Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
popular Posted by supermanrob • Jun 18, 2024
popular Posted by supermanrob • Jun 18, 2024

Panasonic UB450 Ultra HD 4K Blu Ray Player with Hi-Res Sound, Dolby Vision - $199

$200

Panasonic
41 Comments 20,327 Views
Get Deal at Panasonic
Good Deal
Save
Share
Deal Details
Looks like Panasonic has their UB450 4K Blu Ray Player on sale for $199.
Biggest differences between this and the 420, you gain DV but lose their Optimizer and WiFi.
I figured some may find this advantageous.

https://shop.panasonic.com/produc...7528456500
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Looks like Panasonic has their UB450 4K Blu Ray Player on sale for $199.
Biggest differences between this and the 420, you gain DV but lose their Optimizer and WiFi.
I figured some may find this advantageous.

https://shop.panasonic.com/produc...7528456500

Community Voting

Deal Score
+19
Good Deal
Get Deal at Panasonic

Leave a Comment

Unregistered (You)

41 Comments

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Jun 18, 2024
1,102 Posts
Joined Apr 2006
Jun 18, 2024
Jottle
Jun 18, 2024
1,102 Posts
I think the 450 also lacks the advanced upscaler. Not 100% on that though.
1
Pro
Jun 18, 2024
14,158 Posts
Joined Dec 2015
Jun 18, 2024
Spaceman6969
Pro
Jun 18, 2024
14,158 Posts
What is Optimizer? I googled it and nothing. Hopefully it not a gimmicks
Original Poster
Pro
Jun 18, 2024
11,299 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
Jun 18, 2024
supermanrob
Jun 18, 2024
Original Poster
Pro
11,299 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank supermanrob

Quote from Spaceman6969 :
What is Optimizer? I googled it and nothing. Hopefully it not a gimmicks
So in basic terms the Optimizer chip optimizes(tone maps) static HDR to the best ability of the display.

There is no standard on doing this.
It's what separates Panasonic from other players and considered one of the best at doing that.
1
2
Pro
Jun 18, 2024
14,158 Posts
Joined Dec 2015
Jun 18, 2024
Spaceman6969
Pro
Jun 18, 2024
14,158 Posts
Quote from supermanrob :
So in basic terms the Optimizer chip optimizes(tone maps) static HDR to the best ability of the display.

There is no standard on doing this.
It's what separates Panasonic from other players and considered one of the best at doing that.
Interesting. You're right. Both PS5 and Xbox One/Series consoles with the optical drive for instance don't have that unique functionality.
Jun 18, 2024
290 Posts
Joined Jul 2021
Jun 18, 2024
sigchidj
Jun 18, 2024
290 Posts
Is this a new model? Never heard of it before
Original Poster
Pro
Jun 19, 2024
11,299 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
Jun 19, 2024
supermanrob
Jun 19, 2024
Original Poster
Pro
11,299 Posts
Quote from sigchidj :
Is this a new model? Never heard of it before
No this has been out for awhile, it wasn't released here in the USA much if at all.
I think it was portrayed as an upgrade to their 150/154 model.
1
Jun 19, 2024
341 Posts
Joined Apr 2013
Jun 19, 2024
hegemon13
Jun 19, 2024
341 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank hegemon13

What a strange model number scheme. Losing HDR Optimizer is a huge downgrade, yet the model number is higher than the 420. That's the feature that sets Panasonic apart, and it's truly exceptional. It transformed 4K content on my projector, and when I got I new, brighter projector, I was able to adjust the optimizer accordingly.

