Decisions, decisions.

[Rorschach]

Evening/morning all. I'm hoping to order my new telly tomorrow (Panasonic 46PZ80B, any user reviews are greeted with open arms!). The other thing that's bothering me is when does the redemption offer for the two free Blu-Rays end? Someone said it ends on the 15th, this true? These were from both Panasonic and Sony. Another big problem is which Blu-Ray player to get, i'm between the Panasonic DMP-BD 55, the Sony BDP-S550 and the Pioneer BDP-51FD. I've heard the Sony is a cracking player but doesn't beat the Panny, the same applies with the Pioneer, i've heard it wipes the floor with the both of them as opposed to picture quality, what about audio how do these all fair against each other?

I have a feeling it's going to come down to the Panny and the Pioneer. With the profile 1.1 on the Pioneer, how long will it take to download the required codecs and functions (DTS-HD Master Audio, BD Live functionality etc, will it be quite a drag?)

Thanks for your required help, Rorschach.

 

[Anonymous]

The Pioneer BDP-51FD does not have an ethernet port, so does not have the ability to be upgraded to the BD Live specification. I think the Panasonic free Blu-ray offer was 'while stocks last'. Not sure there will be any left as the DMP-BD55 has itself been discontinued and removed from the Panasonic UK website.

 

[kena]

Lack of an Ethernet port does not mean you cant upgrade to latest firmware just restricts you to downloading it to PC and burning to a CD-R.

 

[Anonymous]

kena:Lack of an Ethernet port does not mean you cant upgrade to latest firmware just restricts you to downloading it to PC and burning to a CD-R.

You are correct in suggesting that firmware can be updated without the player having an ethernet port. However a big part of the BD Live functionality is being able to download additional content from the internet and interact with other viewers online. This is where the ethernet connection on a player becomes essential.

 

[Rorschach]

kena:Lack of an Ethernet port does not mean you cant upgrade to latest firmware just restricts you to downloading it to PC and burning to a CD-R.

The Panasonic it is then. Anyone else any suggestions or thoughts that could swing my attention/decision?

 

[Big Aura]

Panasonic DMP-BD 55 is discontinued now, you're unlikely to get one...

 

[Rorschach]

Well, i can get one.

 

[kena]

Unless you are planning on 7.1 sound go for the BD35 and save a few bob over the BD55