Panasonic UB820/UB9000 4K UHD Blu-ray player

[AKORIS]

well, I just ordered online from Best Buy-- free shipping to my home by 11-5. I called Best Buy stores and none of them had it instore and didn't seem to think that they would ("it's never instock" was the quote the guy gave me).

I even checked on Panasonics site and they say "new item" and not available until December 10th!!!

Talk about a popular (and difficult to find) player!!! On a related (and unrelated) note this reminds me of the new Budweiser Copper Jim Beam beer that's advertised every other commercial break it seems... and yet I can hardly find it in any grocery stores!!

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by chip75

The Samsung will detect areas that it thinks are problematic and adjust accordingly (so it will be more or less depending on the content), the other settings will be blanket adjustments.

There's only one other setting aside from OFF and that's LOW -- but would low be safer than auto for preservation of detail and intent?

The problem with low is that, as we discussed with regard to The Exorcist, when films are terribly grainy and noisy, the setting doesn't do much of anything. I used a low noise reduction setting with the Sony SXRD for Blu-rays and DVDs, but the Samsung's low Digital Clean View doesn't seem to be nearly as aggressive in low...

I think we've discussed it, but as the TV doesn't receive any analogue signals they may have removed the most aggressive option.

We did discuss it, but I didn't remember your exact comments about the analog input; do you mean that because the display cannot receive a signal via COMPONENT connections, there's no need to include a HIGH option?

But as with other settings, their function and usefulness is only confirmed with experimentation.

That's the problem -- I can't decide if I should settle on AUTO or LOW based on what I'm seeing; AUTO seemed to clean up The Exorcist A LOT, but sometimes I feel like it's not really necessary on "clean" transfers. I do not want to keep switching this setting (Digital Clean View) for each disc I play, so I'm trying to settle on one (Auto or Low) that would kind of "split the difference" with DVDs and Blu-rays.

Can I leave AUTO on knowing the display is attempting to clean up what it thinks is "bad" noise while leaving detail on "cleaner" DVDs or Blu-rays alone?

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

well, I just ordered online from Best Buy-- free shipping to my home by 11-5. I called Best Buy stores and none of them had it instore and didn't seem to think that they would ("it's never instock" was the quote the guy gave me).

I even checked on Panasonics site and they say "new item" and not available until December 10th!!!

Talk about a popular (and difficult to find) player!!! On a related (and unrelated) note this reminds me of the new Budweiser Copper Jim Beam beer that's advertised every other commercial break it seems... and yet I can hardly find it in any grocery stores!!

You didn't give me the contrats reply, but I'll give it to you -- hope you get it soon and it's up to your expectations, as well!

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

You didn't give me the contrats reply, but I'll give it to you -- hope you get it soon and it's up to your expectations, as well!

sorry man, my bad-- congrats!!! I feel like we're the 2 people on here right now that are both uber-excited and slightly apprehensive on this new investment!!! Looking forward to comparing notes and ideas with each other and others the next few weeks!

[chip75]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

We did discuss it, but I didn't remember your exact comments about the analog input; do you mean that because the display cannot receive a signal via COMPONENT connections, there's no need to include a HIGH option?

Something like that, it maybe available with other content (perhaps the TV tuner?).

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

Can I leave AUTO on knowing the display is attempting to clean up what it thinks is "bad" noise while leaving detail on "cleaner" DVDs or Blu-rays alone?

Auto should be fine, I wouldn't use it, but of course it's your preference as you're the one watching the TV!

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

sorry man, my bad-- congrats!!! I feel like we're the 2 people on here right now that are both uber-excited and slightly apprehensive on this new investment!!! Looking forward to comparing notes and ideas with each other and others the next few weeks!

It's all good...

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by chip75

Something like that, it maybe available with other content (perhaps the TV tuner?).

I don't know; I suppose it's possible -- though I don't see a "High" option even greyed out when I watch cable or a disc...

