Bdp-s550

[Blu-RayLover]

Originally Posted by BIslander

The Panasonic BD50 already decodes all and outputs over 5.1 analog. The BD55, due out the same time as the S550, will decode all with 7.1 analog outputs. Are there features on the S550 that will make it more versatile?

So far, the specifications on the Panasonic 55 are a bit sketchy or haven’t been made clear enough. Therefore, with the Sony 550 having already been pretty much reviewed, except for the DTS issue, it’s ahead of the game, at least in the publicity (marketing) department. The Panasonic 55 should be the equal of the Sony 550, but there is a growing consensus that the 550 may have a better transport system. Also, the 550 is about the closest “stand-alone” Blu-ray player to the PS3, that many Blu-ray fans insist is the best all around player. The big difference between the 550 and 55 may have more to do with the BD-Live feature, then anything else. In this department, Sony seems to lead, by way of promoting the feature, that has become popular, at least with many gamers and computer users. In the long run, it might just end up being too close to call, when both players can be clearly compared.