Optical Quantum 25GB 4X BD-R Logo Top Spindle - 25 pcs Review

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(More customer reviews)These Quantum brand blank Blue Ray discs kinda suck with Nero and DVDFAB !! When I tryed to copy a BDMV movie file onto the disc, my BD burner has trouble writing to the disc. I now have about 5 or 6 blue ray coasters (bad discs) If and when i finally get the movie file on the disc my set top player does not notice there is A disc in there or if I can get it to play I just get A black screen. I might not be burning them right, 50%/50%, user error ? ****Updated**** I got the discs to work with ImageBurn, Only, Discs dont work as far as I can tell with any other programs. These discs do scratch very easy. The proticetive layer on them is really, really thin, I can't even tell if there is one. I guess you get what you pay for. Stick to name brands for coping any type of video with other video copying programs then Imgburn. I used A LG burner, Nero 10 express (I dont like this program) and a Sony set top player. Just use these discs with Image Burn and they should work fine.

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Sony Blu-ray Disc 5 Pack - 25GB 6X BD-R - White Inkjet Printable Review

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(More customer reviews)I had to upgrade the firmware on my LG Blu-ray burner, but then the discs worked fine. They're good discs at a fair price, considering the new market for BD-Rs. I expect BD-Rs to drop significantly in price over the next couple years (right Sony?).


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Maxell BR-LC Blu-ray Lens Cleaner Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this item, the Maxell BR-LC Blu-ray Lens Cleaner, and it was delivered on October 27th, 2009 along with other items in a rather medium sized order. I purchased it after having done some research through Google and various electronic/gaming websites for the best lens cleaner to use on a Sony PS3. This item was highly recommended.
Backstory: I have one of the last model backwards compatible PS3s sold new on the market, an 80GB model. The PS3 worked flawlessly throughout the first year and one month of owning the system as I was able to throw just about any media I wished into the slot drive and play it. Shortly after the release of Resident Evil 5 the PS3 started to not read discs correctly. I had purchased Resident Evil 5 one weekend after release date and could not play it as the PS3's drive would not read the disc correctly. I went through all the steps; backup, format, install. Called Sony, called Capcom, each blamed the other. Sony wanted $150 plus shipping to service the unit.
As I am usually inclined to do I found a workaround: if I played a PlayStation2 disc or a DVD in the unit for 30 minutes then all Blu-rays would read just fine after that. Load time was still horrible, anywhere up to five minutes for the disc to show up in the XMB, but it worked. I have been doing this ever since.
Salvation at Hand: I received this item and immediately opened the package. It comes in a nice Blu-ray style case so that it matches the rest of your collection. The instructions are on both the back of the case and under the disc itself. The holes on the disc are a bit smaller than one would expect until you realize that to safely clean and not cause any skip during spin the holes would need to be that size.
My PS3 had been off all night and had not been turned on at all. I hit the PS button on the Sony Bluetooth Remote (not a DualShock 3) and booted the unit. After the XMB came up I inserted the cleaner disc. It mounted very quickly showing that it was indeed a DVD and not a Blu-ray disc. I hit "enter" and away the disc went.
While the visuals that play during the cleaning process are nothing to write home about they also aren't bad. They are something to look at while the disc does the job it is supposed to do. The visuals depict the cleaning of the lens, and how it is accomplished, by using simple computer animated CG workflow. After about four minutes, give or take, the cleaning process was complete.
(There are other standard options on this disc such as audio testing for both 5.1 and 2.0 speakers. They are a welcome inclusion but as stated they are pretty much standard on all lens cleaning discs.)
I ejected the disc and promptly inserted Batman: Arkham Asylum into the PS3. Not more than seven seconds passed before the disc was mounted and ready to launch. The stuttering issues that I had been having during the game, especially when entering a new area that required a disc read, were gone.
Later in the day, around eight hours of shutoff time, I booted the PS3 once again. I inserted a copy of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Again the disc mounted in record time and has played flawlessly. All media I could play when the unit was under one year old now plays again.
The Maxell BR-LC Blu-ray Lens Cleaner does what it is intended to do without any qualms. I paid less than $15.00 for the item here on Amazon, but even if it were to go up to $40 it would be a very wise investment for anyone who owns a PS3 or Blu-ray player. Even those who do not but want to keep the integrity of the lens of their DVD units should purchase and use this item. It works perfectly and does not need to be replaced as there are no brushes to wear down. This should be your first and will be your last Lens Cleaning solution for your electronics.

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Maxell Blu-Ray Lens Cleaner 190054 Cleaning Kits

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TDK Blu-ray Disc 10 Pack - 50GB 6X BD-R DL - Printable Review

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(More customer reviews)Thanks to the good reviews and info from amazon I tried out these blue-rays and all of them worked perfect. I will continue buying them as well as other TDK products 'cause they have proved to be the best.

