Panasonic UB820/UB9000 4K UHD Blu-ray player

[CBCstillmatic]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

You can use the USB ports for any still image, audio and or audio and video files, but not ripped files that don't have the copywrite flags.

So the Dolby files won’t play because they don’t have the flags? Or because it doesn’t support Dolby Vision via USB?

Originally Posted by Geoff D

This is tantamount to blasphemy in some circles but I've never bought into the mains conditioner hype at all. PERHAPS if one has such incredibly expensive studio-grade equipment that can render every last audio nuance then it'd be worth it, but when I tried one with my piddly little set-up it made the audio WORSE, sounding really hard and flat in louder passages of play, like it was actually limiting the AVR's power supply rather than just "conditioning" it.

Yeah I know I see it from time to time cut the voltage and try to regulate it to within a certain range. I got it cheap so I’d have to reservation about replacing it with a standard surge protector. Not sure how it positively or negatively affects any of my equipment since I’ve always had it but now you got me curious to get a plain one that doesn’t regulate the power in any way. I suppose that wouldn’t really have anything to do with the players crapping out or I would have had issues with some of the many other things plugged into it. Hope I just didn’t jinx myself. Lol

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by chip75

What happens if you put Logan back in again?

just tried that-- same old thing. It's like the player is refusing to acknowledge a 4k disc since these settings only pertain to 4k.

I suppose I can adjust the Dynamic range for brightness for now... it pretty much has the same brightening effect yes?

[chip75]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

just tried that-- same old thing. It's like the player is refusing to acknowledge a 4k disc since these settings only pertain to 4k.

I suppose I can adjust the Dynamic range for brightness for now... it pretty much has the same brightening effect yes?

When you got your picture options after pressing OPTION on the remote does it show the UHD Blu-ray flag where Set 1 and Set 2 are?

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by chip75

When you got your picture options after pressing OPTION on the remote does it show the UHD Blu-ray flag where Set 1 and Set 2 are?

yes, and I tried all 3 options but the result is the same.

also-- pressing the HDR setting button simply defaults to the Option button. They are one and the same at this point

[chip75]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

yes, and I tried all 3 options but the result is the same.

also-- pressing the HDR setting button simply defaults to the Option button. They are one and the same at this point

When you're playing back a UHD BD and press STATUS, what does the info bar say?
What does the PLAYBACK INFO. bar say?
When you play a normal Blu-ray and press and hold the HDR Settings button, do you get the error message?

[tbessie]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Dude, when the original UB900 was first released in May 2016 it couldn't even play HEVC files, it took months for them to add it. File playback is the very definition of an afterthought on the Pannies.

I agree. I own a Panasonic camera, and the way they've implemented file upload and download is ridiculously amateurish. Of course, this is a different division, but there might be some overlap.

- Tim

[Robert Zohn]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

Its limitations by design against the Panasonic’s SoC compared to Mediatek SoC. Your making excuses for Panasonic lack of capability citing legality. Sure they will claim that and you repeat the same excuse as a rep.

Look OPPO was highly visible by thousands of users, Blu ray association, Hollywood, and other content owners, if there was a issue do you think Oppo and Sony would not have removed that capability?

I don't speak with reps about my engineering suggestions and although it may be incorrect, but want you to know that it's Panasonic's chief BD engineer that told me he could decode ripped DTS:X and Dolby Atmos audio and it sounds right as they do have the CODEX built-into the UB820 and UB9000 to decode DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from the original source and streamed content, and from ripped files on Kaleidescape servers. It's only DTS:X and Dolby Atmos over the USB ports that are ripped to a PC or NAS system that are blocked.

elwaylite gave a workable solution to play these files "If you want to play network files, get an ATV4K with infuse Pro or a Shield and Kodi"

Not sure how or why some companies and some devices play DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from ripped NAS systems and as you can see Sony only does it on some BD players and not other devices. I honestly think it's an oversite by those that pass and or decode copy protected audio as they would need to be proactive to disable that feature when it's built-into the equipment.

