Panasonic UB820/UB9000 4K UHD Blu-ray player

[gottaget]

What reasons are there why my UB820 cannot play Mildred Pierce properly (about half way through the image distorts, video stops, etc.) but my Sony S6700 can?

I also noticed a more minor hiccup with Shawshank Redemption disc. It would stop for a brief moment then skip on the UB820 but the Sony plays it perfectly with no issues.

I initially thought it might be the HDMI cable, but I just bought a new one today and the issue is still present. Now I am beginning to suspect it is the machine.

[LettuceJUMP]

This may be the most newb question but how do you get subtitles to display? I’ve tried out 20 discs and i hit the cc button on remote and it says analogue vs digital etc. and no option is displaying it. The playback is so much nicer and smoother than the xbox one x!!

[Antiochus]

Originally Posted by LettuceJUMP

This may be the most newb question but how do you get subtitles to display? I’ve tried out 20 discs and i hit the cc button on remote and it says analogue vs digital etc. and no option is displaying it. The playback is so much nicer and smoother than the xbox one x!!

This got me confused at first too. Press Option on the remote during playback, then Subtitle Settings, then Subtitles. Btw there's no CC button on the UK version of the remote.

[gunnerg]

Originally Posted by gottaget

What reasons are there why my UB820 cannot play Mildred Pierce properly (about half way through the image distorts, video stops, etc.) but my Sony S6700 can?

I also noticed a more minor hiccup with Shawshank Redemption disc. It would stop for a brief moment then skip on the UB820 but the Sony plays it perfectly with no issues.

I initially thought it might be the HDMI cable, but I just bought a new one today and the issue is still present. Now I am beginning to suspect it is the machine.

I don't own The Shawshank Redemption, but is the Mildred Pierce release the 2011-ish HBO miniseries one? Coincidentally, I watched about 2 1/2 hours of that just last night on a ub9000 without any issues. Now you've got me terrified to continue!

[gottaget]

Originally Posted by gunnerg

I don't own The Shawshank Redemption, but is the Mildred Pierce release the 2011-ish HBO miniseries one? Coincidentally, I watched about 2 1/2 hours of that just last night on a ub9000 without any issues. Now you've got me terrified to continue!

Oh! Sorry! It's the UK Criterion release of the movie

[PUsokrJosh305]

Originally Posted by thebigcheese3k

I think you are 100% right about the inconsistencies with HDR content. Today I was experimenting with these settings on my C9 with Suspiria (2018) released by Koch Media. The top menu of this disc uses HDR-10 so I had a good static image to play around with. I had the opposite experience here, turning off DTM made the image brighter. Here's a few crappy pictures from my phone but they illustrate the difference:

[Show spoiler]HDR Optimizer on and DTM on:

HDR Optimizer on and DTM off:

Yeah, I've been experimenting also, particularly with the "limbo" scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part: 2 where Harry is speaking with Dumbledore and all of that scene is happening "inside his head." On the blu-ray, the light in the scene is very blown out, not too much details are visible but the image has a greenish-white tone. On the 4K UHD though, the light is not as blown out but still has more of a washed out tone to it (more neutral with the greenish-white tone gone). This is with both the LG DTM off and the Optimizer on the 820 off. When I just turn the LG's DTM On, the lights are toned down even further to see more detail around them. But when I also add the 820's Optimizer, the color tone of the movie changes to a fainter greenish white color (due to the newer HDR pass of the UHD) returns with a few areas of light blown out. To me, with both of them turned on, the picture seems to represent the intended look of the film over the LG's DTM being off. Still, this is just 1 scene. Other scenes do have at times too much brightness. I feel like overall after testing a few movies that leaving both of them turned "On" produces a great picture! Again, this is just my opinion though.

[No Name]

Originally Posted by gottaget

What reasons are there why my UB820 cannot play Mildred Pierce properly (about half way through the image distorts, video stops, etc.) but my Sony S6700 can?

I also noticed a more minor hiccup with Shawshank Redemption disc. It would stop for a brief moment then skip on the UB820 but the Sony plays it perfectly with no issues.

I initially thought it might be the HDMI cable, but I just bought a new one today and the issue is still present. Now I am beginning to suspect it is the machine.

I played "Mildred Pierce" on my player and it played fine with no problems whatsoever. It could be your player having some faulty issues but I played the American version of the disc. I'll try "The Shawshank Redemption" as well when I get a chance and give you an update.

[Post Prod]

I ponied up for the 820 to pair with my LGC9, laregly on the things said in this thread by Robert, about it's unmatched HDR tweaking capabilities. I have the earlier UB900 and had loved it.

But I've owned it for a few months and probably 1/4th of the UHD discs I play glitch out half way (or so )through the movie and i have to stop the movie and restart it at later point in the movie. Some but not all of the Star Wars movies for example do this, Revenge of the Sith at the Obi Wan defeating Grevious scene.

I've been pretty patient about this, hoping a future update would make the player..usuable to get through most movies without doing this. But last night I watched Jaws and it did it again this time again just past the half way point.

