Pan BD35 or Sam P2550?

[Shanniberry]

I need some help! I want to get my husband a Blu-ray player for Christmas and the research is giving me a headache! He's pretty picky about electronics and usually spends a loooong time researching so I'm very nervous about surprising him, I know he can always exchange or return but I want to be the awesome wife that picks a great one that he keeps.

After many hours online I've narrowed it down to the Panasonic DMP-BD35 or the Samsung BD-P2550. We've got a Sony HDTV and an Onkyo TX-DS696 receiver. Upconverting is very important since we've got quite the collection of DVDs already that we still want to be able to enjoy. My tech savvy cousin wants the Samsung and recommended it but the more reviews I read the more I'm leaning towards the Panasonic. The Netflix feature on the Samsung is really appealing but the price of the Panasonic is also appealing although price isn't too big of a concern. The Panasonic is available on Amazon Prime and the Samsung is not (I get free 2 day shipping so I prefer to go that route since going into an electronics store with my toddler does not sound fun). I've read great reviews on both of these players and I'm torn. I just want some last input/advice before I bite the bullet.

Thanks, I appreciate any feedback!

[dew912]

Hi,
I used to work at a an electronics store and I can tell you the panasonic is of better quality - quicker load time and better sound quality. Picture Quality on both of them is about the same from what I've noticed. The only reason I would go with the Samsung is if the Netflix feature is a dealbreaker...otherwise save a couple of bucks and get an all around better player!
hope this helps, happy holidays

[Aerodude73]

Panny BD35 -- i've spent as much time if not more researching as well, and Had been intent on getting either the Sony S550 or Pana. BD55, but have since pretty much ended up on the BD35 - As it has Picture & Sound Quality, pretty much the same exact features as the 55, and for a Whole lot less $$$. Granted, I don't know too much abou the Samsung, but from ALL that i've read here from people who obv. know Much more than myself (very tech savvy people on this site!!), Panasonic Blu Ray players are top notch. I'd def. go with the BD35 and if he doesn't agree with your choice, smack him, and fake a cry, and he'll keep it and end up loving it anyway!

[blujacket]

Another vote for the Panny BD35.

[welwynnick]

Good short-list!

A couple of points, though. The Panny BD35 is THE player to have, if you use a receiver that accepts digital audio over HDMI. Your Onkyo doesn't do this, so you might want to consider a player with multi-channel analogue audio outputs.

The Samsung does have these, but doesn't process DTS MA audio, which is perhaps the most advanced of the various audio codecs / schemes. Its also quite possible that it may become more and more widely adopted, so may be an issue with regard to future-proofing. There MAY be a future firmware update, but most people wouldn't recommend depending on that.

The Samsung does have the advantage of Silicon Optix Reon video processing (pretty much the best there is). This is central to great DVD playback performance. The BD 35 & 55 do seem to have caught up, though. They are much better than the earlier BD30 & 50, which like almost all other Blu-ray players, weren't too hot with DVDs.

So, the BD35 does process all the audio schemes, but only the more expensive BD55 has the analogue outputs. If you're going to stick with your current receiver, the BD55 might be a better bet. If you might get a new receiver in the near future, I would stick with the BD35.

These might seem like small differences, but the potential for great audio quality from Blu-rays is tremendous, and what I've been talking about WILL make a significant difference.

I don't want to make it too complicated (its been a mine-field even for commited enthusiasts over the last few years) but you do seem to have a done lot more research than my wife ever would have!

[Shanniberry]

Thank you all so much for your input. Especially welwynnick for letting me know that the BD35 wouldn't work well with our Onkyo! I really needed to know that, I had the Onkyo manual out last night trying to figure out if it would be compatible or not - that's one reason I posted here. Looks like I'll go with the Panasonic BD55 then, thanks!

[Classik]

Another thing to consider on the Sam - they will release the update for DTS-MA by the end of the year (they say) - so that will complete the Sammy codec's. I have the P2550 - and it is a very good player - Have been very pleased with my purchase.

[callas01]

I suggest the panny 55 as previously stated by welwynnick, the person above may be right about the firware release of DTS-MA for the Sammy, but sammy's firmware updates have a reputation for not being complete or just bad. The Panny 55 is your best be in this price range in my opinion.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by welwynnick

Good short-list!

