The Official Panasonic DMP-BD30 Owner's Thread

Robert George · 11-09-07, 10:33 AM

Okey dokey, I'm starting this thread because this newest model from Panasonic has started showing up at retail.

My order from Circuit City is being delivered today, so I wil have additional comments later tonight, but a friend picked up a unit at retail, also a Circuit City, on the west coast yesterday. I'll let Brad post his comments, but from our conversation last night, those with HDMI 1.3 receivers can be prepared to get happy.

More to come.

UPDATE:

Here is a list of current issues that we hope to get a fix for:
Current BD30 issue summary: (other issues fixed with firmware 1.6)

1) Forced 24p option (would help many folks)
Jon

HDmember · 11-09-07, 10:37 AM

I Picked one up at CC in Arizona last night..

thedeskE · 11-09-07, 10:37 AM

Looking forward to your report Obi

Maestro J · 11-09-07, 10:41 AM

Getting mine delivered today too although Fedex tracking hasn't updated my tracking to indicate "on the truck". Hmmm, I paid extra to have it delivered today too. I better get it!

T-smith · 11-09-07, 10:52 AM

ordered mine from CC on wed and it is out for delivery today, cant wait to toy around with it

CrossRoad · 11-09-07, 11:00 AM

I checked the stock at BB and CC here locally and none of them have it. Grrrrrrr.....

phansson · 11-09-07, 11:05 AM

Crossroad,

I was at bb last night. An associate looked up the player for me. It is in the system. According to him, no BB's have them in stock as of yet, but this will be a stocked player in stores.

Hyabusha · 11-09-07, 11:08 AM

I'm hoping to pick one up In store today...

CrossRoad · 11-09-07, 11:08 AM

Thanks for the reply info. Yeah I was at BB last night too. I asked if he could tell me the release date. He tried for several minutes and then said he couldn't tell, but that it was in the system so it should be out within the next week or two.

thebland · 11-09-07, 11:29 AM

Hmm...the rumor is this piece decodes none of the lossless formats. True?

Since it is 1.3 it can send them all via biotstream. Nice for sure but HDMI 1.3 has not made it to the dedicated processors yet, just LPCM over HDMI.

Maestro J · 11-09-07, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maestro J

Getting mine delivered today too although Fedex tracking hasn't updated my tracking to indicate "on the truck". Hmmm, I paid extra to have it delivered today too. I better get it!

Damn CC...they ended up sending it Home Delivery instead of express, which I paid extra for. I will get it tomorrow. I immediately called them and got a refund for the express shipping charge but needless to say, I gave them a few choice words.

rveras · 11-09-07, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebland

Hmm...the rumor is this piece decodes none of the lossless formats. True?

Since it is 1.3 it can send them all via biotstream. Nice for sure but HDMI 1.3 has not made it to the dedicated processors yet, just LPCM over HDMI.

Yea, no internal decoding for any of the new formats. Is not rumor, it already has being confirm by the reviewers.

thebland · 11-09-07, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rveras

Yea, no internal decoding for any of the new formats. Is not rumor, it already has being confirm by the reviewers.

Hmm.....oh, well.

My quest continues for a player that will decode all lossless formats... I guess Denon looks like the winner so far.

That said, my Panny BD10 has been perfect.

CrossRoad · 11-09-07, 12:02 PM

My BD 10 has been perfect as well. Except for the lack of DTS MA decoding or bitstreaming. If it only had that I wouldn't even be thinking of the 30.

Wendell R. Breland · 11-09-07, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebland

Since it is 1.3 it can send them all via biotstream. Nice for sure but HDMI 1.3 has not made it to the dedicated processors yet, just LPCM over HDMI.

The Integra and the Onkyo Pro can decode Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Pseudotrue · 11-09-07, 12:24 PM

where are the reviews? Isn't this the kind of thing that most people take the day off work for???

thebland · 11-09-07, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

The Integra and the Onkyo Pro can decode Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

OK...Processors Like Lexicon, Halcro, Anthem,etc..

Wendell R. Breland · 11-09-07, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebland

OK...Processors Like Lexicon, Halcro, Anthem,etc..

Jeff, I have checked Adcom, Amplifier Technologies Inc., Anthem, B & K, Cary Audio Design, Fosgate Audionics, Halcro, Lexicon, N A D Electronics, Outlaw Audio, Sherbourn Technologies and Sherwood Newcastle and none of them list decoding Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Mark Booth · 11-09-07, 12:48 PM

The lack of internal high def audio decoding on the new Panasonic is VERY disappointing! This is the Profile 1.1 player that I was considering as my move to be Purple. Granted, I plan to eventually upgrade to an A/V Receiver that decodes the high def audio formats but I didn't want to have to be forced to do that at the same time as purchasing a Blu-ray player ($$$OUCH!).

Not to derail the conversation about the BD30, but, what pending profile 1.1 player is in the pipe that WILL internally decode the high def audio? Has such an animal been announced?