Wouldn't it be there in a greyed out form?

Auto should be fine, I wouldn't use it, but of course it's your preference as you're the one watching the TV!

Why wouldn't you use it? Just asking out of sheer curiosity from one film enthusiast to another...

With regard to the LOW -- do you think this would be better in general to sustain some more of the detail?

Also: My original question with regard to this really had more to do with getting your thoughts on what AUTO is actually DOING -- would AUTO, do you think, smooth out noise on "bad" transfers while leaving detail on "cleaner" ones...or do you think this setting is going to scrub too much detail out of EVERYTHING?

[chip75]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

I don't know; I suppose it's possible -- though I don't see a "High" option even greyed out when I watch cable or a disc...

Wouldn't it be there in a greyed out form?

It might be, but I honestly don't know if it's been dropped completely or only available with other inputs.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

Why wouldn't you use it? Just asking out of sheer curiosity from one film enthusiast to another...

I'm happy to see the source material as is, if it's a rough DVD or grainy Blu-ray I don't mind.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

With regard to the LOW -- do you think this would be better in general to sustain some more of the detail?

It depends on how Auto works, but you could run tests, AB a short scene with a reference disc in your collection (something quite filmic) and play it back a few times with the different settings.

[IntelliVolume]

Okay -- the 820 arrived today, and I just spent the last few hours setting it up with my new AudioQuest HDMI cable (direct to my TV). Here is what struck me off the bat:

This player may not be for me, after all -- size-wise, this thing is a complete JOKE. I couldn't believe, when I first laid eyes on the box, how small this is, especially compared to the OPPO BDP-83 I am replacing with the 820. Taking it out of the box, I was struck by the light weight and cheap feel about the whole thing; honestly -- this player should NOT cost $500. The top -- that looks like aluminum ribbing -- is complete plastic that smudges as soon as you touch it. To keep it real, this player feels like one of those $199 Samsungs or LGs, which is NOT what I wanted; it's REALLY unimpressive in terms of aesthetics.

The remote is ridiculously small and cheap-feeling, as well, and the lack of backlighting puts me off too (though I was kind of prepared for that). This thing takes up HALF the shelf space my OPPO did, and you can actually SEE the available room to the left and right of the player on my shelf in the cabinet it's in (part of our entertainment center), which was covered up completely due to the BDP-83's heft and dimensions. It really does look and feel cheap, right down to the somewhat flimsy front drop-down panel (something I hated about Panasonic's first generation Blu-ray player, which I still own, the DMP-BD10A).

Beyond aesthetics, setup seemed basic enough, but I KNOW I have some settings not adjusted right...which I worried about and expressed my concerns about to everyone in this thread. I have the 820 running directly to my Samsung NU8000 display via HDMI VIDEO OUT and then another HDMI cable is going from the HDMI AUDIO out jack to my receiver to continue receiving the lossless formats via bitstream. My Samsung automatically updated its "HDMI UHD COLOR" setting for the HDMI input the Panasonic is connected to, so it has been engaged, but there are a ton of "advanced settings" in the player that I have NO idea are set right or not based on my system.

Also -- I did not see any NOISE REDUCTION options, which I thought this player had...do these pop up when a disc is playing when the settings button is pressed on the remote, and is that how you access them?

There are also questions I have regarding the 820's on-screen description of what happens when HDMI AUDIO OUT and HDMI AUDIO/VIDEO OUT are both connected at the same time (which they are in my setup) -- according to Panasonic's on-screen prompt in one of the setup menus, using both HDMI OUTs will NOT allow 4K video to be displayed, which I don't understand...if I use both these output jacks, I won't be able to watch UHD discs?

And what about DVD playback -- there were no settings in the setup menu for DVD playback parameters of any kind...is this normal? What about display options, such as 16X9, 16X9 WIDE, etc...I didn't see any of these...

