BluRay player question: Panasonic vs. LG?

[Kabob]

I'm looking at BluRay players for Christmas and Amazon has good deals on two 3D players that I'm interested in, wondering if anyone has any insight or personal experience with either.

The first is the Panasonic DMP-BDT210.

The second is the LG BD670.

Both have built in WiFi, I hear the Panasonic has a faster load time but the LG has a better menu setup. The LG is only $110 right now compared to the Panny's $130, but the later comes with Avatar for free (which my wife wants anyways). Anyone have any insight?

 

[NTAC]

I'd go with the shorter load times personally. But probably just read reviews on each one and see which one grades out better.

 

[Kabob]

Reviews-wise they're neck and neck. CNet and user reviews favor the Panny, Consumer Reports favors the LG.

 

[NTAC]

For me load time is more important than the menu setup... I mean how often do you really have to fiddle with the menu on a BD player... you pretty much set it and forget it I'd assume.

You can also go to a store that might have both of these and check them out... I think ultimately either one is probably just fine.

 

[SlickSnake]

The Panasonic is the one you want. I got the 210 and 110. And if they are still giving away the 3d Avatar copy, I sold both of those for 140 EACH on Amazon, which made both players FREE and then some. And I managed to snag the 210 for 99 bucks at Fry's right after it came out, too!

 

[donfm]

I've been looking at the Panny 210 as well. One thing make note there are no component video outputs on the Panny only HDMI and video RF....that may not be an issue for you. I do like the fact it has an optical audio output.

I thought the magic open feature was pretty ridiculous waving your hand over the top to open the player. The other thing I'm not sure I like is the entire front panel folds down when it opens but you have to close it manually. It doesn't look particularly attractive with that door open either. These are just little things and have no effect on playback but you have to live with it too. It seems to be a pretty highly rated player. I don't know much about LG players. Some people seem to have a reliability issue with them I've read. But the more reviews you read they all have issues no matter what brand...good luck

 

[corwin]

The Panasonic is the one you want. I got the 210 and 110. And if they are still giving away the 3d Avatar copy, I sold both of those for 140 EACH on Amazon, which made both players FREE and then some. And I managed to snag the 210 for 99 bucks at Fry's right after it came out, too!

I concur, have the 210 myself and it's a great little player...have to say the Avatar disk isn't commanding as much of a premium anymore, mine only sold for $70 2 weeks ago which is about average for the other sales I saw going on, but it makes for a nice little rebate on it