Panasonic or Pioneer? - Blu-ray Forum

bferr1 · 12-03-2006, 12:49 AM

Hey guys,

Need a little help here. I have managed to get the price I paid at a local A/V store for the Panasonic BD player adjusted to their current sale price, $999. The thing is, they also had a Pioneer player on display incorrectly priced at $1199. They told me it was incorrectly priced, but they'll honor it for me anyway. Expected arrival date as of now is 12/15. So, as long as that date holds, then the big question is: Panasonic at $999 or Pioneer $1199?

Thanks!
Bryan

JTK · 12-03-2006, 01:32 AM

Tough to answer without more specific information in terms of specs vs. specs and the rest of it.

Awfully nice price on that Pioneer, though.

Are you dissatisifed with the Panny?

bferr1 · 12-03-2006, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTK

Are you dissatisifed with the Panny?

CUE issues aside on SD DVD playback, no, not dissatisfied in the least. I just don't want to shortchange myself in some way if I don't have to. The Panasonic is a very fine player, and the firmware upgrades for future audio support are a great thing. Plus it plays CDs. The Pioneer has the ethernet port, it lists BD-R and BD-RE playback compatibility (where the Panny does not), has the media streaming capability, is built like a friggin' tank and may or may not have the CUE issue. Oh, but it has no CD playback.

See? No idea what to do as these are both amazing deals at the price paid. That's where you guys come in!

ProvenFlipper · 12-03-2006, 02:07 AM

I would stick with the Panny being that they are the only ones who are talking about upgrading the player to decode advanced codecs. Plus I think the Panny looks better asthetically. Plus 7.1 analog outs and $200 in your pocket to buy movies.

Or you could get both and put one in the bedroom?

bferr1 · 12-03-2006, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProvenFlipper

Or you could get both and put one in the bedroom?

We're a one TV household at the moment.

bferr1 · 12-05-2006, 10:13 PM

Wow! Four votes for the Panny, four votes for the Pioneer! Thanks for the help, guys. You've really sent me a clear signal. LOL!

Anyway, it's a moot point because I'm now told to expect the Pioneer after Christmas, which is too late for my two-month upgrade period. The Panasonic wins by default.

theknub · 12-06-2006, 12:30 AM

dirty, are you a dealer? i don't know a single dealer who has it or any places to order it.

bferr1 · 12-15-2006, 07:03 PM

I went to the AV store yesterday and the salesman said he'd extend my two-month upgrade period on the Panny because the Pioneer's been delayed so many times. So, I guess the Pioneer is still in play. Any other opinions on this out there? Thanks.

phloyd · 12-15-2006, 07:24 PM

Panasonic for the 7.1 analogue out.

I would be tempted by Pioneer at that price if I could use 24 fps 1080p out.

bferr1 · 12-15-2006, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phloyd

Panasonic for the 7.1 analogue out.

I would be tempted by Pioneer at that price if I could use 24 fps 1080p out.

I'm using HDMI, so the analog out is moot. 1080 24fps is intriguing, but my TV can't display it. I was thinking the Pioneer would be future-proof in this regard, but not so futureproof if it can't do BD-Live.

Bobpaule · 12-18-2006, 06:48 PM

Lets first get our facts straight. The Sony BDP-S1 and Pioneer Elite are identical except that the Pio has an ethernet port allowing direct updates and streaming media. Both even use the same menus.

My question is why get the Pio for an extra $600? I can wait to receive firmware updates via mail or download and burn on a disc, so no thank you for the Pio.

So the real question is Sony versus Panasonic. Very tough call. The pure videophile wants the Sony cuz of 24p output and superior PQ on PJs like the 1080p Mitsu or Sony Pearl, but the audio enthusiast who invested a xxxxload of money into a processor without HDMI would want to make use of the Panny's 7.1 channel analog out and firmware upgradeability to lossless audio decoding.

I say they are both good, so grab what you can get cheaper, my advice is dont fall for the Pioneer unless your daddy is chockfull o'cash.

Casey · 12-18-2006, 07:16 PM

PS3 for $599

bferr1 · 12-18-2006, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobpaule

My question is why get the Pio for an extra $600? I can wait to receive firmware updates via mail or download and burn on a disc, so no thank you for the Pio.

$600? Did you read my original post? I can get the Pioneer for $200 more than the Sony MSRP and the sale price I got on the Panny. That's why I'm even contemplating it. Thanks for your help, anyway.

Dave · 12-18-2006, 08:26 PM

50%/50% Lol :d

Bobpaule · 12-21-2006, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bferr1

$600? Did you read my original post? I can get the Pioneer for $200 more than the Sony MSRP and the sale price I got on the Panny. That's why I'm even contemplating it. Thanks for your help, anyway.

Sure, but the Sony is available for less than $800 shipped on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-BDP-S1-DVD-...QQcmdZViewItem

Ding ding !

bferr1 · 12-26-2006, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobpaule

Sure, but the Sony is available for less than $800 shipped on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-BDP-S1-DVD-...QQcmdZViewItem

Ding ding !

