Panasonic DMP BDT500 - Page 32

Thanks for the informative replies!

given that situation (send as pcm), are the player's DACs being utilized?

I noted an issue in my BD playback tests using HDMI (sub) multichannel movies... the signal that the receiver receivers is dolby digital 5.1 even though I selected the lossless tracks in the movie. I tinkered with the settings (turned BD-secondary to off) and have also turned HDMI Audio (primary) to off...
Everything seemed to go fine as the HD Audio indicator in the receiver lit up on the previously tested movies. Did I do something wrong? I was expecting that when I switch HDMI Audio (primary) to off, no audio will be output via hdmi... I'm afraid that I may have tinkered with a setting that I shouldn't have. Thanks!

I can't possibly imagine the 500 ever being intended for such really serious, flawless playback of any media other than blu-ray disks. After all, it's just a 3D blu-ray player with a few marketing features added on. It does exactly what it's designed to do, and it's hard to beat for its excellent blu-ray performance for the low price I paid. Everything else is just icing on the cake. Wouldn't the PS3 have been a better choice for you? When I priced the PS3 while shopping around for 3D blu-ray players, it cost even less than the 500.

Here's a little info. if anyone is interested.
I purchased the BDT500 and ordered a One-for-All remote from the U.K. and tried to do the remote hack on my U.S. Panasonic Blu-ray player. It didn't work, so I'm guessing it's for the non-US version.
Regarding the firmware enhanced forum. I signed up but my account was deleted the next day because I selected my display device doesn't display a PAL signal. I ordered this ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FQQCA8/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i01 ) which arrived today, so I'll try resigning up again soon.
I'm hoping to play my European DVD's and a couple Blu-rays I bought while living there, as well as a couple of other features advertised. Wish they would include in the advanced firmware some software like Slysoft's Virtual Clone Drive so I could mount images to watch my DVDs and Blu-rays ripped to my NAS.
Anyone know how much the "donation" is?

FYI, any remote made by UEI (one-for-all, RCA, radio shack, comcast, charter, twc, etc.) will do the hack. It's the player that must be from the UK, not the remote. Having said that, I love the styling of those European one-for-all's. So if you want to get rid of that remote, PM me with the details. I'd love to have it.

Thanks

I actually ordered this higher end version first (URC 7962), but trying to program the codes in was confusing because they aren't included in the instructions and the light doesn't react like the instructions on the remote code hack state so I couldn't confirm if it programmed or not. It's interesting though in that it has some unique features like the flicking the remote will do the same as pushing some buttons.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330696183361?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
I then ordered the same one, also from ebay, that the one who posted the remote code hack (URC 7140) and then tried it and it seemed to work as the player seemed to reset, but trying a European DVD (Bitter Moon) showed it didn't work. Too bad that this model doesn't have the codes to control my Vizio HDTV though.
I'm keeping both remotes, but you can order them from eBay too, but it's kind of expensive to just try to see if the remote code hack works.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380461610101?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I have my Oppo 93 with the old firmware version to allow ISO reads and a region free module, but sometimes it gives me problems with Blu-rays. Like last night it wouldn't read the 3-D Prometheus the first couple times I put the disc in saying my display device (Epson 3010E projector) wasn't 3-D capable, but did after I put the Avengers 3-D blu-ray dics in a couple times it read it. I also have my older Yamaha DVD player that works fantastic with the remote code hack and if anyone can find one and is looking for a region free DVD (only) player with great quality, check out the Yamaha DVD-S2700 that can be made region free with a simple remote code hack. Just was hoping I could get the Panasonic to do it all in one player.
Edited by H8nXTC - 10/12/12 at 9:57am

Thanks for the info. I already have plenty of remotes that do the hack and have tried it on every panasonic I've owned for at least the past 10 years. I've only been able to get it to work on older models. Some have reported success with recent models, so it's always worth trying.

I was really hoping to find a URC 7557. It looks really good, but isn't worth $30 shipped from Europe, when I have several remotes that are practically identical (though less cool looking).

