Panasonic UB820/UB9000 4K UHD Blu-ray player

[PUsokrJosh305]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

Kris specifically told me NOT to use the Optimizer on the latest JVCs which have DTM.

This would then mean that the JVC's DTM is a lot more effective than the Optimizer would be.

[PUsokrJosh305]

Originally Posted by tama

Using the Optimizer hasn't had any negative impact that I've seen while using it on my Sony OLED while also engaging Sonys version of DTM (which unlike LGs can follow th PQ EOTF curve more faithfully).

This is true. Sony's DTM altogrithm is better than LG's. Although, I would still recommend using DTM on LG TVs as this allows dynamic tone mapping on HDR10 content. This would act very similar to what Dolby Vision does, just not as accurate.

For me at least, I use the Optimizer on my 820 at the highest level (Super Luminance) along with DTM. This allows the Optimizer to correct some of the mistakes that the DTM function on my LG C9. This has given me a pretty accurate picture to say the least. I have noticed very few differences between Dolby Vision vs. HDR10 with that setup. Is it 100% accurate? No, but it's all I can do to help HDR10 content on my C9.

[PUsokrJosh305]

Originally Posted by Wormicide

With all the Dolby Vision issues and lack of updates from Panasonic is this player still recommended? Or would it be better to get a UB420 and then a X800M2 for Dolby Vision?

The Panny 820 and 9000 are excellent players. Even with the issues at hand, they are the best players out there! I highly recommend getting one!!

[Badas]

Originally Posted by PUsokrJosh305

The Panny 820 and 9000 are excellent players. Even with the issues at hand, they are the best players out there! I highly recommend getting one!!

I'm liking my UB9000 more and more. To be fair it hasn't got a lot of use.
However when I do use it is great.

I can confirm for all those Zone B UB9000 and UB820 users that you can watch Zone A Criterion discs.
The naught boy screen comes up and just press stop and top menu once and it will load up.

I tried Fox and Lionsgate discs. Unfortunately no go. They require the disc to be ejected when naughty boy screen is up. Once ejected you have no options.

Once finished with the Criterion and you eject it defaults back to Zone B.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by PUsokrJosh305

This would then mean that the JVC's DTM is a lot more effective than the Optimizer would be.

As those JVCs do an analysis of the incoming image to determine the mapping instead of looking at a single piece of static metadata and basing the entire readjusted tone curve off of that then they're already ahead. That method isn't 100% perfick because of the lag when having to dynamically process a chunky 4K video signal in real time, but it's where HDR processing in general needs to get betterer, not just in projektors but across the board. Static metadata is a smokescreen, it's the actual content itself that needs analysing. Pity that we can't run our own analysis pass on the content and then store that data inside the TV so we can call it up for that movie in future. I mean, Lumagens or whatever might be able to do this already but I don't have 6 grand to spare, you know?

[Glanners]

Originally Posted by Badas

I'm liking my UB9000 more and more. To be fair it hasn't got a lot of use.
However when I do use it is great.

I can confirm for all those Zone B UB9000 and UB820 users that you can watch Zone A Criterion discs.
The naught boy screen comes up and just press stop and top menu once and it will load up.

I tried Fox and Lionsgate discs. Unfortunately no go. They require the disc to be ejected when naughty boy screen is up. Once ejected you have no options.

Once finished with the Criterion and you eject it defaults back to Zone B.

Just to clarify, a lot of Region A Criterion discs can be unlocked, but not all. There is a thread collating a list of those that can here. See post #121 onwards.

[danny24]

Originally Posted by Badas

I'm liking my UB9000 more and more. To be fair it hasn't got a lot of use.
However when I do use it is great.

I can confirm for all those Zone B UB9000 and UB820 users that you can watch Zone A Criterion discs.
The naught boy screen comes up and just press stop and top menu once and it will load up.

I tried Fox and Lionsgate discs. Unfortunately no go. They require the disc to be ejected when naughty boy screen is up. Once ejected you have no options.

Once finished with the Criterion and you eject it defaults back to Zone B.

LOL, that quote made me chuckle. The top menu trick I do this on my UB9000 all the time with region B discs. It doesn't work with every disc but for most Region B BD's it does. Don't buy a Panasonic though thinking this is going to work with every region B disc, it isn't.

[PuppetMasterBlu]

Originally Posted by 5meohd

Is anyone using one of these players with a 1080P display?

I have a bottom of the barrel LG 4KUHD player connected to my 1080P system for viewing certain films that only have 4K masters available via their UHD disc and now that Arrow and others are releasing UHD without the bluray counterpart Im really wanting a better solution. I can't afford a quality 4K projector right now. And likely not for another 2 years or more. So im wondering if a better player that has video controls will get me better results.

Currently it depends on the film but most often the contrast and color are quite flawed.

Yes I have this player hooked up to a 1080p projector and the results are stunning. I hope to get a 4K tv in about 6 months if everything goes right. We shall see but im the meantime I have loved the results.

[Grinningcat_o3]

Hey Everyone, question here and wondering if anyone has any insight to my issue.