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Panasonic DMP-BD10 - Blu-ray Disc player - upscaling Review

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(More customer reviews)I have recently purchased the Panasonic Blu-Ray Player, and have been blown away by its picture and sound. Right off the bat, I downloaded and upgraded the firmware, carefully following the instructions, and it greatly improved the boot up and load speeds for discs. Aside from an poorly-designed cheap-feeling remote, Panasonic has really produced a stand out product here.
My journey into the world of Blu-Ray began with a PS3. I purchased a 60GB PS3 initially to play games and movies, thinking that it was a great bargain - $600 for a fully featured Blu-Ray player and game system. The PS3 locked up three times during playback of "The Guardian". The add-on remote for the PS3 is Bluetooth, which otherwise would be great, but could not be programmed into my Universal Remote, and was extremely counterintuitive to use. There was no upconversion of my existing DVDs (I have a lot, so this was really a downer). The game on the PS3 that I was interested in purchasing (Resistance: Fall of Man) was a 720p title, and so it downconverted to 480p on my 2 year old 73" CRT HDTV.
The online service for PS3 was woefully inadequate compared to the XBOX 360 - very little of interest to download in movies or games.
So I returned the PS3 and bought the Panasonic. I didn't feel that sinking in my stomach at having to return something cool - it was much more like a relief to unload this turkey.
I fretted a little at the cost of the Panasonic, but elected to purchase it after seeing a demo, and knowing that I had a 30 day return window. I hooked it up in less than an hour, and fired it up. A big smile attached to my face when I started watching "Blackhawk Down" on the Panasonic. The image and sound were stellar. Same with "Flyboys". Same with "Stealth". Popped in the "Fifth Element" and expected a crappy picture, but except for some very early shots having lots of dirt, the rest of the film's picture quality handily blew away my Superbit version of the film. I also have the HD-DVD add on to the XBOX 360, and I can not see any appreciable difference between a well mastered HD-DVD (I would cite "Superman Returns" as an example) and a well mastered Blu-Ray.
Have not looked back on the decision with regret - only joy.Pros:
Astounding Picture and Sound Quality
Great Upconversion of Regular DVDs
True Theater Experience
After upgrading the firmware (1.4), much quicker boot up and load times
Worth twice the price of the PS3
Cons:
Remote should be lighted for this many $$$
Jog wheel TOO sensitive


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Panasonic DMP-BD35K 1080p Blu-ray Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I take my home theater hobby pretty seriously, that's why when it came time to invest in a Blu-Ray player (finally the wait is over!!!), I did a ridiculously great amount of research. I was willing to spend much more money on a blu-ray player, but the prices have come down so much, you don't have to! I narrowed down my extensive search for the right player to the Panasonic DMP-BD35K and the Sony BDP-S350. **I BOUGHT THEM BOTH AND DID A "SIDE-BY-SIDE" TEST!**
I have some nice equipment, so I feel that the test was an excellent representation of the capabilities of these two players. My equipment includes a 100-inch Stewart screen with a 1080p Sony Pearl front projector, an Integra 9.8 DTC processor (with all the latest surround sound goodies), a 7-channel NAD amp, 7 Paradigm Signature speakers, and a dual M&K subwoofer (for full 7.1 surround sound).
I do understand electronics, but the Sony manual was really hard to follow. After only one call to Sony, I eventually got the player set up properly. After I set up the Panasonic, everything became much clearer. The Panasonic manual is so much better. But, who really cares about manuals? How do these two players perform side by side?
Audio for BOTH Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs: The Panasonic unquestionably has better audio. Compared to the Sony, the highs were much clearer. The 7.1 surround sound put me right in the middle of the "explosion" (my first test blu-ray disc was National Treasure I) when the Charlotte blew up. The biggest Audio difference was the bass. The bass in the Panasonic was so much better than the Sony. In fact, my old Sony standard-DVD player had better audio than the Sony BDP-S350. I'd give the Sony 3 stars with the audio. The Panasonic had outstanding treble, bass, and surround: 5-star audio!
Video for BOTH Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs: The Sony's video was good, but the Panasonic's video was fantastic! The skin tones were more realistic and the colors were more vibrant with the Panasonic. The Sony seemed to have a thin gray film over everything -- like looking through a filmy-dirty window. The Sony had 4-star video (it looked good, but not nearly as good when directly compared to the Panasonic). The Panasonic and its upscaling gets an easy 5 stars!
Both my wife and I did the "side-by-side" test by going back and forth between Blu-Ray discs and standard DVDs. We didn't discuss any of our thoughts until we each independently formed our own conclusions. After seeing and hearing both players, we were both in complete agreement that in every way the Panasonic DMP-BD35K was superior to the Sony BDP-S350.
By the way, the card slot on the Sony for BD-Live is very hard to get to. I do like Sony as a brand for some things, but not Blu-Ray players.
For those of you who are doing your research, hopefully I can save you some time to answer if you should buy the Panasonic DMP-BD35K or DMP-BD55K. I called Panasonic and asked the differences; besides the price, there are only two differences. The 55K plays DivX's. If you don't have any DivX's like me and most of the people on planet Earth, this doesn't make any difference to you. The only other difference is that the 35K can only output Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio to a receiver/processor that has an HDMI input. If your receiver doesn't have an HDMI input, you won't be able to get them out of the 35K. If your receiver does have an HDMI input and you'll be using an HDMI cable, then you have absolutely no need to buy the 55K. With the 55K, if you have an older receiver that does not have an HDMI input, you can use the 55K's analog audio outputs so that you can have Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio. That's a nice feature of the 55K if you have an older receiver but want the latest surround sound formats.
Also, to save you some research time, I've already checked out all of the professional reviews including the ones on CNet.com: The Sony is considered ok, and CNet liked the Panasonic so much that it is the first Blu-Ray player EVER to receive CNet's "Editor's Choice Award."
I have to go to the store now and return the Sony player that I bought. I'm keeping the Panasonic!! :-)
Hopefully you found this review helpful!