I did some testing by playing a bit of the Disney Blu-ray of Haunted Mansion, and the Samsung confirmed it was receiving "2160p/24" from the player...so the player must have been upconverting the Blu-ray to 4K. I'll have more time to play with the 820 later when we sit down to actually watch something.

All in all, I'm not impressed yet -- I may return this and try to find a way to get the Cambridge player, if it's anything like the OPPO decks. But I don't even know if Cambridge is still selling their UHD disc player...

[danny24]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

All in all, I'm not impressed yet -- I may return this and try to find a way to get the Cambridge player, if it's anything like the OPPO decks. But I don't even know if Cambridge is still selling their UHD disc player...

Yes, Cambridge actually has restocked but it's $799 now.
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/cx/cxuhd

It doesn't sound like this Panasonic model is for you. I always thought based what I read the right player for you was the Oppo 203. I think the Cambridge unit though should work for you perfectly if you can find a way to get it.

[Robert Zohn]

@ IntelliVolume, sorry to hear you are not happy with your new Panasonic UB820.

I understand your opinion on weight and size of the unit and the remote control. However, I don't want you to think the engineering design and build quality are sub-par as this is a well designed and engineered BD player. With this said I am also a fan of heavy weighted a/v devices that add to the solid feel.

Most importantly, I suggest you try an a/b comparison with any other BD player to see and understand the exclusive advantages you have with Panasonic's new HDR Optimizer circuit and the excellent Chroma processing that delivers a sharper image. I have done this in our showroom with every premium 2018 TV and several projectors and the image quality differences are very easy to see and enjoy. This is also verified by all professional reviews and those who own this player.

Once you are watching a BD or streaming you will not be thinking about the weight of the UB820 or anything else other than the exceptional picture and audio performance that this player delivers to your very deserving NU8000 TV. Panasonic UB820 is a quality BD player and will continually deliver the best performance for many years to come.

Panasonic's HDR Optimizer sets the peak luminance to the ability of your TV or projector so you see all of the color volume and the full dynamic tonal range of HDR content.

If you want to enjoy the HDR Optimizer features and Panasonic Chroma processing with a heaver build and upscale back-lit remote consider Panasonic's UB9000.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

Also -- I did not see any NOISE REDUCTION options, which I thought this player had...do these pop up when a disc is playing when the settings button is pressed on the remote, and is that how you access them?

When a disc is playing press OPTION, you'll be be presented Picture and Sound options the picture options are:

*Display
*Optimum HDR Adjustment
*Luminance Adjustment
*Colour Adjustment
*Sharpness Adjustment
*Noise Reduction
*Bandwidth Limitation
*Progressive
*Reset to Default Picture Settings

These options are accessible when you move from the STANDARD picture mode to Set 1 or Set 2. You push < or > on the remote to access the different modes (standard will grey out all the options).

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

There are also questions I have regarding the 820's on-screen description of what happens when HDMI AUDIO OUT and HDMI AUDIO/VIDEO OUT are both connected at the same time (which they are in my setup) -- according to Panasonic's on-screen prompt in one of the setup menus, using both HDMI OUTs will NOT allow 4K video to be displayed, which I don't understand...if I use both these output jacks, I won't be able to watch UHD discs?

As we discussed previously if you output 4K through HDMI VIDEO OUT (AUDIO/VIDEO OUT) you can only output audio through HDMI AUDIO OUT. To enable 4K output you must select HDMI(AUDIO) Output Mode and select AUDIO ONLY. Otherwise the player will default to 1080p.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

And what about DVD playback -- there were no settings in the setup menu for DVD playback parameters of any kind...is this normal? What about display options, such as 16X9, 16X9 WIDE, etc...I didn't see any of these...

The screen options are limited with the new Panasonics, I think they'll display everything correctly, but if you're watching a non-anamorphic DVD you'd have to go through your TV's picture size modes.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

All in all, I'm not impressed yet -- I may return this and try to find a way to get the Cambridge player, if it's anything like the OPPO decks. But I don't even know if Cambridge is still selling their UHD disc player...

