Panasonic UB9000 thread - no price talk please

[sapiendut]

Just to help (if and when I can) to answer questions about Panasonic UB9000, I’m creating this thread. I hope I (and others who own the UB9000) can help.

[Robert Zohn]

With owners in a few regions starting to receive UB9000s and the strong interest among enthusiasts this is a welcome new thread. Thanks for the kick start and look forward to much discussion.

Here's the UB9000 .pdf spec sheet, if you have a digital copy or link to the user manual please post it.

Here's one of my favorite photos of a portion of the rear panel jack pack.

[Robert Zohn]

Although already posted by fusion_400 (TY!) I thought it worthy to repost this first professional review from AreaDVD review/test in Germany.

[XciteMe]

Can anybody tell me if the 9000 offers any improvements in Picture Quality over the 820??? Or are the differences only in the audio portion???

[sapiendut]

Not being able to check it back to back, it seems like the HDR Optimizer works better in the 9000 for my JVC X790R projector.

[XciteMe]

Originally Posted by sapiendut

Not being able to check it back to back, it seems like the HDR Optimizer works better in the 9000 for my JVC X790R projector.

In comparison to the 820? I'm really curious if there's a PQ difference between the two.

[sapiendut]

Yup. If the HDR Optimizer is turned off, I can’t see any difference, but when I customized the HDR Optimizer, I seem to see more shadow details in the 30 IRE and lower.

Quite honestly I also hear noticeably more spacious sound on any sound format on the 9000 over the 820. This is not just me saying it. My parents when they re-watched the same movie, they claimed so too.

[RogerMathus]

Question for Robert at Value Electronics - Is your first shipment of UB 9000 still on track for third week in December?

[Robert Zohn]

Yes, we on schedule for the week of Dec. 17th.

[Robert Zohn]

Let the really big games begin!

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Let the really big games begin!

Such different marketing approaches between the two players. The UB9000 has had certainly more discussion here in the forums and AVS, but considering Pioneer LX500 has its own fans on a lot Japanese AV sites, and better USA marketing presence/distribution yes it will be interesting to see how these sell at Value Electronics and other dealers.

Nice picture btw.

[avs commenter]

Audio is the reason to get this player. HDR optimizer is turned off automatically when watching DV content so I don't think it's a huge draw.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by avs commenter

Audio is the reason to get this player. HDR optimizer is turned off automatically when watching DV content so I don't think it's a huge draw.

A pragmatic view of the difference between the UB820 and UB9000 would lead one to think that, however there are people that value paying twice as much for the heft/build because they think there will be marginal improvement in video quality against improved/shielded design that is really against using the player more with audio setups.

As you know oddly Panasonic didn't go the extra length and make the UB9000 more audiophile driven such as more audio formats, network servers, home automation connectivity like the Pioneer does, it more of a unique hybrid angled more towards the casual audio buff, mostly videophile.

Still like to see more in this price range getting back to better players.

[Robert Zohn]

Just spoke with Panasonic and our 1st UB9000 allocation is now scheduled to arrive the week of December 31st.

The shipment is delayed by a few days and the holidays added a few more days to our in hand receipt date. UB820s are scheduled to be refilled on or about the same date.

[King Crimson]

Originally Posted by avs commenter

Audio is the reason to get this player. HDR optimizer is turned off automatically when watching DV content so I don't think it's a huge draw.

Is this a feature of the 820 as well?

[sapiendut]

Yes. DV does not allow for HDR remapping.

[Robert Zohn]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Just spoke with Panasonic and our 1st UB9000 allocation is now scheduled to arrive the week of December 31st.

The shipment is delayed by a few days and the holidays added a few more days to our in hand receipt date. UB820s are scheduled to be refilled on or about the same date.

Just got a second update, with some good news... We're now likely to receive UB820s and possibly even our UB9000s sooner and.... for both series and starting with the Feb. shipment all of our future monthly allocations have been increased. So we can continue to accept reservations for near sold out February delivery and sustain a stable supply to avoid the frustrations we all experienced for the past two months with the shortage of UB820s.

I must tell you among all of my numerous advanced technology bleeding edge Beta testing and product development support that I've been honored to participate in, my relationship with Panasonic is one of the best business experiences I've enjoyed in my career.

[Robert Zohn]

[Robert Zohn]

Trusted Review's 5 star review of the DP-UB9000. Good read.

[IITravel01]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Trusted Review's 5 star review of the DP-UB9000. Good read.

After reading the review, I have to ask Panasonic how much would it have cost to add DVD-A and SACD to the UB9000? Really, one universal player above all the rest?