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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. The BD35 and BD55 both feature an HD Audio Decoder (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Master Audio Essential), delivering 7.1-channel surround sound through a 7.1-channel receiver equipped with an HDMI terminal. The DMP-BD55 features high-end audio components and can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound. Both models are equipped with an SD Memory Card slot that makes it easy to transfer images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera that uses SD Memory Cards and are compatible with Panasonic's VIERA Link function so they can be operated by the VIERA HDTV remote control. The combination of a Panasonic Blu-ray player, Home Theater audio system and a VIERA HDTV converts the home entertainment experience into a true-to-life cinematic experience. Consumers can now view and enjoy movies the way the film maker intended -- in stunning High Definition video and audio – right from the comfort of their own home.
Learn More
True-To-Life Colors with PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus video processor was developed after more than 15 years of collaboration between Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory and professional cinema studios in Hollywood. With PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus, users viewing content on Blu-ray Discs enjoy crisp, vivid colors that are extremely close to the original. A high-precision 4:4:4 function creates video signals in which each pixel of the signal from the Blu-ray Disc is color-compensated, so when the player is connected to a Panasonic VIERA HDTV, the colors are even sharper and more vivid.

UniPhier System UniPhier is a Panasonic-created system LSI developed by applying 45-nanometer processing to a consumer product – a world's first. This single-chip integration technology also contributes greatly to the BD35's world's slimmest height of 49mm.

Blu-ray Video Features More Picture
More SpaceMore Bits


BD-Live

Life-Like Surround Sound
The BD35 and BD55 both feature an HD Audio Decoder (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Master Audio Essential), which supports the 7.1-channel surround sound newly adopted in Blu-ray Discs. Users can enjoy 7.1-channel surround even with systems that do not support HD Audio -- as long as the DMP-BD35/55 is connected to a 7.1-channel receiver equipped with an HDMI terminal. The DMP-BD55 can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound by simply connecting to the DMP-BD55.

Dolby TrueHD, Dolby's next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media, delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master.

Delivers enthralling studio-master-quality sound that unlocks the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs.
Offers more discrete channels than ever before for impeccable surround sound.
Compatible with the A/V receivers and home-theaters-in-a-box (HTIBs) of today and tomorrow.
Dialogue normalization maintains the same volume level when you change to other Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD programming.
Dynamic range control (Night mode) enables you to customize audio playback to reduce peak volume levels (no loud surprises) while experiencing all the details in the soundtrack, enabling late-night viewing of high-energy surround sound without disturbing others.

The Panasonic BD55 goes a step further with a high-end audio design and components. Thanks to a 192kHz 24bit audio digital-analog converter and high quality insulators, electrolytic capacitors, copper-foil film capacitors and ultra-low-impedance electrolytic capacitors, the DMP-BD55 delivers the same kind of exciting surround effect and lifelike ambience as today's finest cinemas. The DMP-BD55 can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound by simply connecting to the DMP-BD55.


HDMI Features x.v Color
RGB Color Range

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Panasonic DMP-BD605K Blu-Ray Disc Player, Black (Factory Refurbished) Review

