The DMP-BD65K is one of the new Blu-ray Player models Panasonic is introducing to us this year. Very similar to the DMP-85K, also out this year, but with some important differences. One being the lower price tag of the DMP-BD-65k. Panasonic in the past has been criticized for its lack of Wi-Fi and Netflix streaming. Issues they try to fix with this years models.

The design of the Panasonic DMP-BD65K is mostly the same as previous model players. It is some what sleek looking and in keeping with Panasonic’s efforts to improve the environment, the players dimensions have been scaled down. It comes with a feature called Viera Link Eco Function which automatically turns on/off the player depending on the status of your TV. Further helping the environment by saving and preserving energy.

Video Quality: The Panasonic DMP-BD65k has excellent set of features to help you get the best possible picture. You can connect the player through the following connections: HDMI, Component video or Composite video Outputs. You will get 1080/24p playback on Blu-ray disc and DVD up-conversion for 1080p playback. Along with such image processing features as 3:2/2:2 Pull-Down Progressive Processing , x.v.Color and High Precision 4:4:4 you get Panasonic’s unique PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. This quality image processing technology keep colors original and crisp and clear, by reproducing color data with twice the accuracy of normal systems.

Audio Quality: Audio connection for the DMP-BD65k are through the following: HDMI, Analog Audio Out (2ch) and Optical Audio. It has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Providing you with great sound. To enhance this great sound you are proved with features such as the Night Surround Mode, Dialogue Enhancer and 96kHz Surround Re-Master. The latter improves the sound quality on CDs can the quality of the multi-channel audio found on blu-ray discs and DVD discs.

The DMP-BD65K is Wi-Fi ‘Ready, meaning you will need a Panasonic 802.11a/b/g/n USB wireless adapter if you want to take advantage of this features. This is sold separately form the player. You other option is to connect to the internet via the Ethernet Port. An internet connecting will allow you to use Viera Cast. Viera Cast provides access to online streaming services where you can watch movies, listen to music, view pictures or get information. Services that can be access include Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Picasa, Pandora, Fox Sports and Twitter.

The Panasonic DMP-BD65 provides Ultra Fast 0.5 Second Quick Start feature making boot up times and loading times faster. Most Blu-ray disc will load anywhere from 15 seconds to 30 seconds. Putting this Blu-ray Player among the fastest loading times of any player.

THE PROS: The Panasonic DMP-BD65K is a great Blu-ray Player. You get FULL High Definition Video and internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It has an Ethernet port and is Wi-Fi 'Ready' so you can access BD-Live content. And with Panasonic's Vera Cast, once connected to the internet, you can access Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand,YouTube, Pandora, Picasa, and many more internet sites.

THE CONS: No DLNA feature or internal memory storage for BD-Live content.(a USB Flash memory drive is needed) And because it is Wi-Fi 'Ready', a Wireless LAN Adapter is required if you want to connect to the internet wirelessly.

THE FINAL WORD: The Panasonic DMP-BD65K has a great set of features including an easy to use setup and is Wi-Fi 'Ready'. It provides excellent, clear, detailed images and has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. And with Vera Cast adding Netflix and Pandora, it has improved on last years model, the DMP-BD60. Considering the cost and the features of the DMP-BD65k Blu-ray Player, it would be a great addition to any one home entertainment system. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $170.00