It's worth giving the Panasonic a go. But if you're looking at the Cambridge it's worth looking the manual to see if it does the things you're not getting from the Panasonic.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by danny24

Yes, Cambridge actually has restocked but it's $799 now.
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/cx/cxuhd

It doesn't sound like this Panasonic model is for you. I always thought based what I read the right player for you was the Oppo 203. I think the Cambridge unit though should work for you perfectly if you can find a way to get it.

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

@ IntelliVolume, sorry to hear you are not happy with your new Panasonic UB820.

I understand your opinion on weight and size of the unit and the remote control. However, I don't want you to think the engineering design and build quality are sub-par as this is a well designed and engineered BD player. With this said I am also a fan of heavy weighted a/v devices that add to the solid feel.

Most importantly, I suggest you try an a/b comparison with any other BD player to see and understand the exclusive advantages you have with Panasonic's new HDR Optimizer circuit and the excellent Chroma processing that delivers a sharper image. I have done this in our showroom with every premium 2018 TV and several projectors and the image quality differences are very easy to see and enjoy. This is also verified by all professional reviews and those who own this player.

Once you are watching a BD or streaming you will not be thinking about the weight of the UB820 or anything else other than the exceptional picture and audio performance that this player delivers to your very deserving NU8000 TV. Panasonic UB820 is a quality BD player and will continually deliver the best performance for many years to come.

Panasonic's HDR Optimizer sets the peak luminance to the ability of your TV or projector so you see all of the color volume and the full dynamic tonal range of HDR content.

If you want to enjoy the HDR Optimizer features and Panasonic Chroma processing with a heaver build and upscale back-lit remote consider Panasonic's UB9000.

Thanks Guys.

I simply cannot get past the build quality of this player for $500, I'm sorry; it really feels, looks and comes across as super-cheap...something I expected from the $199 LGs, Sonys, Samsungs, et al, which I was trying to avoid (to a certain point with regard to price limit). For whatever reason, aesthetics are important to me, but the Panasonic 9000 is definitely going to be out of budget.

There were a number of things that bothered me about the 820, as well, that I don't think I can look past for our needs short of adding a second player into the system just to handle DVD playback -- first, there doesn't seem to be a way to adjust the player to have full screen DVDs (of which I actually own a great number still) fill the screen without pillarboxing, which my OPPO BDP-83 did (there was an option for "WIDE: FULL" in the setup menu of the 83 that automatically stretched 4:3 material to fill the 16:9 screen). Actually, I didn't see ANY zooming or ratio adjustment modes in any menu setting on the Panasonic; I don't use such modes for modern Blu-ray and DVD transfers, but I own a great deal of non-anamorphic DVDs as well, and the "zoom" feature is important to me (in the PLAYER, not the display) to get these discs up to the right ratio for playback.

Robert -- do you know if there are any UHD disc players on the market that offer these kind of ratio customizations, especially for DVD playback? The way the 820 was handling DVDs -- there was wild fluctuations of ratio sizes when I played some discs that had promotional intros from the studio, and this was REALLY annoying -- disappointed me, and I would be forced to use two players in my system if this isn't a possiblility in a new deck.

Does anyone know if the Cambridge offers OPPO-like menu adjustments for DVD playback?

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by chip75

When a disc is playing press OPTION, you'll be be presented Picture and Sound options the picture options are:

*Display
*Optimum HDR Adjustment
*Luminance Adjustment
*Colour Adjustment
*Sharpness Adjustment
*Noise Reduction
*Bandwidth Limitation
*Progressive
*Reset to Default Picture Settings

I got that last night after playing around; interesting that this player defaults to "2" on the Noise Reduction setting...

Should these other settings be left alone for regular BD playback?

Oh, and by the way Chip -- I'm still getting that annoying "micro-stutter" even with the new Panasonic...I guess there IS something wrong with the Samsung...