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(More customer reviews)Panasonic has always been known to build solid machines-broadcast vcrs (back in the day) that never stopped, cordless phones that survived being dropped, and every sort of electronic device in between. I've always been a fan of how well-built Panasonic stuff is. They are, after all, the makers of the only shock-proof laptop (the Toughbook).
For image quality, I always preferred Sony, and for sound I always preferred Yamaha or Denon. But similar Panasonic stuff always looked and sounded "pretty good". Especially since you could drop it.
That's all changed. Now Panasonic continues to make well-built stuff, and they have the best new Plasmas on the market. After having 3 Sony DVD players die in 7 years, I decided to go with the Panasonic Blu-Ray player, mostly so I could use my TV remote with no hassle.
I have not been disappointed. This player starts up fast, the image quality is simply stunning. I had no problem download firmware. DVD up-conversion looks good too. This player had no problem with moderately scratched DVD's. I haven't seen a scratched BD yet, but I can only image BDs will not work as well scratched, but time will tell.
Honestly, BD Live doesn't interest me, if I want an interactive experience, there are website and youtube. I mean flipping through content with a remote control just isn't the same as using a mouse.
I had no problem getting my player to work with my network. Since the cable modem is hooked up to, well cable, it only made sense to place it near the cable box, so therefore my router was already near the TV. I had no problem receiving a DHCP address from my Airport router.
For the limited content you get from Viera cast, it does work well. I haven't tried watching amazon.com unbox yet, but when I do I will edit this review. There are numerous reviews on VieraCast, this review is about a piece of hardware.
For most people the decision is going to be between Panasonic, Samsung and LG. Panasonic has always skimped features for rugged quality, and this is no exception. VieraCast does not do NetFlix streaming yet, but my 5 year old pc hooked up to my Plasma has no problem.
If you really want some of the advanced streaming features of the LG or Samsung, you probably can't go wrong. But if you have kids or careless adults banging on the disc tray all day, get the Panasonic. It feels very well built.
I highly recommend this player, as it performs its advertised functions faithfully.

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D Skin Protective Game Skins 50 Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)Formerly I gave a glowing review of these d_skins, based upon their performance initially. The DVDs and CDs played well in a DVD player as well as a PC. Having many hard-to-acquire, OOP CDs, naturally I was in favor of a product that promised to protect my favorite music; however....
In time, there appeared rotation marks on the disks covered in d_skins, a pattern I had not seen previously. They differed from random scratches in that they uniformly appeared clockwise to the disks, following the rotation. My $40-plus investment in d_skins came to be questioned.
Having cleaned my disks prior to covering or having covered new disks, I hesitate to believe it is the result of debris between the disks themselves and the skins. Are the skins loose enough to cause friction while playing? Some are quite loose, while others fit well.
Having first noticed this on SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, I was willing to attribute it to a flaw in disk production, but when these marks appeared ON MY BACH SACRED CANTATA DISKS---It was all too much. Without further testing, I abandoned the d_skin experiment altogether, glad to have discovered it before other favorite disks were marked beyond repair.
Other reviews here disparaged the use of d_skins, all of which I ignored. After all, I wanted the idea to work. Better to enjoy an unprotected disk as long as possible, rather than destroy it in an attempt at preservation. I am dying daily, so why must my CDs be preserved until the last day?


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BU05011 DSkin 50 Pack - Protective disc skins- 50 Pack reuseable holder- Protects readable side (bottom side) of media discs from most types of abrasive scratching- Orange "liplock seal" snaps onto the edges of any standard size disc and holds tight- Skin can stay on the disc even while being played or burned - Works on most CD's, DVD's, PlayStation discs, PlayStation2 discs, Xbox discs, data discs, computer games, and CD-R's- Optically clear, laser transparent, will not affect music or video quality- If the skin is scratched, just throw it away and grab a new one- Not recommended for use in multi-disc stack players- Do not force into any media player- Should work in top-loading, front-loading, or auto-loading disc playersDSKIN50

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Panasonic Blu-ray Disc 10 Pack - 25GB 2X BD-RE Review

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(More customer reviews)The good thing of this BD-RE is the ability to burn it & burn it & burn it as many times as you want so you will probably never have to buy another blue ray package again.

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LG BH08LS20 Super Multi Blue - Disk drive - BD-RE - 8x/2x/8x - Serial ATA - internal - 5.25" - black - LightScribe Review

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(More customer reviews)I discovered that this drive has "compatibility issues" with some 2x blank 25gb BD-R disks. And, it was for this reason that I returned it to the seller. Although, I did not keep the drive long enough to verify this, I was told by at least one diskette manufacturer (TW-USA) that this drive has no problem burning its 4x blu-ray media, but just will not work with its 2x BD-R disks. Since I am very frugal (skin-flintish) about my media purchases, this was a "deal breaker" for me with this drive!

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MAGNAVOX NB500MG9 180P HDMI BLU-RAY DVD PLAYER Review

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(More customer reviews)We purchased this item for about $130 on a black friday sale in Nov. 28, 2008. It worked great until 8:15 P.M. on March 29, 2009. It stopped playing Blu-Rays. After e-mailing Funai, I received a reply with a customer service number. I called that number and they referred me to a local repair center. I was advised by this authorized repair center I would have to pay a MINIMUM of $45, just to have them look at. (REALLY! $45 on something that isn't 4 months old. What about the 1 year manufacturer's warranty? I am aware that I could have purchased an extended warranty from Wal-Mart, but most financial experts say they are unecessary upcharges designed to make more money for the stores. These experts say if you feel that you need the extended warranty, just put that money toward a better product. (I sure wish we did). That $130 could have gone towards a Sony that we will now buy. Based on the "durability" on a Magnavox product and the "great" customer service provided by Funai, I will avoid these products in the future. And I would advise others to do the same.

