Right on schedule, members of Panasonic’s 2012 Blu-ray player lineup have begun arriving at Best Buy. Last year, we regularly recommended the Panasonic DMP-BDT210 to folks seeking a reasonably priced deck with well rounded features, including a healthy online ecosystem and fast boot times. And now in 2012, the DMP-BDT220 (MSRP $150) looks to be solid successor.
In fact, Tech of the Hub has already run their Panasonic DMP-BDT220 review and concludes the Blu-ray player is “fairly impressive” and a “good value.” I’d say folks considering an Apple TV or high-end Roku might even step up for just $30 additional bucks (via Amazon). While Panasonic’s UI may not be as polished or quick, in addition to Blu-ray playback it offers Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon, Pandora, and DLNA streaming. Unfortunately, the optional Android and iPhone smartphone remote control apps for this generation have yet to be released. Also, as a fan the prior generation BDT210, I’m somewhat bummed to see Panasonic drop the touch-free sensor that allowed you to wave your hand above the deck to eject the disc tray.
At a slightly higher end, the Panasonic DMP-BDT320 (MSRP $200) features a sleeker enclosure with slot loading disc drive… and a touchpad remote of questionable value. In fact, I’d probably steer folks away from this model given the unconventional remote that lacks even standard transport buttons.
Can you explain what you mean by “Unfortunately, this new generation of player requires new (optional, free) smartphone iPhone and Android apps”.
Are you saying they are required, or are they optional?
Yeah, I definitely need to reword that. Will take another look tonight.
The apps are free and optional – another way to control the player and the QWERTY keyboard aspect could come in quite handy in various apps. The reason I say unfortunately, is because there is an existing Panasonic Blu-ray app – but it doesn’t support the new models. So either we’re waiting on an update or an entirely new app. As far as we can tell, it’s a new one and Tech of the Hub heard from Panasonic they expect it sometime later this spring.
Gotcha – thanks for the clarification.
I stopped using my Panasonic bd player because of frequent buffering/pauses during playback. I never experience those problems on my Roku. I wonder if they’ve solved that?
Is this in regards to Netflix or something else? Tech of the Hub says this is one of their favorite Netflix clients. I’m pretty close to pulling the trigger myself. Hmmm.
does this layer dvd-a? is anyone else making blu ray players that also play dvd-a and sacd,besides oppo?
Zatzty,
I get buffering, stuttering with just shoutcast radio, let alone with video streaming (which I haven’t yet attempted, perish the thought), wtf is going on? I have a hot wi-fi setup, and I get stuttering?