Panasonic UB820/UB9000 4K UHD Blu-ray player

[RevolverOcelScott]

I just bought the 820. My region free 4k/Blu-ray player from 220 electronics has random freeze ups way too frequently when playing 4K discs. Really bummed, didn't want to spend another 400, but I hate freezes, takes me out of the flow of the movie.

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by CreasyBear

It won't matter. It won't send an HDR signal to a 1080p TV. Those features might even be greyed out.

They won't.

[CreasyBear]

Originally Posted by Naiera

They won't.

Okay. I can't remember from when I had my UB420 hooked up to my plasma.

[rakos]

Picked up this player last week and am experiencing a strange quirk:
For HDR/HDR10+ content, sometimes video and audio playback cuts out for a second, multiple times throughout the movie.
However, if it's in Dolby Vision, it plays through normally.

Ran into this yesterday with In the Heights cutting out a couple times in HDR10+. Switched to DV, smooth sailing.

Any thoughts on what's going on and how to fix?
HDMI is Monoprice 8K certified, so don't think it's the cable. Previously used same cable with a Sony X700 with no drops on non-DV HDR content.
Firmware up to date, watched Knives Out a few days back.

[sapiendut]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

If only someone tried to warn you about that…

I know… trying to help people is not allowed because it is considered as “self promotion”… what a concept, right?

[rroeder]

Originally Posted by sapiendut

I know… trying to help people is not allowed because it is considered as “self promotion”… what a concept, right?

I used that link to the video for setting up the player was definitely helpful thx

[mkozlows]

Originally Posted by sapiendut

I know… trying to help people is not allowed because it is considered as “self promotion”… what a concept, right?

Dude, seriously, just knock it off. Your video might be useful -- I don't know, I haven't watched it -- but literally after every single person posts here, you post about it. (Since you were warned to knock it off, you've switched from linking directly to passive-aggressively whining about not being able to link.)

It is tedious, it is boring, it is repetitive. And the martyr act is even worse. Just stop.

[IlCorvo]

I have a question regarding the HCX-Processor: does it do nay good while watching DVDs and 1080p Blu-ray. I ambthunking of buying a codefree Sony player (6700 or 3700) and would like to know if they are as good PQ and AQ wise as the Panasonic DP-UB820/ 824.

[Naiera]

The Panasonics are bad at DVDs. I wouldn’t bet money on the Sonys being any good, either. Best to keep a good BD or DVD player around for DVDs.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Naiera

The Panasonics are bad at DVDs. I wouldn’t bet money on the Sonys being any good, either. Best to keep a good BD or DVD player around for DVDs.

The Sonys are fine for DVD, but they run DNR by default out of the box so that needs turning off.

[mchartra]

Gang. I am the proud owner of a UB820.

I decided on upgrading from my LG UBK90 which seemed to play fine but I always had to fiddle with upping the brightness to get a decent image on HDR.

I've only watched one movie (Matrix Revolutions) so far and sampled a few HDR MKV files. The improvement in detail and image brightness is quite noticeable.

Netflix/Prime from device:
-I cannot get either to display both a 4K + HDR signal. Seems Netflix defaults to 1080P w HDR and Prime will show 4K but only SDR.
-I did not find a way to force the desired resolution nor display the HDR info like when playing an 4K UHD disc. Is this normal?
-Is the reason for Netflix defaulting to 1080p due to the fact that the 5040 doesn't support 4K/60p +HDR? I know Netflix won't output 24p.

HDFury Linker4K + UBK90
As a bonus Q -I had previously purchased this scaler to get around the 5040's lack of supporting 18Gbit HDMI connections -which inherently does not allow HDR unless the source device can output 4k/24p.

I really struggled to understand how to properly configure it but I think I've finally figured it out and with my LG UHD player, was able to set it to force 4K/60p HDR from the player and then downscale to 1080p 4:4:4 60p

I have not yet done an A:B compare of the output going through the Linker running 1080p HDR vs the UB820 for 4k/24p material, but watching the original Matrix movie in 4K UHD, I was blown away by the image quality.

For those experts that have an Epson 5040 and understand the limitations, would I be better to leverage my Linker 4K to downscale to 1080p from the UB820 as well given that the 5040 is a native 1080p LCD chip but enabling 4K enhancement in the 5040?