Buying from ebay actually doesn't help me as this is an upgrade policy at my A/V store. I have to keep it local.

Paladin · 12-27-2006, 05:58 PM

Depends,

Are you going to use the Pioneer Elite's e-port to hook into your network so you can stream movies and photo's onto your T.V.?

If not, then don't spend the extra cash.

Paladin

bferr1 · 12-28-2006, 12:05 AM

Guys, thanks for all your help. The rational side of me objectively lists the known pros and cons for each player and says "Keep the Panny," while the emotional side says, "But it's a Pioneer Elite!" But I have to listen to the rational side on this one. I am leaning towards keeping the Panasonic, after all.

How I compared players (in no particular order):

- the Panasonic plays CDs, the Pioneer doesn't
- the Panasonc has 7.1 analog outs, the Pioneer doesn't (I've just learned that analog audio is MUCH better than L-PCM over HDMI on my Pioneer Elite VSX-82 receiver, due to some issue with the PCM LFE signal being misrouted, IIRC)
- the Panasonic has firmware upgrades for DTHD and DTS-HD, the Pioneer is unknown at this time
- the Panasonic retains resume play after powering off, the Pioneer doesn't
- the Panasonic can handle BD-J discs like The Descent, the Pioneer can't just yet
- the Panasonic has fast boot/load times compared to some players, the Pioneer is slow
- the Panasonic plays DVD-Audio discs, the Pioneer doesn't (not terribly important to me, but it is another advantage)
- the Panasonic lacks an ethernet port, but the Pioneer's ethernet port seems to be limited to media streaming only-- no firmware updates and no BD-Live
- the Panasonic doesn't output 1080p/24, the Pioneer does (although my Samsung DLP is limited to 60Hz, so not a dealbreaker there)
- it is unclear whether both players can truly play BD-R/RE discs (the owner's manuals say no, but Pioneer's advertising says yes)
- the Panasonic's build quality, styling (IMO) and warranty can't match the Pioneer's
- the Panasonic has the CUE bug on SD DVDs, the Pioneer is unknown (although Pioneer's track record when it comes to CUE is not so good, plus I also have an HD-A2 without CUE, so I'm covered there)

Unless someone can persuade me otherwise, I think I've given this very careful consideration and have to say the Panasonic seems to be the right player for me at this time.

mparks29 · 12-28-2006, 12:45 AM

I just read your comparison of the pionner and the panny. I have the panny already up and running and I just got the ps3 today. I have to wait until friday before I test out the ps3 blu-ray capabilities because my whole system is at my other residence. If the ps3 looks just as good as the panny then I will return it.

dvdguru · 12-28-2006, 02:19 AM

Your list is identical to all the reasons I kept my Panny as well. There were just too many minuses with the Pioneer for me as well.

View Poll Results: Which BD player would you buy?
Panasonic at $999?	20	57.14%
Pioneer at $1199?	15	42.86%
Voters: 35. You may not vote on this poll

12-03-2006, 12:49 AM	#1
bferr1 Banned Member since:Sep 2006 Location:MA Trading Score:18	Panasonic or Pioneer? Hey guys, Need a little help here. I have managed to get the price I paid at a local A/V store for the Panasonic BD player adjusted to their current sale price, $999. The thing is, they also had a Pioneer player on display incorrectly priced at $1199. They told me it was incorrectly priced, but they'll honor it for me anyway. Expected arrival date as of now is 12/15. So, as long as that date holds, then the big question is: Panasonic at $999 or Pioneer $1199? Thanks! Bryan Last edited by bferr1; 12-03-2006 at 12:52 AM.

12-28-2006, 12:05 AM	#18
bferr1 Banned Member since:Sep 2006 Location:MA Trading Score:18	Guys, thanks for all your help. The rational side of me objectively lists the known pros and cons for each player and says "Keep the Panny," while the emotional side says, "But it's a Pioneer Elite!" But I have to listen to the rational side on this one. I am leaning towards keeping the Panasonic, after all. How I compared players (in no particular order): - the Panasonic plays CDs, the Pioneer doesn't - the Panasonc has 7.1 analog outs, the Pioneer doesn't (I've just learned that analog audio is MUCH better than L-PCM over HDMI on my Pioneer Elite VSX-82 receiver, due to some issue with the PCM LFE signal being misrouted, IIRC) - the Panasonic has firmware upgrades for DTHD and DTS-HD, the Pioneer is unknown at this time - the Panasonic retains resume play after powering off, the Pioneer doesn't - the Panasonic can handle BD-J discs like The Descent, the Pioneer can't just yet - the Panasonic has fast boot/load times compared to some players, the Pioneer is slow - the Panasonic plays DVD-Audio discs, the Pioneer doesn't (not terribly important to me, but it is another advantage) - the Panasonic lacks an ethernet port, but the Pioneer's ethernet port seems to be limited to media streaming only-- no firmware updates and no BD-Live - the Panasonic doesn't output 1080p/24, the Pioneer does (although my Samsung DLP is limited to 60Hz, so not a dealbreaker there) - it is unclear whether both players can truly play BD-R/RE discs (the owner's manuals say no, but Pioneer's advertising says yes) - the Panasonic's build quality, styling (IMO) and warranty can't match the Pioneer's - the Panasonic has the CUE bug on SD DVDs, the Pioneer is unknown (although Pioneer's track record when it comes to CUE is not so good, plus I also have an HD-A2 without CUE, so I'm covered there) Unless someone can persuade me otherwise, I think I've given this very careful consideration and have to say the Panasonic seems to be the right player for me at this time. Last edited by bferr1; 12-28-2006 at 12:08 AM.