The 7962's American cousin is the OARI06G which runs about $25 (they are identical except for some of the silkscreened labels. Internally all the codes and programming is the same). I had one for a while for JP2 hacking and eventually gave it away. We (JP1 group) have the hack already programmed in a couple of our files, so there's no code entry at all. You just press a few buttons and you're done.

The 7140 is JP1.4. We started to hack it and gave up due to the owner's lack of interest. With JP1 support incomplete, no possibility of loading new codes at the moment. However, can't you just learn your Vizio commands?

Since you've already spent quite a bit on these remotes, you really should spend another $12 and get a JP1 3 cable so you can program it from a computer like a harmony. We can probably even get that 7140 working for you if you're willing to do a little testing.

Some European One-For-All's use a decimal version of the hex codes rather than encrypted EFCs (magic codes). So the posted hack codes won't work with them as is. But we can calculate new codes for you. I did it for someone else a few years ago when they were trying to unlock an EZ27 with a UK one-for-all. It worked on their UK player, but not my US player. HERE are those codes, if you want to give them a try on your 7140.

(Antivirus, please ignore this post. I don't want to argue).

Quick question, will the 500 play BluRay folders in BDMV folders from a SMB share on my Win 7 PC?

Don't know why, but my account from the enhanced firmware forum was removed, this time without a reason sent to my e-mail. Anyone get the enhanced firmware? How is it working? What was the asking $ amount of the "donation"?

Has anyone tried to play a 3d mkv file with this player?

Panasonic BMT500 and Denon AVR 331CI

any help would be great.

recently purchased Panasonic BMT500 and Denon AVR 331CI and for some reason we have intermittent sound issues when first trying to watch movies. It appears both the BMT500 player and AVR recognizes the disk and the sound format (DTS, dolby,etc) but we have no sound. but until we either re-seat the HDMI cable or recycle the AVR or cycle the inputs (AVR remote) the sound does not play. (video is fine throughout) ... Once the sound does begin to play all is good for the rest of the movie (provided we dont stop/start movie in middle somewhere)...

A brief test of running the HDMI cable straight to TV (bypassing the AVR) seems to work ..

Could this be a communication issue between the two devices (BMT500 and Denon AVR 331CI )? Should I return/replace one of the two devs?

Thanks,
Steve

One thought is perhaps new firmware update for both devices?

Also note that I said "perhaps"

All devs are up to date on firmware... thx..

BestBuy tech came out and said they believe it is a "communication hand shake issue" between the two devs.... and that maybe I should change out either one of the two devs with a diff brand/model --- does this seem like the best thing to do??

should I swap out the BMT500 for the Denon DBT1713UD or Marantz UD5007?? Thoughts here are greatly appreciated...
thanks Steve

That depends on what you expect to get by upgrading.

The soon-to-be-released Oppo 105 probably would be more appropriate. Not least because their support service seems to be second to none. e.g. they've been known to answer non-critical questions on the weekend. The high-end analog outputs are another reason.

We just want an env that doesnt need to be recycled in some way before functioning correctly when we want to watch movies,etc..... where pretty basic with our desires --- we have TC-P65VT50, DefTech surround speakers with supercube 2000, the Denon AVR 331CI -- just want best pic/sound we can get with the equipment we have... money does matter -- so $500 is really the higher end we can go... are there known issue or bad reviews on either of these "Denon DBT1713UD or Marantz UD5007" ? and how does the BMT500 compare to them... my "basic" comparison from bestbuy website -- seems to show the BMT has a bit more capabilities then both the Denon and Marantz (simulated surround sound, ss-decoders, wfi(not on denon), instant content,media card, 2 hmdi )--- but I'm not real sure as to which one is best?

The Denon and Marantz players are essentially the same device. Only the packaging and logo are different. Remember that Denon and Marantz now are divisions of the same company, so they have a lot of commonality in their circuit boards. I'm guessing their RS232 connection is irrelevant to you (that's used by whole-house control systems like Crestron). Neither player provides multichannel analog outputs (only stereo), which is the primary differentiating feature of Panasonic's DMP500.

