Panasonic BD65 vs. BD85 - Which should I get?

[roberth]

I have a Panasonic BD80 that I love. I need to get another Blu Ray player for a small 32" Panasonic HDTV so PQ isn't as critical but of course still important. Amazon is selling the BD65 for around $103 which to me sounds like a great price. The BD85 is going for $179. I'm not sure if it is worth the extra money unless features and performance would be really worth it for a small 32" TV.

I do want Netflix streaming. Someone on Amazon under the BD65 said it would stream 5.1 audio from Netflix or Amazon. Is this something the BD65 should do or maybe not. I wanted to get 5.1 audio so it would be worth getting the BD85 if it does this but the BD65 doesn't for some reason. Also someone thought the PQ and upconversion was probably better on the BD85 but said this without really knowing. I was wondering what PQ differences there are between these two players and if I would even see them on a small 32" HDTV.

The last thing is wanting to know if the "setup" button was removed on the remote. I have this button on my BD80 remote. I'm confused on how you get to the setup menu if this button isn't on the remotes for the BD65 / BD85. Is this a big deal???

Thanks Chris and anyone else with opinions on which player I should get even if is one other than Panasonic. I would get another BD80 or even a BD60 if I didn't want to stream Netflix.

Robert

[MrBoylan]

Hi, Robert,

Nice to hear from ya. I moved this to a new thread as it's really a new topic. I don't believe the BD65 or BD85 can do 5.1 from Netflix. That is a brand new feature for Netflix and it is only available (right now) in Sony's PS3. The BD65 and BD85 both do Netflix pretty well, but it's the basic Netflix 1.0 streaming interface - you can view your instant queue, but you can't browse or search new releases from the player. To add titles to your instant queue, you need to do that from the Neetflix web site in a web browser. It's possible that Panasonic may enhance the Netflix user interface to something like the upgraded interface on the PS3 but I'm not sure if they could do that in firmware (might require a new player).

The big difference between the BD65 and the BD85 is WiFi: the BD85 comes with the wireless networking adapter, the BD65 does not. Adding the adapter would set you back an additional $65 or so. The BD85 also has a better video processor (enhanced chroma processing, better upconversion) but honestly I don't think that would be visible on a 32-inch TV unless you're right up next to it. I happen to like the "Playback Information Window" that is available on the BD85 (but not the 65) - that shows you which codecs are in use, what resolution you're getting, what bit rates are in use for audio and video, etc.) but this isn't entirely essential. The other improvements in the BD85 over the BD65 include the audio performance (better audio circuitry in the BD85, multi-channel analog outputs and anti-jitter processing) which will really only make a difference if you are connecting this to a stereo or surround sound system.

The BD85 is definitely a better player all around, but the BD65 offers an excellent value. If you are content to run a hard wired network cable to the player, and you want to save a few bucks, then I think you'll be happy with the BD65.

Don't forget to use our links!

• DMP-BD65 on Amazon
• DMP-BD85 on Amazon

Regards,

-Chris

[roberth]

Thanks Chris! I'll need to get the BD85 since I really need wireless, player won't be close to using a cable interface. I appreciate the in depth reply letting me know all the differences. I don't think all the points will matter much but would like to have 5.1 at some point. Any idea when Panasonic might release a new BDP that is able to work with 5.1 streaming to it via Netflix? It sounds like Sony must have worked with Netflix on being one of the first to have a player work with 5.1. Any feedback on this Sony player including the m/n or maybe you're not able to comment?

Robert

[roberth]

Sorry, I guess you did say the Sony 5.1 was in the PS3. Wonder if any other BDP's will be released soon with more advanced Netflix features such as 5.1?

[MrBoylan]

Yeah, the 5.1 and 1080p streaming support is in the PS3 only, which makes sense because it was probably a pretty significant amount of software required in order to support 1080p streaming and 5.1 surround, in addition to the all new interface. The AppleTV box also has the enhanced user interface (but not 1080p streaming or 5.1 sound from Netflix).

Neither Netflix nor Dolby has gone on record saying when and if other manufacturers will support the new features and enhanced interface. I suspect CES in January is where we'll next hear about this. I also suspect that the enhancements will only be available in the 2011 models, though this is pure speculation on my part, since none of the manufacturers has been able to give us a clear answer on that yet.

The BD85 is a fine player and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

-CB

[hydrogin]

Just a thought to those considering BD85 vs BD65 who don't need wifi ...

