What is it?
Ultra-high definition (UHD) 4K Blu-ray player which promises to consign DVD and regular HD entertainment to history.
Good points?
As you would expect the picture clarity offered by 4K players is brilliant, but the DMP-UB900 offers even more with HDR (high dynamic range) compliance that raises the bar another few notches.
This standard offers brighter output with higher contrast and almost as much colours as the eye is capable of absorbing.
The unit looks smart but indistinguishable from any other DVD or Blu-ray player and will fit comfortably into most existing media centre cabinets. The remote has an impressive backlit interface, so navigating in dimmed lighting is trouble-free.
Connectivity options are normally what separates premium products from the average and Panasonic has included everything you would want such as USB, SD card slot, HDMI, coaxial outputs and 7.1 sound outputs in addition to the usual ethernet, wi-fi and DNLA.
Bad points?
At a smidgeon under £600 it’s not cheap, which means all but the most serious tech geeks or film buffs will baulk at such an outlay.
Best for ...
Those who won’t compromise on quality. Ideal for anyone frustrated by the countless streaming services which place little onus on high-resolution images. What is the use of an extensive back catalogue of films and TV shows if watching them is like peering through muslin cloth?
Avoid if ...
The thought (and vast expense) of building a new media library of UHD discs from scratch fills you with dread. Technology moves so fast that there is bound to be something that will supersede it in the not too distant future.
Score
9/10.
Panasonic DMP-UB900, £599 (panasonic.co.uk)
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