Thread: Panasonic DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55

how can I tell if it has 5.1 analog input? Is the upscaling better on the 55 than it is on the 35? Analog= Red and white cables? If so, I can use the red and white cables with the 55 and that will sound better than the optical out with the 35?

Sorry guys,

I think I answered my own questions. After doing some research, I see that the "HD" audio (even though its still 5.1) can only be achieved either through HDMI or Digital to Analog conversion.

Since my dads receiver does not offer HDMI I am limited to DAC. So with the bd55 I can use the red and white analog cables and the player converts the digital sound to analog and amplifies it through the system.

Now with this being the case, I am assuming that they converted Dolby TrueHD sound converted from digital to analog and amplified through our system is going to definitely be worth the $100.00 when compared to standard dolby digital which is all I can expect from the bd35 connected via the optical port. Am I right?

My last question is how close is the sound quality produced by the truhd converted analog provided by the bd55 to the bd35 connected to the reciever with the real HDMI cable?

Thanks again for any information.

jacketfan89, the two red and white cables are stereo-only. What we are talking about, is a set of 6 (in case of 5.1 audio) or 8 (in case of 7.1 audio) analog cables. The multi-channel audio inputs. Can you post the exact brand and model number of your dad's receiver? We might be able to help you figure out if the receiver has these inputs. If the receiver has the multi-channel analog inputs, that would be your best choice. Worth the extra $100, IMHO. Otherwise, go with Dolby Digital over toslink (optical) cable. In any case, forget about those red and white cables.

Alright guys thanks for the help. I have some good news! My dads receiver is a yamaha htr-5930 and it DOES have multichannel inputs! Will this receiver be able to match the dolby digital true hd sound with the bd55 converting its digital audio layers to analog?? Thanks a ton for all of the information!

Ah crap. Just realized something. Could some of you look at the specs on that receiver (its a little out of date) and see if I'm better off buying the bd35 and spending an extra $200.00 on a new receiver with hdmi and 7.1 support in case he ever wants to add the 2 speakers?

Looking at the
HTR-5930 manual

, the receiver does have multi-channel 5.1 input, so you can go with the BD55 and defer the receiver upgrade for a couple of years, unless you have other reasons to upgrade it now. The difference between 7.1 and 5.1 is not such a big deal unless you have a big room and many listening points.

I don't have BD55 to say how good its DACs are, but if they are anything close to those in my Toshiba A1, the difference between the analog outputs and the DD will be very noticeable: much better-defined bass, more natural sound, etc.

I've been thinking along the lines of the Samsung bd-p2500 because it has netflix built in and will have hd in early Dec. Is the Panny 35 a better bet? I already have the Roku box but am short on HDMI inputs. But it does do a good job over component so I'm thinking the decision probably should be along the lines of which one does the better BluRay and upconverting. Also how fast is the Panny on loading. My first generation Sony takes forever.

Originally Posted by cebbigh

I've been thinking along the lines of the Samsung bd-p2500 because it has netflix built in and will have hd in early Dec. Is the Panny 35 a better bet? I already have the Roku box but am short on HDMI inputs. But it does do a good job over component so I'm thinking the decision probably should be along the lines of which one does the better BluRay and upconverting. Also how fast is the Panny on loading. My first generation Sony takes forever.

I was pretty much in the same boat as you. REALLY wanted the Samsung 2500 for Netflix streaming, but went for the BD35 for several reasons:

1) Panasonic's better track record for BD players
2) Playback issues on some discs with the 2500 (noted in AVS owners thread)
3) No internal decoding of DTS-MA on 2500 (Samsung promises firmware update, but with Samsung, who knows?)
4) BD35/55 reviews; CNet editors choice for BD35 (first ever for a BD player)
5) Price. I got the BD35 for $237 at Amazon, figuring another $100 for a Roku and I'm at about the price of a 2500
6) Great deal! Got $300 off a Panny plasma with BD35 purchase on Amazon.

In your case since you already have a Roku, you could always get the BD35 along with a $30 HDMI switch at Monoprice and you're still cheaper than a 2500!
BTW, load time on the BD35 is pretty good, perhaps a hair slower than the PS3.

Originally Posted by Zookster

I was pretty much in the same boat as you. REALLY wanted the Samsung 2500 for Netflix streaming, but went for the BD35 for several reasons:

1) Panasonic's better track record for BD players
2) Playback issues on some discs with the 2500 (noted in AVS owners thread)
3) No internal decoding of DTS-MA on 2500 (Samsung promises firmware update, but with Samsung, who knows?)
4) BD35/55 reviews; CNet editors choice for BD35 (first ever for a BD player)
5) Price. I got the BD35 for $237 at Amazon, figuring another $100 for a Roku and I'm at about the price of a 2500
6) Great deal! Got $300 off a Panny plasma with BD35 purchase on Amazon.

In your case since you already have a Roku, you could always get the BD35 along with a $30 HDMI switch at Monoprice and you're still cheaper than a 2500!
BTW, load time on the BD35 is pretty good, perhaps a hair slower than the PS3.

And don't forget about the 2 free movies. Certainly not a deal-maker but still better than nothing.

I ordered mine from Amazon yesterday and will have it on Monday. I can't wait to put my Sammy 1400 on e-bay.

I've got a Tivo that will download Netflix in December, so I'm good to go.