Panasonic's DMP-BDT100 Blu-ray 3D player is currently one of the least expensive options for 3D Blu-ray playback, but this doesn't mean it sacrifices performance for the sake of cost savings. The player offers a robust set of streaming options (Netflix, Amazon VOD, YouTube, Pandora, etc.) as well as very good DVD upconversion and outstanding Blu-ray playback, for the same price as many standard 2D Blu-ray players. UPDATE: VUDU is now also available on the BDT100 via a recent firmware and server update.
The player lacks some features compared to the top of the line DMP-BDT350: no dual HDMI output (only needed if you are using this with an older non 3D-compliant receiver), no multichannel analog outputs (for use with non-HDMI receivers) and no built-in WiFi networking (can be added via the Panasonic Wireless LAN Adapter). It also offers a fairly clunky user interface lacking the modern graphic-driven GUI that you see on current LG and Samsung Blu-ray players, though it is superior to the user menu on the Pioneer players. But the DMP-BDT100 provides all the basics, and several advanced features, as well as strong high def video and audio performance. The player passes all the upconversion and film cadence detection tests on the "Spears and Munsil" and "HQV Benchmark" DVDs and Blu-ray Discs with flying colors and also offers enhanced 4:4:4 color output with 24p (24 frame/second) output options for both DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. If silver discs are primarily how you watch your movies, then there is little to fault in the BDT100.
We did notice a peculiarity with Netflix streaming on the BDT100. Streaming SD content from Netflix, we observed something called the "CUE" (chroma upsampling error or "chroma bug"). This is something that can occur when a compressed video source has its color information upconverted to restore color detail lost in the compression process. On the BDT100, this upconversion is imperfect, which can cause visible color banding or jagged edges on the borders between colors. The problem is only noticeable on standard definition Netflix streaming content. Netflix HD, standard DVD and Blu-ray Disc playback do not exhibit this issue. And frankly, those with untrained eyes might not even notice it. It becomes more evident as you move to larger screens (e.g., front projection systems), but it can be viewed on some Netflix SD content even at the more common 42-inch and up screen sizes. As to whether this issue is a deal-breaker to you or not, that depends on how much standard def streaming you do from Netflix, and whether the chroma bug is something that bothers you. But we would be remiss not to mention it. According to our contacts at Panasonic, they are aware of the issue and are working toward a fix.
If Netflix SD content is not a part of your streaming media diet, then we give the BDT100 an unqualified recommendation. But if you do find yourself watching a lot of standard def streaming content on Netflix then you may want to look elsewhere or wait to see if Panasonic can deliver a fix to this issue on the BDT100.
Our more detailed review of the player is available on our web site at Big Picture Big Sound (dot com). Panasonic DMP-BDT100 Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc Player
This player was thrown into the deal when I bought my Panasonic TC-P58VT25 TV two weeks ago. The TV is terrific. This player worked fine but was shipped with downlevel ver. 1.04 of the firmware. The Panasonic site had a download and instruction to update the firmware to ver. 1.14. Followed all the instructions, burned the update disc and followed the instructions for the update. Everything worked per the instructions except the last step. Tray opened and message on panel says UPDNG. OK so far. However I never got a finish message and can now do nothing with the player. Called Panasonic Tech Support which is a nightmare and I said it's been sitting on UPDNG for well over and hour without going to Finish. Was told the update normally only takes about 30 minutes and they had me try the update again with the same results. I even tried burning another disc in ISO 9660 format as per the instructions with the same results. Tech Support said they'd send me an update disc but will take 7-10 business days to arrive. I have doubts it will fix the problem and now my player is useless until I can try what they send. Anyone else have update problems and figured how to solve it? Except for this problem I was happy with the player and TV combo.
UPDATE: After getting nowhere with Panasonic help and having a player that did not work I managed to return the broken player and exchange it for another one. This time I waited until I had my ethernet connection in place and saw the message about a new version of firmware available. I followed the directions in the manual for a network update and it worked flawlessly. So I guess my advice would be to not try burning an update CD yourself. If you need to go that route contact Panasonic to mail you one (they will). - Hdtv - Blu-ray Player - Blu-ray 3d - Netflix'
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