before-you-buy-blu-ray-player-read-this.html
1984819
I bought the BD-30K about a week ago after reading way to many tech reviews and forums.I chose it because it's the latest version and have been very happy with other Panasonic components as well as the connections for 5.1 Dolby accomodate my older Sony Receiver. Set up was easy, picture and sound are great. There is a flicker upon initial upload that takes a few seconds to stop, not sure if this will be taken care of with firmware update 1.2 that I haven't done yet. The best part of this is the upscaling of older standard def DVD's they look so good I have no interest in updating any to Blu-ray. Hope this helps I bought the BD-30K about a week ago after reading way to many tech reviews and forums.I chose it because it's the latest version and have been very happy with other Panasonic components as well as the connections for 5.1 Dolby accomodate my older Sony Receiver. Set up was easy, picture and sound are great. There is a flicker upon initial upload that takes a few seconds to stop, not sure if this will be taken care of with firmware update 1.2 that I haven't done yet. The best part of this is the upscaling of older standard def DVD's they look so good I have no interest in updating any to... » Read More I bought the BD-30K about a week ago after reading way to many tech reviews and forums.I chose it because it's the latest version and have been very happy with other Panasonic components as well as the connections for 5.1 Dolby accomodate my older Sony Receiver. Set up was easy, picture and sound are great. There is a flicker upon initial upload that takes a few seconds to stop, not sure if this will be taken care of with firmware update 1.2 that I haven't done yet. The best part of this is the upscaling of older standard def DVD's they look so good I have no interest in updating any to Blu-ray. Hope this helps « Show Less
1984820
@Robert Thomas it seems to me that $400+ is a bit much to spend on a player that just up-converts. You could've easily saved yourself a couple of hundred bucks and gone with an Oppo Digital up-conversion player. The DV-981 runs a whopping $230.
1984821
In the future newer discs are going to need firmware updates on your 1.0 players and you are going to be left in the dark when they discontinue the 1.0 players. They are not going to make firmware updates to players that they no longer make. Plus never buy a samsung Blu-Ray player because it takes them about three months to reales a firmware update.So to add to the discussion if you can't wait you should buy the panasonic because it is the only blu-ray player out there that is 1.1,the sony is 1.0.
1984822
Julian Romero, your statement concerning compatibility of future 2.0 disks in 1.0/1.1 players is completely inaccurate. All blu-ray players (1.0, 1.1, or 2.0) will be able to play all future movies. But 1.0 and 1.1 players will not be able to access the BD-Live features on these future disks. BD-Live (Profile 2.0) are a set of internet-enabled features (like ringtone downloads, trailer downloads, etc.) The movie itself, along with the other special features, will be able to be played in this Profile 1.1 player.
916403
I agree with Weld Tech on this.The BD65 is a nice, solid BluRay DISC player, but it has a serious omission with the lack of being able to play files such as DIVX - which is a basic staple in today's market!Since I have had 2 older DVD players which were capable of playing DIVX from disc and/or USB, I never imagined this updated player -- which boasts USB and SD inputs -- would lack basic DIVX capability.This might not be an issue for some, but it would have been a deal-breaker for me. It also greatly reduces the value of this player and makes me question Panasonic products, now. I agree with Weld Tech on this.The BD65 is a nice, solid BluRay DISC player, but it has a serious omission with the lack of being able to play files such as DIVX - which is a basic staple in today's market!Since I have had 2 older DVD players which were capable of playing DIVX from disc and/or USB, I never imagined this updated player -- which boasts USB and SD inputs -- would lack basic DIVX capability.This might not be an issue for some, but it would have been a deal-breaker for me. It also greatly reduces the value of this player and makes me question... » Read More I agree with Weld Tech on this.The BD65 is a nice, solid BluRay DISC player, but it has a serious omission with the lack of being able to play files such as DIVX - which is a basic staple in today's market!Since I have had 2 older DVD players which were capable of playing DIVX from disc and/or USB, I never imagined this updated player -- which boasts USB and SD inputs -- would lack basic DIVX capability.This might not be an issue for some, but it would have been a deal-breaker for me. It also greatly reduces the value of this player and makes me question Panasonic products, now. « Show Less
356037
I did some homework before I purchased the unit. Pioneer markets at least two versions of the BDP-150. An inexpensive version for the US market only and a more expensive one that plays all regions. If you do a google "shopping" search for the Pioneer BDP-150 you'll see what I mean.At the time, I suspected and the other responses confirm that Pioneer markets a PAL version as well. They probably market in all regions of the world. Why they use the same model number is anyone's guess. Seems to me it's causes unnecessary confusion.
