Panasonic DMP-BDT350 Blu-Ray Player Review

The new DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray Player from Panasonic is a unique player. Not just because it is one of only a few that can playback Full HD 3D Blu-ray Discs, but it has 2 HDMI Outputs. It has other great features like access to VieraCast, Wi-Fi- Ready, a 14 second boot up time and support for DLNA.

The DMP-BDT350, similar to other Panasonic Players, has a slim design. And like other Panasonic Blu-ray Players, they have put an emphasis on lowering power consumption. The player comes with a Power Save Mode where it will shut itself on/off depending on the TV status. Further helping to provide a low power consumption is the UniPhier® single chip LSI. Which can put a whole video signal processing circuit onto one chip. This decreases the amount of parts required and makes for a compact design. Panasonic has even reduced the depth of its players by 18%. By doing this it has resulted in a 15% reduction in the carton's volume.

Video Quality: The DMP-BDT350 can produce 1080/24p video output. It recreates cinema pictures from the Blu-ray Discs or DVD in their original 24p form, without any requirement for conversion. Proving cinema images in the exactly same format used in the film industry. The TV must be a 1080/24p compatible. It can up-convert content that is 480i/p or 720p to High Definition 1080p. The video connections for the DMP-BDT350 are the two HDMI outputs and Component Video Outputs, all of which are located on the back of the player.

The DMP-BDT350 includes PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. This high quality image processing technology processes each pixel produced by the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the vertical direction. Keeping film colors original, clear and crisp. It reproduces colors with twice the accuracy of normal systems.

Audio Quality: Beside the HDMI Outputs, there are Digital Optical outputs and Analog AV Multi Outputs. It has internal audio decoding for Linear PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS. Along with High Resolution Audio the DMP-BDT350 has 96kHz surround re-master. This is a function which improves the sound quality of CDs and other audio sources. It also helps the quality of the multi-channel sound found on Blu-ray and DVD discs.

The big feature of the DMP-BDT350 is its Full HD 3D playback capability. To watch 3D Blu-ray discs you do need to connect the player up to a 3DTV and use 3D glasses. A pair of glasses is needed for every person. Usually a set of glasses will be included along with the 3DTV. Other pairs will have to be purchased separately. It is recommended that the glasses you purchase be of the same manufacture as the 3DTV. The Panasonic DMP-BDT350, however, can be connected to any manufacturer's 3DTV.

As stated before, the DMP-BDT350 has dual HDMI Outputs. It has the 1.3 version HDMI(MAIN) as well as the newer version 1.4 HDMI(SUB). The reasoning behind these dual Outputs is to allow the DMP-BDT350 to easily integrate with older/existing AV receivers that do not have the new 1.4 HDMI. The MAIN or 1.4 HDMI will be for 3D video and be attached to your 3DTV. The SUB or 1.3 HDMI will be for HD Audio and be connected to your existing 1.3 receiver. Obviously this setup is designed to make 3D viewing easier and integrate it with your existing equipment. The DMP-BDT plays regular 2D Blu-ray disc and would require the regular video setup with just one HDMI connection.

Online Streaming Media Services are available through Panasoinc's VieraCast. Here you can access services such as Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg and a Weather Channel. The recent additions of Netflix, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports to VIERA CAST has greatly increased its worth. It now provides you with top notch movie, music, sports and information sites. You can also take advantage of BD-Live downloadable content on Blu-ray Disc as well as the Bonus view feature. Connection to the internet can be by the Ethernet Port or you can connect a Wireless LAN Adapter to the USB port.

USB Port, along with the SD Card Slot is another way you can enjoy movies or music. Located in the front you can play files like JPEG photos, MP3s, and DivX High Definition videos. Panasonic is stating the DMP-BDT350 has a 14 boot up speed. Allowing you to start enjoying your 3D Blu-ray Player right away.

THE PROS: The Panasonic DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray Player has Full HD 3D capability. It has Viera Cast and BD-Live. 7.1ch audio decoders for Dolby True HD, DTS HD. An SD Card Slot for AVCH HD video, a USB Port and two HDMI Outputs. It is also Wi-Fi 'Ready'.

THE CONS: Still not sure if it will have any internal memory or if a USB wireless adapter will be included or if you have to purchased separately.

THE FINAL WORD: The Panasonic DMP-BDT350 comes with a wide range of great features, including Full HD 3D technology. It has Online Streaming Media Services like Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg, Weather Channel, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. It is Wi-Fi 'Ready' and has two HDMI Outputs (versions 1.3 and 1.4) The DMP-BDT350 is sizing up to be a contender for best the Blu-ray Player coming out in 2010. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $425.00