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Panasonic DMP-BD65 Blu-Ray Disc Player (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE - July 2010
New features added to Network
Tageschau - Daily News feed in German
Pandora - Internet Radio
Fox Sports - Coming Soon
Twitter - Coming Soon
5 Stars sounds really generous, but for the money this is a GREAT Network ready BDP.
This is the third network BDP I have set up and used, I recently reviewed the Samsung BD-P1590 - Blu-Ray disc player - upscaling - Netflix, Pandora against which (for similar money) this is a far superior machine. I also think the picture quality and upscaling for SD DVD's in much better than the similar priced LG BD 370 Network Blu-ray Disc Player
Running several Blu-Ray movies for testing, including BD live enabled content, boot times were very fast. The quick set up guide asks you about this and explains that it uses more power in standby mode, but it's worth it for very quick loading.
Blu Ray looks SUPERB - Panasonic web site says (PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology developed to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the vertical direction) Sounds geeky, but the picture is great at both 1080i and 1080p. By default the 24fps is set to off, but if you have a home set up that supports it, it's easy to switch back.
SD Card slot, and USB interface great for home pictures, movies and photo's, very easy to use. Nicely tucked away under a discreet panel in the front so no fiddling among the back wires.
Out of the box set up for networking took me about 15 minutes.
Very easy on screen instruction, easy to use remote, and set up can be either set to easy mode, or you can revisit the main menu at any time for finer adjustments on audio, video output, resolution and aspect ratio etc.
The more involved set up options are however a little limited if you are used to close to pro tweaking on high end visual and audio equipment. But then again, this is an entry level kind of priced machine.
What do you get for network? The VIERA system is a breeze, nice graphics, menu screen and options.
I hard wired mine to the back Ethernet port with a Cat6 cable - Cat5 works without a problem, but for streaming (especially HD content) the Cat6 made the Netflix signal bar light up to HD most of the time.
It is wireless ready. You can use a USB dongle (takes some tweaking) or better still a Linksys by Cisco Dual-Band Wireless-N Gaming and Video Adapter. What's nice is that(unlike Samsung) you don't have to buy a special adapter.
My preference would always be to hard line, but if that's not an option, and you must have wireless (assuming you have boat loads of bandwidth) you can buy an adapter, or pay $80 more and buy it's big brother the Panasonic DMP-BD85 WiFi Enabled Blu-Ray Disc Player (Black)
Whats on the Network?
1)Netflix - unlimited free streaming movies (a lot in HD if your connection is good enough) documentaries, and TV shows from their "Watch Instantly" library, if you are a current subscriber of at least their $8.99 plan - free trial available.
2)Amazon on Demand - Bags of movies and content to rent, buy, or even view free webisodes, trailers, documentaries and so on. Not a huge thing for me personally as I like Netflix, but very nice to have. Simply activate online at Amazon and you're there - very easy on screen user friendly menus.
3)Blomberg - Sort of on screen RSS feed with stocks, bonds and news headlines. Nice to have but not essential.
4) Weather forecast, enter your zip code and set to default, or store multiple sites across the US for up to date weather news and information. Again, not something I need but nice to have.
5)Picasa Web albums - share pictures with friends and family, look at your own, and other albums on your TV. Nice feature.
6)You Tube - browse, or log into your account online
7)Coming Soon?? - Your guess is as good as mine, could be for VUDU or something else, at least they are thinking ahead, and have the settings already started.
What you don't get.....
1)Pandora - a quirky to use online streaming internet radio site that's free with a lot of music. Doesn't float my boat either, I don't like radio sites that choose my music based on a song, or an artist - there are over 30,000 online internet radio stations that are free, Pandora doesn't let you search any particular station in any part of the World, just their selections on what they think you like.
2) Blockbuster Online - unless you have an account and use the in store returns on DVD and Blu stick with Netflix, their watch instantly movies are free with membership.
3)VUDU - next generation 1080p streaming to rent and buy, this would have been nice to have, but I can live without it for now. Amazon more than makes up for it as far as I'm concerned.
4) Any others I may have forgotten about (I'm sure there are more out there)
Sum up
PROS
Excellent value for money
Looks sleek, discreet and runs quickly AND quietly (unlike some BDP's)
Very easy to Set Up - VIERA interface for online content is great.
Superior BD playback picture and sound quality - just when you thought it couldn't get better
Great upscaling, best I've seen on a machine of this price or on any machine without a REON chipset.
USB, SD slots on front convenient and discreet
Optional "wireless ready"
Nice Remote
CONS
No 3D - even if the content isn't there yet on BD live, you know it's coming. Only the Sony BDP-S470 Blu-ray Disc Player in this price range is equipped. This would have been nice
No onboard memory - BD live requires a USB or SD, but that's the same for most machines
No VUDU on networking - not a deal breaker, but may be for some.
Bottom line.................Great machine if you want to get into network and streaming movies. Quality and everything else for the price is unbeatable.