Mark

jkcheng122 · 11-09-07, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Booth

The lack of internal high def audio decoding on the new Panasonic is VERY disappointing! This is the Profile 1.1 player that I was considering as my move to be Purple. Granted, I plan to eventually upgrade to an A/V Receiver that decodes the high def audio formats but I didn't want to have to be forced to do that at the same time as purchasing a Blu-ray player ($$$OUCH!).

Not to derail the conversation about the BD30, but, what pending profile 1.1 player is in the pipe that WILL internally decode the high def audio? Has such an animal been announced?

Mark

there are no players from either side that can internally decode DTS-HD MA, the fact that this one can bitstream and is 1.1 compliant should be enough.

Bill Mac · 11-09-07, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Booth

The lack of internal high def audio decoding on the new Panasonic is VERY disappointing! This is the Profile 1.1 player that I was considering as my move to be Purple. Granted, I plan to eventually upgrade to an A/V Receiver that decodes the high def audio formats but I didn't want to have to be forced to do that at the same time as purchasing a Blu-ray player ($$$OUCH!).

Not to derail the conversation about the BD30, but, what pending profile 1.1 player is in the pipe that WILL internally decode the high def audio? Has such an animal been announced?

Mark

Mark,

I agree with you. I will eventually will get a new pre-pro but not just to be able to ultilize the BD30. It looks like I will stay with the 1400 for now.

Bill

Mark Booth · 11-09-07, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkcheng122

there are no players from either side that can internally decode DTS-HD MA, the fact that this one can bitstream and is 1.1 compliant should be enough.

But the BD30 can't even internally decode Dolby Digital Plus nor True HD, both of which are also high-def audio formats.

Without buying a brand new AVR, I would be relegated to listening to just Dolby Digital or DTS. Very disappointing!!

BTW, this is not a dig on Blu in general. I am genuinely considering going purple. But I'm flabbergasted to discover that this new profile 1.1 player doesn't internally decode any HD audio formats.

Mark

krisjan · 11-09-07, 01:12 PM

One thing I'd like to know from those who have this player is how does SD DVD upconversion look PQ-wise. I'd especially like to hear comments from former owners of the Samsung BD-P1200 which is an excellent upscaler. Also, anyone using this with an Onkyo 605 AVR (or any of the current Onkyo AVR's that do the latest HD audio codecs) - can you comment on any issues with lip sync running everything through HDMI. That's my list - hope one of you owners can comment.
Thanks,
Mark

CrossRoad · 11-09-07, 01:16 PM

I guess they think that the only reason people will buy this player is for DTS MA, profile 1.1 or both. It seems they think that if you are looking for anything else you will just buy the BD 10. If they made it decode everything in player except DTS MA there wouldn't be much incentive to buy this player. Thus it seems logical to either have the player decode everything, or nothing. Panasonic obviously chose the cheaper nothing route.

jigesh · 11-09-07, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrossRoad

I guess they think that the only reason people will buy this player is for DTS MA, profile 1.1 or both....

And/or 1080p/24.

CrossRoad · 11-09-07, 01:27 PM

Very true. I forgot about that.

Cattledog · 11-09-07, 01:32 PM

I thought this was the owner's thread?

CrossRoad · 11-09-07, 01:37 PM

They aren't posting so we thought we would pick the slack.

patrick99 · 11-09-07, 01:48 PM

Mine was delivered yesterday. Audio is not a priority for me, so I can't provided insight on that front. The reason I got this player was because of early reports of superior PQ. Based on my early impressions, I don't see that. Switching back and forth between this player and the PS3 on Flyboys (which I happen to have two copies of) I could see no difference in PQ between the two players. Haven't yet tried SD.

DavidHir · 11-09-07, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrick99

Mine was delivered yesterday. Audio is not a priority for me, so I can't provided insight on that front. The reason I got this player was because of early reports of superior PQ. Based on my early impressions, I don't see that. Switching back and forth between this player and the PS3 on Flyboys (which I happen to have two copies of) I could see no difference in PQ between the two players. Haven't yet tried SD.

What is the display you're using?

I find this disappointing if this is the case. I too am using a PS3 and I will not upgrade strictly for bitstream - it will have to be for both bitstream and PQ.

11-09-07, 10:33 AM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
Robert George AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas. Posts: 3,750	The Official Panasonic DMP-BD30 Owner's Thread Okey dokey, I'm starting this thread because this newest model from Panasonic has started showing up at retail. My order from Circuit City is being delivered today, so I wil have additional comments later tonight, but a friend picked up a unit at retail, also a Circuit City, on the west coast yesterday. I'll let Brad post his comments, but from our conversation last night, those with HDMI 1.3 receivers can be prepared to get happy. More to come. UPDATE: Here is a list of current issues that we hope to get a fix for: Current BD30 issue summary: (other issues fixed with firmware 1.6) 1) Forced 24p option (would help many folks) Jon Last edited by Jon Spackman; 03-02-08 at 01:37 PM..

11-09-07, 10:52 AM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
T-smith Advanced Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: May 2006 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 759 Classified Rating: 96% (37)	ordered mine from CC on wed and it is out for delivery today, cant wait to toy around with it __________________ - If you havent listened to it yet can you really say its not better?

