TESTED: Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray player

Versatile and Value Priced

 
BOTTOM LINE:
Despite a user interface and setup menus that are trickier to use than they should be, Panasonic’s DMP-BD55 offers strong video performance and unexpectedly refined analog audio performance. This little player may look modest, but it offers tons of value in the two areas that count most: namely, picture and sound quality. One hint: If you’d like to unleash the full sonic potential of the DMP-BD55, consider treating it to a good aftermarket power cord and a nice set of analog interconnect cables (we wouldn’t necessarily recommend these steps with some players, but the BD55 is worth it).
 
SPECS & PRICING
Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray Player
Disc formats supported: BD-Video (Blu-ray), DVD-Video, CD, MP3, DivX, JPEG AVCHD, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD±R/RW/R DL (Finalized), and CD-R/RW (Finalized)
HDMI audio bitstream support: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital/Digital EX; DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-Digital Surround, DTS-ES; LPCM 7.1-channel, 5.1-channel and 2-channel
Onboard decoder support: As above.
Outputs 1080p at: 24Hz, 60Hz
Video outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 component video, 1 composite video
Digital audio outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 digital (one coaxial, one optical)
Analog audio outputs: 1 x 7.1-channel analog audio (can be grouped as 5.1-channels + 2 channels downmixed)
Other connections: Ethernet (10Base-T/100Base-TX for firmware updates and BD-Live content), SD card slot
Dimensions (HxWxD): 2.19” x 16.94” x 9.81”
Weight: 5.7 lb.
Warranty: One year, parts and labor
Price: $399
 
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
(800) 211-7262
www.panasonic.com