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Start watching your favorite high-definition movies almost instantly with the Panasonic DMP-BD65 Blu-ray Disc player, which features an ultra-fast 2-second boot time. You'll also enjoy BD-Live and Panasonic's VIERA Cast functionality for accessing Internet video content thanks to the Ethernet port and Wireless LAN capability (DY-WL10 wireless LAN adapter sold separately).
It also includes both a USB port and a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot, making it easy for you to view and share both digital still images and HD video recorded with an HD camcorder in the AVCHD format. Other features include compatibility with a wide variety of disc formats (including standard DVD movie discs), Energy Star certification, and Panasonic's VIERA Link function--allowing you to operate multiple audio/video components using a single remote via HDMI. Additionally, Panasonic's lineup of 2010 BD Players are designed to reduce power consumption and also feature a slimmer, more efficient design to reduce packaging waste.


Key Features
High-quality image processing via PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology for clear and vibrant color reproduction that is faithful to the original film (learn more).
High-definition audio decoder (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) takes advantage of the 7.1 channel surround sound now incorporated in Blu-ray Discs.
VIERA Link utilizes HDMI to enable control all VIERA Link combatable products with one remote.
SD memory card slot enables you to play your photos and movies taken with digital cameras and camcorders by just sliding in an SD memory card into the SD slot.

What's in the Box BD Player, remote control (with batteries), power cord, operating instructions
VIERA Cast Online Content Panasonic's VIERA Cast service allows you to stream movies, TV shows and music from a variety of sources without the need of either an external box or a PC. Powered up with Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, you can also access YouTube, Picasa, Bloomberg, and other Internet sites from the special VIERA Cast screen. And as additional sites are added to the 2010 VIERA Cast service, they are added automatically. You'll need to be connected to your home network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (using an optional Wireless LAN adapter).
Specifications

Disc/Media Compatibility

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Experience Movies Like Never Before The DMP-BD65 employs the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. Developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, this high image processing technology reproduces clear, vivid colors that are faithful to the original film.
Panasonic's Blu-ray Disc players employ high precision 4:4:4 signal technology, which working in tandem with PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the horizontal direction to compliment vertical direction processing. P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD) is another technology that contributes to the superior picture quality of the Blu-ray players. P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel.
Panasonic's Blu-ray Disc players further utilize 16-level motion detection to categorize the image motion of each pixel into one of 16 levels; diagonal processing to detect diagonals and correct the pixels accordingly; 1080p up-conversion to up-convert content recorded in the 480i/p or 720p format to 1080p.
This Blu-ray Disc player also provides 1080/24p output, reproducing cinema images from a Blu-ray Disc and DVD in their original 24p form with no need for conversion--enabling you to enjoy cinema images in the same format used in cinema with a 1080/24p-compatible TV.
Complimenting the HD audio codecs, the BD65 Blu-ray Disc player features 96kHz surround re-master, a function that enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even improves the quality of the multi-channel audio data on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.

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Panasonic DMP-BD601K - Blu-ray disc player - upscaling - YouTube Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this player based on the reviews that stated it would access Netflix. This is untrue. I called Netflix when I failed to access Netflix in any fashion. I asked if there was a special disk like the one that is available for the Wii. Netflix said no, this blue ray player cannot access Netflix.

