Panasonic DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55

[MrBoylan]

Make sure to read the review in this thread. It appears that if you use the analog out you have to disable the audio out for the HDMI. That would force you to always use your reciever when using the 55.

Not exactly. If you want to use the *multi-channel* analog outputs, then you need to disable HDMI audio out. HDMI audio can be used concurrently with analog output if you want multi-channel over HDMI and 2-channel over analog.

But for this particular poster, he could use the 2-ch+5.1-ch outputs (both analog) if he wants to hook up 5.1-channel analog audio to the receiver and 2-channel downmixed audio to the TV directly.

-CB

 

[Kevinw]

If I use the analog inputs doe the HDMI still convey any audio?

 

[MrBoylan]

If I use the analog inputs doe the HDMI still convey any audio?

Actually, my initial tests and review were all done with firmware 1.1. I've just tested this again with firmware 1.5 applied and the HDMI audio output can remain on and you still get audio from all 7.1 channels on the multi-channel analog outputs.

So it looks like Panasonic fixed this in the 1.5 firmware. I tested with the Iron Man BD with digital audio set to bitstream. Got test tones in all 7 channels when using the multi-channel analog out *WITH* HDMI audio still set to ON.

So it looks like this was a bug and they fixed it. I just updated the review with a note to this effect.

-CB

 

[Kevinw]

Thanks Chris,
Reaaon I wanted to know is that I have a 4x2 HDMI switcher that I use to get vidoe and audio to another room. I want he multi channel for the main TV and the HDMI for the bar. Often the same programming is on both tvs and in this case music video DVDs.

 

[teachsac]

Hey Chris,

Glad to see you here.

S~

 

[teamerickson]

Actually, my initial tests and review were all done with firmware 1.1. I've just tested this again with firmware 1.5 applied and the HDMI audio output can remain on and you still get audio from all 7.1 channels on the multi-channel analog outputs.

So it looks like Panasonic fixed this in the 1.5 firmware. I tested with the Iron Man BD with digital audio set to bitstream. Got test tones in all 7 channels when using the multi-channel analog out *WITH* HDMI audio still set to ON.

So it looks like this was a bug and they fixed it. I just updated the review with a note to this effect.

-CB

That's great news!

 

[rfischer4073]

Quick question,
I am using the analog outputs for my Yamaha 7.1 multi-channel inputs. I became a bit confused about how to setup the audio in the player however.

Do I set the audio for PCM to get the new True HD, etc, or set it both at "Bitstream"; "Bitstream"?

I have the audio set to the latter, and to be honest, cannot detect a major difference in sound quality. Do I have this setup reversed?

My apologies if this question has been asked before.

 

[bhelms]

Bitstreaming for TrueHD only occurs over the HDMI audio connection, which apparently you are not using. Use whatever setting invokes the internal decoder in the player. (What does the manual say?) Make sure you select the TrueHD audio setting in the individual BD as well; it's not necessarily the default.

 

[rfischer4073]

Yes, you are correct, I do not haver HDMI inputs on my receiver, hence the analog output use. I also have the HDMI audio turned off.

The manual to be honest is rather confusing as far as the audio setup is involved. Per what you mention above, I would guess that setting it to "PCM" would not provide the decoding I am looking for.

And yep, I have been selecting the proper audio setting on the BD.

Thanks for your response,

Rick

 

[Ilya]

I think the PCM vs. Bitstream settings only apply to the HDMI output. I don't think they affect the analog audio outputs at all. Just my guess.

 

[rfischer4073]

I'll play with it and see if the sound field changes. Would I presume that the downmix effects "Stereo"/ "Surround Encoded" also would have no affect?

Thanks!

 

[teachsac]

I'll play with it and see if the sound field changes. Would I presume that the downmix effects "Stereo"/ "Surround Encoded" also would have no affect?

Thanks!

You want to set everything to PCM. You want downmix set to off. Secondary audio may be on or off. If you don't listen to director's commentary while watching a movie, set that to off, also. You might need to go into your yamaha to make sure the levels are set correctly. You probably also want your speakers set to small so all LFE goes directly to your sub.

S~

 

[Ilya]

I'll play with it and see if the sound field changes. Would I presume that the downmix effects "Stereo"/ "Surround Encoded" also would have no affect?

Thanks!

I believe that only applies to stereo (2-channel) audio outputs. Since you don't use those, you shouldn't worry.

 

[bhelms]

...Secondary audio may be on or off. If you don't listen to director's commentary while watching a movie, set that to off...

Good point there! My Sony BD player would not deliver TrueHD until I turned the "mix" setting to "off". Might be the same on the Panasonics...

 

[rfischer4073]

Thanks for all the advice. I will give it a go.

 

[teachsac]

Good point there! My Sony BD player would not deliver TrueHD until I turned the "mix" setting to "off". Might be the same on the Panasonics...

It only matters when bitstreaming. Secondary audio has to be miced in the player. For PCM it really doesn't matter that much. Only thing is 7.1 TrueHD titles, there is 1, are downmixed to 5.1. DTS-Master remains 7.1.

S~

 

[Jamey K]

I just picked up a BD35 player at Circuit City for $299. They also have BD55 for those who need analog audio autputs ($399)

I'm hoping the 55 gets close to $250 around Christmas.

 

[bhelms]

It only matters when bitstreaming. Secondary audio has to be miced in the player. For PCM it really doesn't matter that much. Only thing is 7.1 TrueHD titles, there is 1, are downmixed to 5.1. DTS-Master remains 7.1.

S~

Tks for the clarification. I am indeed bitstreaming.

Related - Where can I find a list of titles in 7.1? I don't have any yet and would like to get a chance to test the full system capabilities...

 

[teachsac]

Blu-ray Disc Statistics - Home Page

S~

 

[Kevinw]

I'm hoping the 55 gets close to $250 around Christmas.

Just got it for 299 from amazon