The Panasonic DMP-BD77 is part of the Blu-ray player
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Blu-ray player
models like the DMP-BD77 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
HD picture quality:
HD picture quality indicates trained panelists' evaluation of clarity and color accuracy of a high-definition progessive-scan (1080p) signal, such as that from a Blu-ray player. All signals were routed through an HDMI connection.
DVD picture quality:
DVD picture quality represents trained panelists' evaluation of clarity and color accuracy of an upconverted HD (1080p) signal, from a Blu-ray player playing DVD content on a HD TV. All signals were sent through an HDMI connection.
Ease of use:
Ease of use indicates how easy it is to use the controls on front panel and remote, and navigate through player's menu.
About This Brand
Panasonic is a top-tier consumer-electronics manufacturer in multiple product categories. Its various DVD products have typically been midpriced and widely available. The company has been one of the more aggressive in the Blu-ray category in terms of price and assortment, and was the first to offer a portable Blu-ray player and among the first to add 3D capability.
Features & Specs - Panasonic DMP-BD77
Blu-ray load time range (sec.) Blu-ray load time range is the range in seconds that the model took to load different test Blu-ray discs, measured from the time of pressing the 'load' button to the time the first video information is displayed onscreen. Depending on disc, load time may vary from our result. Java-encoded Blu-ray discs may take longer.
Blu-ray load time range (sec.)
17-29
DVD load time (sec.) DVD load time is the length of time in seconds that the model took to load our test DVD, measured from the time of pressing the 'load' button to the time the first video information is displayed onscreen. Depending on discs, load time may vary from our result.
DVD load time (sec.)
23
DLNA compatible DLNA-enabled devices like Blu-ray players can receive digitally stored content like music, pictures, and videos over a home network connection--wireless or wired--from other compatible devices. The devices can include a computer, TV, DVR, set-top box, printer, and cell phone. For example, a computer running Windows 7 is already DLNA-enabled and will allow a DLNA-enabled Blu-ray player (with a built-in network connection) to "pull" digital photos and videos from the computer, with no additional software needed. DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance, an industry group that developed the standard and certification process covering how those media devices interact.
DLNA compatible
Yes
Memory card slot This lets you connect an SD, SDHC, SDXC cards for multimedia playback such as music and photos and for BD-Live data storage to download extras like games and movie trailers in some players.
Memory card slot
No
Internal memory Internal memory lets you access BD-Live to download online content, such as new movie trailers and movie-based games, when used with Internet-enabled BD-Live Blu-ray discs. To use BD-Live, a broadband Internet connection is required, and at least 1GB of memory in the player. Models that lack internal memory require additional memory to use BD-Live, in the form of a memory card or USB flash drive.
Internal memory
No
Coaxial digital-audio out Digital-audio outputs are important only if your home-theater system lacks HDMI connections. As an alternative, you can pipe the digital audio signals--both stereo and multichannel--from the Blu-ray or DVD player, or television set-top box into a digital receiver. Coaxial digital audio interconnect, also called SPDIF cable, sends digital audio signals over a coaxial cable. This coaxial cable is the same as a composite-video cable -- both use common RCA connectors. Digital-audio, via coax or optical, supports multichannel Dolby Digital and DTS audio, but not the more advanced formats available over HDMI. When choosing your Blu-ray or DVD player, consider the models that have the outputs to match the inputs on your digital receiver or external, digital decoder. Most Blu-ray and DVD players have digital audio outputs--coaxial, optical, or both.
Coaxial digital-audio out
No
Optical digital-audio out Digital-audio outputs are important only if your home-theater system lacks HDMI connections. As an alternative, you can pipe the digital audio signals--both stereo and multichannel--from the Blu-ray or DVD player, or television set-top box into a digital receiver. Optical digital audio interconnects, also called Toslink cables, send digital audio signals as pulses of light over optical fiber rather than an electrical signal over coaxial cable. Digital-audio, via optical or coax, supports multichannel Dolby Digital and DTS audio, but not the more advanced formats available over HDMI. Most optical cables use the small, squarish Toslink connector, but there's also a smaller mini optical connector, which looks a lot like a standard 1/8-inch mini-plug. When choosing your Blu-ray or DVD player, consider the models that have the outputs to match the inputs on your digital receiver or external, digital decoder. Most Blu-ray and DVD players have digital audio outputs--coaxial, optical, or both.
Optical digital-audio out
No
Component out Component-video is a high quality analog video connection that can be used to transmit standard definition (480i), progressive-scan (480p), and upconverted and high definition (720p, 1080i, and 1080p) video signals. Component-video connections use three separate jacks that separate the video signal into three parts: two for color and one for luminance (the black and white signal). These connections are found on most video components that provide 480p through 1080p video. Note that most Blu-ray and upconverting DVD players will only transmit upconverted (720p, 1080i, or 1080p) video via an HDMI connection and will not transmit it through a Component-video connection.
Component out
No
Wi-Fi capability This feature allows your player to connect to the Internet or to a home network without the use of a wired Ethernet connection. This is convenient when your Internet connection isn't near your entertainment setup, which would otherwise require you to run a long cable from room to room. A growing number of Blu-ray players can use Wi-Fi to connect to other DLNA-compliant devices in the home, enabling you to access digital music, videos, and photos stored on a computer or networked storage device and play them on the TV. Some players have built-in Wi-Fi capability, while others come with a Wi-Fi dongle (external adapter) that you plug into the player's USB port. In both cases, we denote Wi-Fi as a standard feature. Still other players require you to purchase the Wi-Fi dongle separately; in that case we indicate that Wi-Fi is optional.
Wi-Fi capability
Optional
Type of streaming services Type of streaming services lists streaming services such as Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, and Pandora Internet Radio that are available with latest firmware update at the time of testing. Internet connection is required and some services require subscription. Services may be added or removed with future firmware updates.
I purchased 19 new Panasonic DMP BD 77 DVD players and within six months 7 of them had developed problems with Blu-Ray disk audio or they have stopped outputting any signal at all. These devices are used casually throughout our facility most have less than 20 hours of actual use. My concern is what will happen with the other 13 over the next year and all 19 when their warranties expire.<br /><br />When these players are working the picture and sound is good. They are easy to use. Their price point is very attractive. <br /><br />I would not buy this model again. I would not recommend them.