If stereo analog outputs are OK, Sony's S790 (about $250) has gotten good reviews both for its streaming features and its various DVD upscaling options. Unlike the Denon/Marantz players, though, It's not a "universal" audio disc player. It can play SACD but not DVD-A or DAD formats. The new Oppo 103 is a universal player (about $500) and has just started shipping to people who've pre-ordered it.

thank you Selden -- I did not know they were essentially the same Co.... I am knew to all of the stuff ... I did forget to mention that we would like the best possible 3D and also we have a Zone2 setup on 331ci for outside speakers that are hooked up to the BMT500 (cd-music) via the 331ci cables... will this or the 3D be an issue with any of the ones prev mentioned (Denon/Mar/Oppo) ? I never heard of Oppo, I guess I can try to check them out - not sure if I can get it from BB (thats where my $$ credit is).

OK.

Seems valid to me. Do whichever one is easiest to change; odds are that that is the player.

BTW did the BestBuy tech actually look at your menu settings in setup for each device?

I mean, both the AVR (Denon 331CI) and blu-ray player (Panasonic BMT500) have complex setup menus with lots of settings that can screw up the overall result.

Also, you're using HDMI cables to connect the player to AVR to TV, right? What's the length from player to AVR? What the length from AVR to TV?

Sorry: Oppo is not sold by BB. It's primarily an internet-direct company, resold by only a few audio/video stores.

The Sony BDP-S790 is sold by Best Buy, though. It has two HDMI outputs (similar to the Panasonic DMP-BDT500) so that it can send high-definition 3D video to the TV and high-definition audio to the receiver if the receiver is not 3D-capable. Since it has stereo analog audio outputs, it'll work fine when they are connected for use in Zone 2.

Can you persuade your local BB to "loan" you players of the models you're interested in? They might have some that are "open-box". Actually trying them out might be the best way to help you determine if they're compatible with your other equipment.

Hi Dan

In reference to the new Panasonic Blue ray release dmp bdt500
I wonder if in your opinion ii pays to upgrade form Pan dmp bdt350 ( I own) to Pan dmp bdt500
Would appreciate your input
Thank’s

I think given the price point of the Denon and Marantz that he is considering that a more appropriate consideration would be the Oppo BDP-103 and not the BDP-105.

Selden:

Didn't see your follow-up post referencing the Oppo BDP-103.


As previously mentioned the Sony BDP-S790 would be a good consideration if you don't require 7.1 analog support and Best Buy does carry the Sony.")
Edited by bakerwi - 10/16/12 at 4:31pm

SPRO,

Don't know if you're still checking this thread or not...

About your issue with sound between the DMP-BDT500 and the Denon. Your posting says you recently got a Denon AVR 331CI. Best I can tell there is no such model number. There is a 3313CI and the prior model was 3312CI. I was planning to buy a Denon AVR-3313CI and I just got the DMP-BDT500, now I'm worried they won't play nicely together.

Can you please take another look at your Denon model number? Please reply with the model number or change your postings to reflect the correct model?

If you manually power up your devices in a different order, do the problems go away or become more consistent?

Can you respond to the other posts about your HDMI cables? Some HDMI cables are not fully compliant and could work with some devices but not others.

I've also heard that using a different length cable sometimes fixes issues such as this.

Lastly, if you can, take a magnifying glass and take a hard look at the HDMI cable end contacts as well as the ports on the equipment. All it takes is ONE bad connection to make things behave badly.

Thanks!

Sorry bout the delay -- for some reason I did not get this last email update....

Yes - I have the 3313CI and BMT500.... HDMI is about 7ft long AudioQuest cable ..

I actually gave Denon a call yesterday to see what options I might have... they gave me a few things to test out... one was the poweron ordering... I did 10 diff tests last night and I thought I had found the issue, but my last test showed that the power up sequence did not resolve this issue... I will test again later tonight and post results... do u guys think I could just have a faulty HDMI or BMT500 here --(I will be swapping HDMI's with my xbox tonight to see if I get any diff results...)

do u think the Sony BDP-S790 is better then the Denon DBT1713UD / Marantz UD5007 / BMT500"?

update -- 7ft AQ cable between 3313CI and TV and 3ft AQ cable between the 3313CI and BMT500

I have some suggestions before you give up and get another Blu Ray player.

