Best Reviewed
Blu-ray Players
- Best Blu-ray player for videophiles Oppo BDP-93 *Est. $500
- Best Blu-ray player for most users Panasonic DMP-BDT210 *Est. $150
- Best budget Blu-ray player Panasonic DMP-BDT110 *Est. $120
- Blu-ray player and gaming console Sony PlayStation 3 Slim (160 GB) *Est. $250
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- Excellent image quality with Blu-ray and DVD
- On-board decoding of high-definition audio formats
- Can stream high-definition audio formats
- Multi-channel (7.1) analog audio outputs
- Slower startup compared to PS3
- Expensive
- SD memory card not included
December 2008. Experts say that the Panasonic DMP-BD55K is the first standalone Blu-ray player to deliver everything that the format promises. Audio support is unsurpassed, including on-board decoders for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, the ability to stream those audio formats via HDMI, and multi-channel analog audio outputs for compatibility with older home theater receivers that lack HDMI inputs. Picture quality with Blu-ray Discs is at the top of the class, and it's a superior performer among Blu-ray players when it comes to upscaling standard DVDs to near-HD quality. Negatives are few, but the Panasonic Blu-ray player is notably slower than the Sony Playstation 3 (*est. $400) and more expensive than some nearly as capable standalone players, including its step-down sibling, the Panasonic DMP-BD35K (*discontinued). The big difference between the two Panasonic players is that the latter lacks multi-channel analog audio outputs (a major feature but probably not a deal-killer for many users).
Reviews for the Panasonic DMP-BD55K are plentiful. CNET has a great balanced review, while those with a more technical bent will appreciate the testing at Ultimate AV and Sound & Vision magazines. BigPictureBigSound.com also has a useful and reasonably detailed report. Some user reviews can be found at Amazon.com.
Our Sources
1. CNET
This review of the Panasonic DMP-BD55K is balanced, complete and accessible. Technical details are discussed, but there's plenty here regardless of a reader's expertise. Picture quality is noted as excellent, and features are plentiful, but the step-down Panasonic DMP-BD35K is called a better value.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD55, Matthew Moskovciak, Oct. 1, 2008
Ultimate AV provides an authoritative and comprehensive review of the Panasonic DMP-BD55K, though some details might have little meaning to non-techies. Video and audio quality is described as "spectacular."
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray Player, David Vaughn, Dec. 2007
3. Sound & Vision MagazineDetails/Subscribe
This review says the Panasonic DMP-BD55K is feature-packed and an excellent performer. Reviewer Al Griffin says he's so impressed by it that the DMP-BD55K is the first Blu-ray player he's felt comfortable specifically recommending.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray Disc Player Test Report, Al Griffin, Nov. 2008
Chris Boylan is impressed with video performance, audio performance, features and value. "Those who have been waiting to jump into the Blu-ray waters need wait no longer," he writes.
Review: Panasonic True Blu, Chris Boylan, Sept. 30, 2008
5. Amazon.com
Not a lot of user feedback has been posted yet for the Panasonic DMP-BD55K, but most of it is very favorable. One user does complain that he can't play back discs created by his Sony HD camcorder on the player.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD55K 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player, Contributors to Amazon.com
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Sony NSZ-GT1 Wi-Fi-Enabled 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Featuring Google TV
In Stock.
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