Also note that Pioneer's new LX500 will not play DTS:X or Dolby Atmos files that do not have the copy protection flags authorization.

[Robert Zohn]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

yes, and I tried all 3 options but the result is the same.

also-- pressing the HDR setting button simply defaults to the Option button. They are one and the same at this point

I suggest a cold reboot of the BD player and remote control. The best method is to pull the power cord on the BD player and take the batteries out of the remote control. While the power cord unplugged and batteries are removed from the remote press the power button a couple times on each device to discharge the capacitors for a deep reboot.

Let us know if that fixes the HDR button on the remote.

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by chip75

When you're playing back a UHD BD and press STATUS, what does the info bar say?
What does the PLAYBACK INFO. bar say?
When you play a normal Blu-ray and press and hold the HDR Settings button, do you get the error message?

all the onscreen info is saying 'HDR disc", the correct resolution, etc.

There's something wrong with this player I'm thinking. I had turned the player off and ran some errands, then I tried testing again after your post. First movie I popped in-- QUICK AND THE DEAD-- everything worked again. Second movie I put in-- LOGAN-- went back to the Options default again.

So, just like this morning, the first movie I popped in worked, anything I put in afterwards doesn't.

Unless I can get this figured out in the next day or so, I guess I'm going to have to return this to BEST BUY

[LordoftheRings]

I'd rather have all the files decoding through the USB ports of my players than not.
...Including from the Panasonic 820 and 9000.
...And USB 3.0 or 3.1 version ports.

Anyway, it's the Optimizer here that is the main attraction...tone mapping adjustability to all displays.
It's the right path for best picture quality.
But as we are all videophiles, and audiophiles too, it is normal to want it all.
Oppo was the grand master of universal movie and music players for many years and with realistic prices. They set everyone else in the dust of their trails, and still and probably for many years to come.
It's just the way it is. Too bad because I bet Oppo would have come up with the 8K 303/305 universal players and the best tone mapping performance of them all, including Panasonic Hollywood.

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Robert

don't speak with reps about my engineering suggestions and although it may be incorrect, but want you to know that it's Panasonic's chief BD engineer that told me he could decode ripped DTS:X and Dolby Atmos audio and it sounds right as they do have the CODEX built-into the UB820 and UB9000 to decode DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from the original source and streamed content, and from ripped files on Kaleidescape servers. It's only DTS:X and Dolby Atmos over the USB ports that are ripped to a PC or NAS system that are blocked.

elwaylite gave a workable solution to play these files "If you want to play network files, get an ATV4K with infuse Pro or a Shield and Kodi"

Not sure how or why some companies and some devices play DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from ripped NAS systems and as you can see Sony only does it on some BD players and not other devices. I honestly think it's an oversite by those that pass and or decode copy protected audio as they would need to be proactive to disable that feature when it's built-into the equipment.

Also note that Pioneer's new LX500 will not play DTS:X or Dolby Atmos files that do not have the copy protection flags authorization.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

I don't speak with reps about my engineering suggestions and although it may be incorrect, but want you to know that it's Panasonic's chief BD engineer that told me he could decode ripped DTS:X and Dolby Atmos audio and it sounds right as they do have the CODEX built-into the UB820 and UB9000 to decode DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from the original source and streamed content, and from ripped files on Kaleidescape servers. It's only DTS:X and Dolby Atmos over the USB ports that are ripped to a PC or NAS system that are blocked.

elwaylite gave a workable solution to play these files "If you want to play network files, get an ATV4K with infuse Pro or a Shield and Kodi"

Not sure how or why some companies and some devices play DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from ripped NAS systems and as you can see Sony only does it on some BD players and not other devices. I honestly think it's an oversite by those that pass and or decode copy protected audio as they would need to be proactive to disable that feature when it's built-into the equipment.

Also note that Pioneer's new LX500 will not play DTS:X or Dolby Atmos files that do not have the copy protection flags authorization.

You have to remember that Pioneer LX500 is utilizing the MT8581 SoC with the MT8577A companion device, not the enhanced MT8591 SoC the MTK/Oppo and partnered with Dolby that expands the video/audio codecs supported. Both Oppo and Cambridge use that.

