Review of DMP BD70V Blu Ray Player
August 16, 2009
VHS and Blu-Ray Combo?
The switch from VHS to DVD was helped along by the DVD/VHS combo units in the early days. The switch from DVD to Blu-ray was more easily accomplished as you can play DVD discs in Blu-ray player. So, there should be no need for a VHS/Blu-ray combo. Apparently, there is a market for such unit. The Panasonic DMP-BD70V is the first and only VHS/Blu-ray combo player on the market. We are not sure how much of market research went into the decision. However, they must have some data showing a demand for this player. The DMP-BD70V boasts same set of features as the DMP-BD60 model on top of the VHS playback function.
Features
As stated earlier, the DMP-BD70V has the same set of features found on the DMP-BD60 model. Like DMP-BD60, the DMP-BD70V comes with Profile 2.0 and high definition audio decoding. Instead of Netflix and Pandora, the DMP-BD70V supports the Viera Cast and Amazon Video on Demand service like the DMP-BD60. The Viera Cast is Panasonic’s proprietary online streaming service. While not as robust as Netflix or Pandora, it is a nice bonus. The Viera Cast suite includes the Youtube service as well as Picasa web picture suite. The Amazon Video on Demand does have newer videos for streaming than the Netflix. Overall, the features mirror the DMP-BD60 model.
Design
As expected of the combo player, the unit is bulkier than other Blu-ray players. However, compared to DMP-BD60, it is about 2 lbs heavier. The VHS slot and Blu-ray slot are located at the top half the player with LCD on the bottom half. The flip down face plate on the right side houses the playback function as well as SD card slot and USB slot. As far as the aesthetics go, it is not the most sophisticated looking player. The connectivity for DMP-BD70V include component video, HDMI, RJ-45, composite audio/video, and SPDIF output.
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Remote Control
The remote control for the DMP-BD70V doesn’t change much from the previous remote controls. It is very similar to the remote control from the DMP-BD 60 model. The top of the remote houses the volume and channel buttons. This can take some time getting used to since most remotes have them in the middle or the bottom. However, there is separate volume button for your receiver. This is particularly convenient if you have receiver set up and don’t have a universal remote control. The numeric buttons are right below the channel and volume buttons. The playback function buttons and directional buttons are in the middle. The menu buttons surround the directional pad. The bottom of the remote houses the special function buttons like Viera Cast and set up buttons. Overall, it’s a solid remote control. It’s not Harmony but you can do much worse.
Performance
The Blu-ray performance mirrors the DMP-BD60 model. The movies tested on the DMP-BD70v fared no better and no worse than the DMP-BD60. The video and image qualities were top notch with no noticeable defects like moiré or jaggies. The fast moving sequences were spot on with no problem. As with DMP-BD60, the loading times were not as fast as the Samsung or LG players. The new generation of players from Samsung and LG has improved the loading time dramatically over their previous models. This is not true for the Panasonic players. While it does improve upon the older models, it is not as significant as the players from Samsung or LG.
Sound
Unless you are an audiophile, you will not notice significant differences between audio qualities from this model or other comparable players. The DMP-BD70V is very comparable to the audio performances found on DMP-BD60. The DMP-BD70V can natively decode Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and the DTS HD audio formats. These should cover most decoding needs for most consumers. The only drawback on audio front was the lack of 5.1 or 7.1 analog audio output. If you have receiver, you won’t miss the lack of output. However, if you don’t own a receiver, you might want to invest in a receiver if you plan to utilize the existing speakers.
Overall, the DMP-BD70V is very good Blu-ray player. As far as the VHS performances go, the upscaling of VHS to high definition resolution can’t really compare to DVD or Blu-ray. However, it does look better than the playback from VHS player. I can’t imagine anyone needing a VHS player to go along with their Blu-ray player as you can easily convert VHS to DVD with very minimal effort. Regardless, if you absolutely need a VHS player to go along with Blu-ray player, this is a perfect player to get. Even if it is the only VHS/Blu-ray player on the market.
Pictures
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Panasonic DMP-BD70V Blu-ray Disc/VHS Multimedia Player Sale Price: $412.98  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Average Rating:   |
Description
Panasonic's DMP-BD70V combines a high quality image with enhanced networking functions, including Panasonic's VIERA Cast internet functionality for enjoying online entertainment from YouTube, Amazon VOD, and more...
Features
- Blu-ray Disc/VHS combination player with SD memory card slot and USB
- Multi-media capability allows for convenient playback and up-conversion of content from any media storage format--VHS, DVD, CD and more
- 7.1-channel lossless audio decode and bit-stream output for exceptional sound
- VIERA Cast internet functionality for enjoying online entertainment from YouTube, Amazon VOD, and more
- Intelligent auto standby for more efficient power usage
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Blu-Ray Discussions
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Nice combo, can play many format in one player. But, if they could add ‘recording program from TV’, this is must be a perfect combo.