488323
I've had mine for about 2.5 years and it is working flawlessly. This is, by far, the best Bluray/DVD player that I have ever owned - 2nd best would be my Oppo BDP-83. FYI, I have not loaded the latest firmware because I want to retain ISO file playback capability. These are exceptionally good players, I highly recommend them. -RW-
821818
Well it depends on how much you value picture/sound quality and speed. This elite player features a Qdeo video processor from Marvell which is similar to an Oppo. the ability to play FLAC files as well as uncompressed audio was important to my setup. I chose the Pioneer Elite player over the Oppo do to the fact my receiver is an Elite model as well, here is a more in depth review that may help you out: http://www.andrew-robinson-online.com/review-pioneer-elite-bdp-62fd-universal-blu-ray-player/. If you want your components to match or mount on a rack you are going to have to step up to premium components.
1099234
I encountered same problem. In June 2010 (18 months after purchase), my Sony BDP-550 stopped recognizing Blu-Ray disks. All other types of disks still work. Sony had me upgrade the firmware and reset device to factory settings. No effect. The Sony customer support people pretend that they have never heard of this problem. I sent them a dozen on-line reports by others who talked to Sony and were also told to upgrade the firmware without effect. Now, I am trying to get a written quote for the replacement of this defective BDP-550, but Sony will not provide it. They want me to mail them the player with a credit card number without ever providing written estimate.
1458014
With my Panasonic plasmas (42" and 50"), which are 2006 and 2007 models, I have found the upscaling very good. In fact, it's hard to get around them, since these plasmas have native resolutions that no DVD player can match (expect for 1080p models). 720p on both 42" and 50" models is not quite true 720p (it's acutally 768p), so no matter what, the Panasonic will be doing some upscaling. As far as medium DVD players and DVD upscalers for around $100 and below, I have seen very little difference. Even compared to my 4 year old Sony 480p player. I would say HDMI provides a smidge better detail, but it's not dramatic by any means. I haven't tried the up-market upscalers (Oppo, Reon chip), so I can't comment on them, but I doubt the difference would be dramatic--the Panasonic just has to do too much upscaling on it's own, regardless of what signal you send to it... My brother says his 700U 1080p also has very little difference with new upscaling DVD players as opposed to his older 480p player, so it looks like Panasonic's upscaling chips on these TV's are indeed rather good...
2124842
I totally agree about reverting back to the previous stable version. At this point, it would be in Panasonic's best interest to keep us happy and revert back to V1.27 immediately!. I spoke with a rep today. Because the Panasonic BD players are designed to not allow downgrade to a previous (lower numbered) version of the firmware, I suggested their engineering department consider renaming the stable V1.27 to V1.44 and put it on their servers NOW. This would enable our Netflix-crippled machines to revert back to the previous version until they can fully test their new firmware.
816042
But why would I want or need to use the web with it? I have a much more powerful and capable computer for all my web chores. This constant harping on web access and game play completely misses the point of the factors that many people who just want a high definition movie player will take into account.Currently the BD30K is the best standalone Blu Ray movie player out there. So I stand by my recommendation that if you, like me, are simply looking to watch Blu Ray movies and you want the best current audio codec support and PQ, the BD30K is the only way to go.
157338
Laurence,I've been doing a lot of research on these various Sony models (S,V,W, etc) and it appears that the S models do not have 120 hz refresh - only 60 hz - may be reason why they are the least expensive of all the models. Also, this 24p compatibility apparently only functions with Blu Ray players! Interesting.jm
2104747
Thanks for the update. I ended up buying the LG BD570 Network Blu-ray Disc Player after all my investigations and it has turned out to be a great device.I hardly use it for disc playback though, but it's nice to know that the option is there.