I thought it was more important to stress the SoC's decoding is the limiting factor, as that is by design, and if certain decoding was never planned in, it can't be added after the fact by a FW update.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

all the onscreen info is saying 'HDR disc", the correct resolution, etc.

There's something wrong with this player I'm thinking. I had turned the player off and ran some errands, then I tried testing again after your post. First movie I popped in-- QUICK AND THE DEAD-- everything worked again. Second movie I put in-- LOGAN-- went back to the Options default again.

So, just like this morning, the first movie I popped in worked, anything I put in afterwards doesn't.

Unless I can get this figured out in the next day or so, I guess I'm going to have to return this to BEST BUY

Tell Best Buy what you've just told us; exchange your 820 with another player and check if it's doing the same. It is possible that you have one that is acting up; that wouldn't be the first time and from any brands.

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

I suggest a cold reboot of the BD player and remote control. The best method is to pull the power cord on the BD player and take the batteries out of the remote control. While the power cord unplugged and batteries are removed from the remote press the power button a couple times on each device to discharge the capacitors for a deep reboot.

Let us know if that fixes the HDR button on the remote.

tried it... unfortunately nothing changed.

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Tell Best Buy what you've just told us; exchange your 820 with another player and check if it's doing the same. It is possible that you have one that is acting up; that wouldn't be the first time and from any brands.

I wish it was that simple but none of the stores around here have stock. I had to buy this online and have it shipped. So I would have to return it and then buy it again and wait for it to ship again...

I can't help but wonder if the player might have been banged up during shipping. The box was seriously gashed across the center though the player didn't have a scratch on it.

[Robert Zohn]

It's likely the remote is defective. Maybe Panasonic will swap just the remote or if you like many folks have purchased the UB900 remote as it's nice upgrade from the UB820 original remote.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

Unless I can get this figured out in the next day or so, I guess I'm going to have to return this to BEST BUY

It does sound faulty, the firmware is up-to-date?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

I wish it was that simply but none of the stores around here have stock. I had to buy this online and have it shipped. So I would have to return it and then buy it again and wait for it to ship again...

I can't help but wonder if the player might have been banged up during shipping. The box was seriously gashed across the center though the player didn't have a scratch on it.

I see. If I was in that situation I would return my 820 for a full refund.
The issue that you described to us is not one that I would live with, no way, not when other owners don't have theirs malfunctioning.

The next step after that, for me; I would re-order another one.
_____

If you can't access that important feature setting from the remote, and it seems that you explored all avenues with proper setup, there is a malfunction, a glitch, an issue...and it's an important one. Give it another chance by getting your refund for this one, and exercise patience by ordering another one...820.

Meanwhile use your other 4K Blu-ray player, you do have another one?
If not use your older BR player and upscale to 4K.
...For two weeks or so?

Me, that's what I would do...all of the above.

Cheers,

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

It's likely the remote is defective. Maybe Panasonic will swap just the remote or if you like many folks have purchased the UB900 remote as it's nice upgrade from the UB820 original remote.

Originally Posted by chip75

It does sound faulty, the firmware is up-to-date?

yeah, the firmware was updated the first night and remember, everything was fine the first 2 nights so this just "happened" on it's own.

THANK YOU so much everyone, it's nice to be on a forum where everyone truly wants to help each other out.

I've already disconnected it and it's back in the box. I'll be returning it back to Best Buy after work tomorrow or the next day...

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

It's likely the remote is defective. Maybe Panasonic will swap just the remote or if you like many folks have purchased the UB900 remote as it's nice upgrade from the UB820 original remote.

I thought of the remote too @ first.
If he has a universal remote control (Harmony, Universal, etc.) he can program the Panasonic 820's remote operation that is not functioning well, and perhaps it would resolve the issue? I doubt it but it's worth a try because it would take me only few minutes with my Harmony.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

I've already disconnected it and it's back in the box. I'll be returning it back to Best Buy after work tomorrow or the next day...

Hopefully you can get a replacement, mate.