Panasonic DMP-BD55

[Emusica]

For anyone who is interested, they are now available at Circuit City. I just went and picked one up.:D I just happened to be looking on the CC web-site and saw that they were available. I'm going to give it a test run, along with the new Sony BDP-S550, see which one I like better.

[mtrycrafts]

For anyone who is interested, they are now available at Circuit City. I just went and picked one up.:D I just happened to be looking on the CC web-site and saw that they were available. I'm going to give it a test run, along with the new Sony BDP-S550, see which one I like better.

Great, let us know:D The 55 is getting rave reviews out there, especially at AVS:D So does the 35.
Any discounts yet?

[Thunder18]

For anyone who is interested, they are now available at Circuit City. I just went and picked one up.:D I just happened to be looking on the CC web-site and saw that they were available. I'm going to give it a test run, along with the new Sony BDP-S550, see which one I like better.

If you don't mind mentioning, what were the prices on both the Sony and the Panasonic?

[Emusica]

If you don't mind mentioning, what were the prices on both the Sony and the Panasonic?

They are both $399.

[Thunder18]

They are both $399.

Thank you!
For anyone near a Fry's Electronics, my local store also had both units for $399. I thought the 55 was rumored to be something like $600-$700 initially? When did they drop the price?

[SHOC]

Amazon has the BD55 for $399.95 with Free shipping as well.

[Audio2004]

Emusica - Please let us know what's your thought after you compare Sony S550 and Panasonic BD55. I'm looking forward to buy either one. :D

Thanks.

[billy p]

Emusica - Please let us know what's your thought after you compare Sony S550 and Panasonic BD55. I'm looking forward to buy either one. :D

Thanks.

I've followed a recent thread over at AVS regarding these two players and they both offer a lot of value. However in that thread the price for the Panny BD55 was thought to be $100.00 more and for that reason the S550 was considered a better buy or given a slight edge.:)

[Emusica]

Emusica - Please let us know what's your thought after you compare Sony S550 and Panasonic BD55. I'm looking forward to buy either one. :D

Thanks.

Well, I can tell you upfront that the Sony looks cooler, but that's about it for starters. It has a nice metallic blue hue to it. Not really a reason to choose one over the other but it may come down to that.

I hope I have the ability to compare the two objectionably, cause right now, it's all about interface and which one is more user friendly.

[allargon]

As far as mainstream standalones, Panasonic has pretty much had the best record. They weren't always the first. (Sometimes Samsung beat them to the punch.) Panny has been pretty good with bug fixes. One thing annoying about the S550 is that it won't ship with DTS-HD MA internal decoding at launch. Ask LG and Samsung (Philips, too) customers about stuff not shipping at launch pending firmware updates.

[Thunder18]

As far as mainstream standalones, Panasonic has pretty much had the best record. They weren't always the first. (Sometimes Samsung beat them to the punch.) Panny has been pretty good with bug fixes. One thing annoying about the S550 is that it won't ship with DTS-HD MA internal decoding at launch. Ask LG and Samsung (Philips, too) customers about stuff not shipping at launch pending firmware updates.

Supposedly the S550 IS shipping with DTS-HD MA which is why it's release came after the S350 which was not released with DTS-HD MA and subsequently will require a firmware update.

[Audio2004]

Looked at the customers' review on Crutchfield.com site, most of them mentioned the S550 was released with DTS-HD MA. :confused:

[Emusica]

Looked at the customers' review on Crutchfield.com site, most of them mentioned the S550 was released with DTS-HD MA. :confused:

Yes, the S550 does have DTS-HD MA, without crappy firmware. On a side note, I don't know why they don't make all the blu ray disks with DTS MA, it sounds so much better than Dolby TrueHD to me. At first I was unimpressed with the Dolby HD, but I didn't have my set-up right. I had to go in and change the audio out from Bitrate to PCM. I was still onlly mildly impressed, until I watched Incredible Hulk with the DTS-HD MA soundtrack:D.

[bknblk]

Went to my local CC store, they were having a 10% off sale today only (it was supposed to be for small businesses only, but they gave me the 10% anyway)....picked up the BD55 for $359.99:D

[jostenmeat]

Congrats! Fine player.

(how much was the BD-35 there?).

[bknblk]

Congrats! Fine player.

(how much was the BD-35 there?).

Currently watching the Fifth Element, amazing picture.....The BD35 was $299.99 list......

