The Panasonic DMP-BDT220 is part of the Blu-ray player
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Blu-ray player
models like the DMP-BDT220 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-BDT220
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.)
11-28
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.)
20
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
Yes
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
Yes
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
Standard
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.
Type of streaming services
App Market, Vudu, The Wall Street Journal, Skype, Netflix, YouTube, Amason Instant Video, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, MLS, MLB.tv, NHL, NBA, Ustream, Fox Sports, Pandora, AccuWeather, Picasa, Associated Press, PlayJam
I have three of these units in my home. All three work flawlessly. I use them to stream movies from my NAS which are stored as .mp4 with h-256 compression. I am able to have all three units streaming from my NAS at once and absolutley no streaming issues. They can also internet stream with no streaming issues. I do have a wireless-N router which might be the issue with those that have trouble streaming. I also have the router set in the middle of the house so it maximizes the signal to all units. The picture is flawless and the audio delivers excellent 5.1 surround sound. When combined with a Panasonic 3D TV, the image is full 1080 HD, not the 780 HD down conversion typical of passive 3D. i would recommend this player to anyone.
How long have you owned it:
Three-to-six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By
mike
from
Kingston, NY
(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
2.0
Just a player
1/10/2013
Pros
DVD Upconversion
Excellent Image Quality
Good Connections
Good Soundtrack Support
Cons
Best Uses
Comment:
Has all kinds of apps but no instruction on how to use them. I'm not getting online/phone I'll just use it as aplayer.
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line
By
Sean
from
Mesa, AZ
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Low price, awesome product
1/8/2013
Pros
DVD Upconversion
Easy Set-Up
Excellent Image Quality
Cons
Remote Control Layout
Best Uses
Home
Home Theater
LCD TV
Streaming
Comment:
While we don't own a 3D television...yet, we figured future-proofing our new purchase was worth it. The set-up was very easy. Connected to our wi-fi home network without any problem. DVD load time was fast. Picture quality excellent. Wi-fi streaming perfect, no issues. Would recommend this player to anyone.