Need Help Picking New 4K UHD Player

[stackerboy99]

Hello,
Continuing from a previous forum, what is a recommended 4K UHD Blu-ray player for a budget and works with little no problems, especially with disc freezing?
Was an owner of the Panasonic UB820, but experienced a stuck disc drive recently that happens with every disc I play now, and the discs get stuck as well which results in scratches. Tried submitting a repair request, only for Panasonic to say they don't repair Blu-ray players and to look on their website for local repair centers. No luck with that so far.

I'm interested in either the Sony X800M2 or the LG UBK80, but I'm continuing to see more reviews on the two about disc freezing (especially for the UBK90, too).

If anyone knows a player that has had little to no reports of disc freezing and not super expensive, please let me know, since I would like to get a replacement player soon. ANYTHING IS RECOMMENDED.
I'm a more casual viewer, so the whole HDR10 (or 10+) and Dolby Vision aren't super important, especially since my TV is a Samsung, so the latter won't be effective anyway.

Thank you,
Dan Finnegan

[Barry_NJ]

Well, late reply, but I'm happy with my X800M2. In a year of near daily usage, I've only had one issue with disc freezing, and after close examination, the UHD BR case had a bunch of release-agent on it, and it looked like it had gotten onto the discs too. So I cleaned the discs with warm water and dish washing liquid, and the issue was resolved. I also thoroughly wiped down the case that the disc came in with paper towel, to prevent the disc from being contaminated again.

[TravisTylerBlack]

Very sorry to hear about your UB820 issues. It's my absolute favorite player out of all that I have owned and would be rather distressed were mine to start glitching the way you described.

Before your drop $$ on a new disc spinner, I would absolutely suggest researching/calling around to local electronics repair facilities in your area to see if they could possibly repair your Panny. Even the cheapest UHD player will likely set you back more money than the cost of having your current one fixed.

If that route fails there are specialist online whom you could send it to for evaluation. However, if you truly don't want to bother with any of that I think the X800M2 is your best option. It's a popular model and two of my "real world" friends have expressed major satisfaction with it in recent months.

[teddyballgame]

I believe the ub420 is basically the same as 820 except it doesn't have DV (which you currently don't require). Seems like good bang for the buck and you're already familiar with how everything works. Though I could understand if you have some reservations going with Panny again after they passed on servicing it for you. They've also been dragging their heels with firmware duties. I'm usually not to keen on protection plans e.g. best buy, but maybe it wouldn't be a terrible idea. Someone else will have to chime in on the Sony options

[chip75]

Originally Posted by teddyballgame

I believe the ub420 is basically the same as 820 except it doesn't have DV (which you currently don't require). Seems like good bang for the buck and you're already familiar with how everything works. Though I could understand if you have some reservations going with Panny again after they passed on servicing it for you. They've also been dragging their heels with firmware duties. I'm usually not to keen on protection plans e.g. best buy, but maybe it wouldn't be a terrible idea. Someone else will have to chime in on the Sony options

It drops a couple of presets for the optimizer as well as the on-screen metadata, but after that there's not much difference.

[dcx4610]

I don't know if it's UHD discs or the players but they seem highly sensitive to disc scratches. Even hairline scratches are enough to cause video to freeze or distort.

Hold a flashlight to some of your discs and you'll probably be shocked when you see scratches. Especially if they are double stacked.

If you aren't happy with the Panny, I'd go Sony. Both are gonna be prone to disc scratches though.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by stackerboy99

Hello,
Continuing from a previous forum, what is a recommended 4K UHD Blu-ray player for a budget and works with little no problems, especially with disc freezing?
Was an owner of the Panasonic UB820, but experienced a stuck disc drive recently that happens with every disc I play now, and the discs get stuck as well which results in scratches. Tried submitting a repair request, only for Panasonic to say they don't repair Blu-ray players and to look on their website for local repair centers. No luck with that so far.

I'm interested in either the Sony X800M2 or the LG UBK80, but I'm continuing to see more reviews on the two about disc freezing (especially for the UBK90, too).

If anyone knows a player that has had little to no reports of disc freezing and not super expensive, please let me know, since I would like to get a replacement player soon. ANYTHING IS RECOMMENDED.
I'm a more casual viewer, so the whole HDR10 (or 10+) and Dolby Vision aren't super important, especially since my TV is a Samsung, so the latter won't be effective anyway.

Thank you,
Dan Finnegan

If you can find one

pioneer udp-lx500

they are expensive tho 1000 USD +

I had issues with mine took it back to where I bought it they took it to local repair shop has a 3 year warranty on it. Love this player.

[aksarhils53]

I’m looking at buying a 4K UHD Blu Ray player for my B8 and am a bit stuck on what option is the best. My budget is under $200. Here’s what I see available.

Sony UBPX-700 $130 at Best Buy LG UBK80 $100 at Best Buy Samsung UBD-M8500 $150 at Best Buy Xbox One S (2 Controller Bundle) $200 at Sam’s Club

My B8 has built in steaming apps so I don’t really think I care about the devices ability to do anything other than play discs. The exception is the Xbox. I’m not a big Xbox guy, but I think it would be nice to have the option to play a game if something cool releases. Anybody have any advice.

[BijouMan]

Originally Posted by stackerboy99

Hello,
Continuing from a previous forum, what is a recommended 4K UHD Blu-ray player for a budget and works with little no problems, especially with disc freezing?
Was an owner of the Panasonic UB820, but experienced a stuck disc drive recently that happens with every disc I play now, and the discs get stuck as well which results in scratches. Tried submitting a repair request, only for Panasonic to say they don't repair Blu-ray players and to look on their website for local repair centers. No luck with that so far.

I'm interested in either the Sony X800M2 or the LG UBK80, but I'm continuing to see more reviews on the two about disc freezing (especially for the UBK90, too).

If anyone knows a player that has had little to no reports of disc freezing and not super expensive, please let me know, since I would like to get a replacement player soon. ANYTHING IS RECOMMENDED.
I'm a more casual viewer, so the whole HDR10 (or 10+) and Dolby Vision aren't super important, especially since my TV is a Samsung, so the latter won't be effective anyway.

Thank you,
Dan Finnegan

The DP-UB820 is a great player. I think you got a lemon. See if Panasonic will repair or replace your UB820.

[stackerboy99]

Originally Posted by BijouMan

The DP-UB820 is a great player. I think you got a lemon. See if Panasonic will repair or replace your UB820.

I did end up being able to take it in, and they gave me a brand new player. This one works perfectly, so hopefully it will stay that way.

[Barry_NJ]

Originally Posted by aksarhils53

I’m looking at buying a 4K UHD Blu Ray player for my B8 and am a bit stuck on what option is the best. My budget is under $200. Here’s what I see available.

I got my X800M2 for under $200 during a Black Friday sale, wait a week or so and keep an eye out for the sales

[Eschenpod]

Got my lightly used X800M2 with original box, manual and remote for $180 on eBay.