Decent Deals on Panasonic DMP 35 and 55 on Amazon.com

daleb · 12-04-2008, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

So you got sucked in once again huh?

I may be interested in your Samsung 5000 down the road for HD DVD playback if you ever get rid of it, but that BD55 is a very nice player. The speed difference loading discs according to that UK loading showdown only put the disc load difference at about 7 seconds faster for the S350 (I assume the S550 also), so that is not a big deal I would think.

Check the Panasonic site as I think those 2 movies are good with that BD55 player also, but I am not sure. The audio stages for the BD55 are better because they are needed for the analog outputs. I believe the HDMI outputs have the same electronics in both models, but I am not sure. I didn't bother to check this since I have a HDMI input on my receiver. Maybe it would be better to think about upgrading that receiver soon too.

Let us know how you like the BD55 when you get a chance if you could.

Well, I admit I had more success with the 5000 than some folks.
I only have a handful of HD DVD s now so the need is not as great anymore.

OK on the analog circuits. My point was there is no multi-channel analog outputs on the 35K making it kind of a moot point. But of course there is still analog audio being handled in the 35K.

The 5000 is getting more frustrating to use now since it's limited to the 1.1 profile and things like 'Bonus View' required another firmware upgrade which effectively limits a lot of activity from being displayed when you want to see it, because if you leave it set to display everything, the Bonus View logo can not be canceled. Of course, not all disks have Bonus View but you don't want to have keep going back in the user's menu to change it back again.

It still performs very well, but the bass management and speaker setup is very bare bones where the Panny at least has all the right elements even if the procedure is somewhat crippled. It seems the LG was a better implementation in some areas as a duo machine, but lacked analog outs.
Now both are becoming dying breeds. But they still are kind of bridges from the past to the present.

**PFC5** · 12-04-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleb

Well, I admit I had more success with the 5000 than some folks.
I only have a handful of HD DVD s now so the need is not as great anymore.

OK on the analog circuits. My point was there is no multi-channel analog outputs on the 35K making it kind of a moot point. But of course there is still analog audio being handled in the 35K.

The 5000 is getting more frustrating to use now since it's limited to the 1.1 profile and things like 'Bonus View' required another firmware upgrade which effectively limits a lot of activity from being displayed when you want to see it, because if you leave it set to display everything, the Bonus View logo can not be canceled. Of course, not all disks have Bonus View but you don't want to have keep going back in the user's menu to change it back again.

It still performs very well, but the bass management and speaker setup is very bare bones where the Panny at least has all the right elements even if the procedure is somewhat crippled. It seems the LG was a better implementation in some areas as a duo machine, but lacked analog outs.
Now both are becoming dying breeds. But they still are kind of bridges from the past to the present.

I know the BD35 does have the analog outputs you need, but was just saying that I think the "superior" sound features are mostly related to the analog stages that the BD55 but the BD35 does not have so they don't need them. Who cares if the 2 channel analog out is not as good on the BD35 compared to the 2 channel output of the BD55?

After re-reading your post that made me comment, I missed the "analog" part of that reviewers statement so your analogy about the spare tire thing was spot on.

How is the BDP5000 with HD DVDs?

daleb · 12-04-2008, 01:37 PM

Certainly faster loading than the older Tosh machines.
I would say overall it makes a very good HD DVD player. Ethernet implementation is also very good. Upconversion is at least as good as my XA1 was.. I never had the newer gen machines so can't compare.
When I had my display cal'd he pointed out a subtle purplish hue in the whites on during upconversion which he attributed to most Samsungs (pre-2500 models) he has seen. Apparent resolution was very good though, and certainly in the pocket for HD display performance of either format against the competition.

dudley07726 · 12-04-2008, 01:56 PM

I wanted to purchase another BD35 (I bought the first one at Sears for $149.99. I should have bought 2) when Amazon had it for $228 plus $100 off if I purchased 4 movies. The total delivered came to $200. Then I noticed they no longer had the Pan in stock. So I never ordered it. Amazon says 1 - 2 month delivery time. Screw that. I bet the BD35 will be $150-$180 after Chriistmas. I will buy it then.

Hooksta · 12-04-2008, 02:07 PM

My order update. Amazon says they shipped the blu-ray movies to me today and the BD35 still shows shipping on Dec 8th. I purchased yesterday and selected the free shipping which usually causes them to drag their feet a few days anyhow.

**PFC5** · 12-04-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooksta

My order update. Amazon says they shipped the blu-ray movies to me today and the BD35 still shows shipping on Dec 8th. I purchased yesterday and selected the free shipping which usually causes them to drag their feet a few days anyhow.

I bet they ship the movies faster than ever despite the free shipping just so it is harder to cancel the order entirely like that issue I had when I canceled mine. They know how to play the game I think.

Please let us know when you get the player actually shipped as a friend might be interested, and doesn't think he could get the BB deal I got.

