Panasonic issues firmware update for DMP-BD30

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 25th 2008 at 4:22PM

By our count, Panasonic's DMP-BD30 wasn't a half bad Blu-ray player from day one, but apparently, it just got a whole lot better. Effectively immediately, owners can surf on over to the firm's website and grab hold of the v1.6 firmware, which promises to fix the LFE audio issue that some were experiencing. Additionally, Panny informs us that BD-V (PiP) playability and HDMI compatibility are also improved upon, but no further details are given. Anxious to update? Head on down to the read link to get your download on, and stop on by the via to see how others have fared.

[Via AVSForum, thanks Brian L.]

Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Panasonic

Tags: bd30, bug, DMP-BD30, DMP-BD30k, error, firmware, fix, fixed, issue, LFE, panasonic, problem, solution, update, upgrade

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Eric M @ Feb 25th 2008 4:48PM

This is the BD player to own. There's a good chance PS3 won't get any DTS-HD/MA support, and it cannot bitstream TrueHD. And it's not ugly as sin.

Neutral

zargon @ Feb 25th 2008 4:51PM

No, the DMP-BD50 is the Blu-ray player to own, which should be out shortly. The DMP-30BD, while a good player, was nothing more than a good stop gap player while BDA got their act together and finished the spec.

Neutral

DrXym @ Feb 25th 2008 6:08PM

I think we'll see a slim-line PS3 model appear this year, but for the time being it is a bit of an ugly bloater.

Neutral

zargon @ Feb 25th 2008 4:48PM

If only Blu-ray had their ducks in a row from the start so you could eliminate the downloading and burning of the firmware to disc, but instead download it via the ethernet port.

Good news, LFE is fixed, which is one of the biggest problems of the player... which should mean the DMP-BD50 has the LFE fix also. I will wait for the DMP-BD50 so I can get all the usefull features I have with my HD-DVD player.

Neutral

med1320 @ Feb 25th 2008 4:53PM

Will there be a day when we buy players that don't need firmware updates? All I want is to put in my disc in press play and that the damn thing works. Not worried that I have to go online and download crap for the machine. Oh well!

Neutral

cclaunch @ Feb 25th 2008 5:04PM

Unfortunately no that day will never come. These are no longer simple devices. They are essentially full blow computers with gobs of software running on them. Updating our consumer electronics via downloadable firmware is here to stay.

Neutral

zargon @ Feb 25th 2008 5:07PM

The other bonus it brings is updates for movies. Studios and CES can issue updates to fix the playback of a movie that is having issues. In theory, no more issues with movies not being able to be playing on a player like you would see every now and then on DVD.

Neutral

Killer @ Feb 25th 2008 5:19PM

"All I want is to put in my disc in press play and that the damn thing works."

But..But...That would be too simple and consumer friendly, which is ofcourse agianst Corperate policies.

Neutral

Killer @ Feb 25th 2008 4:59PM

Well, this will be interesting...I'll go see if this firmware changes anything for my Blu-ray experience and opinion. I might just get a whole new view on life. Who knows..I'll go check.

Neutral

cclaunch @ Feb 25th 2008 5:01PM

The only difference between the BD30 and BD50 will be 7.1 analog outputs and profile 2.0 support (ethernet port + slightly more memory), which will not effect movie playback. Other than those items the two players are identical. The BD50 has been slated for summer time.

I own the BD30 and it is a great player. If you really want a standalone Blu-ray player ASAP and are on the fence about getting it, don't hesitate to snag a BD30. If you absolutely must have an ethernet port and be able to connect to online bonus features of discs, wait for the BD50.

Neutral

Killer @ Feb 25th 2008 5:15PM

Don't forget, If anyone wants DTS Master you want to get a reciever that decodes it for you, since the Panny BD30 doesn't have the ability. If you don't want to buy a 400+ reciever for that. I recommend waiting for the BD50. Now off to see if the firmware did anything significant.

Neutral

ShadowGod @ Feb 25th 2008 7:16PM

When will the BD50 be available? I'm looking at that to be my first BR player.

Neutral

zargon @ Feb 25th 2008 7:27PM

May/June is the current time frame.

Wounded how long before the Oppo comes out because that will be the player to get.

Neutral

SAMe @ Feb 25th 2008 10:11PM

I was waiting for the BD50 to replace my PS3. I heard that the BD30 does a lousier job than the PS3
when its upconverting, is this true? Did the new firmware address picture quality in this regard?
Will the BD50 do a better job when dealing with standard dvd's? I gotta know, man!

Neutral

zargon @ Feb 25th 2008 10:25PM

Just pick up a cheap HD-DVD player for all your scaling needs...

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