Sony BDP-S550 vs. Panasonic DMP-BD55, info needed

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Swager

Hi, I'm looking at buying either of the above Blu-Rays and putting it with a Panasonic PT-AE300U projector. I'd love some help on which way to go since they seem to be so similar in features and price now. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

First, the Panasonic DMP-BD55 is discontinued. (Check Amazon; prices are around $1,000! Insane.)

The new models look nice, but read the following notice from CES:

http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10135953-100.html

For some reason, while the players support DTS-MA Essential, this codec doesn't support older advanced DTS codes - it just boils them down to basic DTS. Can't figure that out.

Anyway, wait for the new models of the -60 and -80 to be released in the next few weeks. If you can find a reasonably priced 55, grab it. It's an excellent player, perhaps better than the new ones.