|
|
Panasonic DMP-BD30K 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
| Editorial Reviews: | |  |  | | The DMP-BD30 is the next generation High Definition 1080p Blu-ray Disc player. It is the first Blu-ray player to be introduced with Final Standard Profile, which adds a variety of new and enhanced features to the Blu-ray arena and one that separates the Panasonic Blu-ray player from the rest of the field. Also unique to the DMP-BD30 is the inclusion of an SD Memory Card slot for playback of High Definition content recorded in the AVCHD format. The SD slot also allows for viewing of digital still images recorded to an SD Memory Card.Final Standard Profile is an advanced function added to the Blu-ray standard, which opens the door to new functions such as Picture-in-Picture (which displays a second image in a sub window) and Audio Mixing (allows the consumer to switch the sound between the main and sub windows).The inclusion of a multi-function SD Card slot is another new addition to the Panasonic Blu-ray player. Coupled with the AVCHD codec, the DMP-BD30 allows for images recorded on a high capacity HD SD card to be outputted directly from the player's HDMI terminal in their original 1080p form. To further benefit the user, the DMP-BD30 provides an AVCHD Direct Navigator function that makes it easy to search for particular scenes. The player can also play back JPEG still images on an SD card, such as those recorded with a Panasonic Lumix digital camera. The DMP-BD30 converts the images to 1920x1080 resolution, ideal for viewing on a1080p HD Plasma and output them through the HDMI terminal.Like its predecessor, the DMP-DB30 features the EZ-Sync HDAVI Control that allows the consumer to operate their Panasonic home theater system with one remote. With one touch of the EZ-Sync button, all the components turn on, the correct TV input is chosen, the TV's built-in speakers are muted and the home theater starts playback. |  |  | | Blu-ray means incredible full-HD images, breathtaking sound and 5x the data capacity of DVDs. Now Blu-ray means something else too: an entirely new movie-viewing experience, made possible by Final Standard Profile, which adds features never seen before, like four Picture-in-Picture modes including Enhanced Commentary (from directors and actors), Backstage Pass, Peek Behind the Animation and Audio Mixing. Images So Real, You Feel Like You're in the Picture Combining a PHL Reference Chroma Processor with advanced P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing) imaging technology, UniPhier ? the Precise Digital Video processor ? reproduces crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. It does this by up-sampling the color information in decoded video signals, while the super high-speed P4HD up-converts content recorded in 480i/p, 720p or 1080i format to 1080p by correctly generating each pixel according to information drawn from up to 60 surrounding pixels. The image motion of each pixel is then categorized into one of 16 levels, from stationary to super fast. Image quality is further enhanced by Diagonal Processing, which creates smooth, sharp diagonal lines, and 3:2 Pull-Down, which optimizes the processing accordingly for film or video making the images look natural and lifelike. In addition, the DMP-BD30's HDMI output is Deep Color compatible, with 4,096 steps of gradation for even smoother, finer-quality images that meet Hollywood's stringent demands, so you can experience movies just the way they were meant to be experienced. Incredible Sound Completes the Hi-Def Experience With Precise Digital Audio, Blu-ray's beautiful images are complemented by exceptionally pure, accurate sound thanks to Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. UniPhier's advanced processing capability decodes these audio signals with high precision and outputs them in bitstream form with no degradation. It also brings re-mastering to Blu-ray for the first time, which compensates for data lost during the compression process creating a fuller, richer sound. HD Networking with SD Card The convenient SD card slot on the DMP-BD30 allows easy viewing of hi-def videos and photos on your HDTV. Videos shot with a Panasonic HD camcorder are output in their original 1920x1080 resolution, while still images taken with a Panasonic Lumix digital camera are up-converted and output in 1920x1080 resolution1. One-Touch Control from Your TV's Remote With EZ Sync HDAVI Control, you can control your Blu-ray Disc player ? and all your home theater components ? with your TV's remote2. Simply press the EZ Sync button and select "BD Player" on the menu screen; the BD player's menu will be displayed and you can begin playback. |  |
| Custom Reviews: | |
 |
|  | This a a great Blu-ray player with a fantastic picture. With the lastest firmware update (2.5) the SD picture has been improved making this one of the best all around players.
|
|
| Excelent choice for entry level | |
|  | I purchased this to go along with a 61" DLP TV. For the moment I am using only the up-converting features of this set; I'm awaiting my first blu-ray disc!
I am using the HDMI for video and the optic connection for sound, and both work very well.
I am pleased with the setup options, which are very extensive and easily understood, and especially the capability to enhance the output of the center speaker so that spoken words come through. I don't know if it is the optical connection or this setting, but when we watch movies, we hear words and sounds that we never noticed before.
The up-converted picture is really amazing, especially when the scenes are bright. Some of the dimmer scenes appear a bit grainy, but I suspect that may be the fact that high ASA film was used to capture these shots. So maybe there is nothing for the player to up-convert in those cases!
The remote is fairly easy to use, with larger buttons than many remotes.
I have noticed a couple of drawbacks so far:
One issue I have had so far is the setup. For whatever reason, in order to access the setup, one has to hit STOP, then enter setup. I would rather be able to change the settings without stopping. It isn't too large a problem, because hitting PLAY goes right back to the same point in the movie.
The other issue is the the ROOT menu will not bypass the previews, even though the DVD says to go to the root menu. I get past this by hitting the FF button. In the same area, none of the menu buttons on the remote seem to get me to the root menu; I have to select a different button and then navigate to the ROOT menu - which then doesn't work during previews...
However, in general, this is a well designed and inexpensive Blu-Ray player and a good choice for the budget minded shopper.
|
|
| Panasonic beats ps3 everytime for blu ray viewing | |
|  | My home theatre guys said use a ps3 for blu-ray, it is cheaper and will work just as good plus you can game. Bad advice. The PS3 is an inferior blu ray player. It is noisy, and cumbersome. On top of that it heats up and you can not keep your entertainment ctr doors closed w/ it on. The bonus for this is you can't hear your 7.1 system play over the hum of the fan.
The panasonic not only does excellent w/ blu ray, but it has a terrific sd card arrangement that was much easier to use than the ps 3. I am amazed @ the ps3 popularity vs a dedicated blu ray player. The panasonic might cost a bit more, but it is geared for the game!
|
|
|  | I was looking for a Blu-ray player; however, knowing nothing about the performance of these, I contacted my brother who is very knowledgable about electronics. He recommended the Panasonic and I was extremely pleased. He set it up for me and am now watching everything on my large screen TV in Blue-ray. Love it and would highly recommend this.
|
|
|  | A ton of options, excellent blu-ray picture, excellent dvd upscale picture and you can change how the pictures are rendered with many options (brightness, contrast, sharpness, color, 3d NR, integrated NR etc) that would be the user setting or just choose from presets (normal, cinema, soft, fine) This machine is rock solid when it comes to construction it seems extremely durable and the tray auto hides behind an auto-flip door. It has a slim semi-circle blue-green light in the front cente middle and looks great. The remote is very functional and it operates the main features of my tv and audio receiver apart from the DVD/BLU-RAY. Again extremely durable; this remote is heavy and made of thick hard plastic and you can feel the excellent durability when you use it. Go to Panasonic website for updates that are burnt to cd and applied to player. I would buy this all over again in a moment.
|
|
 |
|
|