Panasonic DMP-BD65 - Page 62

I currently have the BD65. I've been happy with it and haven't had any problems. I've been wondering though how much of an improvement a current BR player would be. Features aside, are the newer processors a noticeable, if not significant improvement over what I have? Since I have a Viera TV I'm looking to stick with Panasonic. Thanks in advance.

I went from the BD65 to the 220, but did it for the feature upgrades. Netflix in 1080p, 5.1 surround and subtitles. If there are image improvements, I don't see it.

You will see a difference in DVD upconversion. The newer processors handle bad cadences better so you no longer get jaggies with animation. I went from a 60, to an 85, to a 210. When I put the 210 in my rack, I delegated my Oppo dv983h for SACD playback and used the Panny for DVD's from then on. The 210 seemed faster loading than the 60 and 85 also.

The 65 stumbled last night and would not play Madegascar 3, no problems on the ps3. It kept restarting as it was getting ready to play the feature. I have a newer Panasonic on the way anyway, so it's not a big deal. I think this is the first non damaged movie that I have had a problem with in the three or so years I've had it.

If you are using an SD memory card try erasing BD live memory or reformatting the card. If no SD card is installed try the movie with an memory card installed. When I had movies choke on startup clearing SD Memory cleared up the problem. YMMV

Interesting, no sd card was in the player. I should have added that it was a Netflix copy since some of the discs are different from retail. I'm still waiting for bd live to do something other than annoy me.

I moved my BD65 to our other TV, and I have an audio question. The BD65 is hooked up to our older receiver with a digital optical cable.

1) What do I set the 2 settings to under "Digital Audio Output" - PCM or Bitstream?

2) BD-Video Secondary Audio - Off or ON?

Thanks.

Anyone? The manual just confuses me. Thanks.

You need to tell us more about this "older receiver". Does it support DTS decoding? If yes, I expect you can choose "bitstream" and let your receiver decode DD or DTS. If not, you will have to have it set for PCM when playing a blu-ray title that has ONLY DTS audio on it. I believe Secondary audio has to do with commentary type audio when using a picture in picture for extras while the movie is playing. I never use it (I want the movie straight). But you might experiment with it and see if it interests you. Also, please understand I do not personally have a BD65, and am providing info based upon how other model blu-ray players generally work.

Thanks Rich. Yes, it supports DD and DTS. It just doesn't have HDMI.

I used to have a 65, and bitstream worked fine for me over optical. Sec audio is personal preference. I left it off unless I needed it.

Thanks. The problem is I don't know the difference between having Secondary Audio On or OFF.

certain blu rays titles have behind the scenes interview that can be turned on during the movie. having the secondary audio on is for that.. if you don't use that option then have it off. I leave it off.

Jacob

OK, thanks

I am able to get to Amazon instant video from my BD65 player, however, is there a way to get 5.1 sound from the HD content? I only tried one HD movie and it was MI:3 and the audio was only in Stereo. Is this possible through some sort of Firmware upgrade?

No. Older model players do not support 5.1 audio with Amazon. The current Sonys do as does the Roku.

S~

Does anyone know if the wired ethernet is 10/100 or gigabit? I'm thinking of upgrading the home to 802.11n and I would be using a router in "Bridge" mode to connect to ethernet ports in the cabinet, including the Panasonic. But if it only supports 10/100, I'm not sure the investment is worth it. Then again, even 100mbps > 54mbps, even if it isn't using all 300mbps, but I'd still appreciate if it's known.

Based on the color of the speed LED on my switch it is not 1Gbps. The stuff I know is 1Gbps makes the LEDs light up green. The LEDs for the BD player (and my pre-pro) are lit up yellow which indicates 10/100.

Thanks!

I had the same problem with Madagascar 3. Maybe its time to upgrade. So far this is the only movie that will not play.

Question. I started to use the amazon instant video and the picture has a white frame. On my tv the amazon app doesn't have the frame. Is there a way to shut off the frame on the blu ray? Thanks

IIRC it's the screen saver setting in the 65 that you have to change.

Thanks that did it. JT

My BD65 is displaying U72 on the front, and I get no picture. I unplugged player for about 30 seconds, plugged it back in, and it's the same.


FIXED. The HDMI cable was loose in the back of TV.
Edited by Jim McC - 2/2/13 at 7:41pm

I recently started Amazon Prime and tried to watch the video library. What I found is, pardon me being late in the party, that SD material is horrible compare to PC, and my HD stream is constantly being interrupted (I can hear sound but video is blocked by a "contact Amazon" screen) and I have to exit and resume.

I tried to find answers in the thread and then I see your post. How do I get Amazon HD to work on a PC?

For whatever reason, Amazon appears to have blocked HD to PCs. I have no idea why.
Both of my DMP-BD65s work well with Amazon streaming, as well as my BDT220. I pay for 18 Mbps but it measures between 40 Mbps and 75 Mbps using SpeedTest.net. Firmware is 1.60.
Edited by Scott Corbett - 3/4/13 at 9:55am

Here is the network activity during Amazon HD streaming. Sometimes the bandwidth spike above 7.5Mbps but given that it goes up and down, I don't see why it cannot work for someone with 6Mbps internet (I have 12Mbps).

Here is the bandwidth chart for streaming high quality (4-bars) SD on my HTPC (regular Windows 7 + flash). Big difference:



The SD stream on BD65 is similar to the HD stream in my previous post but it peaks out at 3 to 4 Mbps. I believe the different distribution is due to BD65 has a smaller buffer and needs to keep on fetching video stream. Too bad it is my only option to streaming Amazon VOD in HD.