- Great picture quality
- Internet streaming
- Good value
- Fast load times
- User-supplied memory card required for some Blu-ray features
- Wi-Fi requires optional adapter
- Less Internet content than some Blu-ray players
The Panasonic DMP-BD65K is short on features compared to some current Blu-ray players, and has a few quirks that seem out of place in a 2010 model. However, it wins accolades from reviewers for its picture quality and praise from owners for its reliability, compared to other Blu-ray Disc players. The biggest quirk of all is that the DMP-BD65K still does not have the built-in memory required for BD-Live. Instead, owners need to provide that in the form of a 1 GB SD memory card. Not a big deal for most since such cards regularly sell for less than $10, but it's a holdover from earlier generations of BD-Live Blu-ray players.
Of course, if you don't care for Blu-ray's Internet features, you can forgo the Internet connection and the memory card. Doing that, however, means you'll also miss out on the DMP-BD65K's other big feature, Internet streaming. The lineup of content partners isn't as broad as some competing Blu-ray players, but Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Pandora, Picasa, YouTube and Twitter, among others, should keep most more than satisfied. You can access all of that through the hardwired Ethernet connector or an optional Wi-Fi radio (*Est. $80).The DMP-BD65K produces excellent picture quality that doesn't fall far behind the very best when playing back Blu-ray Discs or DVDs. A quick-load feature noticeably speeds up disc start up times, though other players, such as the 3D-capable Sony BDP-S570 (Discontinued), are faster still.
Reviews from U.S.-based sources are rare, but ConsumerReports.org weighs in with a testing-based evaluation. Several British reviewers report on the Panasonic DMP-BD65K; this U.K. version of the Blu-ray player differs in only a few technical details and should perform similarly. Those reviewers include TechRadar.com, What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine, and the British edition of CNET. Lots of user reviews can be found at Amazon.com, and reports at Newegg.com are helpful as well.
| Panasonic DMP-BD65 Blu-Ray Disc Player (Black) | |
(298 reviews) |
|
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
The Panasonic DMP-BD65K is included in the review of Blu-ray Disc players at ConsumerReports.org. Performance is tested and rated, and players are ranked. Unfortunately, the discussion provides few additional insights.
Review: Blu-ray Players, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. TechRadar.com
TechRadar.com gives a long, detailed and testing-based review of the Panasonic DMP-BD65K. Some of the player's quirks, such as the lack of built-in memory, get a thumbs-down. However, most of those are trumped by the quality of the images the player produces. Value is also praised.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD65 Blu-ray Player Review, Jamie Carter, May 25, 2010
3. What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
This short, breezy review at Britain's What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision provides a helpful snapshot of what's right and wrong with the Panasonic DMP-BD65K. The player can't quite keep up with the very best, especially when it comes to features, but picture performance is very good with Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD65, Editors of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine
4. CNET (U.K.)
The British edition of CNET looks at the version of the Panasonic DMP-BD65K sold on its side of the pond. Features aren't a strong point, but Ian Morris says that "it does the most important things very well." Picture and sound quality are judged to be excellent.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD65 Review, Ian Morris, Feb. 22, 2010
5. Amazon.com
More than 80 owners team up to grant the Panasonic DMP-BD65 a solid 4-star rating. While the overwhelming majority weighs in with 4- or 5-star evaluations, some less-than-happy owners can be found. Some say that the player takes longer to load than they expected; others take issue with some aspects of Internet streaming.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD65, Contributors to Amazon.com
6. NewEgg.com
While there are far fewer reviews here than at Amazon.com, we value the feedback posted at Newegg.com because this technology-oriented site attracts a tech-savvy crowd. So far, just under 20 owners have posted reviews, and their cumulative opinions earn the Panasonic DMP-BD65K a nearly perfect rating. The one negative comment only complains that the optional Wi-Fi adapter is hard to find. Ease of use and picture quality are oft-cited positives.
Review: Panasonic DMP-BD65K, Contributors to Newegg.com
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