Buying Panasonic DMP-BD80 High Clarity Audio Blu-ray Disc Player, Black

I only had one BD player in my home, the Panny DMP-BD55k feeding a Mitsubishi HC 1600 projector. This unit has proved hassle free in my experience delivering top notch performance. When i found the BD80 at nearly half the cost of what i paid for the BD55, i could not resist. I had originally been waiting to buy another BD player for my 61" 1080p Samsung HL-T6176S, in the form of a PS3 Slim for the added gaming. But the very same reason i bought a 55k for a BD player over a PS3 last year, held true again this time around-the 7.1 analog outputs to get DolbY TRUE HD/DTS:HD/MA from my existing non-HDMI receivers(no need to upgrade my receiver until they bite the dust!), this time being much cheaper than the console as well, looking better on the component rack, not having to buy a remote, nor an infra red adapter being it wont operate off my Logitech remote.

The BD55k and BD80 are essentially the same player, except the BD80 adds the Viera Cast online features.

The audio performance from this player is excellent via the analog connections. It has been used with both a 5.1 Denon AVR-1602 and a 7.1 Onkyo AVR576 through the analogs feeding a quartet of PSB Image B25's, Image C60 Center and a SVS PB12 . Very good overall sound quality in conjunction with these, and both setups yielded strong low frequency extension and articulate upper bass response.

Picture quality is equally as impressive, BD picture had good color pop and smooth 24P playback. DVD upscaling is up to par with my Denon DVD upconverting player, which is very good. I've setup comparably priced Samsung and Pioneer players for my parents, and i easily prefer the Panny's performance and operation over those. The disc load to play times are not market leading, but I've found them avg/acceptable.

All in all, the player is highly recommended particulaly at the prices going now. THe BD35/ BD 60 are great units as well if you do not need the 7.1 analog outputs.Get more detail about Panasonic DMP-BD80 High Clarity Audio Blu-ray Disc Player, Black.