Panasonic UB820/UB9000 4K UHD Blu-ray player

[NeilZ]

Originally Posted by Mobe1969

Ugh, so I'd have to drop back to V1.60 with that mod, and maybe sometime in the future if Panasonic ever bother release an auto network update, I'd get an upgrade?

I wish the units were just multi voltage like the pioneers - I'd just import a Region A model.

If you really need a region free player (including the 820) you can buy them from various outlets. They basically put some proprietary chip of their own make to make it region free, and they almost always allow for upgrades without breaking them. They're more expensive but a great way to go region free.

[Mobe1969]

Originally Posted by NeilZ

If you really need a region free player (including the 820) you can buy them from various outlets. They basically put some proprietary chip of their own make to make it region free, and they almost always allow for upgrades without breaking them. They're more expensive but a great way to go region free.

Yes, I've seen them around. I never considered like this one though that it would stop manual firware updates though. And that they are that old a version. I don't think I've seen the sites that sell the players mention this disclaimer. Possibly it is, but not sure.

[NeilZ]

Originally Posted by Mobe1969

Yes, I've seen them around. I never considered like this one though that it would stop manual firware updates though. And that they are that old a version. I don't think I've seen the sites that sell the players mention this disclaimer. Possibly it is, but not sure.

Yes actually most of them promise no issues with firmware updates.

The only company I've bought from before for these was 220 electronics and they definitely held up. I was updating the players throughout the life of the device. I'd have no hesitation going with them again in the future.

[gto35830]

Originally Posted by V.M. Varga

It's a mod kit that you can order from rattlebyte.com. The kit makes it possible for you to install a firmware from the site that makes your player regionfree (you just have to select the region with your remote). Installing the kit requires some soldering and thus makes the warranty void, so it's a little risky.

Thanks for the information. have a great one.

[gto35830]

Originally Posted by sephirothkefka

The 1.64 FW is a firmware that seems to be only pre installed on newer UB820/9000 machines or for certain regions on the Panasonic FW updater website (though they work fine for all regions). My UB820 is currently on 1.66 from the Chinese FW website and it works perfectly.

Thanks for the info. Just had not heard anything about 1.64 on this site so was kind of wondering how this machine would have it. Thanks again.

[dml1988]

Idk who this helps but if you order the UB820 from 220-electronics and use code FCBLU10OFF (10% off discount) you can get it already setup for region free capabilities for $674.10, and firmware updates will not get rid of the region free capabilities. I own the Sony UBP-X800M2 from them, cause at the time they weren't selling the UB820. That will most likely be my next order when it is time to upgrade

[Mobe1969]

Originally Posted by gto35830

Thanks for the info. Just had not heard anything about 1.64 on this site so was kind of wondering how this machine would have it. Thanks again.

1.66 is freely available from Panasonic website. I'm running that on mine.

[TravisTylerBlack]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

The 820 is definitely the most "sensitive" player I've ever owned when it comes to making sure discs are clean. I've chuckled at times seeing how the tiniest little fraction of a finger print on a disc edge can trip up the 820 playback.

I love the 820 something fierce but my unit frequently trips up on even the tiniest surface scratch and/or fingerprint in a way that I've never experienced with any other player. Certain disc will come to a complete standstill on the Panny that otherwise play 100% without issue on my region free Sony S6700.

As a result I've become hyper vigilant in regards to inspecting each and every disc before viewing and always keep at least one micro fiber cloth on standby just in case. Fortunately very few titles in my collection have any sort of blemish, but when they do you can bet the 820 will let me know.

[gto35830]

Originally Posted by Mobe1969

1.66 is freely available from Panasonic website. I'm running that on mine.

Thanks, but on Panasonic's site, FW1.60 is the one that they are showing, I am aware that 1.66 is out there for China, but really don't want to try that.

[hgwy407]

Originally Posted by gto35830

Thanks, but on Panasonic's site, FW1.60 is the one that they are showing, I am aware that 1.66 is out there for China, but really don't want to try that.

I updating months ago using the Chinese firmware and have had no hiccups.

[sapiendut]

Originally Posted by gto35830

Thanks, but on Panasonic's site, FW1.60 is the one that they are showing, I am aware that 1.66 is out there for China, but really don't want to try that.

I’ve used the 1.66 for months. No problem.

[jrod8]

Any notable updates with 1.66 or has it fixed any of the playback issues many people have noted in this thread?

[Mobe1969]

Originally Posted by jrod8

Any notable updates with 1.66 or has it fixed any of the playback issues many people have noted in this thread?

I don't seem to get the occasional Audio drop on pause or fast forward issues anymore

[NeilZ]

Is 1.66 available to US region players too? If so I have to get that.

[88mph]

Thinking about picking up a 820. Can I disable Dolby Vision? I have a Sony x900f TV and DV looks like crap on it.

Would the 420 is a better option for me? But I don't see it sold in many places. Is it discontinued?

[sephirothkefka]

Originally Posted by 88mph

Thinking about picking up a 820. Can I disable Dolby Vision? I have a Sony x900f TV and DV looks like crap on it.

Would the 420 is a better option for me? But I don't see it sold in many places. Is it discontinued?

Dolby Vision can be disabled on the 820 but 420 should be fine if you dont care about the lack of a screen and analog outputs. I'd personally go with it anyway just incase you do eventually get a better DV set.

[vladiator]

Hello, I just received my UB820 from Amazon, just noticed that it says on the back 120V 60Hz 31W. I live in a country with 220v 50Hz. Do I need a transformer or it is actually dual voltage inside? How do I tell when I open it? Also, Does the AC frequency matter for a Blu-ray player?

Edit: Added internal Power supply photo
20210630_205610.jpg

[sapiendut]

The voltage matter but I don’t think the cycle matters for digital playback equipment.

[vladiator]

Originally Posted by sapiendut

The voltage matter but I don’t think the cycle matters for digital playback equipment.

I have added a photo of the internal power unit, it says 250V 2A. would it work?

[sapiendut]

Quite honestly I don’t know. Logically it only means that the area highlighted can deal with up to 250V. From that area it still goes to the transformer that may or may not be able to accept anything beyond 140V-ish.