New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

From www.endgadgethd.com:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs...12007092938532

Not too long after Pioneer went and introduced its second generation Blu-ray player, along comes Panasonic to follow suit, but unlike the BDP-LX70, we've got a pricetag as well as a few tempting reasons to pick this one up over the competition. The DMP-BD10A packs an audio upgrade that brings 7.1, Dolby True HD, and DTS-HD on board, and it incorporates Panasonic's EZ-Sync system for "one-touch operation" of your home theater. The overall design doesn't deviate too far from that seen in the first iteration, but you will find 1080p upconversion via HDMI, a 14-bit DA converter with 4x oversampling, support for BD-J, and compatibility between select HD camcorders via the AVCHD (H.264) codec. Notably, Panasonic is giving users two reasons to seriously considering its new offering, as the fairly reasonable $599.95 pricetag looks even better when you consider the five BD films (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Transporter, Fantastic Four, and Crash) you'll be getting right in the box.


In short, this new offering from Panasonic is a DMP-BD10 with the newest firmware and a 50% price drop. This is a pretty unbeatable deal - - especially considering the 5 free movies!

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

About time we got a price tag attached to this. I know it's not much more than a firmware upgrade from the 1st gen unit, but it's nice to see the pace being set in the price race.

There should be a good selection of affordable BD players by Christmas.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Does it do 1080p/24?

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Will it support HDMI 1.3?

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

No official word on 1080/24p, but the current model does not and this new model is basically the same design with a second gen drive (much less expensive). Until Panasonic releases some more detailed specs, the safe assumption is that the new model will NOT output 1080/24p.

Also, no official word on HDMI 1.3. This, however, I am betting will be 1.3a.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

The current Panasonic can easily be upgraded by firmware to support 1080p/24. I've heard that it is just a matter of time before this is a reality. So, this should be the same on the BD10a.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Well, Ben, being a PS3 owner, I have come to treat supposed firmware update capabilities with a grain of salt. The PS3 has been highly touted as being capable of all kinds of additional features, yet here we are seven months after the player launched (a year late to begin with) with a player that does NOT support 1080/24p, DTS-MA, clips below black and above white, and will not pass advanced audio codecs natively.

If the Panasonic could be "easily" updated, my feeling is it would have been by now.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Since the BD10 only had HDMI 1.2, the BD10a should have exactly the same since the only difference is the pre-installed firmware upgrade.

This is a very good deal. Tempting.......

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

I understand your skepticism, but every promised firmware update for the Panasonic has been met on time and delivering the exact upgrades promised. I have it on good authority that the Panny will be 1080p/24 capable in a matter of a few months. The broadcom chip that is in the player simply needs to have the feature activated.

Trust me on this one... Panasonic is far superior to Sony when it comes to support and promised updates. Check out the Panasonic sticky for more info and user reports on what I've just mentioned.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Ben, do you know whether this new player will have HDMI 1.3 support? There are some different views about this earlier in the thread.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

one more question. Does "DTS-HD" also imply that it will decode the fully-lossless DTS-HD MA?

It makes me nervous that this lossless mode was not specifically mentioned. I'm wondering if DTS-HD decoding and DTS-HD MA decoding don't necessarily share the same algorithm/decoding strategy.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

No just DTS HD(non MA).

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

How much of an issue is this likely to be in practice? I haven't been keeping tabs on this, but are there many Blu-Ray discs encoded in DTS HD MA? I thought most were in either LPCM 5.1 or DTS HD.

Even if future BDs use DTS HD MA, how much audible difference does the "MA" really make?

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Fox is using it. Granted Fox isn't releasing a ton of discs right now..

Theoretically if the movie is encoded in Dolby True HD and Master Lossless, they should sound the same(as long as the Dolby tech turns off Dial Norm). They are bit for bit copies of the original master.

Until we actually compare it will be tough to really 100% assertain if DTS MA is worth it or not. The real key is if they are the same then MA is going to be a less efficient way to put lossless on a disc therefore taking up more video bandwidth space and extra features. That's just DTS's MO.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

i have what might seem to some to be a dumb question..but here goes anyway...i know the new panasonic has 7.1 analog outs...what if your receiver only has 5.1 analog outs???

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Raymond, there are no dumb questions. Especially at HTF! I'm curious about this as well. My assumption is that one can achieve 5.1 with the Panny by leaving the rear center channels unplugged. Now, that is only an assumption and I would welcome confirmation or correction from a more knowledgeable party.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

thanks jaxon....i guess there is no way to achieve 7.1 from a 5.1 receiver... i have the lexicon mc-8...no hdmi...i thought about selling it....but i really love this receiver..i would like to hear from other forum members that own lexicons...

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Bumped because Ray and I are really curious about getting 5.1 out of 7.1. How can this be accomplished? Can it be accomplished? Any input (no pun intended) would be greatly appreciated!

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

You would simply not connect the rear channels - exactly as your surmised a few posts ago. I believe there is also a setting in the menu to disable the rear channels. This way, you aren't accidentally missing out on any sound!