A couple of points, though. The Panny BD35 is THE player to have, if you use a receiver that accepts digital audio over HDMI. Your Onkyo doesn't do this, so you might want to consider a player with multi-channel analogue audio outputs.

The Samsung does have these, but doesn't process DTS MA audio, which is perhaps the most advanced of the various audio codecs / schemes. Its also quite possible that it may become more and more widely adopted, so may be an issue with regard to future-proofing. There MAY be a future firmware update, but most people wouldn't recommend depending on that.

The Samsung does have the advantage of Silicon Optix Reon video processing (pretty much the best there is). This is central to great DVD playback performance. The BD 35 & 55 do seem to have caught up, though. They are much better than the earlier BD30 & 50, which like almost all other Blu-ray players, weren't too hot with DVDs.

So, the BD35 does process all the audio schemes, but only the more expensive BD55 has the analogue outputs. If you're going to stick with your current receiver, the BD55 might be a better bet. If you might get a new receiver in the near future, I would stick with the BD35.

These might seem like small differences, but the potential for great audio quality from Blu-rays is tremendous, and what I've been talking about WILL make a significant difference.

I don't want to make it too complicated (its been a mine-field even for commited enthusiasts over the last few years) but you do seem to have a done lot more research than my wife ever would have!

Hello - I'm 99.9% sure i'll be getting the BD35 in the next week or so (after X-Mas holiday prices hopefully?!), but just making sure that my Onkyo Receiver will be sufficient Audio wise vice needing the more expensive BD55? Thank you for your time.

[teemacone]

I own the Panny 55 and works awesome with Pioneer Elite multi-channel input for HD Audio. The picture quality is sick, too. Message me if you'd like more info.

[Blove23]

I would recommend the Panasonic DMP-BD35 over the Samsung 2550. If your husband has a 7.1 sound system and a older receiver then the Samsung, but the Panasonic is a great product. I had the BD-30 and upgraded to the BD-55 the audio makes a difference. Panasonic has some of the best audio and picture quality. I have had nothing but promblems with Samsung Blu-ray players.

[jstute55]

I was debating on the Samsung 1500 and the Panasonic 35. I was reluctant because my Panasonic DVD recorder just went out and now does not work. After researching on this site the negative posts about Samsung and their customer service lead me to purchase the Panny 35.

Now i just have to wait for Christmas to get here to set it up.

[Frag]

I have both the Samsung BD-P2500 and the Panasonic BD-55. I think the Samsung is the better player. While they both have the same excellent picture when playing blu-ray's, the picture is much better on the Samsung when playing DVD's. I have also tested the load times and they are faster with the Samsung. Throw in the fact that the Samsung is usually priced cheaper and the ability to do Netflix/Netflix HD and the Samsung is the clear winner.

[blujacket]

I wouldn't buy a Samsung player simply because of their firmware update history. They are always late to bring players to date.

[Shanniberry]

Yeah, I think Samsung might have the slight advantage with playing DVDs and the Netflix is a really cool option but the complaints about firmware updates, customer service, machine noise etc made me wary. Plus it was more expensive (I don't know where Frag found it priced cheaper) and I couldn't get free 2 day shipping on Amazon with the Samsung. I ended up purchasing the Panasonic BD-55 (since our Onkyo is older). I also got my husband a few Blu-ray movies off his wishlist, and Mario Kart for our Wii. I think he'll be happy.

[krisjan]

Originally Posted by Shanniberry

Yeah, I think Samsung might have the slight advantage with playing DVDs and the Netflix is a really cool option but the complaints about firmware updates, customer service, machine noise etc made me wary. Plus it was more expensive (I don't know where Frag found it priced cheaper) and I couldn't get free 2 day shipping on Amazon with the Samsung. I ended up purchasing the Panasonic BD-55 (since our Onkyo is older). I also got my husband a few Blu-ray movies off his wishlist, and Mario Kart for our Wii. I think he'll be happy.

You made a great choice. He (and you) will be very happy with the BD55. Go here: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/c...5/bd55_na.html and burn a firmware update CD-R for the player and make it a stocking stuffer. Just follow the instructions carefully when downloading and burning. That way the player can be brought up to the latest FW after he installs it. Enjoy!

[blujacket]

Nice choice. He & you will love it.

[Clark W Griswald, Jr]

Your husband is a lucky guy. Last year my wife got me scaffolding
despite my addiction to HD.
I'm looking at the Samsung and LG for Netflix streaming.