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Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-ray Disc Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I felt compelled posting a review of the BMP-BD55 after receiving the unit today. I'd been holding off buying a standalone Blu-Ray player given the dearth of Profile 2.0 machines and along with their crazy prices. For those who aren't familiar with the Blu-Ray format, there are many different versions of Blu-Ray players that have varying functionalities lingering in the market today. They are: Profile 1.0, Profile 1.1 (this seems to have become the standard for the new low-end models), and Profile 2.0 (finalized standard). I will keep this review/opinion piece as free of tech-babble as much as possible.
You ay want to avoid most Profile 1.0 players. The reason why I say this is for the following reasons: 1. A large number of them are very slow at booting up. 2. They often have problems playing new Blu-Ray movies, some early models won't play some recent BD movies at all. Many of these machines do not come with HDMI 1.3, meaning you may not be able to get take advantage of the newer HD audio formats.
Profile 1.1 machines have been released in the last year and can play the vast majority of new discs but cannot take advantage of the new online functionalities and special features many new discs are shipping with. Also, updating the firmware can be cumbersome requiring a PC download, then that download being burned to a CD, and then that CD being inserted into your player, and then installed onto player.
Profile 2.0 machines are known as "Final Profile" or "Full Spec". These players come with a network interface, aka an Ethernet card. The Ethernet card allows you to connect your player directly to your home network. The significance of this is that with an Ethernet connection you will be able to directly download firmware updates to your player eliminating the several steps in the firmware updating process. Also, internet-based special features are available.
This is my first standalone Blu-Ray player. Since 2006, I have been using my Playstation 3 (60GB launch model) in anticipation of a full-featured standalone Blu-Ray player that didn't cost an arm and a leg. The moment I read the press release and technical specs of the BMP-BD55 I knew this was the machine to buy. The features that stood out to me are:
1. This machine has Onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD/Digital Plus and dts-HD Master Audio audio formats, among others. This means, if you have an older receiver this machine can send the audio via bitstream or PCM, and you'll be able to enjoy the discrete audio mastered on the disc.
2. I have an older 7.1 Yamaha receiver HTR-5960 and it does not decodes the HD audio formats. **Correction** That is where your audio options begin with the BMP-BD55, as it can send decoded 7.1 and 5.1 audio to my receiver via the analog output. In other words you're not tethered, per se, to HDMI to enjoy 7.1 or 5.1 master audio and can put off buying that new receiver. The Optical Out interface supports DTS-ES, Dolby Digital EX, among more but 7.1 is down mixed.
3. Profile 2.0. Simple firmware updates, which are done automatically. Access to the internet-based special features, such as trivia games, extra behind the scenes, downloadables like ringtones etc..
4. This machine has an SD card reader. It can read SD cards up to 32GB (if the card has SDHC on it, then the Panasonic will play it). This means you will be able to view your Photos (from your digital camera: still or video), play MP3 songs, view Divx (aka those movies you downloaded from the internet), etc. I definitely recommend you getting an SD card because you may need it for future special internet- features (which are only going to get larger), as the onboard memory is rather limited. A class 6 8GB card can be bought here on Amazon for $12 and less.
5. Video quality (most important in my opinion). This machine has an excellent 1080p upconverting chipset. This means your regular DVD will look excellent. This machine also has 24p (also known as Original Source Output for those who are interested in knowing). Most movies are actually shot at 24 frames per second and this machine supports 24p for both DVD (via conversion) and Blu-Ray.
6. Price. This machine is an excellent deal for its price. Competing machines with the same or less features still cost well above $700MSRP (Denon and Pioneer ring a bell).
7. Nice Size. This player has a very nice profile and is the size of a typical DVD player. It's not razor thin but it's a substantially slim machine and Panasonic finally got rid of that annoying face plate that you have to manually lower and raise to access the disc tray, which the older Panasonic machines had.
My impressions and personal experience with this machine:
I've been using the Playstation 3 as my Blu-Ray player for almost two years and I believe this machine surpasses the PS3 in terms of Audio (7.1 audio output via analog, and solid bitsream for optical out), Audio/Video settings option (the same picture management flexibilities that exist on my HDTVs settings are available on the machine, allowing for greater picture control and flexibility). PS3 owners will know/appreciate this but I can finally use my standard/universal remote again.
What I like:
I personally found the BMP-BD55 has great colour, contrast, and noise reduction performance as viewed on my Panasonic 46" Plasma HDTV. I did a direct video comparison of several movies between the BMP-BD55 and the PS3 and the Panasonic performed better.
I viewed only areas of the films where the PS3 struggled, such as in sequences with diagonal objects (to test anti-aliasing performance), intense light dark scenes (to test contrast and brightness performance). Movies I viewed:
Blu-Ray: (The Matrix, Iron Man, Resident Evil Extinction, Babel, Disturbia, Unforgiven, Tekkonkinkreet, and The Corpse Bride). I found the BMP-BD55 had great Contrast and Brightness. Colour control is exquisite, hardly any noticeable colour artifacts.
DVD: The Incredibles, the Matrix, Evolution, The Time Machine, Bourne Ultimatum, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Black Dahlia, Moulin Rouge. I found the 1080p upconversion excellent; DVDs I bought 8 years ago look better than ever and the Aspect Ratio and pull-down performance is very good as well.
Audio Processing: The onboard decoding software and chipset are great. I sent the decoded HD audio channelized audio to my 7.1 receiver and it sounded superb. This feature is important, in my opinion, because my receiver has a hard-time converting new HD audio but the BMP-BD55's on-board chipset sends a crisp decoded signal to my receiver. As a result, it doesn't have to struggle with HD audio and only needs to farm out the audio to the assigned speakers.
Load times: I was thoroughly impressed with the boot-up and load times of the machine. From start to play it took me less than two minutes to load Iron Man
What I don't like:
1. Storage Space: Given online content is going to be downloaded, they could have added at 2GB SD card (probably would have cost them only $3)
2. Would be nice if they included a USB port.
3. This is a high definition movie player. Why the heck is the included cable a composite? They could have included a short HDMI or even an S-Video cable.
I highly recommend this machine for anyone looking to enter into the High Definition Movie Disc market or looking to upgrade their 1.0 or 1.1 player. I've seen this unit for $320 (prices will ultimately go down) but if that is too much for you, I highly recommend getting the BMP-BD35 as a more affordable alternative. The only difference between the BMP-BD55 and the BMP-BD35 are the 7.1 analog out (the 35 doesn't have that feature) and Divx support for burned DVD and CD-R/RW. Other than that, the machines are identical in terms of playback functionality and quality, as they have the same video and audio cards. In my opinion, this is a great deal for a full-featured Blu-Ray player; in terms of functionality, features, and Audio/Video quality you're pretty much set.
In conclusion: I feel this is currently the best stand-alone player (especially for the price) currently on the market and a legitimate and compelling alternative to the PS3; perfect for those who are simply interested in watching High Definition movies and want to enjoy the occasional internet-based extras Blu-Ray movies are starting to offer without worrying about a new "Profile". Technology always moves along but I think, with these new players, the manufactures have finally started releasing "finalized" Blu-Ray machines you won't have to worry about being viable for years to come.
I hope you found this useful and I thank you for taking the time to read my review/opinion.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-ray Disc Player

