Panasonic or Pioneer?

[dougy]

Hello everyone! I just registered here because I want to learn more about blu ray players and also I am wanting to buy one. I have NO idea what is a good or bad one. I have a Pioneer Plasma tv and I was thinking of matching it with a Pioneer blu ray player. I was looking at the BDP-51FD or the BDP-05FD. Does anyone have one or know of one player compatible to it? I have also heard that the Panasonic DMP-BD55 is an amazing player as well.

What should I get? Thank you for your time everyone!

Doug

 

[gadgtfreek]

What type of stereo rcvr do you have? The Panny's have just about the best PQ offered, so you wont gain anything in that regards with the Pio.

 

[teachsac]

The Pioneer is very flaky and does not offer at this time internal decoding of DTS Master. It's supposedly been coming for a while. For a third generation player, I am very disappointed with them. I will only special order if a customer insists. The best player for the money is the BD35/55 depending on if you need analogs or not. They are complete players and have been bug free so far (knock on wood). The Sony's aren't bad either.

S~

 

[gadgtfreek]

The Pioneer is very flaky and does not offer at this time internal decoding of DTS Master. It's supposedly been coming for a while. For a third generation player, I am very disappointed with them. I will only special order if a customer insists. The best player for the money is the BD35/55 depending on if you need analogs or not. They are complete players and have been bug free so far (knock on wood). The Sony's aren't bad either.

S~

The man with the knowledge, dougy you can pretty much head to the bank with this post. I think many guys buys Pioneer just for the name, and it can be a mistake.

 

[dougy]

My tv is a Pioneer PDP-5071PU 50" plasma. It's a couple years old but it still looks amazing. My receiver is a Yamaha - HTR 5960 which is a few years old but it has been a great receiver for me.

I admit I am one of those guys that thought about Pioneer just cause of the name. My heart was set on the Pioneer but after reading reviews and with everyone's knowledge, I am thinking the Panasonic will be right for me!?!?

 

[gadgtfreek]

Looking at your rcvr online, Im thinking the BD55 is your choice. I'll defer to Teachsac.

 

[dougy]

Should I consider a different receiver as well? I haven't upgraded it because I haven't had one single problem with it and it sounds great with my speakers. Sorry for all the questions! I'm not too smart when it comes to electronics that is why I like to ask the pro's.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Looking at the back, I thing you can do the analogs with the BD55, but Shawn will no more.

 

[dougy]

I do appreciate the information. A friend of mine even told me the BD55 profile is 2.0 and I won't be disappointed. One of the reasons I ask many people is because I like to buy something and keep it for awhile. I wish electronics weren't so expensive.

 

[dougy]

I take it teachsac is Shawn?

 

[gadgtfreek]

Yes, he is. It appears to me that you receiver has multi channel inputs (looking at a picture of the back) which would allow the BD55 to give you TrueHD and Master HD audio. I also fully understand not being disappointed.

Youll be very happy with the PQ, but I want to make sure youll be able to enjoy the audio as much as possible.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Heres a shot of the back. Im not very familiar with analog because Ive only dealt with HDMi audio, but it should help someone more in the know.

 

[dfergie]

Analog Audio does rock, I have a Denon receiver that allows me to pass this from a HD D-1... worth keeping and using...

 

[dfergie]

Btw... Welcome to SatelliteGuys!

 

[gadgtfreek]

Btw... Welcome to SatelliteGuys!

Damn, did not even notice he was a new guy. Welcome!

 

[dougy]

I should have introduced myself but I was in the mood to do some learning.
From the looks of it I have to buy an HDMI cable with the Panasonic if I purchase it?

Also, would you think I should just keep my receiver and use it?

 

[gadgtfreek]

It would be my opinion that you'd buy the BD55, use the analog outs to your rcvr to get lossless audio, and send the HDMI video to your tv for the 1080p.

Get your HDMI cable from www.monoprice.com.

 

[dougy]

I've been checking out HDMI cables at Best Buy online and they are expensive! I'm definitely going to have to check out that site.

 

[gadgtfreek]

HDMI is a digital cable, the $100 cables at BBuy are no better than the $10 6ft that monoprice sells. Monoprice will also get them to you in 2 days. Here's the ones Im using:

For only $3.70 each when QTY 50+ purchased - HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified Cable 28AWG - 6ft w/Ferrite Cores (Gold Plated Connectors) - BLACK | 28AWG HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified Male to Male Cables

 

[dfergie]

Order the analog cables while you are at it