I've tried going direct to the tv, I've tried cleaning discs (these are all barnd new discs), tried swapping with several 48gbs rated cables from various vendors,that seem to work jsut fine with other 4k HDR capable equipment. But Jaws? I'm at my wits end and just plain furious now that I spent so much on this thing that can't even let me enjoy Jaws.

I'm clearly passed my return window now and now feel in the market for a new UHD player, feel weird even about selling this one to anyone considering this thing simply is not a good piece of equipment.

Any ideas or thoughts? I see other people have glitch issues? But is there any hope a future update may make this player more reliable? It reminds me of the early early samsung blu-ray player days.

[hgwy407]

I love the player and haven't had the issues you have had. Conversely, it will not play any BD-R I throw at it. It doesn't matter what format it was burned on, Mac or Windows. The other issue I have currently is the lack of firmware updates. I seriously can't remember when the last update occurred. This has to be the slowest firmware update for any piece of equipment I own.

[bedlamfeuder94]

Originally Posted by Post Prod

I ponied up for the 820 to pair with my LGC9, laregly on the things said in this thread by Robert, about it's unmatched HDR tweaking capabilities. I have the earlier UB900 and had loved it.

But I've owned it for a few months and probably 1/4th of the UHD discs I play glitch out half way (or so )through the movie and i have to stop the movie and restart it at later point in the movie. Some but not all of the Star Wars movies for example do this, Revenge of the Sith at the Obi Wan defeating Grevious scene.

I've been pretty patient about this, hoping a future update would make the player..usuable to get through most movies without doing this. But last night I watched Jaws and it did it again this time again just past the half way point.

I've tried going direct to the tv, I've tried cleaning discs (these are all barnd new discs), tried swapping with several 48gbs rated cables from various vendors,that seem to work jsut fine with other 4k HDR capable equipment. But Jaws? I'm at my wits end and just plain furious now that I spent so much on this thing that can't even let me enjoy Jaws.

I'm clearly passed my return window now and now feel in the market for a new UHD player, feel weird even about selling this one to anyone considering this thing simply is not a good piece of equipment.

Any ideas or thoughts? I see other people have glitch issues? But is there any hope a future update may make this player more reliable? It reminds me of the early early samsung blu-ray player days.

I had similar issues with a first player, that may (or it may have been my old LG UP870) or may not have scratched several 4K discs I had. Went through a whale of an annoying Geek Squad repair situation with BBY, but eventually got a new player that came in Wednesday.

So far, I've watched Mr Smith Goes to Washington, A League of Their Own, Hunger Games and Lawrence of Arabia 4Ks. All new, unused discs.

The Pt 1 disc of Lawrence had a brief issue despite me seeing absolutely no marks on the disc, and the same for Hunger Games. Took the discs out, wiped the HELL out of them with microfiber non-abrasive cloths, and after an effort or two they played fine with no more repercussions.

But I completely agree with you. Its disheartening that arguably the best player/player brand active on the market rn has issues like this so easily with its premier format, no matter what changes I make to HDMI hookup, disc cleaning, etc. Takes you out of the experience. And I plan on buying a semi-hefty 4K projector next year for my living room to upgrade the experience ... the player (and general issues we're facing with physical 4K) give me doubts.

[gunnerg]

I just watched Jaws 4k on my very new UB9000 player and it played entirely (this reappearing stuttering and stalling issue story is happening on both the 9000 & 820, one guy with every single 1080p blu-ray disc he owned on a 9000)
Thankfully, my arrival is quick, very precise and plays discs with the highest quality visual and audio precision I've ever witnessed. Truly feeling like I'm seeing everything the way it should be. It has eliminated the dimness issue entirely, on normal mode. First Blood on 4k finally looks right to me. So far, better than love, right down to it's black & white retro 80's home screen. A professional, true premium experience. It actually makes old DVD tv shows shot on video like wkrp, all in the family, three's company, scream with clarity I always swore was impossible. It's truly magic. And addicting, wanting to see every disc I own through this. I've already played maybe 50 scanning through and 10 entirely. No issues whatsoever so far *knocks on wood*. Also worth mentioning, I can enjoy deep, punchy tv sound from tv itself (lg cx55 oled) with volume at 16. My old Philips 4k player, I needed to be at 38 on the same exact set. It's strange when you read and read about something and once arrived, touches so many unexpected things. It's also made in Czech Republic (have they made electronics there before?), with no tuxedo pin stripe finish on remote.
The streaming system is a joke, though. Like webtv. It seems to bypass everything quality to deliver the slowest speed, pixeled disaster on a dedicated 1998 line? Is it only there by contract or something? Totally nothing anyone would ever bother using if they've seen the performance of a $40 roku stick+.
So far, no regrets on the UB9000 and I doubt I'd ever like the experience of another player as much. Would be tempted again even if there's lemon factor. It is special.I also love the retro heavy build. It's worth the double price!

