Panasonic DP-UB9000 a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player built for true cinema lovers. Crafted with a solid aluminum chassis, advanced HDR processing, and reference-grade audio quality, this machine transforms your movie nights into a theater-like experience. Whether you’re a filmmaker, audiophile, or just someone who appreciates crystal-clear visuals, the UB9000 delivers pure perfection. Let’s see what makes this the ultimate choice for high-end home theaters!
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- Panasonic DP-UB9000
Panasonic DP-UB9000
The Panasonic DP-UB9000 is the company’s latest flagship 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player and, after Oppo started winding down its competing devices, the new model finds itself in a fortuitous position.
The absence of Oppo has created a gap at the high-end player market, one that the Panasonic is perfectly suited to fill. Not only is the player more than capable with images, it has audiophile aspirations as well, sporting high quality DACs, two-channel and 7.1-channel analogue outputs, and Hi-Res Audio support.
Toss in a host of smart features, and the UB9000 ticks nearly every box in the book. Naturally all these flagship features don’t come cheap – but, for those seeking the ideal replacement Blu-ray player after Oppo’s collapse, the Panasonic DP-UB9000 is a more than adequate replacement. The UB9000 tips the scales at 7.8kg, evidence of its tank-like construction.
The double layer top plate and aluminium side plate are separately bolted, while the base of the chassis, also dual layer, consists of 1.2 and 1.6mm steel sheets. Attention to detail is high: The front fascia boasts a subtle hairline finish, and sports a front facing USB, plus transport and power controls.
Disc loading times are relatively fast, too. The deck takes a heavily authored Goldfinger Blu-ray from tray to main menu in 40 seconds. The disc loading mechanism, affixed to a 1.2mm steel plate, is buttery smooth.
Pros
- Outstanding 4K HDR picture quality with deep contrast and vibrant colors.
- Premium aluminum build offering durability and reduced vibration.
- Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and high-resolution audio formats.
- Excellent upscaling for Blu-ray and DVD content.
- Reference-grade audio performance for audiophiles.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other Blu-ray players.
- Bulky and heavy design may not fit all setups.
- Limited streaming and smart app support.
- No Wi-Fi 6 or modern wireless connectivity options.
Verdict
This is a focused, high-performance machine and a home cinema powerhouse.
If you own a surround system that can make the most of the Panasonic DP-UB9000’s many talents, you won’t be disappointed.
Picture quality
We feed the DP-UB9000 a selection of 4K Blu-rays, starting with the remake of Jumanji, and the picture we get on our completely blows us away.
As our four intrepid explorers are dropped off at the start of their hunt for the Jaguar’s Eye, the jungle backdrop looks breathtaking. Clouds, blue skies and lush foliage combine to create a picture rich with information and beautifully shaded colours.
The level of detail on display is stunning. From the definition on The Rock’s tattoos and bulging biceps to the frayed badges on Kevin Hart’s gilet, the potent combination of detail and clarity keeps you fixed to the screen.
As the group attempts to outrun a marauding biker gang by weaving in and out of cover, the player handles the motion and shift from shadow to light with skill and finesse. And, when they reach a ridge above a waterfall, the overhead camera pan is almost enough to trigger a bout of vertigo.
We switch to the 4K Blu-ray of Baby Driver and the Panasonic DP-UB9000 produces a similarly inviting picture. During the opening chapter, as the getaway car arrives on the scene, the Subaru’s glossy red paintwork and black alloy wheels look exquisite. The motion from every handbrake turn and powerslide is handled with confidence. You get the impression it will take a lot to rattle this 4K Blu-ray player.
Flick the HDR Optimiser on and off and the player subtly firms up the brightest elements of the picture, particularly the flaring around headlights as the crew leave the car park after their first bank job.
The UB9000 also excels when handed the job of upscaling a 1080p Blu-ray. The Times Square battle between Spidey and Max in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a great test scene, with plenty of dark details to investigate and punchy neon colours to communicate.
The reds, blues and finer details and textures of Spider-Man’s suit are impressively rendered. Max’s neon blue CGI persona punches powerfully against the city sky with little in the way of on-screen noise.
It’s these upscaling skills that set the Panasonic apart from rivals such as the. The picture is just clearer, sharper and more insightful across the board. We’d have no qualms paying the extra money demanded by the DP-UB9000.