2065827
These players are originally region one. They are actually then modified to be region free by a third part or by the seller. If done correctly they player would be working 100% perfect and there would be no loss in picture quality. It will be up to par as expected. However you must check the sellers background, see how long they have been around and if you can contact them after the sale by phone for support. Most legitamite companies have been around for years I've seen some for 2-3 decades. I did a search on google for region free blu-ray player and purchased mine. It's works great. I had a snag with one disc, and the company sent me some software to fix it very quickly. These players are originally region one. They are actually then modified to be region free by a third part or by the seller. If done correctly they player would be working 100% perfect and there would be no loss in picture quality. It will be up to par as expected. However you must check the sellers background, see how long they have been around and if you can contact them after the sale by phone for support. Most legitamite companies have been around for years I've seen some for 2-3 decades. I did a search on google for region free blu-ray player and purchased mine. It's works great. I had... » Read More These players are originally region one. They are actually then modified to be region free by a third part or by the seller. If done correctly they player would be working 100% perfect and there would be no loss in picture quality. It will be up to par as expected. However you must check the sellers background, see how long they have been around and if you can contact them after the sale by phone for support. Most legitamite companies have been around for years I've seen some for 2-3 decades. I did a search on google for region free blu-ray player and purchased mine. It's works great. I had a snag with one disc, and the company sent me some software to fix it very quickly. « Show Less
1204234
I originally ordered the BDP-80 but returned it and traded up to the 83. The reason, however, had nothing to do with sound quality. My reason had to do with a lack of certain BluRay-related video features. As far as I know the sonic capabilities of all the OPPOs are excellent. My 83 is superb, and from what I read the 80 was essentially sonically identical. However, I understand that the later models have less mechanical noise than the older ones. My 83 isn't actually noisy unless you stand close to it, and then you can hear some low-level mechanical rumbling. I would assume the 80 is similar. But from what I've read, the later models are totally silent. I originally ordered the BDP-80 but returned it and traded up to the 83. The reason, however, had nothing to do with sound quality. My reason had to do with a lack of certain BluRay-related video features. As far as I know the sonic capabilities of all the OPPOs are excellent. My 83 is superb, and from what I read the 80 was essentially sonically identical. However, I understand that the later models have less mechanical noise than the older ones. My 83 isn't actually noisy unless you stand close to it, and then you can hear some low-level mechanical rumbling. I would assume the 80 is... » Read More I originally ordered the BDP-80 but returned it and traded up to the 83. The reason, however, had nothing to do with sound quality. My reason had to do with a lack of certain BluRay-related video features. As far as I know the sonic capabilities of all the OPPOs are excellent. My 83 is superb, and from what I read the 80 was essentially sonically identical. However, I understand that the later models have less mechanical noise than the older ones. My 83 isn't actually noisy unless you stand close to it, and then you can hear some low-level mechanical rumbling. I would assume the 80 is similar. But from what I've read, the later models are totally silent. « Show Less
261344
There appears to be no difference. I have had this player for about a year and a half. The Blu Ray is great. It also does a nice job of upconverting my old DVDs to HD quality. And, we have had no problems playing DVDs from other regions. It is the best player I have owned.
441496
The PS3 outputs 1080p as well. I still haven't purchased any new player or another PS3. I am just gonna wait for next black friday sale. I have a panasonic dmp-bd60 that I got in 2009 around black friday and I love the picture quality. I am digging the new 2011 panasonic players but they are very expensive.... Like $200 and it doesn't even have built-in wifi.
2232954
HD DVD is dead (murdered , snuffed before its time) . Unfortunately BluRaY still isnt up to fill the gap. 1299 $ for the first fully functional Sony BD standalone player? Even the PS3 is still missing the update to 2.0 profile.It seems that BLuRAY is taking a break for a year to get where HD DVD already is (was)
1781813
Thanks for the info. That was exactly the type of information I was looking for. I don't think the audio will make a difference to me. I'm very new to the HD community and by the time I get around to surround sound, something else will be out there. I read your review of the 570; very good review, nice and detailed. (I was thinking that if I decided on the 570, I might just add a few more dollars and get a PS3. It's the only bluray player I've actually used.) I was glad to read that you liked the upconversion. I've got too many DVDs and want to make sure my bluray player will do a good job on those. Again, thanks. Thanks for the info. That was exactly the type of information I was looking for. I don't think the audio will make a difference to me. I'm very new to the HD community and by the time I get around to surround sound, something else will be out there. I read your review of the 570; very good review, nice and detailed. (I was thinking that if I decided on the 570, I might just add a few more dollars and get a PS3. It's the only bluray player I've actually used.) I was glad to read that you liked the upconversion. I've got too many DVDs and want to make sure my bluray player will do a good job... » Read More Thanks for the info. That was exactly the type of information I was looking for. I don't think the audio will make a difference to me. I'm very new to the HD community and by the time I get around to surround sound, something else will be out there. I read your review of the 570; very good review, nice and detailed. (I was thinking that if I decided on the 570, I might just add a few more dollars and get a PS3. It's the only bluray player I've actually used.) I was glad to read that you liked the upconversion. I've got too many DVDs and want to make sure my bluray player will do a good job on those. Again, thanks. « Show Less