These options are accessible when you move from the STANDARD picture mode to Set 1 or Set 2. You push < or > on the remote to access the different modes (standard will grey out all the options).

I don't understand what the SET 1 and SET 2 settings are for -- what are those? I left everything in the STANDARD picture mode...

As we discussed previously if you output 4K through HDMI VIDEO OUT (AUDIO/VIDEO OUT) you can only output audio through HDMI AUDIO OUT. To enable 4K output you must select HDMI(AUDIO) Output Mode and select AUDIO ONLY. Otherwise the player will default to 1080p.

I don't understand this -- I am running one HDMI out from the HDMI AUDIO jack and another from the AUDIO/VIDEO jack, so what should my settings be IN the player? And I CANNOT get 4K video this way?

The screen options are limited with the new Panasonics, I think they'll display everything correctly, but if you're watching a non-anamorphic DVD you'd have to go through your TV's picture size modes.

This isn't going to work for me then, so I may need to run my BDP-83 as a DVD player.

It's worth giving the Panasonic a go. But if you're looking at the Cambridge it's worth looking the manual to see if it does the things you're not getting from the Panasonic.

Do you know offhand if the Cambridge, which was supposed to be an OPPO 203 clone, offers any DVD playback customization options? Did the OPPO?

By the way, how do you know so much about the 820? Do you own one?

[AKORIS]

[QUOTE=chip75;15685128]When a disc is playing press OPTION, you'll be be presented Picture and Sound options the picture options are:

*Display
*Optimum HDR Adjustment
*Luminance Adjustment
*Colour Adjustment
*Sharpness Adjustment
*Noise Reduction
*Bandwidth Limitation
*Progressive
*Reset to Default Picture Settings

These options are accessible when you move from the STANDARD picture mode to Set 1 or Set 2. You push < or > on the remote to access the different modes (standard will grey out all the options).



As we discussed previously if you output 4K through HDMI VIDEO OUT (AUDIO/VIDEO OUT) you can only output audio through HDMI AUDIO OUT. To enable 4K output you must select HDMI(AUDIO) Output Mode and select AUDIO ONLY. Otherwise the player will default to 1080p.




Why would a 4k player default to 1080p? That seems strange.
In my case I simply run a single HDMI out cord to my Samsung 8000 SUHD TV and I have a Sony soundbar.

My player is in the early shipping status. Are you saying that, when I get this player, if I don't follow your instructions above that I won't get 4k resolution or is this strictly a Dolby Atmos setting (which I don't have anyway)

[chip75]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

There were a number of things that bothered me about the 820, as well, that I don't think I can look past for our needs short of adding a second player into the system just to handle DVD playback -- first, there doesn't seem to be a way to adjust the player to have full screen DVDs (of which I actually own a great number still) fill the screen without pillarboxing, which my OPPO BDP-83 did (there was an option for "WIDE: FULL" in the setup menu of the 83 that automatically stretched 4:3 material to fill the 16:9 screen). Actually, I didn't see ANY zooming or ratio adjustment modes in any menu setting on the Panasonic; I don't use such modes for modern Blu-ray and DVD transfers, but I own a great deal of non-anamorphic DVDs as well, and the "zoom" feature is important to me (in the PLAYER, not the display) to get these discs up to the right ratio for playback.

I don't think there are any with the Panasonic. If you're using 16:9 Wide with your OPPO you're either cropping or stretching the image unless you use "Pillar Box" Zoom.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

Robert -- do you know if there are any UHD disc players on the market that offer these kind of ratio customizations, especially for DVD playback? The way the 820 was handling DVDs -- there was wild fluctuations of ratio sizes when I played some discs that had promotional intros from the studio, and this was REALLY annoying -- disappointed me, and I would be forced to use two players in my system if this isn't a possibility in a new deck.

Does anyone know if the Cambridge offers OPPO-like menu adjustments for DVD playback?