I guess if I want to watch Netflix in 4K HDR, I'll have no choice but to either find a device that can natively support Netflix 24p (if even available) or downscale to 1080p to work around the 5040's limitation.

Any advice on which approach would yield the best picture on my 5040 would be appreciated.

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

The Sonys are fine for DVD, but they run DNR by default out of the box so that needs turning off.

Yikes. Like the Oppo 103, that has DNR on HDMI output 1.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by mchartra

Gang. I am the proud owner of a UB820.

I decided on upgrading from my LG UBK90 which seemed to play fine but I always had to fiddle with upping the brightness to get a decent image on HDR.

I've only watched one movie (Matrix Revolutions) so far and sampled a few HDR MKV files. The improvement in detail and image brightness is quite noticeable.

Netflix/Prime from device:
-I cannot get either to display both a 4K + HDR signal. Seems Netflix defaults to 1080P w HDR and Prime will show 4K but only SDR.
-I did not find a way to force the desired resolution nor display the HDR info like when playing an 4K UHD disc. Is this normal?
-Is the reason for Netflix defaulting to 1080p due to the fact that the 5040 doesn't support 4K/60p +HDR? I know Netflix won't output 24p.

HDFury Linker4K + UBK90
As a bonus Q -I had previously purchased this scaler to get around the 5040's lack of supporting 18Gbit HDMI connections -which inherently does not allow HDR unless the source device can output 4k/24p.

I really struggled to understand how to properly configure it but I think I've finally figured it out and with my LG UHD player, was able to set it to force 4K/60p HDR from the player and then downscale to 1080p 4:4:4 60p

I have not yet done an A:B compare of the output going through the Linker running 1080p HDR vs the UB820 for 4k/24p material, but watching the original Matrix movie in 4K UHD, I was blown away by the image quality.

For those experts that have an Epson 5040 and understand the limitations, would I be better to leverage my Linker 4K to downscale to 1080p from the UB820 as well given that the 5040 is a native 1080p LCD chip but enabling 4K enhancement in the 5040?

I guess if I want to watch Netflix in 4K HDR, I'll have no choice but to either find a device that can natively support Netflix 24p (if even available) or downscale to 1080p to work around the 5040's limitation.

Any advice on which approach would yield the best picture on my 5040 would be appreciated.

Re: no Netflix HDR

Because you've connected the Panny player to a device that doesn't support full fat 4K60 it's set the 4K60 output to SDR only. Now, as the Panny player will only output streaming services as 60Hz (not 24p) this means that it cannot play any streaming services in 4K HDR. Depending on the service it will default to different things as you've noted, 4K SDR for Prime and 1080p HDR for Netflix. It will not give you 4K HDR from streaming unless you can connect to a full fat display and set the player's 4K60 output to 4:4:4 (which unlocks the full 4K60 HDR compatibility).

[coolguy949]

Originally Posted by IlCorvo

I have a question regarding the HCX-Processor: does it do nay good while watching DVDs and 1080p Blu-ray. I ambthunking of buying a codefree Sony player (6700 or 3700) and would like to know if they are as good PQ and AQ wise as the Panasonic DP-UB820/ 824.

I find it does an amazing job upscaling. I have been comparing players for the last month or so and this has been something I have noticed a difference on. I have both the Sony X800M2 and the UB820 and plan to return one of them soon. It hasn't been as easy of a decision mainly because I got the X800M2 for $160 open box at Best Buy because it was missing the manual. I got the UB820 for $399 on sale during the holidays.

Anyway, I remember reading how good the upscaler is on the 820 and I sort of disregarded it mainly because I have a Z9D which is known for its upscaling. I was concerned to discover the UB820 didn't have a source direct output option but I have actually been amazed how good the 820 makes 1080P Blu-rays look. The X800M2 in "Bravia Mode" does a good job because it defers all upscaling to the TV but it also applies some sort of DNR that deactivates Bravia Mode if turned off. I like to keep my TV's Reality Creation on Auto for the best balance but the UB820 is noticeably better to me with all things left equal. Some 1080P Blu-rays jump off the screen and look almost 4K to me. It was a pleasant surprise to discover and has caused me to re-watch some of my older discs because they look so good. Even the colors look slightly more dialed-in to me. The only way for me to replicate the level of upscaling from the Sony player is to manual set my TV's Reality Creation to at least 45 or 50. So I guess if your TV has a configurable upscaler, you may be able to dial it in to get the same effect. But since I run everything through my AVR that setting affects all my sources, which I am not sure I prefer.