For those unfamiliar, it analyzes HDR frame-by-frame and adjusts the tone mapping and dynamic lighting range to fit within the capabilities of your display. This avoids the blown out bright areas, shadow crush, and overly dim or washed out image that is typical for HDR10 on many display types. It basically makes static HDR10 into a dynamic HDR more equivalent to Dolby Vision/HDR10+, customized to your display type.
5
1

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Jun 19, 2024
4,731 Posts
Joined Aug 2009
Jun 19, 2024
tomwil
Jun 19, 2024
4,731 Posts
Keep checking Amazon or Best Buy for a deal on the 420 for $200.

https://slickdeals.net/f/17541420-panasonic-4k-uhd-blu-ray-player-dp-ub420-k-amazon-199-99
1
Jun 19, 2024
639 Posts
Joined Jul 2022
Jun 19, 2024
LivelyManatee460
Jun 19, 2024
639 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank LivelyManatee460

Between 450 & 420, the 420 has a better upscaler & HDR Optimizer but no Dolby Vision. The 450 has an upscaler built in but the algorithm isnt as good as the one in the 420 & no HDR Optimizer.

Arguably the Upscaler isnt too big of a loss nowadays esp since most TVs have some kind of 4k
& 1080p upscaler to bring things up anyways and it will do a fine job at it esp if you own a modern Sony TV (the king of upscaling & processing). HOWEVER the HDR Optimizer is kinda great in terms of making the content match your TVs peak brightness for HDR Content. This is great for movies that don't have Dolby Vision, however if you do have disks that have DV then you will want to get the 450 to make use of it, however it wont get the HDR Optimizer. If your TV is bright enough like a MiniLED or QD-OLED you most likely wont need nor benefit from the HDR Optimizer. The UB-450 is basically a baby UB-820 (which gives you all the functions of 420 & 450) for those that already have very high end TVs.

Note* If you have a Samsung TV then don't even bother w/ the 450 because your TV doesnt even support DV, in which case just stick to the regular UB-420.
1
Jun 19, 2024
639 Posts
Joined Jul 2022
Jun 19, 2024
LivelyManatee460
Jun 19, 2024
639 Posts
Quote from hegemon13 :
What a strange model number scheme. Losing HDR Optimizer is a huge downgrade, yet the model number is higher than the 420. That's the feature that sets Panasonic apart, and it's truly exceptional. It transformed 4K content on my projector, and when I got I new, brighter projector, I was able to adjust the optimizer accordingly.

For those unfamiliar, it analyzes HDR frame-by-frame and adjusts the tone mapping and dynamic lighting range to fit within the capabilities of your display. This avoids the blown out bright areas, shadow crush, and overly dim or washed out image that is typical for HDR10 on many display types. It basically makes static HDR10 into a dynamic HDR more equivalent to Dolby Vision/HDR10+, customized to your display type.
In place of that you gain Dolby Vision which I think more people would rather have tbh. Given that more and more TVs nowadays are reaching insanely high peak brightness levels well beyond what is needed for the HDR optimizer. I think its really only useful for the Projector community and i think the argument there is that if you're running a projector Panasonic thinks that you ought to just get the UB820 at that point unless you have a really budget system. In which you wouldnt benefit from dolby vision anyways.
3
Original Poster
Pro
Jun 19, 2024
11,299 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
Jun 19, 2024
supermanrob
Jun 19, 2024
Original Poster
Pro
11,299 Posts
Quote from LivelyManatee460 :
Between 450 & 420, the 420 has a better upscaler & HDR Optimizer but no Dolby Vision. The 450 has an upscaler built in but the algorithm isnt as good as the one in the 420 & no HDR Optimizer.

Arguably the Upscaler isnt too big of a loss nowadays esp since most TVs have some kind of 4k
& 1080p upscaler to bring things up anyways and it will do a fine job at it esp if you own a modern Sony TV (the king of upscaling & processing). HOWEVER the HDR Optimizer is kinda great in terms of making the content match your TVs peak brightness for HDR Content. This is great for movies that don't have Dolby Vision, however if you do have disks that have DV then you will want to get the 450 to make use of it, however it wont get the HDR Optimizer. If your TV is bright enough like a MiniLED or QD-OLED you most likely wont need nor benefit from the HDR Optimizer. The UB-450 is basically a baby UB-820 (which gives you all the functions of 420 & 450) for those that already have very high end TVs.