Panasonic's USB wifi adapter that comes with the BD85 is removable (not built into the player) and is compatible with some Panasonic flat panel TV's (e.g the 2010 plasmas). I purchased a BD85 and since I have cat6 running in the house, sold my wifi adapter for 50 bucks to a very willing G25 owner. That reduced the effective cost of my BD85 close to that of a BD65. There are other BD85 owners who have found buyers for their wifi adapter in various online G20/G25/VT20/VT25 forums.

[MrBoylan]

Just a thought to those considering BD85 vs BD65 who don't need wifi ...

Panasonic's USB wifi adapter that comes with the BD85 is removable (not built into the player) and is compatible with some Panasonic flat panel TV's (e.g the 2010 plasmas). I purchased a BD85 and since I have cat6 running in the house, sold my wifi adapter for 50 bucks to a very willing G25 owner. That reduced the effective cost of my BD85 close to that of a BD65. There are other BD85 owners who have found buyers for their wifi adapter in various online G20/G25/VT20/VT25 forums.

Good point. On a similar note, a friend of mine is totally *NOT* into 3D but is planning to buy a VT25 anyway, just for its 2D playback capabilities. He's going to try to buy the TV without the bundle (player/movies/glasses) to get the lowest price. But I told him to send in the mail-in rebate for "Avatar 3D" on 12/1 anyway and sell that on eBay to offset the cost of the TV. I remember that "Monster Vs. Aliens" (Samsung exclusive Blu-ray 3D promo) was selling for over $100 on eBay when it came out. I bet "Avatar 3D" will sell for even more.

-CB

[roberth]

Well, I have an update. I now have the BD85 after buying it on Tuesday at BB. I was even able to get BB to match the Amazon price.

Even though I am very impressed with the PQ and SQ of the player, I do have a couple questions. It is easy for me to tell what version of FW I have on my BD80 by simply holding the Status button down when on the Display page under the Setup button. I tried this with the BD85 with no luck? I prefer burning a CD to update FW so I don't want to just update via the internet. Also I haven't gotten the wireless to work correctly yet. It recognizes my signal but fails after trying all possible codes on my wireless router box. I plan on call my provider to see if they can help.

Until then, I've been reading the other thread about Netflix streaming stopped working after a particular FW version was loaded. It looks like Panasonic is still trying to address it via a new FW version, at least this is what the last post seems to indicate. Any thought on this as well? I still think the BD85 is worth the extra money for the PQ and SQ and doesn't look like I can get the BD80 cheap or maybe that would be the best thing to do if I'm not going to be able to stream with the BD85. I know a lot of folks complained about the setup button being removed on the BD85. I thought it was going to really suck moving around but I didn't find it that much of a big deal. Yes, it takes a little longer and more things to navigate through but still pretty easy and going into the setup menu isn't something that is done frequently at all. Not sure why so many complained so much about this.

I would appreciate knowing about how to figure out the current FW version on my BD85 and if I should leave the version alone that is on there with the current issue Panasonic is addressing. Someone said that Panasonic's website doesn't provide the latest FW version to burn a CD. I will check now. I hope this isn't the case since I've been burning copies for all the FW releases for my BD80. It would suck if Panasonic doesn't provide this method.

Thanks,
Robert

[MrBoylan]

Hi, Robert,

1. Firmware 1.51 fixed the Netflix problem less than 48 hours after it was reported (1.43 was the "bad" release).
2. Not sure what your WiFi issue might be. Depending on your security setting on your WiFi network, you may need to enter the Hex key password that your router generates. I know I have to do this on my Linksys router. You should be able to find this under wireless security settings in your router's settings panels.
3. Firmware release is listed under "System information" in the "others" menu.
4. The 1.51 firmware is available to download from Panasonic. http://panasonic.jp/support/global/c...index2_na.html

BTW, why not buy the player on Amazon and support the site? How about a little something for the efforts, eh?

-CB

[roberth]

Thanks Chris for the feedback. I understand the need to support the site. Truthfully I didn't even think about it at the time, sorry. I've been buying stuff from Amazon lately so I promise to keep that in mind. I'm sure I'll need another player down the road. Anyway I'll be sure to tell folks at work about your site. I do appreciate the help you've provided.

As far as help provided, thanks for letting me know where 1.51 FW can be downloaded. Not sure why they list it where you mentioned since Panasonic has the BD80's FW downloads under the Support heading. I noticed the BD85 still has the very old 1.43 FW version there. Why wouldn't they remove this if it causes an issue? Or put the 1.51 version there or a note to describe where to find it? Strange they do things differently for a couple of their players. Unless there are later versions for the BD80 than what is listed under the Support heading. I know I've update my BD80 BDP about 3x.

I'll also check out my router's hex key password per your suggestion.

Thanks! Again I'll make sure to remember to support this site for my next purchase.