Blu-ray choice sony s760 or panasonic bd-85?

[markyd]

I am going to buy a blu-ray to go with my panasonic v20, but my amp does not have HD-audio support so I need the 5.1 analogue outputs on the player.

I just checked the replacement for the 760 - the 770, based on the glowing reviews of the 370, and was very disappointed to discover it doesn't have the multichannel audio option.

Given these to players seem to be my best options for PQ, my other criteria is Net content support. I have been am a bit unimpressed by the Panasonic's Viera Cast not supporting love film (yet) or any other online content options and in the event they never do, thought the Sony might be a better option to futureproof in this respect.

What do you think would be best?

 

[chudleighpaul]

Go for the BD85.

Having seen the Sony menu system in action, I'm glad I chose the BD 80 rather than the Sony equivalent. I use the multi channel out for audio and the results are very good.

Personally I am not bothered about net content

 

[markyd]

I think the Panasonic will probably have the better picture quality, and I am not that worried about the internet content NOW, but I'm thinking of the future. I'm sure net delivery will explode and the fact Sony has such a big maket share with the Playstation etc, makes me think thier online content availability will rapidly go clear of the competition.

Like I said the Panasonic offering, with the exception of YouTube, is pretty lame - and I wouldn't be that suprised if it stayed that way.

I think it would be unwise to not credit the future usefulness of good net support