Panasonic DMP-BD 60

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by BACsader

Yes. The levels are definitely different. The receiver dial norms movies when it does the decoding therefore I don't have to turn up my volume as much resulting in less noise and distortion.

Dialnorm instructions are contained in the metadata of the encoded soundtrack and will be executed the same by decoders in both player and receiver.

But, if you are saying the issue ends up being levels, a good calibration should get your player output matching the receiver. I think most claims of superior bitstream output are probably related to levels.

[HDTV1080P]

Cost cutting features removed on the Panasonic DMP-BD60 compared to DMP-BD30

I noticed that the new Panasonic DMP-BD60 in order to cut cost of the player does not have a Coaxial digital output or legacy 480I S-Video output. The Panasonic DMP-BD30 included both a Coaxial digital audio output and 480I legacy S-Video output.

Of course most people purchasing this player will be using the HDMI or component video output on a HDTV. Some people that have multiply TV's in their house replace all their DVD players with BLU-RAY players and having a legacy 480I S-Video is useful for a room in the house that has not been upgraded to HDTV yet.

For people that own the latest equipment HDMI is the only way to get the best picture and sound quality and a Coaxial digital output is not needed for BLU-RAY.

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

I noticed that the new Panasonic DMP-BD60 in order to cut cost of the player does not have a Coaxial digital output or legacy 480I S-Video output. The Panasonic DMP-BD35 included both a Coaxial digital audio output and 480I legacy S-Video output.

The BD35 didn't have a coax output. That feature was limited to the BD55. I don't think either of those players had an s-video output either.

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by BIslander

The BD35 didn't have a coax output. That feature was limited to the BD55. I don't think either of those players had an s-video output either.

According to this Home theater magazine review the DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55 has both S-Video and Coaxial digital output.
http://hometheatermag.com/discplayers/panasonic_dmp-bd35_and_dmp-bd55_blu-ray_players/index1.html

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by BIslander

The BD35 didn't have a coax output. That feature was limited to the BD55. I don't think either of those players had an s-video output either.

The Home Theater review is wrong and you are correct. I just checked the instruction manual for the DMP-55/DMP-35 and both players do not have S-video and only the DMP-55 has Coaxial digital output.

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...odel.DMP-BD35K

[HDTV1080P]

I corrected my original post to now say DMP-BD30 instead of DMP-BD35. Sometimes the professional reviewers make mistakes when listing features.

[BACsader]

I have more to report. I was watching Casino Royale and switching between the PS3 and the DMP-BD60 to see which player is better as far as picture quality goes. I have to say, the DMP-BD60 has an edge over the PS3. I was using the same scenes. The one I was paying close attention to was chapter 9 where they begin to play Texas Hold Em. When they first show the players at the table, there is considerable more grain and edges seemed less sharp on the PS3 as compared to the DMP-BD60. There was still noise being that this Blu-ray has grain to begin with but a noticeable amount less than the PS3. To me, the DMP-BD60 has a slightly more dynamic picture with excellent clarity and one thing that I find considerably better on the DMP-BD60 is smoothness in panning. Loading times between the two players are about the same. I am not saying that the PS3 is bad, not by any means. However, I am looking at small details that if someone is extremely detail oriented and a perfectionist, such as myself, they might want to consider a standalone. I will go more in depth with audio in the next few days. If anyone is considering getting this player and has questions feel free to PM me.