[trekky76]

I've been lucky so far with my player. MI:3 was glitching but works fine with my X1. Endgame was glitched with both so I had to replace it. The replacement has several minor scratches but actually played fine all through. As with any electronics there are bad ones so I suggest replacing the player if you get more than a few glitching. And oh yeah, both Midway and Knives Out freeze with Dolby Vision and despite months later there hasn't been any firmware update.

[No Name]

Originally Posted by gottaget

What reasons are there why my UB820 cannot play Mildred Pierce properly (about half way through the image distorts, video stops, etc.) but my Sony S6700 can?

I also noticed a more minor hiccup with Shawshank Redemption disc. It would stop for a brief moment then skip on the UB820 but the Sony plays it perfectly with no issues.

I initially thought it might be the HDMI cable, but I just bought a new one today and the issue is still present. Now I am beginning to suspect it is the machine.

I got to play "The Shawshank Redemption" and once again it played fine with no problems whatsoever, so I'm guessing you might have a faulty player but note that I'm using an American version of the player alongside the discs as well.

[gottaget]

Originally Posted by No Name

I got to play "The Shawshank Redemption" and once again it played fine with no problems whatsoever, so I'm guessing you might have a faulty player but note that I'm using an American version of the player alongside the discs as well.

Hey thanks for checking! I appreciate the help!

[Cruel Angel]

I don't plan on getting my 4K TV until the end of the year holiday sales period, but am considering pulling the trigger and getting the 4k player now.

I initially started thinking about the Sony x700, but after reading some of the two product threads in the forums here, it seems the Panasonic 820 might be the better choice.

My eventual player will be hooked up to either a LG OLED65BXPUA or CX tv. For audio, no receiver, just a sound bar.

Primary use of the player would be for 4k discs. Secondary for blus and dvds, but I will still be keeping my Oppo 103 since it is region free.

Streaming apps I would be running either from the TV or my PS4, so for the player that is a non-factor.

I would appreciate any advice, thoughts, experiences, etc . Reading in the different threads about freezing issues and such makes me a bit worried about what I might be getting into if i choose poorly (and after Indy 3, I wouldn't want to do that).

[gunnerg]

If you're going to get an oled tv and watch DVD, 1080p blu and 4k blu discs..I'd go with one of the 2 big panasonic players. Out of box, it will be set to an led backlit/lcd tv/medium brightness tv setting. Switch this to oled. That's the one adjustment that changed everything for me on the panasonic player. The hdr optimizer is also a noticeable improvement. But I leave that at normal setting. I can now see the image perfectly in my fairly well daylit room...no need to boost brightness further with higher optimizer settings. My lg oled with those two items set on a panasonic ub9000 player...was like taking sunglasses off for the first time when watching hdr & dv 4k discs, especially Gremlins, Halloween & First Blood. All the colors and details can be seen plain as day, unless not intended to. Still just as amazingly deep blacks and everything looks saturated naturally. Never blown out. Just love it. I only had an oppo bluray player years ago. Never one of their 4k players. Not able to compare. But I can say with confidence that panasonic is onto something different and special in the world of disc play. I don't think I want to even try a different brand. Their next players are bound to be even better.

[gottaget]

Originally Posted by Cruel Angel

I would appreciate any advice, thoughts, experiences, etc . Reading in the different threads about freezing issues and such makes me a bit worried about what I might be getting into if i choose poorly (and after Indy 3, I wouldn't want to do that).

I really like the UB820. It is a competent player and HDR Optimiser is awesome.

Freezing issues are annoying but you have to understand that not everything will be well. For instance, I have watched a lot of movies with no problem on my UB820, but two (not 4K) have caused issues even though they play perfectly on my other inexpensive player. Other issues are with the discs themselves and not the player (like Knives Out).

Make sure you get appropriate HDMI cable(s) btw.

[AKORIS]

I'm really surprised about the freezing posts on the 820 player.... I've had my player for a year and a half and I've only experienced ONE movie that froze-- MISSION IMPOSSIBLE" FALLOUT... and it was a one time thing.

[Geoff D]

Yeah, the only freezing issue I've had with my 820 is with Knives Out.

[bnmdjm]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

I'm really surprised about the freezing posts on the 820 player.... I've had my player for a year and a half and I've only experienced ONE movie that froze-- MISSION IMPOSSIBLE" FALLOUT... and it was a one time thing.

I've had mine for almost a year and have never had the first skip (haven't watched Knives Out). I've watched several blu-rays and many, many UHDs without the first glitch. Heck, I never had but one or two freezes even on my X700 before, although I did have a fair amount of lip sync issues from time to time. The only thing I can think of that I may do differently than some experiencing these issues -- unless they truly do have a faulty player -- is that some of these new discs are known to include an imperceptible film over them, and typically I clean my discs with running water and wipe them with a microfiber cloth before ever viewing them.

P.S. I do think the HDMI cables matter but you certainly don't need the expensive ones, just HDMI-certified high speed ones like the ones from Monoprice listed here.