Andrew Everard:
I think the general feeling is that the Panasonic just edges it on picture quality, and the Sony has the slightest advantage on sound. But they are both excellent buys, and there's nothing else close at this price level.
However, the BD35 is reportedly in slightly short supply - there are new models coming fairly soon, though they look likely to be more expensive thanks in no small part to world currency markets.
Availability issues and remote control functions aside, is there anything to be gained from pairing up like with like, ie the Sony with a Sony TV and the Panasonic with a Panasonic TV. I have a 37PX80 and have been thinking about getting one of these models. I have a very limited budget and so the Sony was just edging it on price but had this nagging doubt that BD35 might be a better fit for the TV.