12-28-2006, 12:45 AM	#19
mparks29 Junior Member Member since:Dec 2006	How does the panny compare to ps3 I just read your comparison of the pionner and the panny. I have the panny already up and running and I just got the ps3 today. I have to wait until friday before I test out the ps3 blu-ray capabilities because my whole system is at my other residence. If the ps3 looks just as good as the panny then I will return it.

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12-03-2006, 01:32 AM	#2
JTK Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jan 2006 Location:www.blurayoasis.com	Tough to answer without more specific information in terms of specs vs. specs and the rest of it. Awfully nice price on that Pioneer, though. Are you dissatisifed with the Panny?

12-03-2006, 02:07 AM	#4
ProvenFlipper Special Member Member since:Jun 2006 Home Theater Gallery:4 4K collection:335 Blu-ray collection:901 Trading Score:1	I would stick with the Panny being that they are the only ones who are talking about upgrading the player to decode advanced codecs. Plus I think the Panny looks better asthetically. Plus 7.1 analog outs and $200 in your pocket to buy movies. Or you could get both and put one in the bedroom?

12-05-2006, 10:13 PM	#6
bferr1 Banned Member since:Sep 2006 Location:MA Trading Score:18	Wow! Four votes for the Panny, four votes for the Pioneer! Thanks for the help, guys. You've really sent me a clear signal. LOL! Anyway, it's a moot point because I'm now told to expect the Pioneer after Christmas, which is too late for my two-month upgrade period. The Panasonic wins by default.

12-06-2006, 12:30 AM	#7
theknub Blu-ray Guru Member since:May 2006	dirty, are you a dealer? i don't know a single dealer who has it or any places to order it.

12-15-2006, 07:03 PM	#8
bferr1 Banned Member since:Sep 2006 Location:MA Trading Score:18	I went to the AV store yesterday and the salesman said he'd extend my two-month upgrade period on the Panny because the Pioneer's been delayed so many times. So, I guess the Pioneer is still in play. Any other opinions on this out there? Thanks.

12-15-2006, 07:24 PM	#9
phloyd Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2003 Location:California Trading Score:5	Panasonic for the 7.1 analogue out. I would be tempted by Pioneer at that price if I could use 24 fps 1080p out.

12-18-2006, 06:48 PM	#11
Bobpaule Member Member since:Nov 2006	Lets first get our facts straight. The Sony BDP-S1 and Pioneer Elite are identical except that the Pio has an ethernet port allowing direct updates and streaming media. Both even use the same menus. My question is why get the Pio for an extra $600? I can wait to receive firmware updates via mail or download and burn on a disc, so no thank you for the Pio. So the real question is Sony versus Panasonic. Very tough call. The pure videophile wants the Sony cuz of 24p output and superior PQ on PJs like the 1080p Mitsu or Sony Pearl, but the audio enthusiast who invested a xxxxload of money into a processor without HDMI would want to make use of the Panny's 7.1 channel analog out and firmware upgradeability to lossless audio decoding. I say they are both good, so grab what you can get cheaper, my advice is dont fall for the Pioneer unless your daddy is chockfull o'cash.

12-18-2006, 07:16 PM	#12
Casey Special Member Top contributor Member since:Oct 2006 Location:St. Louis, MO 4K collection:144 Blu-ray collection:493 DVD collection:11 Digital collection:269 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:113	PS3 for $599

12-18-2006, 08:26 PM	#14
Dave Expert Member Member since:Jun 2006 Location:Somewhere	50%/50% Lol :d

12-27-2006, 05:58 PM	#17
Paladin Active Member Member since:Dec 2006 Blu-ray collection:11	Depends, Are you going to use the Pioneer Elite's e-port to hook into your network so you can stream movies and photo's onto your T.V.? If not, then don't spend the extra cash. Paladin

12-28-2006, 02:19 AM	#20
dvdguru Active Member Member since:Nov 2006 Location:Shelby, NC Trading Score:34	Your list is identical to all the reasons I kept my Panny as well. There were just too many minuses with the Pioneer for me as well.

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