kabyash's Full Review: Panasonic DMP BD55K Blu-Ray Player
The Panasonic DMP-BD55K is the perfect companion to my receiver and although the 55K has HMDI connections, my receiver does not. So why the 55K? A huge list of features including 7.1 channel analog cable connections, component video cable connections, digital audio connection, optical audio connection, even standard audio/video connections for those who don't even own a Hi-definition TV but want a Blu-Ray player,( although that doesn't make alot of sense). After researching Blu-Ray players for weeks I decided to purchase the Panasonic BMP-BD55K for the above reasons and more. 2 years ago I decided to invest in a new home receiver that could handle hi quality video and was 7.1 channel capable. HDMI was a fairly new and pricey option on most receivers and I didn't feel the need for it, perhaps a mistake but not one to fret over much. To get off subject for a moment, I searched for the pros and cons and an explanation of what HDMI cables really do. Here is the most reasonable explantion I found. HDMI cables are capable of carrying the widest bandwidth (signal ) to date. HDMI carries 7.1 channel audio plus video that is slightly better than Component video in one cable. 1 cable instead of 10. There lies the attraction and function, with less mess. I have a Pioneer VSX-1015 receiver and the Panasonic 55k's numerous connections allowed me to connect with analog cables to my receiver and use the component cable connections to view beautiful BluRay disc movies on my HDTV. One drawback at first was when receiving a signal through analog cables my receiver only plays in 7.1 surround multi-channel input. I don't always like that since the receiver can decode almost all audio formats automatically such as THX, Dolby, Neo and such. Sometimes utilising a different audio codec improves the overall experience quite a bit. But the Panasonic also has a digital audio connection which I started using after a few days that sends the audio to my receiver and my receiver automatically uses the proper format OR I choose which one I prefer. I like surround sound but you have to get everything so loud because people talking usually comes from the center channel speaker and when action happens, your house SOUNDS like a theater. So I really like the fact digital and optical audio connections are included on this model. The initial quick set-up of the Panasonic DMP-BD55K was extremely easy and further options such as screen format, audio output format, picture format from 480p to 1080i were quite easy to navigate through and set to my preference. There is even an option I haven't used yet that allows you to fine tune your speaker volumes individually. The remote is well laid out with decent sized buttons and is not overly complicated like so many are these days. I have already watched quite a few of my regular DVD's on this player and it upconverts them beautifully. They may not be quite as sharp as Blu-Ray but you can really see the difference. In addition the 55k is capable of playing most DVD formats such as DVD-R, RW, etc. and even CD's. It even has a slot on the front that accepts SD memory cards so you can plug one in and enjoy your pictures on your TV in Hi-definition. I initially looked at Sony, Pioneer and Panasonic. The Sony DBP-S500 ( $300 ) and the Pioneer BDP-51FD ( $400 ) were around the same price range as the Panasonic DMP-BD55K ($350 ). But the Panasonic has more features than Sony and it's predecessor, the Panasonic DMP-BD35K had very good reviews and the Pioneer offered no more than the Panasonic at a greater price. To date I have nothing to complain about with this product. I have only owned it for a few weeks but used it almost everyday. Also when loading a DVD it takes about 5-10 seconds for the disc to start reading. Some people seem annoyed that things aren't instant but this seems like nothing to me. I am very satisfied with my choice.
Blu-ray Player BD Live / 7.1 Lossless Decode and Analog Output VIERA Link: Operate with your VIERA Remote Control SD Card SlotMore at Amazon Marketplace
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