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Thank you, Ben. I'll tell you what, this unit's price point coupled with the startup BD library bundle has me really excited.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

That ready-made BD library that comes with the Panny is pretty cool and makes it easy to start enjoying BD from the get-go. I can tell you that having owned the Panny since October, it is a flawlessly performing unit. I also own the Sony BDP-S1 and it doesn't hold a candle to the Panny in respect to usability and functionality. The Panny has me completely spoiled with its quick and reliable operation.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

The link talks about "theoretical support for nearly 4400 billion colors". Does that mean HDMI 1.3?

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Is this player available anywhere at present?

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

a few places have it available as a preorder only...it should be shipping out before the end of june..

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

I was at my local Best Buy looking for Ghost Rider on DVD during my lunch hour. I had a few minutes and decided to look around and maybe place a pre-order for the new Panasonic DMP-BD10A and low and behold there was one on display on the shelf sitting with the other Blu-Ray/HD-DVD players. Looking down they had one (only) in the box with the sticker showing the 5 free Blu-Ray movies. I couldn't resist and went ahead and purchased it. I already have an HD-DVD player (HD-A1), so it's using my one and only 5.1 analog input for TrueHD, and my HDTV only has component inputs, so I got it hooked up using my last component in and a spare optical cable for the digital audio.

First impressions - This is my first Blu-Ray player and it definitelly impresses. The player is very lite and hookup was a breeze. The included 5 discs are bundled together in a cardboard sleeve. For some reason, the box shows both Pirates movies with alternate cover art. Though after opening, I discovered that the cases appear as they do on the store shelves. After a little setup in the menu, I had my first movie in the player, X-Men: The Last Stand (purchased along with Ghost Rider on Blu-Ray). Again, couldn't resist. Wow, this player loads fast. The HD-A1 is a snail as far as load-up time. Navigation takes a little getting used to. The supplied remote is a little on the cheap side, kinda clunky, but gets the job done. The picture quality is definitelly top notch. Easily as good as the HD-A1. I can only imagine how much better HDMI is. Picture quality was sharp and clear. This is right out of the box with no modifications to my display. The only other disc I was able to try out was Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. Equally impressive. Audio, while only done through digital optical, is just as good, if not better than standard DVD. One thing I did notice was that when I selected 5.1 uncompressed on the Pirates disc, my reciever did not downmix it to DTS 1.5 Mbps core audio. It showed it as 2-channel for some reason. I'm not that familiar with how this is supposed to work on Blu-Ray players, but the only option I was able to select on both discs was the standard 5.1 tracks, which I am guessing is the same tracks available on the standard DVDs. I have the audio set to bitstream in the setup menu, but maybe someone can offer a suggestion. Didn't have a lot of time to really get into this machine as far as the other discs, but I have to say I am proud to finally be a format-neutral member. A quality Blu-Ray player with most of the new audio formats, with 5 movies included. An excellent value and an offer that should not be missed if you are looking to purchase a standalone Blu-Ray player right now and can't wait until the holidays, when maybe cheaper players will be out.

Bottom line for me and a lot of people, I'm sure, is that I want to be able to watch my favorite movies that are available in high definition in the best quality available to me. Right now the only way to do that is by investing in both formats. Now all I have to do is order myself a component switcher to use for 5.1 analog audio switching so I can take advantage of the high-def audio formats on both players instead of just one. But that will have to wait until I can pay off the Panny first.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Great news Shaun. Question - Does the Panny support DVD-A media? I'm eying the Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring Complete Recordings package which includes the entire film score on a DVD-Audio. It helps that it's in my amazon.com gold box today. Plus today is my birthday. If it features DVD-A support, I may just have to get myself a little something. I'm currently saving up for the Panny, but in the meantime prepping for its impending addition to my HT - just bought a component video switcher for multiple 5.1 analog toys, so now I just need two more sets each of 5.1 analog cables and component video cables. Then I'm golden or blu as the case may be.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Yes, it does support DVD-Audio, but not SACD. Check out Best Buy, you may get lucky. Which component switcher are you looking at? I need to get one too.

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Buy.com has an RCA switcher for sale and with the $10 google checkout savings, the final price shipped is $28.44. Check it out!
http://www.buy.com/prod/component-vi...202486376.html

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

The one I was looking at was the one that Zektor makes, which is $599. The RCA that you mention is a little on the cheap side and makes me wonder about the quality. When the equipment is cheaper than the cables, it makes me wonder. Any other suggestions for a good quality, though inexpensive $150-$200 multi-channel (5.1 or 7.1) audio switches?

Re: New Panasonic DMP-BD10a Announcement - $599 - 5 free BDs

Try this one out:

http://www.zektor.com/hds41/index.html

This puppy will switch 5.1 audio perfectly and without coloring the sound. It is made for Component video, but works extremely well for audio. I currently use it in my setup and have been extremely pleased with it. You can also go to www.monoprice.com for a nice HDMI switcher in the $30 range...