Have the new players improved PQ over the years?

Not really for BluRay, but yes for SD DVD, depending on the specific player. New players are also a lot faster loading, and most stream Netflix, etc.

And if you want recommendations for a new player, please use the "OFFICIAL "HELP ME CHOOSE A PLAYER" THREAD: Can't decide? Start HERE" thread.

The short answer is no. The question is rather simplistic because it depends on what is meant by improved, how much improvement is worth it, how sensitive you are to artefacts and whether it is subjective or objective. Objective HDMI output measurements (looking for bit perfect output) have only been done for recent players so older ones like the BD35 were not measured and comparison will not be possible. Of the recent Panasonics, only the DMP-BDT210 has been bench tested.

Andy,

Two weeks ago I replaced my failing BD35 with a 220, so I can directly answer your question.

I cannot tell a difference in PQ between the two units. Neither can my family. So if that's the reason you are considering upgrading, I wouldn't.

However, I can sure tell a difference in disc load and eject times! I loved my BD35 but hated how slow it was. Very pleased with the new 220.

What Kermit26 said is right on. Most people(including me) buy the newer models for additional functions, such as playing from files using a USB stick or hard drive, netflix, pandora, amazon prime etc, possibly a better disc reading ability such as bd-r, bd-re, cd/r/w etc. Pure picture quality wise not much has changed.

Depending on player and the state of calibration of your TV there could easily be a difference. As it was mentioned the Panasonic 210 was tested and found to deliver zero color error. We know other players did not necessarily perform at that level. The PS3 were known to produce zero color error as well. Having said that not many of us have the equipment to analyse an HDMI port.. So look at it this way, in the case of BD if the player you have properly implemented output it should not look different.

I have a Pioneer BdP-320 which was highly regarded at the time except for speed. The Panny 210 I replaced it with in my opinion produced a better image both for SD and HD..

I use a Lumagen inline between the player and the display and have a 125 point color calibration. I have not measured the Pioneer to determin color error but I am confident in the superiority of the image of the Panasonc 210.

I remember some people saying the PS3's picture is a bit dull. A little bit of post-processing in terms of brightness, contrast, colour and sharpness boost can give that extra bit of 'pop' but that's subjective preference and separate from bit accuracy. This boils down to what custom picture controls are available in the playback device for those that want to tinker to their taste. The purist would want the option at least to output a bit perfect (or as near as possible to perfect) non-processed picture. It's the same in audio when bit accurate decoding is the goal. But it seems many people just care for a subjective preference.