With regard to DVDs, I know the sentiment is that the Panny doesn't do a great job. I think the answer is more nuanced than that in my experience. I find the UB820 upscales very well but its default settings for noise reduction are too aggressive and wipe away some detail. If I dial the Mosquito Noise Reduction down one notch it brings back some of the detail. I also don't like how DVDs are output at 60p. However, the Sony still does a better job cleaning up the DVD picture while the Panny upscales it better. If I dial up Reality Creation manually I can get a DVD looking pretty good on the Sony.

Sorry for the long answer. In summary I think for 1080P Blu-ray the 820 is excellent but for DVD you may find a better route using the Sony separately.

[JB27]

Has anyone gotten the UB820 or UB9000 remote to control the volume/power of a TCL TV? If so, what code did you use? There is no TCL code in the manual.

[idlebrain]

Originally Posted by mchartra

Gang. I am the proud owner of a UB820.

I decided on upgrading from my LG UBK90 which seemed to play fine but I always had to fiddle with upping the brightness to get a decent image on HDR.

I've only watched one movie (Matrix Revolutions) so far and sampled a few HDR MKV files. The improvement in detail and image brightness is quite noticeable.

Netflix/Prime from device:
-I cannot get either to display both a 4K + HDR signal. Seems Netflix defaults to 1080P w HDR and Prime will show 4K but only SDR.
-I did not find a way to force the desired resolution nor display the HDR info like when playing an 4K UHD disc. Is this normal?
-Is the reason for Netflix defaulting to 1080p due to the fact that the 5040 doesn't support 4K/60p +HDR? I know Netflix won't output 24p.

HDFury Linker4K + UBK90
As a bonus Q -I had previously purchased this scaler to get around the 5040's lack of supporting 18Gbit HDMI connections -which inherently does not allow HDR unless the source device can output 4k/24p.

I really struggled to understand how to properly configure it but I think I've finally figured it out and with my LG UHD player, was able to set it to force 4K/60p HDR from the player and then downscale to 1080p 4:4:4 60p

I have not yet done an A:B compare of the output going through the Linker running 1080p HDR vs the UB820 for 4k/24p material, but watching the original Matrix movie in 4K UHD, I was blown away by the image quality.

For those experts that have an Epson 5040 and understand the limitations, would I be better to leverage my Linker 4K to downscale to 1080p from the UB820 as well given that the 5040 is a native 1080p LCD chip but enabling 4K enhancement in the 5040?

I guess if I want to watch Netflix in 4K HDR, I'll have no choice but to either find a device that can natively support Netflix 24p (if even available) or downscale to 1080p to work around the 5040's limitation.

Any advice on which approach would yield the best picture on my 5040 would be appreciated.

I own same equipment as yours. For streaming, Apple TV 4K is the best option to get 4K & HDR compared to linker/820 downscaling (I got Vertex 2).
Panny players with optimizer are god sent for 5040UB, I am really impressed with the combo. Look at 5040 owners thread in AVSforum to get some settings to try.
I would limit 820 for disc play back (or get 420 to save bucks for ATV) and get ATV for streaming and you are set.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by coolguy949

I find it does an amazing job upscaling. I have been comparing players for the last month or so and this has been something I have noticed a difference on. I have both the Sony X800M2 and the UB820 and plan to return one of them soon. It hasn't been as easy of a decision mainly because I got the X800M2 for $160 open box at Best Buy because it was missing the manual. I got the UB820 for $399 on sale during the holidays.