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Thank you, Panasonic
As far as I know this is the only combo of this kind on the market, and I couldn’t be happier. Despite the outdated format and my dwindling videotape collection, I wanted to replace my old Magnavox VCR instead of abandoning VHS altogether. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I not only could still do that, I could additionally upgrade to Blu without having to find more shelf space or another power outlet. Since it isn’t really all that versatile otherwise, this player is a snap to hook up. There are no inputs (except LAN) and the outputs consist of HDMI, component and composite video, with analog and digital audio (fiber optic only). It only comes with a set of RCA analog audio/video cables, so plan ahead. I am only using the HDMI video and optical audio and it plays discs flawlessly. Pop in a videotape and it automatically switches to VHS mode and reformats itself to 4:3, while still outputting only through the digital ports. Yes, this is only a player–I prefer DVD-RAM for recording these days, anyway–but if you want the ultimate in all-in-one playback, including USB devices and SD cards, this device is for you.
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Easy To Use and Excellent Pictures but freezing
Have about 300 movies about 70-80% VHS and the rest DVD. After a lot of research chose this make and model. I’m using this with a Monster HDMI connected to a new 46″ Samsung 640. Tested with 3 movies: DVD of Parenthood, VHS of Gilda, VHS of Lion King. Lion King looked exactly like HD quality from cable company. The other two weren’t as perfect as Lion King VHS, but despite that, I was thrilled at the quality of those two movies. My VHS does play full screen without any black bars. So, I’m happy with the up conversion. As for set up and programming: this unit is very easy to set up and fine tune in the programming features. As a female who hates all this tech stuff, the manual was very easy to follow and understand. I’m so pleased with this unit and it’s ease of use that I just ordered a 2nd unit for my bedroom to use with the new 32″ Samsung 640. EDIT: Just started playing blu ray and this model does freeze periodically for a about 5 seconds like the other models without the vhs. Also this model does not have any firmware updates like the other models. So, if allowed, I would reduce the stars from 5 to 4.
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Yes, I still have VHS movies to watch
Why would someone want to buy a video player that accepts both the latest Blu-Ray format and the perhaps obsolete VHS formats? Well, as someone who has their foot in both the past and the future, let me tell you why I love this player.
Yes, I can definitely appreciate the crispness and clarity of the high definition Blu-Ray format, and I wish to experience that format. But Blu-Ray discs are pricey, so I will likely choose to purchase only a few new select and favorite films in that format. I feel no need, and don’t have the wallet, to replace my entire film library in a Blu-Ray format.
I also have a collection of nearly 500 VHS tapes, most of them unwatched, which I mostly purchased in thrift stores. (current standard price for VHS tape in a thrift – $1) I also have a fair number of films that have not yet been released on DVD yet.
It is nice to have a player that will accept both VHS and Blu-Ray, along with standard DVD formats. No switching back and forth of cables, etc.
The DMP-BD70V upconversion of the VHS to 1080p is really quite amazing. My current television is a 42″ HDTV (one year ago it was a 19 inch color set) When I connected my previous standard VHS player to the HDTV, the picture quality, as expected, was quite poor, with much of the image being rather pixelated – it was quite painful and distracting to watch.
Then I hooked up the DMP-BD70V, and lone behold, the picture quality was much, much better – and very watchable. At first I almost thought that the VHS tape had been replaced by a DVD – the improvement was that great. There was no pixelation at all, and the colors were quite bright. The overall quality of the picture was much better than the picture obtained with my old 19″ color TV and VHS player. The upscaling features of the DMP-BD70V is almost as if a magician had waved his wand over your entire library of VHS tapes, and suddenly replaced them, Cinderella-like, with a much higher quality product.
There are some things you cannot do with a VHS tape. The picture size remains at the older 4:3 format – meaning there is considerable empty space at the left and right sides of the HDTV screen. You also won’t get the added commentary tracks that appear on DVD and Blu-Ray discs, but sometimes all one really wants to do is simply watch a movie, with no other frills involved.
For a few years, I will have several options for my home movie viewing. On one end, the $1 VHS tapes (upgraded to 1080p), in the middle the standard DVD format, and on the high side, the Blu-Ray format. This DMP-BD70V allows me to watch all three formats, and allows me to choose whether I want to pay $1, $15, or $30 for each movie format. That is what I call flexibility.
I did a comparison price check for the DMP-BD70V model, versus a similar model without the VHS tape compatibility – the difference was about $50 more. For me, it was well worth it.
Obviously those without VHS tapes do not need this DMP-BD70V model. But those who do have some older VHS tapes, and wish to still view them, will love this model.
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VHS video looks crappy
I purchased this to replace my DVD/VCR combo but this doesn’t record to VHS. Also the VHS video looked crappy compared to a 1080p disc. (duh) I thought the upconverting would be better. The blu-ray video looked superb and I was using the RGB inputs, not HDMI! I like that it has an instant-on feature which is really just standby. It doesn’t show a clock when powered off. Also, the audio would not play when plugged into my 1st gen 700 series panasonic blu-ray receiver. Youtube loads fast when connected to internet however I didn’t find search feature. Not sure if there is one. I just got it yesterday. It’s great if you have VHS tapes you can’t replace.
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