Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Blu-Ray Players - What's the fav this holiday seas

This thread at AVS will keep you up to date on all blu-ray player deals, including black friday. I check here everyday hoping to find something that fits within my budget.

Blu-Ray Player Special Deals...

Thanks, Michael! I'll keep an eye on the thread!

I got mine a few weeks ago and I really like it a lot. This is my second Blu-ray player and it greatly superior to my first one (Sharp). Hope you enjoy yours as much as I'm enjoying mine.


Yes, it can. Can't find an online version of the Operating Instructions, but my hard copy says it decodes, in addition to all the Dolby Digital formats:

DTS Digital Surround/ DTS-ES
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS-HD Master Audio

Apparently DTS High Resolution Audio and DTS Master Audio are lumped together under the classification DTS-HD

Here are some reviews on the BD55. They contain some good tips on setup and operation.

Panasonic DMP-BD55 (DMP-BD55K) Blu-ray Player - BigPictureBigSound.com

Panasonic DMP-BD55 - CNET.com

Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray Disc Player - SoundAndVisionmag.com

I wonder why their website doesn't specifically say that. If they said DTS-HD only, then I would think "hmmm guess it can do master audio" But when they only mention DTS-High Resolution, I got nervous. thanks for the confirmation.

Good question. I have no idea why the web site wouldn't say DTS Master Audio.

(Sorry for the horrifically bad photo)

The technical questions have been answered extremely well so I'll add in a few comments on the question as to why the PS3 was toted as THE value in BD players. (At least until the stand alone price drops.)

Why it is totes as a solid value solution to get into BD is that for the price.....

- It was one of (maybe the first) to support all the new audio codecs. (via HDMI only)
- Because it's owned by Sony, the owners of BluRay, it is always patched insta-quickly for new features. Just plug it into your Internet access.
- I also plays CDs, DVDs and some models even play SACD
- It streams music and movies from your PC or compatible devices.
- Downloadable TV and movie content is available.
- and of course, it plays games.

To be fair, using a PS3 controller to run a movie will drive you nuts until you get used to it or curse and swear your way to buying a 3rd party workaround.

Also, stand alone players have finally come down in price. Now you have to decide if the additional features are worth the PS3 price point vs. a player that does just BluRays and other disks.

For me, the streaming audio potential was the logical deciding factor and the games were the fun factor, so it was PS3 for me. Plus I scored a sweet deal.