The Panny has dual HDMI outputs. Have you tried using it that way? One HDMI output goes directly to the TV and the other output goes directly to the Denon. Obviously your TV would now have to switch inputs for watching Blu Rays and your remote control macros would have to change also. But for your debugging, try without any remote controlling, just turn on stuff manually using the power buttons.

Try shutting off all the HDMI CEC contols in the Denon, Panny and your TV. It's called VieraLink in your Blu-ray player, and it will have other names in the Denon and your TV.

There is a setting in the Denon that tells it which HDMI input it should "pass through" to the output HDMI when the Denon is in standby mode (the normal OFF state). Try setting that option to point at the Blu-ray player HDMI input, just in case there is some timing issue with the switch-over between standby and ON state. If this successfully works around your issue, then the only permanent fix will almost certainly a firmware change in the Panny or the Denon and you'll need to work with them to get it resolved.

You could try disabling ARC between your TV and the Denon. This will be a change to the settings in the TV, but there could be something in the Denon setup also.

I suppose for those of us with complete control over our remote control macros, we could work around this problem by adding macro steps to change the HDMI switching back and forth on the Denon since that seems to be your current method of working around it.

"AQ" meaning that the HDMI cable is an AudioQuest cable?

With HDMI cables, price mainly seems to make a small difference with *long* HDMI cables, and yours are short.

In general even expensive cables can have either contact problems or be defective. Switching them out with another cable is the easiest way to trouble-shoot.

I always keep several different lengths of cheap MonoPrice HDMI cables on hand, for trouble-shooting when problems come up.

yes ... AQ = AudioQuest ....
i will do some cable swapping/testing tonight.
I will also try to check out the CEC, ARC and other options mentioned above (and hopefully i dont break it and make it any worse .. )

^^^^

+1 to OtherSongs advice. HDMI cables are a PITA and I've found that cables that work perfectly in one setup have problems in other setups. Is there a way you can at least switch the two cables you are using now? You can rule out an HDMI problem quickly this way.

I've used my 500 with a Denon 4308 with no problems. One other thing to try. Set the 500 to bitstream and let the Denon do the processing. I seem to remember that fix worked for someone with similar problems.

ok, so
-- I swapped out the AQ cable between the 3313 and 500 , with the one from my cable box <-- no sound.. (which showed that its not the cable)
-- also used diff HDMI on back on 3313 <-- no sound. ( so its not the BluRay HDMI on 3313)
-- also found and made the "HDMI input it should "pass through"" change <-- no sound
-- also ran tests without the TV HDMI plugged into the 3313 (per Denon support - as they thought the TV might be the issue) <-- no sound

I still have a few other things to try, but I have a few quick questions...
#1 - I was testing Netflix app out on the 500 and found that it was having some issues ""we're having trouble playing this title" for all vids -- is this yet another prob with my BDT500? I had to deactivate/activate last night and will have to check again today...
#2 - my bigger question with this is.... Should the 500 tell the 3313 whether or not a movie is 2 speaker or 5, in other worlds should it "communicate" audio settings "dynamically" to the 3313? I noticed that whatever was currently on the front 3313 display(ex: 2 speaker Stereo) remained no matter what movie I chose, where as when I ran the same test via my xbox is changed fro 2 to 5/6 speaker PLII sound mode (not sure if this makes any sense)...

I again looked at your 1st post on this (3 days ago; post #943 of this thread).

I don't understand why you are having a sometime issue with sound.

Yes HDMI handshaking is a problem that comes up with different brands of equipment; but from major vendors like Denon and Panasonic, with recent gear from them? That seems a stretch to me.

And since you actually had a BestBuy tech support person out to check on it, I don't understand why that tech support person didn't find the problem.

Assuming you bought both the AVR and player from BestBuy, call BestBuy and tell them you want your money back.

Meaning that since you bought from a local dealer, you shouldn't have to trouble-shoot this kind of stuff yourself.

Assuming that a tech support person can get it working, that is when you might write down setup menu settings and then think about trying different settings.

Both the AVR and player have *complex* setup menu choices, of which the changing of the settings may give an effect that isn't always clear.