[denis1501]

I can't make up my mind between these two : Panasonic DMP-BD35 or Sony BDP-S350! I'm about to purchase my first Blue-Ray player and I don't want to stuff it up!
Can anyone help to persuade me one way or the other??? The player will be connected to my Sony HT-DDWG800 via HDMI.
many thanks,
D.

[HD Elvis]

Originally Posted by denis1501

I can't make up my mind between these two : Panasonic DMP-BD35 or Sony BDP-S350! I'm about to purchase my first Blue-Ray player and I don't want to stuff it up!
Can anyone help to persuade me one way or the other??? The player will be connected to my Sony HT-DDWG800 via HDMI.
many thanks,
D.

Its a cop out really but you can't go wrong with either. Personal preference but I would go for the 35.

[kempez]

I've got both and they're both pretty good. I personally prefer the pana

[senu]

Originally Posted by kempez

I've got both and they're both pretty good. I personally prefer the pana

Ive also got both and only this evening went with the 350 to a friends house ( whom I bought the Panasonic for over Xmas) to do a comparison on his 42" Plasma,
We used I- Robot, TDK and Wall_ E BD and Hostage, and Star Wars ( II ; AOTC) DVDs
We tried hard to spot any differences and concluded that they are different machines ( slightly different picture characteristics) but not that one really is better than the other
The tech side of things favours the Panny regarding DTS HD master audio.
While I find I actually prefer the Sonys DDTrue HD over the Pannys, I did find that having an SD card slot which displays images in HD ( it seems) and AVCHD files give the Panasonic a second look if you might use that feature. My DSLRs use Compact flash but them my HDTV actually has media card slots.
Also the Panny has more image control in its menu. The Sony's set is quite limited
I find its PS3 like menu very friendly though. Unlike some I also find the Sony remote robust and easy to use
FWIW the Sony also has all connections , HDMI, component, ( optical and coaxial digital audio) s-video and composite . The Panny only has HDMI and component
Otherwise they are near identical in video quality ( to me)

[kempez]

Yes sorry for not expanding a little more

Agreed - video quality is basically identical with both having small but tangible differences (note I say differences, not better quality). I feel the BD35 has the slight edge in sound overall, even with True HD - perhaps that is perception rather than a difference though as you didn't find that.

I prefer the Panasonic remote very slightly. Agreed on the PS3-esque menu though, it is nice to use.

I actually find the Sony more responsive than the Panasonic when ejecting etc but I like the Panasonic for the way it uses Viera link with my TV

The SD slot is a total plus for the Panasonic too in my opinion.

Build-quality wise, they're both about the same although I think the slightly lower profile of the BD35 is nicer than the Sony S350.

[kingfats]

Originally Posted by denis1501

I can't make up my mind between these two : Panasonic DMP-BD35 or Sony BDP-S350! I'm about to purchase my first Blue-Ray player and I don't want to stuff it up!
Can anyone help to persuade me one way or the other??? The player will be connected to my Sony HT-DDWG800 via HDMI.
many thanks,
D.

Hi denis1501.
As your system accepts LPCM over HDMI i would go for the BD35 your get TrueHD and DTS-MA then.
All the best.

[Pulse1]

Also the Sony BDP-S350 can output 480i/576i from the HDMI connection whereas the Panasonic DMP-BD35 can't.

[VinnyP!]

You might want to check out this months Home Cinema choice where they compare these models as well as a couple of others. Their verdict, for what it's worth, is that the BD35 was first and the Sony 350 came third.

[senu]

Originally Posted by VinnyP!

You might want to check out this months Home Cinema choice where they compare these models as well as a couple of others. Their verdict, for what it's worth, is that the BD35 was first and the Sony 350 came third.

Interesting.
As I own both I don't have to make a case for either but I do wonder how these magazine review conclusions are made in the context of real world use
What Ive said in the past is that new purchasers will not go wrong either way but any BD 350 owners would be making a mistake to return it to the shop to replace it with the 35
I also feel ( subjectively) that the differences while real. are subtle and may be display dependent