Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-ray Player Reviewed
- By: Adrienne Maxwell
- - Reviewer's System
- Category:
- Blu-ray Player Reviews, Equipment Reviews, Video Reviews
- Resources & Links:
- Blu-ray Transport ,
- Panasonic
- November 8, 2008
At CEDIA 2008, Panasonic showed off two new Blu-ray players, the DMP-BD35 ($300) and the step-up DMP-BD55 ($400). Both players are Profile 2.0, which means they support BonusView/picture-in-picture content and BD-Live Web functionality, and both sport a new aesthetic and slimmer design than their predecessor, the DMP-BD50. The two players are very similar in features and performance, but the DMP-BD35 lacks a few higher-end audio options found in its more-expensive sibling, which we will detail below.
In terms of video connections, the DMP-BD35 offers HDMI, component video, and composite video outputs. For HDMI, the output-resolution options are Auto, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p/60, and 1080p/24. The setup menu includes an option to enable 1080p/24 output if your TV accepts this signal type; once you enable the feature, the player will always output 1080p/24 when it is available on Blu-ray discs. For component video, the output-resolution options are 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The display interface provides access to some picture adjustments, like noise reduction, gamma control, and basic parameters like color, brightness, contrast, and sharpness.
In the audio realm, the DMP-BD35 offers HDMI, optical digital audio (but no coaxial), and 2-channel analog audio outputs. It lacks the 7.1-channel analog audio outputs found in the DMP-BD55 and is therefore not an ideal solution if you own an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver. The DMP-BD35 has onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and it also passes these high-resolution audio formats in their native bitstream form over HDMI, for your A/V receiver to decode. It can pass 7.1-channel PCM audio over HDMI.
The DMP-BD35's disc drive supports BD, DVD, CD audio, MP3, JPEG, and Divx playback. Given the player's Profile 2.0 designation, the inclusion of an Ethernet port is a given. This port allows you to connect to the Internet to access BD-Live Web features on Blu-day discs and to perform firmware updates. An SD card slot allows you to add the needed storage for BD-Live Web content; you can also view JPEGs and AVCHD high-def video stored on SD cards. The DMP-BD35 has no internal memory, so an SD card is necessary for most BD-Live applications; Panasonic does not include a card in the package. This player also lacks advanced control ports, such as RS-232 or IR.
Highs Points
- The DMP-BD35 offers excellent Blu-ray image quality and better performance with standard DVDs than previous Panasonic models.
- The player has internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and can pass these formats in bitstream form over HDMI.
- It supports BD-Live Web content and can play picture-in-picture bonus content.
- This player has quick start-up, load times, and navigation.
- The SD card slot allows for easy viewing of digital movies and photos.
Low Points
- The DMP-BD35 lacks 7.1-channel analog audio outputs, so it's not the best choice for someone who owns an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver.
- Panasonic does not supply an SD card for storage of downloadable BD-Live content.
- Accessing and navigating BD-Live content isn't quite as quick and intuitive on this player as we've seen elsewhere.
Conclusion
The DMP-BD35 offers excellent performance and most of the features you need in a Blu-ray player: BD-Live, BonusView, 1080p/24 playback, and bitstream output and onboard decoding of both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. If you own an older, non-HDMI receiver, you should step up to the DMP-BD55, which has multichannel analog audio outputs. But, if you already have a newer receiver that supports uncompressed audio over HDMI, then the DMP-BD35 has everything you need at a great price.
Keywords
Panasonic DMP-BD35, Panasonic Blu-ray, DMP-BD55, Profile 2.0, BD-Live, BonusView, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, SD card
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Comment on this article
4I bought one of these going by your review. I connected it up to my Pioneer VSX-92TXH receiver and the receiver showed that it was 'not supported'. Didn't seem right that it wouldn't be. I messed around with the connecting it up and setting receiver selection to HDMI connection, and after a few tries it found it. Seems to be a handshake problem, as I have heard of other Bluray DVDs having problems like this. All is well now and the DVD player has a excellent picture and sound. I wasn't in a hurry to move to Bluray, but I have always had great respect for Panasonic equipment, (no let down with this one either) so after your review I figured I would finally move up, I got it for just under $250, I am satisfied, thanks.
After reading many reviews I decided one of these would be a front runner for a BD player. I have been suffering the glitchy behavior of a Samsung BD-UP5000 for a couple months, and decided to go with an inexpensive BD standalone, and let the Samsung take care of regular dvd and HD DVD playback. My only problem with the skinny little Panasonic was the arcane audio menu. It may have been just me, but the setup was goofy, and took me an hour to get set correctly. After that initial hold-up, I was VERY happy with load times, sound, and picture. I have yet to evaluate BD-Live, but i miss the quick cool menus HD DVD offered on most discs when I am watching bluray. GREAT little player, and worth the money!
Without a doubt this is the best bang for the buck player out there. SD card reading is a nice feature and works very well. Does a very nice job of up-converting my old DVD's. Got it for under 2 bills, sweet.
I have not had any personal experience with these Panasonic players, bought I have with other Panasonic products. And they all have worked very well. Its good to see there has been no drop off on the Blu-Ray players. You know, if it were not for Sony, Panasonic may be king!!
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