[surveyor]

I bought the Panasonic DMP-BD55 at CC acouple of weeks ago for $399.00.
I was blown away with it's audio and video performance. It upconverts DVD very well, also. The 7.1 audio with the new formats is really enlightening. It's also 2.0 compatible. This is one of my better purchases. It is a true deal!:D

Kelly

[mtrycrafts]

... It is a true deal!:D

Kelly

With a nice discount it really would be a true deal:D

[cutter]

I purchased the panny BD55 online from CC, went through the fatwallet.com website, got 10% off, plus and extra 2% back for using the fatwallet website-- all in all, saved 50 bucks.

[surveyor]

With a nice discount it really would be a true deal:D

Black Friday is close.:)

[Emusica]

Amazon has it for $347.00 and it keeps going down daily. I think I'll wait a few more weeks and grab one up. I took my test player back to CC and I'm already having withdrawals:o. I have some gift certificates from
Amazon so I will get it from there, but I had to check it out before I made the blu-ray jump.

[mtrycrafts]

Black Friday is close.:)

Yes, I will be out of town for that weekend so I'll have to look around that city. Or on line, perhaps.:D

[surveyor]

Yes, I will be out of town for that weekend so I'll have to look around that city. Or on line, perhaps.:D

Here you go!. http://www.electronics-expo.com/index.php?page=item&ci_src=5784816&id=PANDMPBD55K&source=pricegrabber
$334.57 Authorized Dealer ;)

[Tod]

I ordered one from Amazon a few days ago for $340, but they had a shipping delay. While I was sitting there hating them and trying to kill their website with my eyes (nothing like having a pile of new blu-ray discs and no player!), I noticed that A) the price had dropped $10, and B) if you bought four of a certain set of discs with the player you get $100 off. And they weren't all bad movies, either.

Got the BD55 with four movies for $305 shipped! Delicious!

[Emusica]

I ordered one from Amazon a few days ago for $340, but they had a shipping delay. While I was sitting there hating them and trying to kill their website with my eyes (nothing like having a pile of new blu-ray discs and no player!), I noticed that A) the price had dropped $10, and B) if you bought four of a certain set of discs with the player you get $100 off. And they weren't all bad movies, either.

Got the BD55 with four movies for $305 shipped! Delicious!

Whoa! I didn't see that deal:confused: I just ordered mine a few days ago also:( I found the deal for $100 off a Sony or Samsung player but not the Panny 55. Perhaps you can link me to his fab deal.:D


Edit: found it.....

[Tod]

Well, for the others...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_7774702_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1000279241&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_r=0CAYAX7ZPHK4458NW3N7&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=461787101&pf_rd_i=B001GAOYCI

[Emusica]

I ordered one from Amazon a few days ago for $340, but they had a shipping delay. While I was sitting there hating them and trying to kill their website with my eyes (nothing like having a pile of new blu-ray discs and no player!), I noticed that A) the price had dropped $10, and B) if you bought four of a certain set of discs with the player you get $100 off. And they weren't all bad movies, either.

Got the BD55 with four movies for $305 shipped! Delicious!

Thanks a bunch for the info. I initially paid $344 with no promotional anything and I had to use some gift certificates and got the final price down to $313. With this offer, I get it down to $304.65, plus 4 movies, AND I get my gift cards back so I can purchase more movies:D

[mtrycrafts]

Here you go!. http://www.electronics-expo.com/index.php?page=item&ci_src=5784816&id=PANDMPBD55K&source=pricegrabber
$334.57 Authorized Dealer ;)

You guys are making it extremely difficult for me to resist these deals:eek:

It is getting better all the time:D Too bad I didn't see a good selection for that $100 deal:eek:
I wonder if that black Friday will be any better?

[mtrycrafts]

I ordered one from Amazon a few days ago for $340, but they had a shipping delay. While I was sitting there hating them and trying to kill their website with my eyes (nothing like having a pile of new blu-ray discs and no player!), I noticed that A) the price had dropped $10, and B) if you bought four of a certain set of discs with the player you get $100 off. And they weren't all bad movies, either.

Got the BD55 with four movies for $305 shipped! Delicious!

Resistance is futile!
I pulled the trigger as well, at $307:D

Now the tough part: how to update the firmware without on line access by the TV area. Don't really want to burn a disc:eek: Can it be done with a flash drive? Anyone?

