In a hurry? Here’s our verdict

The Panasonic DP-UB820EB is a mid-level 4K Blu-ray player that features Panasonic’s HCX Processor. This means it supports advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Hybrid Log-Gamma, as well as commendable 4K upscaling for DVD and standard definition Blu-ray.

While the design feels a little lightweight and the menu system could use a refresh, the DP-UB820EB’s playback and surround sound technology more than make it worth the asking price.

Panasonic DP-UB280EB review

Design and build quality

The Panasonic DP-UB820EB takes a clean, no-frills approach to design, with its glossy black front panel and simple lines fitting stylistically with most modern home cinema setups. It’s a mid-sized unit – larger and more robust than budget players but far from the hefty, premium build of the flagship DP-UB9000.

In many ways, the DP-UB820EB is in the Goldilocks zone. Take the brushed effect on the top panel, for example. It adds a touch of style, but look closer and the plastic construction reminds you it’s not quite top-tier.

Let’s be honest, though – on film night, with the lights dimmed and the player tucked in a media cabinet, all eyes are on the movie, not the machine running it.

The front panel has a sleek design, with the disc tray and USB port hidden behind a hinged flap that opens when the disc tray is ejected. The display remains visible whether the flap is open or closed, meaning the player has a gap-free appearance without exposed disc tray lines.

Since the DP-UB820EB is a fairly mid-sized player, you’ll want to be mindful of placing anything too close in front of it to avoid accidental bumps.

As for the remote, it’s compact, easy to use, and keeps things simple. The menus, meanwhile, feel a bit dated compared to more modern players. While they’re functional, they could use a bit of a refresh to make them more user-friendly and match the standards of other home cinema equipment. Overall though, it’s not a deal breaker.

Setting up: Connectivity and controls

We’ve already mentioned there’s a USB port behind the front panel, so let’s start there. This USB 2.0 port is ideal for quick access to media stored on pen drives, while around the back, the USB 3.0 port provides faster data transfer, perfect for more demanding external hard drives.

Also on the rear, twin HDMI outputs let you separate video and audio signals, reducing interference for improved clarity. This setup is especially useful if you’re connecting both a 4K TV and a soundbar or older AV receiver that doesn’t allow 4K passthrough. That said, this isn’t required, and you can always opt for the simplicity of using just one HDMI cable if preferred.

For audio, there’s a set of 7.1 analog outputs, giving you the flexibility to connect non-HDMI compatible AV gear or more complex analogue surround systems. There’s also a digital optical output, ensuring compatibility with whatever TV or projector you’re using.

On the player itself, controls are few but functional.

With physical buttons for power and eject discreetly placed on the top panel, it’s easy to use in low-light setups. As mentioned previously, the remote is button-heavy but easy to use, offering direct access to key features like playback and HDR settings. The only downside is that it’s not backlit, meaning until you’re familiar with it, you may be fumbling around if the lights are turned down.

Additionally, the DP-UB820EB supports DLNA, allowing you to stream media directly from compatible devices on your home network. Built-in apps for popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide quick access to catchup content, making this player a versatile hub for entertainment if you’re connecting to a non-smart TV or projector.

In use: Picture quality

Once you’re set up, you can take full advantage of the DP-UB820EB’s Hollywood Cinema Experience (HCX) Processor, the same high-performance chip found in Panasonic’s flagship DP-UB9000. This ensures stunning picture quality with precise colours, tone mapping, and contrast.

If you have a high-resolution 4K TV, this is exactly how you unlock its full potential for physical media.

The player supports all major HDR formats – HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG). These formats are essential for enhancing picture quality.

Dolby Vision, for example, makes colours more vibrant and draws out detail in darker scenes, while HDR10+ adjusts brightness and contrast frame by frame for a dynamic viewing experience.

If your TV supports these features, you’ll notice immediately how much more lifelike films look.

Another great feature is Panasonic’s HDR Optimiser, which tailors HDR signals to match your TV’s capabilities. This is particularly useful for displays without advanced tone mapping, or when upgrading your home cinema incrementally. If you’ve ever seen overly bright areas or shadowy scenes where details are lost, this feature fixes those issues, making every frame look its best.

Even older content gets a boost. The DP-UB820EB’s upscaling capabilities transform standard Blu-rays and DVDs into near-4K quality, with sharper textures and enhanced colours. This might feel a little gimmicky for some, but the difference is noticeable, particularly on larger screens. Older films gain a new level of detail, and colours feel more vibrant, giving your collection a fresh lease on life.

In use: Sound quality

Sound quality might not be the first thing you consider when shopping for a Blu-ray player, but it’s just as important as the picture. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, the DP-UB820EB Blu-ray player creates immersive surround sound, placing you at the centre of a 3D audio space.

With the right speaker system or soundbar, you’ll feel fully surrounded by sound, with effects moving around and even above you, delivering a true cinematic experience.

If you’re working with older or high-end gear, the 7.1 analogue outputs give you options to connect directly to a multi-channel system. For most setups, though, HDMI does the job perfectly. Unless you’re a die-hard audiophile seeking the high-fidelity DACs and balanced XLR outputs of the DP-UB9000, you’re unlikely to notice much difference.

