Once it gets its Dolby Vision firmware update this fall, the UB820 will be the standard bearer for all future 4K UHD machines. And at a list price of $499, it’s cheaper now than the Oppo UDP-203 ever was. Is it perfect? No home video component ever is. But it’s close enough to make me glad I waited for it. Forget spending upwards of a grand for an Oppo 203 on eBay. Get the Panasonic UB-820 instead. You won’t be disappointed. On the contrary, I bet you’ll be thrilled. Highly Recommended.

Panasonic’s UHD Blu-ray player offers reference-level video performance and also sets a new bar for HDR playback with both HDR flat-panel TVs and projectors.

This well-specified player delivers an impressive performance at an excellent price

Highlights here are broad HDR support and an excellent image performance with user tweaks. The basic remote and user interface, plus average CD playback, take the shine off.

When it comes to value for money, the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K player is a difficult proposition to beat. If you already own, or have plans to invest in, a Dolby Vision or HDR10+ compatible TV, the UB820 warrants the price premium over the cheaper DP-UB420.

The DP-UB820 is a talented 4K Blu-ray player that avoids a punishing price, thanks mainly to its mainstream build quality. If you can live with the slightly plasticky finish, its AV performance is glorious for the price, and includes seamless support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

This 4K Blu-ray player promises plenty on paper and backs that up with a hugely entertaining picture and sound performance