Anyway, I remember reading how good the upscaler is on the 820 and I sort of disregarded it mainly because I have a Z9D which is known for its upscaling. I was concerned to discover the UB820 didn't have a source direct output option but I have actually been amazed how good the 820 makes 1080P Blu-rays look. The X800M2 in "Bravia Mode" does a good job because it defers all upscaling to the TV but it also applies some sort of DNR that deactivates Bravia Mode if turned off. I like to keep my TV's Reality Creation on Auto for the best balance but the UB820 is noticeably better to me with all things left equal. Some 1080P Blu-rays jump off the screen and look almost 4K to me. It was a pleasant surprise to discover and has caused me to re-watch some of my older discs because they look so good. Even the colors look slightly more dialed-in to me. The only way for me to replicate the level of upscaling from the Sony player is to manual set my TV's Reality Creation to at least 45 or 50. So I guess if your TV has a configurable upscaler, you may be able to dial it in to get the same effect. But since I run everything through my AVR that setting affects all my sources, which I am not sure I prefer.

With regard to DVDs, I know the sentiment is that the Panny doesn't do a great job. I think the answer is more nuanced than that in my experience. I find the UB820 upscales very well but its default settings for noise reduction are too aggressive and wipe away some detail. If I dial the Mosquito Noise Reduction down one notch it brings back some of the detail. I also don't like how DVDs are output at 60p. However, the Sony still does a better job cleaning up the DVD picture while the Panny upscales it better. If I dial up Reality Creation manually I can get a DVD looking pretty good on the Sony.

Sorry for the long answer. In summary I think for 1080P Blu-ray the 820 is excellent but for DVD you may find a better route using the Sony separately.

If you don't set Sony UHD players to Direct in the Video Settings menu then they apply DNR to Blu-ray and DVD playback irregardless of whether the TV or player is doing the 4K upscaling. This is why you're seeing such a difference between that and the Panny for BD playback.

To turn off the Sony auto DNR:

Originally Posted by Geoff D

While you're watching a disc press OPTIONS on the remote and select VIDEO SETTINGS from the menu that appears. Select PICTURE QUALITY MODE and choose DIRECT for the most un-fudged image.

[coolguy949]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

If you don't set Sony UHD players to Direct in the Video Settings menu then they apply DNR to Blu-ray and DVD playback irregardless of whether the TV or player is doing the 4K upscaling. This is why you're seeing such a difference between that and the Panny for BD playback.

To turn off the Sony auto DNR:

Oh, I did. Fully agree. I should have mentioned I run it in Direct mode with player upscaling off, which sends 1080P to the TV for BDs and DVDs (oddly). I don't like the DNR at all and it softens the image more. The Panny looks better either way. I have to manually set Reality Creation to about 45 to get the same level of upscaling with the Sony. It's not a big deal but with my AVR it applies it to all sources. I like a punchy image but I'd rather have less of this effect on some sources running through the AVR. In the end I am leaning towards keeping the UB820 primarily because of the auto DV switching (not a huge deal but has been a very nice convenience) and the fact the Sony has already hard-frozen once on me.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by coolguy949

Oh, I did. Fully agree. I run it in Direct mode. I don't like the DNR at all and it softens the image more. The Panny looks better either way. I have to manually set Reality Creation to about 45 to get the same level of upscaling with the Sony. It's not a big deal but with my AVR it applies it to all sources. I like a punchy image but I'd rather have less of this effect on some sources running through the AVR.

Huh. With the Sony 800 and the Panny 820 I can't tell them apart when playing BD, this is with them connected directly into the ZD9 and not running any kind of enhancement or interpolation at the display end (no Reality Creation) nor any kind of processing at the player end, save for the 4K upscaling.

[coolguy949]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Huh. With the Sony 800 and the Panny 820 I can't tell them apart when playing BD, this is with them connected directly into the ZD9 and not running any kind of enhancement or interpolation at the display end (no Reality Creation) nor any kind of processing at the player end, save for the 4K upscaling.

Interesting. I will play around it some more but I definitely saw a small difference even with RC off on the TV. It's hard to describe but some of the 1080P BDs I switch between have a very 4K-like look on the UB820 while on the Sony it still looks excellent but ever so slightly less unless I dial up RC. I get less of the wow factor I guess on the X800M2's image at default. I even took still images of the same scene using my phone. Not very scientific but I do see a little more detail on the UB820. Mostly noticeable on facial hair and wrinkles. It's very slight though.