I recently bought the panny 820 to pair with my LG CX and Sonos Arc. My sonos arc has the woofer + 2 rear SL’s. It seems no matter what settings I switch around I cannot seem to get the 820 to output anything better than stereo 2.0 to my arc for any and all DTS sound mixes on my 4K blu rays. Dolby Atmos is no issue at all. Is this a known issue and does anyone on this forum have any insight? Any intel would be appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks!

[Geoff D]

I'd imagine that the soundbar doesn't actually support decoding of DTS codecs, unless you had a previous UHD disc player connected which had no trouble with DTS on the soundbar?

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by Grinningcat_o3

Hey Everyone, question here and wondering if anyone has any insight to my issue.

I recently bought the panny 820 to pair with my LG CX and Sonos Arc. My sonos arc has the woofer + 2 rear SL’s. It seems no matter what settings I switch around I cannot seem to get the 820 to output anything better than stereo 2.0 to my arc for any and all DTS sound mixes on my 4K blu rays. Dolby Atmos is no issue at all. Is this a known issue and does anyone on this forum have any insight? Any intel would be appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks!

Sonos Arc has ZERO DTS decoders included. Zero. It's worse than some other sound bars that at least have lossy DTS support, if not lossless.


My advise to anyone with sound devices like this or a "sound bar"... if you are at all serious about home theater and/or music sound reproduction... DO NOT BUY!!!

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by FilmFreakosaurus

Sonos Arc has ZERO DTS decoders included. Zero. It's worse than some other sound bars that at least have lossy DTS support, if not lossless.


My advise to anyone with sound devices like this or a "sound bar"... if you are at all serious about home theater and/or music sound reproduction... DO NOT BUY!!!

I'll never look down on anyone for the choice of audio gear that they have (not when I'm just using TV speakers, lol) but yeah, the omission of DTS decoding from some soundbars is just baffling.

[Grinningcat_o3]

I probably spent like upwards of 2K all in for this sonos setup and it doesn't have DTS support like wtf. Had no idea until later. Too late to return anything and thinking about selling. Could I get a legit setup in the 2K range for like a receiver + speakers?

[unberechenbar]

Originally Posted by Grinningcat_o3

I probably spent like upwards of 2K all in for this sonos setup and it doesn't have DTS support like wtf. Had no idea until later. Too late to return anything and thinking about selling. Could I get a legit setup in the 2K range for like a receiver + speakers?

Yes and it'll sound a lot better than a soundbar.

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by Grinningcat_o3

I probably spent like upwards of 2K all in for this sonos setup and it doesn't have DTS support like wtf. Had no idea until later. Too late to return anything and thinking about selling. Could I get a legit setup in the 2K range for like a receiver + speakers?

If you move to more like the 3k range you will have A LOT more choices in terms of better quality speakers, subs, and receiver.


What are the dimensions of the room, how far away do you sit from the display, and is it a dedicated space or in a more open floor plan?

[Grinningcat_o3]

Open floor plan, basically a standard living room. probably like a 15x15 space

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by Grinningcat_o3

Open floor plan, basically a standard living room. probably like a 15x15 space

I have a few more quickies, if you don't mind:

Projector or flat panel display?

Are you interested in Dolby Atmos/DTS: X immersive surround as at least an upgrade path?

Do you like to play your system loudly (at or near reference SPL levels) or at a more reserved level?

[enricoclaudio]

Originally Posted by Grinningcat_o3

Open floor plan, basically a standard living room. probably like a 15x15 space

Klipsch Reference Dolby Atmos Surround System from Costco: $899

https://www.costco.com/klipsch-refer...100665767.html

Denon AVR-S750H Refurbished from Denon: $329

https://www.denon.com/en-us/product/...SABEgJj6PD_BwE

Rythmik Audio LV12F: $649 (if you come for pickup, you get a discount for been local)

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/LV12F.html

Total: $1877

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by enricoclaudio

Klipsch Reference Dolby Atmos Surround System from Costco: $899

https://www.costco.com/klipsch-refer...100665767.html

Denon AVR-S750H Refurbished from Denon: $329

https://www.denon.com/en-us/product/...SABEgJj6PD_BwE

Rythmik Audio LV12F: $649 (if you come for pickup, you get a discount for been local)

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/LV12F.html

Total: $1877

Personally, I normally don't recommend Klipsch as a rule since they are so polarizing in terms of treble response. Some find them extremely grating. If the OP wishes to move up to Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support, it is so much better to use real speakers in the overhead or height positions rather than bounce speakers.

[enricoclaudio]

Originally Posted by FilmFreakosaurus

Personally, I normally don't recommend Klipsch as a rule since they are so polarizing in terms of treble response. Some find them extremely grating. If the OP wishes to move up to Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support, it is so much better to use real speakers in the overhead or height positions rather than bounce speakers.

100% in agreement. My recommendation was purely based on OP's budget. Also, I'm pretty confident the recommended gear will crush the SONOS setup by a long shot.