For a player primarily designed for video, the DP-UB820EB performs impressively well with music playback, supporting high-resolution formats like FLAC, WAV, and DSD. Whether you’re popping in a CD, USB drive, or streaming tracks over your home network, you’ll enjoy clear vocals and a balanced soundstage.

While it doesn’t support SACD or DVD-Audio, it handles most common music formats effortlessly, making it a fine choice for everyday listening. Curious about the advantages of high-resolution audio over MP3? Explore the benefits in our guide to audio file formats.

There’s also a digital optical output if you’re running a simpler setup or connecting older gear. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster or playing a playlist, the sound is clean, dynamic, and consistently impressive. For anyone looking to elevate their home cinema experience, this Blu-ray player delivers audio that lives up to the visuals.

Who is the Panasonic DP-UB820EB suited to?

Simply put, the Panasonic DP-UB820EB is a fantastic all-rounder, especially if you’ve recently upgraded to a 4K display. Yes, there are cheaper options as well as more feature-full ones too, but if you’re looking for the best performance without spending a fortune, go for the DP-UB820EB – it’s a truly award-worthy player.

Its connectivity option makes it a pretty safe bet for whatever equipment you’re running, and the multi-channel outputs make it easy to connect to older receivers or systems that might not support HDMI without having to overhaul your system.

Even the streaming apps make it easy to access things like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. While it’s not designed to take the place of dedicated smart boxes, it’s a convenient option for casual use.

The DP-UB820EB is designed to adapt to a range of setups, whether you’re upgrading older gear or enhancing a more current home cinema system. Its HDR Optimiser ensures your 4K display delivers its best performance, while its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ensures an equally immersive audio experience.

All of this comes wrapped in a package that’s straightforward to use, bridging the gap between budget players and high-end models – all with a relatively maintainable asking price.

How does it compare to others on the market?

Compared to others on the market, we’ve already made quite a few contrasts to the DP-UB9000, but if you’re in the market for a mid-level Blu-ray player, it may not be on your radar given the significant price gap.

While both models share the HCX Processor for outstanding picture quality, the UB9000’s premium features like balanced XLR outputs and a robust metal chassis cater more to audiophiles. For most setups, the UB820EB provides similar visual performance at a fraction of the cost.

A more direct comparison might be the Panasonic DP-UB450, which is slightly cheaper than the UB820EB. So naturally, you might ask, Which is the better deal? The UB450 includes essentials like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ but lacks the UB820EB’s standout features, such as the HDR Optimiser and 7.1 analogue audio outputs.

These additions make the UB820EB a better choice if you have an advanced analog setup or older AV equipment. The UB450’s compact size is handy for tighter spaces, but the UB820EB wins with overall better build quality, connectivity options, and slightly better HDR optimisation.

The same applies when comparing the UB820EB to other brands in this price range. Take the Sony UBP-X800M2, for example. While it’s a strong competitor, the Panasonic DP-UB820EB takes the lead with superior HDR processing and optimisation, delivering more precise picture adjustments and an overall boost in quality.

Panasonic also offers broader connectivity options and slightly better build quality. For just a little extra, you get a player that’s not only more flexible but also easier to integrate into a high-quality home cinema setup without breaking the bank.

Panasonic DP-UB820EB specifications

FAQs

Is the Panasonic DP-UB820EB worth it?

The Panasonic DP-UB820EB is worth it if you’re looking for 4K HDR and immersive audio support, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. With the same HCX Video Processor as the high-end UB9000, plus streaming and high-resolution audio, it’s a top pick for mid-level home cinema.

Is the Panasonic DP-UB820EB discontinued?

The Panasonic DP-UB820EB is not currently discontinued. While the selection of Blu-ray players on the market becomes scarcer and scarcer, this model remains a popular choice for both home cinema fans and showrooms, balancing simplicity, size, and picture and audio quality.

What’s the difference between the UB820EB and UB9000?

The UB9000 features superior audio capabilities compared to the UB820EB, including balanced XLR outputs. This ensures high-fidelity sound quality supported by a dense, low-resonance design. However, the UB820EB features many of the same image features at a fraction of the price.

Final thoughts

We hope our Panasonic DP-UB820EB review has shown you why this mid-range Blu-ray player is a top pick. Whether you’re upgrading your home cinema setup or looking to get the most out of your 4K TV, it’s hard to go wrong here.

It’s not without compromises, but the HCX Processor delivers stunning picture quality, while Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 4K upscaling breathe new life into your film collection. Combined with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it ensures immersive sound to match the visuals.

If you’re building your dream home cinema, check out our guides to the best AV receivers and projectors. If you’re still not really sure about all the technical babble surrounding home cinema audio technology, our Dolby Atmos vs. Dolby Digital article is a must-read.

For both cinephiles and casual viewers, the Panasonic DP-UB820EB player proves that physical media still has a place in the streaming age, offering a quality that digital formats just can’t match.