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. The BD35 and BD55 both feature an HD Audio Decoder (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Master Audio Essential), delivering 7.1-channel surround sound through a 7.1-channel receiver equipped with an HDMI terminal. The DMP-BD55 features high-end audio components and can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound. Both models are equipped with an SD Memory Card slot that makes it easy to transfer images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera that uses SD Memory Cards and are compatible with Panasonic's VIERA Link function so they can be operated by the VIERA HDTV remote control. The combination of a Panasonic Blu-ray player, Home Theater audio system and a VIERA HDTV converts the home entertainment experience into a true-to-life cinematic experience. Consumers can now view and enjoy movies the way the film maker intended -- in stunning High Definition video and audio – right from the comfort of their own home.
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True-To-Life Colors The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus video processor was developed after more than 15 years of collaboration between Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory and professional cinema studios in Hollywood. With PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus, users viewing content on Blu-ray Discs enjoy crisp, vivid colors that are extremely close to the original. A high-precision 4:4:4 function creates video signals in which each pixel of the signal from the Blu-ray Disc is color-compensated, so when the player is connected to a Panasonic VIERA HDTV, the colors are even sharper and more vivid.

UniPhier System UniPhier is a Panasonic-created system LSI developed by applying 45-nanometer processing to a consumer product – a world's first. This single-chip integration technology also contributes greatly to the BD35's world's slimmest height of 49mm.

Blu-ray Video Features More Picture
More SpaceMore Bits


BD-Live

Life-Like Surround Sound
The BD35 and BD55 both feature an HD Audio Decoder (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Master Audio Essential), which supports the 7.1-channel surround sound newly adopted in Blu-ray Discs. Users can enjoy 7.1-channel surround even with systems that do not support HD Audio -- as long as the DMP-BD35/55 is connected to a 7.1-channel receiver equipped with an HDMI terminal. The DMP-BD55 can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound by simply connecting to the DMP-BD55.

Dolby TrueHD, Dolby's next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media, delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master.

Delivers enthralling studio-master-quality sound that unlocks the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs.
Offers more discrete channels than ever before for impeccable surround sound.
Compatible with the A/V receivers and home-theaters-in-a-box (HTIBs) of today and tomorrow.
Dialogue normalization maintains the same volume level when you change to other Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD programming.
Dynamic range control (Night mode) enables you to customize audio playback to reduce peak volume levels (no loud surprises) while experiencing all the details in the soundtrack, enabling late-night viewing of high-energy surround sound without disturbing others.

The Panasonic BD55 goes a step further with a high-end audio design and components. Thanks to a 192kHz 24bit audio digital-analog converter and high quality insulators, electrolytic capacitors, copper-foil film capacitors and ultra-low-impedance electrolytic capacitors, the DMP-BD55 delivers the same kind of exciting surround effect and lifelike ambience as today's finest cinemas. The DMP-BD55 can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound by simply connecting to the DMP-BD55.


HDMI Features x.v Color
RGB Color Range

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Maxell Blu-ray Rewritble Dual Layer 50GB 1-2X Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Maxell BD-RE Dual Layer and the Sony brand at the same time. I used my LG burner with both to produce perfect burns...UNTIL my seventh burn. The Sony Disc (totally scratch free) now returns a burning error on every attempt and will not complete the burn. I tried a full erase with my Cyberlink software, and even the erase would not complete without this error. The Maxell BD-RE DL still continues to produce error free burns. I have a Sony BD-RE Single layer that still produces error free burns, but for my BD-RE Dual layer discs, I will continue to buy the Maxell.

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