Panasonic DP-UB450 vs DP-UB820 Blu-ray player comparison

Comparing Blu-ray players can be problematic as both make watching content on various discs easy. The challenge is greater when comparing two units from the same brand. Being slightly mad, we’ve decided to compare the Panasonic DP-UB450 vs DP-UB820 Blu-ray players.

 

At first glance, they look very alike and even have similar price tags. Both units offer distinctive technology, different connectivity options and can play a range of file formats. However, on closer inspection, you can see many differences between them.

 

If you can’t decide and want an honest, direct comparison between Panasonic DP-UB450 vs DP-UB820, we’ve done the hard work for you!

 

 

Panasonic DP-UB450 Blu-ray player overview

 

Delivering cinema-quality entertainment, the Panasonic DP-UB450 Blu-ray player sports a compact design. It plays Ultra HD Blu-rays, 3D Blu-rays, Full HD Blu-rays, and DVDs. You can also listen to your audio CDs using the unit.

 

Playing media at four times the resolution of a standard Blu-ray disc, each image has incredible depth, natural motion, and realism. Panasonic’s HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) processor delivers Hollywood studio-level picture quality.

 

The unit also supports all High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks, enjoy an immersive sound equal to the impressive 4k image quality.

 

Compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Plus, as Google Home integrates with services such as Google Photos and Google Maps, you can easily access all of your own content.

 

Offering dual HDMI sockets, the DP-UB450 is highly flexible while ensuring the ultimate picture and sound quality.

 

 

 

Panasonic DP-UB820 Blu-ray player overview

 

The sleek design of the Panasonic DP-UB820 Blu-ray Player means it easily slots into any media unit or home cinema set-up. Built around Panasonic’s unique HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) processor, each image is displayed with stunning depth and texture with true to life colour.

 

It handles multiple file formats, including CDs, DVDs, and 3D Blu-rays. The DP-UB820 also supports High Dynamic Range pictures and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) formats and is compatible with Dolby Vision.

 

In addition to offering excellent picture quality, The Panasonic DP-UB820 is also fantastic with audio. Enjoy Hi-Res music via streaming or using the USB port. You’ll discover hidden depths in your favourites tracks.

 

More than a Blu-ray player, connect the DP-UB820 to Wi-Fi and access your favourite streaming services, a multitude of apps and even, browser the web. A Wi-Fi connection allows you to use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to control the unit.

 

The rear offers plenty of different options with 2 HDMI ports, a LAN port and outputs for 7.1 surround sound. The remote covers lots of ground and has buttons for Netflix, internet, HDR setting and for controlling your TV.

 

 

 

Design

Let’s get the basics out of the way. Yes, they both are black, square and plastic. And yet they feel different.

 

The build quality on the Panasonic DP-UB820 is higher than on the DP-UB450. It appears that with the DP-UB450, Panasonic spent most of the budget on the technology and very little on the manufacture. The unit feels a little flimsy, especially the disc tray.

 

The DP-UB820 is built to a higher standard and should withstand some abuse. A panel hides the disc tray and USB port on the front, giving a more seamless look. On the rear, it offers more connectivity options than the DP-UB450.

 

Both units lack control buttons other than power on/off and tray open/off. So you’ll need to keep the remote handy or use a voice assistant.

 

Winner: DP-UB820

 

 

Features

Panasonic’s HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) processor is the backbone of both units, ensuring you enjoy the best possible image quality. Even if the starting resolution isn’t 4K, the HCX chip will upscale every frame to near 4K quality.

 

Both play a range of file formats, including Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, 3D and standard Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs and rewritable discs. Also, you can enjoy files saved on any USB stick or hard drive, including personal photos and Hi-Res audio.

 

With support for HDR formats, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, both display a superior picture quality than before. One difference is that the DP-UB820 also support Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) formats.

 

Like using voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa? It only takes a minute to set them up with either unit. You’ll be able to control either Blu-ray player without needing a remote.

 

One difference between the two is the DP-UB450 offers limited web access using only a wired connection. The DP-UB820 has built-in Wi-Fi (and a LAN port for wired internet), enabling you to access the web, a multitude of apps and streaming services.

 

Another feature that elevates the DP-UB820 above many Blu-ray players is the 7.1 surround sound outputs. While not powered, these remove the need for an AV receiver, allowing you to enjoy audio as the composer imagined.

 

Winner: DP-UB820

 

 

Connectivity

Both units have a disc tray and USB port on the front. They both have a power input, two HDMI ports (1x video and audio, 1 x audio only), a LAN port and digital optical audio output.

 

However, the DP-UB820 offers a range of further options, including a 2nd USB port and phono outputs for 7.1 surround sound.

 

That said, unless you plan to connect a range of powered speakers to your Blu-ray player and don’t need the built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you might prefer the simpler Panasonic DP-UB450.

 

Winner: Tie

 

 

Set-up

As each unit offers a range of connectivity, they are both flexible with the basic set up. Neither comes with any AV cables as only a power cable is included. So, you’ll want to order an HDMI cable or two; and maybe a digital coaxial cable when you buy the unit.

 

You might use the second HDMI port or the digital audio output to feed a soundbar or speaker system, allowing the first HDMI port to handle the video. Again, both units have multiple outputs, allowing you total flexibility.

 

Panasonic has included batteries for the remote with both units. So, within a few minutes, you can get the Blu-ray player working. The DP-UB450 and DP-UB820 lack control buttons, so you’ll need to keep the remote handy to complete the set up process.

 

With both Blu-ray players, There are many features to experiment with beyond playing Blu-rays, DVDs and CDs. That said, the DP-UB820 is far more advanced than the DP-UB450.

 

Setting up the DP-UB820 can take longer as it offers outputs for surround sound. It also has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to access a range of streaming services, apps and a web browser.

 

Winner: DP-UB450

 

 

Performance

Even on a non-4K TV, you’ll notice an improvement with either Panasonic Blu-ray player. Of course, with a 4K TV, both units come to life, thanks in part to the Panasonic HCX chip.

 

With the Panasonic DP-UB450, some users have experienced some glitches at the start, which magically disappear after the first use.

 

Both handle a range of formats with ease from Blu-rays and DVDs to Hi-Res audio and more. The USB port further extends the options. The HDR modes provide yet another improvement. So, it’s worth experimenting with these settings if your display handles HDR.

 

Of course, the Panasonic DP-UB820 offers more features thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi and pre-loaded apps. That said, the user interface is slightly difficult to navigate.

 

Even if you don’t use the extensive audio output capabilities, it’s worth acknowledging that they are impressive and set the DP-UB820 apart from the rest of the pack.

 

Winner: DP-UB820

 

 

Panasonic DP-UB450 vs DP-UB820: Which is better?

 

When comparing the Panasonic DP-UB450 vs DP-UB820 Blu-ray player, it’s easy to see that the DP-UB820 is the clear winner.

 

The DP-UB820 is built to a superior standard with a more subtle design. It automatically upscales each frame to 4K, offers a range of connectivity options, and has built-in Wi-Fi. Although, the apps and the web browser can become sluggish.

 

Offering superb picture and audio across a wide range of formats, you can enjoy all of your favourite content in 4K. Plus, there are plenty of smart features available. These include direct access to Netflix, integration with Alexa and Google assistant and web browser.

 

Overall, the Panasonic DP-UB820 is future-proof, well-built and can handle almost everything you can throw at it.