HDforever!
I currently have the Panny and I'm waiting for the Sony. I'll tell you what I know.
- The Panasonic does NOT have the CUE error. I have tested it extensively on DVD playback at every output resolution and it is not there. I know what it looks like because I have had DVD players with it (Sony DVP-S9000ES) and without it (Denon DVD2200 and Panasonic RP-56).
- The picture quality is a cut above the Samsung (which is not bad itself)
- The sound quality on CD playback and movies is excellent.
- Panasonic has already issued 1 firmware update that improved an issue which I couldn't even see.
- 3 free movies is nothing to sneeze at. And they are good Disney titles - 8 Below, Gone in 60 Seconds, and The Great Raid. The first comes in the box, the other 2 were shipped to me within 3 days.
- The Panasonic has excellent build quality.
- I think the remote is nice.
- The player is attractive looking.
- I imagine that its longevity and value will hold based on my experience with my previous Panasonic DVD player.
- You can currently get the Panasonic at ~$1050 (Tweeter) and maybe less elsewhere.
- They plan to upgrade to advanced audio codec support via a firmware update.
Overall I would say it is a very good 1st gen player. I originally ordered the Sony and will wait for it. If I hear it is better, then I'm taking back the Panasonic. If not, I keep it. Either way I will be very pleased. I can enjoy everything about Blu-ray in this player except for BD-Live, which isn't a big deal to me.