The Cambridge offers 1:1 (No zoom), Stretch/Compress, Full Screen, Under Scan, 1.2X, 1.3X, 1.5X, 2X, 1/2X picture options. But some may be user prohibited by the content.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

Why would a 4k player default to 1080p? That seems strange.
In my case I simply run a single HDMI out cord to my Samsung 8000 SUHD TV and I have a Sony soundbar.

My player is in the early shipping status. Are you saying that, when I get this player, if I don't follow your instructions above that I won't get 4k resolution or is this strictly a Dolby Atmos setting (which I don't have anyway)

You can't output 4K from both HDMI outputs. The default setting is AUDIO ONLY with the second HDMI output. If you change this to audio and video, then the player defaults to 1080p.

Out of the box its default settings are 4K. If you change the second HDMI output to output video, the player will warn you that you'll lose 4K video.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by chip75

I don't think there are any with the Panasonic. If you're using 16:9 Wide with your OPPO you're either cropping or stretching the image unless you use "Pillar Box" Zoom.

I know I'm stretching the 4:3 DVDs doing this -- but I prefer them this way.

The Cambridge offers 1:1 (No zoom), Stretch/Compress, Full Screen, Under Scan, 1.2X, 1.3X, 1.5X, 2X, 1/2X picture options. But some may be user prohibited by the content.

But is there an option for enabling 4:3 material to fill the screen AUTOMATICALLY, like there was with the BDP-83?

In the BDP-83, there was a screen ratio setting that allowed me to select "16:9 WIDE," and this ensured widescreen material stayed in its correct form while full screen material was stretched automatically...

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by chip75

You can't output 4K from both HDMI outputs. The default setting is AUDIO ONLY with the second HDMI output. If you change this to audio and video, then the player defaults to 1080p.

Out of the box its default settings are 4K. If you change the second HDMI output to output video, the player will warn you that you'll lose 4K video.

Chip, I'm sorry if I sound dumb here but I'm confused...

Again, I have one single audio/video HDMI cable that goes from my player to the TV with my current Samsung 8500 4k player. The soundbar is connected directly to the TV. So, I have no "second" HDMI output (which I'm assuming you mean to a receiver). Am I missing something?

[chip75]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

I got that last night after playing around; interesting that this player defaults to "2" on the Noise Reduction setting...

Should these other settings be left alone for regular BD playback?

I'd stick to standard for regular Blu-ray playback.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

Oh, and by the way Chip -- I'm still getting that annoying "micro-stutter" even with the new Panasonic...I guess there IS something wrong with the Samsung...

It doesn't sound good.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

I don't understand what the SET 1 and SET 2 settings are for -- what are those? I left everything in the STANDARD picture mode...

Picture customization. If you want specific settings then you can got to Set 1 or Set 2. They're handy for tweaking.

As we discussed previously if you output 4K through HDMI VIDEO OUT (AUDIO/VIDEO OUT) you can only output audio through HDMI AUDIO OUT. To enable 4K output you must select HDMI(AUDIO) Output Mode and select AUDIO ONLY. Otherwise the player will default to 1080p.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

I don't understand this -- I am running one HDMI out from the HDMI AUDIO jack and another from the AUDIO/VIDEO jack, so what should my settings be IN the player? And I CANNOT get 4K video this way?

No, you can get 4K. Just select Automatic for Home>Setup>Player Settings>Video Format>Automatic and Automatic for HDMI (VIDEO) Output Mode and Audio Only for HDMI (AUDIO) Output Mode.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

This isn't going to work for me then, so I may need to run my BDP-83 as a DVD player.

You'll have to experiment with how you think the Zoom function works with your display and if you think there's a drop in quality.

[quote=IntelliVolume;15685205]Do you know offhand if the Cambridge, which was supposed to be an OPPO 203 clone, offers any DVD playback customization options? Did the OPPO?

See my post.

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

By the way, how do you know so much about the 820? Do you own one?

I have a different player.