Note* If you have a Samsung TV then don't even bother w/ the 450 because your TV doesnt even support DV, in which case just stick to the regular UB-420.
Quote from LivelyManatee460 :
In place of that you gain Dolby Vision which I think more people would rather have tbh. Given that more and more TVs nowadays are reaching insanely high peak brightness levels well beyond what is needed for the HDR optimizer. I think its really only useful for the Projector community and i think the argument there is that if you're running a projector Panasonic thinks that you ought to just get the UB820 at that point unless you have a really budget system. In which you wouldnt benefit from dolby vision anyways.
Actually The Optimizer is only restricted by how high the brightness was transferred on the static HDR content.
Dynamic HDR(DV & HDR10+) brightness is built in frame by frame into the content, it can not be manipulated.
This is why the difference between static HDR vs dynamic HDR can vary widely from content to content.
The transfers are all over the place with both, there is no standard.

Your display capabilities comes into play here also, keep in mind current commercial displays can't even take full advantage of HDR brightness let alone DV/HDR10+ brightness.
Thats the whole reason they have to be tone mapped, for us to view it.

The only real thing this has that the 820 does is DV, it lacks the optimizer and HCX processors.
If your main priority is DV & all you watch, this works.
If it isn't then this might not be the best choice.

Unless your projector is a native 4K DV capable one, the 820 has on real advantage over the 420.
5
Jun 19, 2024
25 Posts
Joined May 2022
Jun 19, 2024
SeriousBelieve470
Jun 19, 2024
25 Posts
Quote from supermanrob :
Actually The Optimizer is only restricted by how high the brightness was transferred on the static HDR content.
Dynamic HDR(DV & HDR10+) brightness is built in frame by frame into the content, it can not be manipulated.
This is why the difference between static HDR vs dynamic HDR can vary widely from content to content.
The transfers are all over the place with both, there is no standard.

Your display capabilities comes into play here also, keep in mind current commercial displays can't even take full advantage of HDR brightness let alone DV/HDR10+ brightness.
Thats the whole reason they have to be tone mapped, for us to view it.

The only real thing this has that the 820 does is DV, it lacks the optimizer and HCX processors.
If your main priority is DV & all you watch, this works.
If it isn't then this might not be the best choice.

Unless your projector is a native 4K DV capable one, the 820 has on real advantage over the 420.
I had a 420 and the fan was super loud to the point that I could hear it through my sound system. It got increasingly more annoying so I Returned it and got a 820 and am much happier.
1
Jun 19, 2024
26 Posts
Joined Nov 2004
Jun 19, 2024
enchanter
Jun 19, 2024
26 Posts
Quote from LivelyManatee460 :
Note* If you have a Samsung TV then don't even bother w/ the 450 because your TV doesnt even support DV, in which case just stick to the regular UB-420.
+1 to that part of LivelyManatee460's comment. No current Samsung TVs support DolbyVision (Samsung is on the HDR10+ bandwagon, instead), so the support for DV in the UB450P is pointless for Samsung owners.
Jun 19, 2024
26 Posts
Joined Nov 2004
Jun 19, 2024
enchanter
Jun 19, 2024
26 Posts
The audio section of the manual for the UB450P mentions various lossless Dolby audio formats, but it never mentions Atmos (that I can find) or DTS:X.

Q for people that know more about modern audio than I do: does the presence of TrueHD or DTS-HD MA *imply* support for object-based audio standards like Atmos or DTS:X/DTS:X Pro? I'm guessing not, but I don't know enough to be certain.

I have a UB820 so I'm pretty well set, but I have a coworker that's been looking for a good UHD player to add to the LG C3 TV he just bought. Getting a player that supports Dolby Vision would be a plus, but if the player doesn't *also* support Atmos or DTS:X, that's a rough tradeoff.
1

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Jun 19, 2024
3,300 Posts
Joined Sep 2010
Jun 19, 2024
Strangermusic
Jun 19, 2024
3,300 Posts
Dolby Vision on a nice OLED is fantastic. Check out Crimson Peak on 4K UHD for wonderful examples.

Leave a Comment

Unregistered (You)

Popular Deals

View All

Trending Deals

View All