[Emusica]

:DResistance is futile!
I pulled the trigger as well, at $307:D

Now the tough part: how to update the firmware without on line access by the TV area. Don't really want to burn a disc:eek: Can it be done with a flash drive? Anyone?

This player has a setting to either automatically or manually check for updates, so I'm going to leave it on auto. I have an old xbox wireless router that also works with my 360. I'm gonna hook it up the the 55 and see if I can get updates that way. I don't see why it won't work, but I'll let everyone know either way. There is also a slot for a SD memory card. As of now, I can't find anything in the instructions that says you can put the firmware on the card, but I may try that. No USB on this unit, so it's either ethernet or CD-R. I don't think there any updates now anyway, but I will check occasionally. As for right now...... It's Gears of War 2 time

[surveyor]

Resistance is futile!
I pulled the trigger as well, at $307:D

Now the tough part: how to update the firmware without on line access by the TV area. Don't really want to burn a disc:eek: Can it be done with a flash drive? Anyone?

Congradulations, it's a heck of a deck for both video and audio. Be sure to use either HDMI for the Audio or the 7.1 analog outs! If you have any problems setting up the audio let me know, as I already struggled through it.
You bought the BDP55 right? If so you got a heck of a deal. I paid $399.00 for mine, my luck huh.:)

[Tod]

You guys are making it extremely difficult for me to resist these deals:eek:

It is getting better all the time:D Too bad I didn't see a good selection for that $100 deal:eek:
I wonder if that black Friday will be any better?


Yeah, I at least needed Batman Begins, had SD 300 but didn't mind the upgrade, and also went with Troy and The Assassination of Jesse James. Could have been a little better, but considering they were basically free...

Screw Black Friday. That's like 3 weeks away and I want it all now!!!

[cutter]

Finally got my Bd-55 hooked up-- WOW is all I have to say. setup is a breeze, and the picture is AMAZING. I haven't had time to set up my new 5308 receiver yet, but I can't imagine having HD sound AND that picture-- I may never leave the house again! I also "tested" SD DVD Gladiator (ended up watching it for the bazillionth time) and it did a great job of upconverting to 1080p-- pic was as good as, maybe better than, my Denon 3910.

gotta go-- I have a stack of about 30 blu-rays to enjoy--

[mtrycrafts]

Congradulations, it's a heck of a deck for both video and audio. Be sure to use either HDMI for the Audio or the 7.1 analog outs! If you have any problems setting up the audio let me know, as I already struggled through it.
You bought the BDP55 right? If so you got a heck of a deal. I paid $399.00 for mine, my luck huh.:)

Yes, it is the 55 and I will have to use the DD+ on it which is just fine for me;):D For video, certainly the HDMI as that is already in place with the HD
I will need to manually swap the cable to either player but we'll see which gets more use. The XA2 does a super job of upscaling.
After seeing the deals at Amazon with that $100 off with the purchase of 4 BD and the price already at $328, how much lower can it go on Black Friday? Now, I don't have to fight the crowds or worry for a few extra $$$ off.

I am just not sure about those updates of firmware as it is already up to 1.5 at least. I have no access, convenient, to the Internet where the player will be. Maybe I can plug it into the computer monitor until it downloads the update. I don't suppose that the auto update goes without any command to proceed. If it can, I can just set it to auto and then move it to a Internet connection and just plug it in?

[mtrycrafts]

Screw Black Friday. That's like 3 weeks away and I want it all now!!!

I got 4 that I can live with so it is a great deal, no crowds to worry, or wasting good time on Friday looking for a deal with perhaps an incrementally better buy, maybe. Now it is done, no more worries.:D

[mtrycrafts]

Finally got my Bd-55 hooked up-- WOW is all I have to say. setup is a breeze, and the picture is AMAZING. I haven't had time to set up my new 5308 receiver yet, but I can't imagine having HD sound AND that picture-- I may never leave the house again! I also "tested" SD DVD Gladiator (ended up watching it for the bazillionth time) and it did a great job of upconverting to 1080p-- pic was as good as, maybe better than, my Denon 3910.

gotta go-- I have a stack of about 30 blu-rays to enjoy--

Since you already set it up, did you set to auto updates? If so, does that setting require prompts to download updates for which I need a TV to watch it on and an Internet connection by it which I don't have available, or, it updates without any prompt from you to OK the update or proceed, whatever, in which case I can just plug the player in by an Internet connection without video and it will do its thing.:eek:

[McBrace]

I agree with all of you that this is a great player! Only issue I have with this is that it will not play my back up's on BD-RE media. Anyone have any ideas or direction with this issue? I was getting ready to ship it back to Amazon until I read some of the posts. Was going to swap it out for a PS3. The back ups I made played fine on a friends PS3. I have an older reciever and it was nice to run the analog outs. ( I have to say I think it sounded a whole lot better then the opt. out ) Anyway what do you all think? Is the PS3 the better way to go? Does the PS3 have a better picture? Any help would be great. thanks all!:confused:

[mtrycrafts]

I agree with all of you that this is a great player! Only issue I have with this is that it will not play my back up's on BD-RE media. Anyone have any ideas or direction with this issue? I was getting ready to ship it back to Amazon until I read some of the posts. Was going to swap it out for a PS3. The back ups I made played fine on a friends PS3. I have an older reciever and it was nice to run the analog outs. ( I have to say I think it sounded a whole lot better then the opt. out ) Anyway what do you all think? Is the PS3 the better way to go? Does the PS3 have a better picture? Any help would be great. thanks all!:confused:

You could just play the original on the 35 and save the backup when needed. By then the PS 3 may be had for a lot less?:D

[cutter]

Since you already set it up, did you set to auto updates? If so, does that setting require prompts to download updates for which I need a TV to watch it on and an Internet connection by it which I don't have available, or, it updates without any prompt from you to OK the update or proceed, whatever, in which case I can just plug the player in by an Internet connection without video and it will do its thing.:eek:

I selected auto updates, and "check now"-- done with firmware update in about 5 minutes. you do have to have a screen nearby to "select" the icon to update using the remote. I have the 55 attached via ethernet cable to my sonos, which like magic makes everything work so easily! my replay TV is attached to it as well, and I can stream video to every TV in the house-- works quite well. Good luck!

[mtrycrafts]

I selected auto updates, and "check now"-- done with firmware update in about 5 minutes. you do have to have a screen nearby to "select" the icon to update using the remote. I have the 55 attached via ethernet cable to my sonos, which like magic makes everything work so easily! my replay TV is attached to it as well, and I can stream video to every TV in the house-- works quite well. Good luck!

Thanks. So I do need a monitor to respond to prompts.
Many years ago I just didn't think about access to Internet for DVDs or a future HD/BD hi def stuff:eek: so the place for movies is not wired for that:eek: I should have consulted a psychic:D what is to come;)

So, it looks like a long cable to it for updates only, then disconnect. thanks.

[Tod]

I'll have the same issue - computer and stuff is 50'+ from the projector, so long cable temporarily if I have to.

One thing though - I just went to the Panasonic website to look for downloads. They didn't have any listed updates for the 55, but you could download updates for the BD-50. I'm hoping that means you can put them on an SD card and load them onto the player from there. Anyone tried it?

[mtrycrafts]

I'll have the same issue - computer and stuff is 50'+ from the projector, so long cable temporarily if I have to.

One thing though - I just went to the Panasonic website to look for downloads. They didn't have any listed updates for the 55, but you could download updates for the BD-50. I'm hoping that means you can put them on an SD card and load them onto the player from there. Anyone tried it?


Thanks. I think the players come with 1.1 firmware and someone at AVS has uploaded 1.5, automatically. Perhaps they are not on the web site yet? The XA2 had a delay of firmwares on the web, I think, although I wasn't too much in a hurry with it as it worked just fine and still have a few discs not uploaded yet:D

[Tod]

Oh my science! Ran screaming home from school, ripped the box open, and it was on! I watched the new THX thing on Indiana Jones, then bailed on the movie after the bomb went off and went to Transformers. Totally awesome. My projector's only 720p, so I wasn't sure how big of an improvement to expect, but it was delicious...Taking the dogs out and then Pirates or something.

[mtrycrafts]

Oh my science! Ran screaming home from school, ripped the box open, and it was on! I watched the new THX thing on Indiana Jones, then bailed on the movie after the bomb went off and went to Transformers. Totally awesome. My projector's only 720p, so I wasn't sure how big of an improvement to expect, but it was delicious...Taking the dogs out and then Pirates or something.

Did you download the 1.5 firmware yet? Finally I found a way since a few tries didn't work:D

Very quiet player:D