Panasonic DMP-BD80 Blu-ray Player Comments

I have no doubt that the BD80 is a superb player. But what is Panasonic playing at? How many models in one year? Surely they could have updated the firmware of the previous model (sorry, there have been so many that I cannot remember) to deliver most of the 'additions' in the BD80. I'm also willing to bet that the previous model is not even in the UK shops yet.

Also, this is not aimed at Panasonic, but most manufacturers are guilty of this. Rather than tweaking this and that to create a 'new' model, why not add useful stuff?

A player that remembers it's place when last switched off. A player that has an HDMI loop through (like scart in a VCR). A player that just starts and plays quickly.

We seem to be going backwards in these areas with the exception of perceived picture / sound quality.

I would also have thought that at this price for a top-end (price-wise anyway) player they could have at least included sufficient on board memory for BD-Live with the addition to add more memory, rather than still require the user to stomp up more cash for the privilege. For me this is the one gripe on supposed 2.0 players. They shouldn't be allowed to be called that unless they meet that one basic requirement.

i've always been perplexed as to how panasonic's bluray players handle youtube videos. i know how **** regular youtube videos often look when you press the "expand" button.

I agree with Prem.
That's why I've gone for the Pioneer BDP 51FD. Because it's basic and concentrates on build and picture quality.....not that the Panny doesn't of course....but are all these little tweaks and features really appropraite?
I will never use these fancy gimicky features and I wouldn't go out and buy the following years model just because something/s relatively minor is added.
Thats said....it seems a great player for someone looking to buy their first Blu Ray player!

I do a lot of video editing on our travels. I've just switched over to Blu-Ray. I intend to use BD-DL discs. Does the Dmp-BD80 play BD-DL discs? I've owned many DVD players and Pioneer seems to have the best "playability" of the group, but this Panasonic has caught my eye(that and the rave reviews and the 7:1 analog outputs).

Since I already get all the VieraCast functions on my Panasonic plasma, I wonder if there's any reason to upgrade from this player's predecessor model, the Panny DMP-BD55? Is the audio bitstreaming over HDMI, or the video processing and quality, at all different? They both use the very same chips, don't they? I am willing to trade up for even incremental A/V improvements, but if VieraCast is the only change from last year's model, there's probably not much point. Comments?

Im sorry chaps but this appears to be more vapourware. Or can you suggest where one might be able to obtain it?

This item is available as of this date at Amazon and other major dealers. I dont understand why this reviewer feels there isnt value in the upgrades on this model to justify a nominal price increase. The audio section has been totally upgraded (upsample audio cd's, dvd's etc) and the analog out with full onboard decoding is essential for folks like me with a pre-HDMI Denon unit. This Panny will have the latest OS for blu ray and also has the chroma/video chip that does do a good job with standard dvd's. All in all a very good unit with a not very big price. The older Pioneers did a poor job upconverting standard dvd's and they require updates to play current discs. Their blu ray performance was just average. I saw this unit at CES this year and the picture quality is real, enough for me to upgrade. I am not a Panasonic "fan boy", but I hope my comments are helpful if you re looking for a really good blu ray player at a fair price. Improved video & audio quality can be seen and heard on this model.

When is it going to be available in Nigeria? because i want to get one

Can the digital audio outputs be used for Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio or only the multi-channel ones? This is for a pre-HDMI Sunfire premp.

Is this player available in a region-free version, for both Blu-Ray and DVDs?