11-09-07, 11:05 AM	#7 \| Link
phansson AVS Special Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: usa Posts: 2,665 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	Crossroad, I was at bb last night. An associate looked up the player for me. It is in the system. According to him, no BB's have them in stock as of yet, but this will be a stocked player in stores. __________________ My home theater

11-09-07, 11:08 AM	#8 \| Link
Hyabusha AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,079	I'm hoping to pick one up In store today... __________________ Mitsubishi 1080p 3D DLP WD-82737 Monster's Clean and Stable Power Onkyo TX-SR805-(1.08 Firmware) Klipsch Reference 7.5 System w/ButtKicker's Gamertag: xMONSTER POWERx PSN: xMONSTERx Theater Pic

11-09-07, 11:29 AM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
thebland Nostradamus of HT AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Detroit, Michigan USA Posts: 20,115 Classified Rating: 100% (3)	Hmm...the rumor is this piece decodes none of the lossless formats. True? Since it is 1.3 it can send them all via biotstream. Nice for sure but HDMI 1.3 has not made it to the dedicated processors yet, just LPCM over HDMI. __________________ Jeff

11-09-07, 10:37 AM	#2 \| Link
HDmember HD Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 29	I Picked one up at CC in Arizona last night..

11-09-07, 10:37 AM	#3 \| Link
thedeskE AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 2,059	Looking forward to your report Obi

11-09-07, 10:41 AM	#4 \| Link
Maestro J AVS Special Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,560 Classified Rating: 100% (3)	Getting mine delivered today too although Fedex tracking hasn't updated my tracking to indicate "on the truck". Hmmm, I paid extra to have it delivered today too. I better get it!

11-09-07, 11:00 AM	#6 \| Link
CrossRoad 151 and Done Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 383	I checked the stock at BB and CC here locally and none of them have it. Grrrrrrr.....

11-09-07, 11:08 AM	#9 \| Link
CrossRoad 151 and Done Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 383	Thanks for the reply info. Yeah I was at BB last night too. I asked if he could tell me the release date. He tried for several minutes and then said he couldn't tell, but that it was in the system so it should be out within the next week or two.

11-09-07, 12:02 PM	#14 \| Link
CrossRoad 151 and Done Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 383	My BD 10 has been perfect as well. Except for the lack of DTS MA decoding or bitstreaming. If it only had that I wouldn't even be thinking of the 30. Last edited by CrossRoad; 11-09-07 at 12:08 PM..

11-09-07, 12:24 PM	#16 \| Link
Pseudotrue Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 57	where are the reviews? Isn't this the kind of thing that most people take the day off work for???

11-09-07, 12:48 PM	#19 \| Link
Mark Booth Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Beautiful California Posts: 950	The lack of internal high def audio decoding on the new Panasonic is VERY disappointing! This is the Profile 1.1 player that I was considering as my move to be Purple. Granted, I plan to eventually upgrade to an A/V Receiver that decodes the high def audio formats but I didn't want to have to be forced to do that at the same time as purchasing a Blu-ray player ($$$OUCH!). Not to derail the conversation about the BD30, but, what pending profile 1.1 player is in the pipe that WILL internally decode the high def audio? Has such an animal been announced? Mark __________________ As of July 2009, I own more movies in High-Definition than in Standard-Definition. MY COLLECTION

11-09-07, 01:12 PM	#23 \| Link
krisjan Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 816	One thing I'd like to know from those who have this player is how does SD DVD upconversion look PQ-wise. I'd especially like to hear comments from former owners of the Samsung BD-P1200 which is an excellent upscaler. Also, anyone using this with an Onkyo 605 AVR (or any of the current Onkyo AVR's that do the latest HD audio codecs) - can you comment on any issues with lip sync running everything through HDMI. That's my list - hope one of you owners can comment. Thanks, Mark

11-09-07, 01:16 PM	#24 \| Link
CrossRoad 151 and Done Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 383	I guess they think that the only reason people will buy this player is for DTS MA, profile 1.1 or both. It seems they think that if you are looking for anything else you will just buy the BD 10. If they made it decode everything in player except DTS MA there wouldn't be much incentive to buy this player. Thus it seems logical to either have the player decode everything, or nothing. Panasonic obviously chose the cheaper nothing route.

11-09-07, 01:27 PM	#26 \| Link
CrossRoad 151 and Done Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 383	Very true. I forgot about that.

11-09-07, 01:32 PM	#27 \| Link
Cattledog AVS Special Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,507 Classified Rating: 100% (12)	I thought this was the owner's thread?

11-09-07, 01:37 PM	#28 \| Link
CrossRoad 151 and Done Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 383	They aren't posting so we thought we would pick the slack.

11-09-07, 01:48 PM	#29 \| Link
patrick99 AVS Special Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3,778	Mine was delivered yesterday. Audio is not a priority for me, so I can't provided insight on that front. The reason I got this player was because of early reports of superior PQ. Based on my early impressions, I don't see that. Switching back and forth between this player and the PS3 on Flyboys (which I happen to have two copies of) I could see no difference in PQ between the two players. Haven't yet tried SD.