Difference between DMP-BD60 and DMP-BD80 Panasonic Blu-ray Players

[MrBoylan]

For those who have been asking, the differences between Panasonic's DMP-BD60 (BD60) and DMP-BD80 (BD80) are comparable in many ways to the differences between the prior generation BD35 and BD55. But, with a few new developments, the BD80 is establishing itself as more of a high end player to satisfy the needs of media-hungry videophiles.

Here are links to the two players on Amazon so you can buy whichever one meets your needs:

• Amazon.com: Panasonic DMP-BD60 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player, Black: Electronics
• Amazon.com: Panasonic DMP-BD80 High Clarity Audio Blu-ray Disc Player, Black: Electronics

In terms of audio and video processors, the two players are similar: DVD upconversion, Blu-ray performance, speed of operation and VIERA Cast online features should be identical. Here's where the two players diverge:

• Multi-channel analog audio outputs (5.1/7.1) - these are only available on the BD80. This is important if you are using an older non-HDMI receiver and still want to take advantage of the new lossless surround codecs (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD).
• BD80 offers coax and fiberoptic S/PDIF digital outputs. BD60 has fiberoptic only.
• Divx playback - on the US models, Divx playback is not available on the BD60 (it's on the BD80 only). Divx is a popular codec used for reducing the file-size of DVDs and other videos when stored and played back on a computer or portable device. It is also a popular format among those who share files via peer to peer networking
• Vibration-damping feet - only the BD80 has these, though it's easy enough to put your own sorbothane feet under a BD60 and call it a day
• High Clarity Audio - the BD80 allows you to turn off analog video processing if you are using HDMI for your video output. This (according to Panasonic) can improve the overall sound quality
• Playback Information Window (BD80) - this is something I only realized recently is not available on the BD60. It was also not available on the BD55. It's an information window, accessible from the "Display" button on the remote, that shows you what resolution and A/V codecs are being read from the Blu-ray disc and what output format the player is using for the video and audio output. This can help you determine when you're watching a 1080i/60 Blu-ray Disc (vs. one that's 1080p/24). It also shows what bit rates are in use for the audio and video track. This kind of information is helpful for diagnostics and also for those who are interested in the inner details of the software as well as the player's processing of that software.

Here's what the playback information window looks like (the strip across the top of the screen):



Anyway, if we come across other differences, we'll be sure to post them here.

-CB

[Thomas]

Chris,
Thanks for your discernment of the differences between these two new players. I want to buy one to go with my Panasonic Viera TV. However, I need to have a Blu-Ray that has integrated wireless capability. Do either of these have it, or do I have to buy a LG 390 or Samsung with one of those lame dongles?
Thanks,
Thomas

[MrBoylan]

Chris,
Thanks for your discernment of the differences between these two new players. I want to buy one to go with my Panasonic Viera TV. However, I need to have a Blu-Ray that has integrated wireless capability. Do either of these have it, or do I have to buy a LG 390 or Samsung with one of those lame dongles?
Thanks,
Thomas

If you want *integrated* WiFi, then I believe the only player you can get is the LG BD 390, or Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3). The Samsung USB dongle does work pretty well (included with the BD-P3600 and BD-P4600). I didn't have to do any special set-up to get it to find my network other than providing the WEP key. It can go in the Samsung's rear USB port, leaving the front port open for BD-Live and/or media viewing.

But honestly, making WiFi a *requirement* for your player is going to be a bit limiting for you. There are plenty of options if you don't want to run a network cable to your player, including Powerline Networking, Networking over coax, and either a wireless "gaming adapter" or a wireless bridge. I've read that the Linksys WRT54G wireless router can be flashed with a specific type of firmware that will turn it into a wireless bridge. This way you plug the player into the bridge, and it connects back to your wireless router via standard 802.11g WiFi.

And yes, in case it was not clear, neither the BD60 nor the BD80 has integrated WiFi - they each come with a standard Ethernet port for network access.

Good luck!

-CB

[rick]

I just bought a yamaha RX-V465 reciever. Which one of these two model would be better for me.I am more concern about picture quality and sound.
Thanks, Rick

[jnabq]

Rick, it looks like that Yamaha has hdmi, so unless you need to play back divx files, just get the BD60 player, as you won't need the analog outputs on the BD80. Both models are bascially the same except for these two differences and has gotten great reviews for Bluray, and DVD playback.

[rick]

Thanks for the reply.I do not need the divx files but I did like the fact that the BD80 has the high clarity audio so I went with the BD80.
Thanks again,
Rick

[jaguar00]

Does anybody know what looks like "Playback Information Window" of BD60? Can't find any screen....
Thank you.

[MrBoylan]

Does anybody know what looks like "Playback Information Window" of BD60? Can't find any screen....
Thank you.

The BD60 doesn't have the Playback Information Window. That feature is unique to the DMP-BD80.

-CB

[jaguar00]

Thank you for your answer.

[Maximus DukusErectus]

Rick, it looks like that Yamaha has hdmi, so unless you need to play back divx files, just get the BD60 player, as you won't need the analog outputs on the BD80. Both models are bascially the same except for these two differences and has gotten great reviews for Bluray, and DVD playback.

I am loving my PANO BD60 Blue-Ray,It has a sweet picture and has everything a noob like me needs.I paired it with a new Onkyo Receiver...I could not justify spending the exta coin for the BD-80.And I blame Chris(ADMIN)....He made me purchase all the goodies!...jokes aside...I am really enjoying the BD-60,and the upconversion of my older DVD's is Top Shelf.