Hope you get it soon.

daleb · 12-04-2008, 02:15 PM

All promos are for the 35K but I joined 'Club Panasonic' to catch anything they may offer in the future, including when I register. Sometimes products come boxed with promos inside too. We shall see.

daleb · 12-04-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooksta

My order update. Amazon says they shipped the blu-ray movies to me today and the BD35 still shows shipping on Dec 8th. I purchased yesterday and selected the free shipping which usually causes them to drag their feet a few days anyhow.

It's usually just about a week from order to arrival. Depends on the location of the supplier. If mine was being shipped directly from Amazon I would already have it.
I ordered a multi-function printer from Amazon last Wednesday . Even with the holiday, I got it Saturday morning (fedex).
There's an Amazon warehouse in Reno, NV..about 500 miles away.

Hooksta · 12-04-2008, 07:09 PM

PFC5,

Just got my tracking number and notification of the shipment of my Panasonic Blu-Ray player this evening. No delay for me using this deal. Ironically it must have shipped from nearby. My expected delivery is tomorrow for the blu-ray player and December 9th for the movies. Funny, because I got the shipment notification for the movies first. The blu-ray player must be coming from a distribution center in Kentucky....that's why my state (and three others) pay tax from Amazon.com. Guess the movies are coming from some other state.

My invoice shows Amazon charging me $160 for the blu-ray player, $169 after tax.

**PFC5** · 12-04-2008, 07:19 PM

Great!

Enjoy your new toy. Do you already have any BD movies to watch on it while waiting for the others?

Hooksta · 12-04-2008, 08:09 PM

No I have to surrender it all for my wife to wrap up for Christmas.

**PFC5** · 12-04-2008, 08:49 PM

Sorry!

Jim Bob Jones · 12-05-2008, 07:43 AM

Too bad the discount doesn't apply to the 55. Sucks.

daleb · 12-05-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bob Jones

Too bad the discount doesn't apply to the 55. Sucks.

It does, but at least the price dropped a good 20%...only 10% for most 'sales' though.

Stew4HD · 12-05-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooksta

No I have to surrender it all for my wife to wrap up for Christmas.

Just give her the box to wrap!

12-04-2008, 01:37 PM	#18
daleb High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 7,351	Certainly faster loading than the older Tosh machines. I would say overall it makes a very good HD DVD player. Ethernet implementation is also very good. Upconversion is at least as good as my XA1 was.. I never had the newer gen machines so can't compare. When I had my display cal'd he pointed out a subtle purplish hue in the whites on during upconversion which he attributed to most Samsungs (pre-2500 models) he has seen. Apparent resolution was very good though, and certainly in the pocket for HD display performance of either format against the competition. __________________ Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83, Polk XM Tuner, Furman Elite power conditioner Last edited by daleb; 12-04-2008 at 01:45 PM.

12-04-2008, 02:15 PM	#22
daleb High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 7,351	All promos are for the 35K but I joined 'Club Panasonic' to catch anything they may offer in the future, including when I register. Sometimes products come boxed with promos inside too. We shall see. __________________ Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83, Polk XM Tuner, Furman Elite power conditioner

12-04-2008, 07:19 PM	#25
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,385	Great! Enjoy your new toy. Do you already have any BD movies to watch on it while waiting for the others? __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

12-04-2008, 08:49 PM	#27
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,385	Sorry! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

12-04-2008, 01:56 PM	#19
dudley07726 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 19	I wanted to purchase another BD35 (I bought the first one at Sears for $149.99. I should have bought 2) when Amazon had it for $228 plus $100 off if I purchased 4 movies. The total delivered came to $200. Then I noticed they no longer had the Pan in stock. So I never ordered it. Amazon says 1 - 2 month delivery time. Screw that. I bet the BD35 will be $150-$180 after Chriistmas. I will buy it then.

12-04-2008, 02:07 PM	#20
Hooksta High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 132	My order update. Amazon says they shipped the blu-ray movies to me today and the BD35 still shows shipping on Dec 8th. I purchased yesterday and selected the free shipping which usually causes them to drag their feet a few days anyhow.

12-04-2008, 07:09 PM	#24
Hooksta High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 132	PFC5, Just got my tracking number and notification of the shipment of my Panasonic Blu-Ray player this evening. No delay for me using this deal. Ironically it must have shipped from nearby. My expected delivery is tomorrow for the blu-ray player and December 9th for the movies. Funny, because I got the shipment notification for the movies first. The blu-ray player must be coming from a distribution center in Kentucky....that's why my state (and three others) pay tax from Amazon.com. Guess the movies are coming from some other state. My invoice shows Amazon charging me $160 for the blu-ray player, $169 after tax.

12-04-2008, 08:09 PM	#26
Hooksta High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 132	No I have to surrender it all for my wife to wrap up for Christmas.

12-05-2008, 07:43 AM	#28
Jim Bob Jones High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,181	Too bad the discount doesn't apply to the 55. Sucks.