The X800M2 can be updated to firmware version M454.R.0050 (the unit ships with M45.R.0046) and this update is supposed to improve image quality in specific scenes. This can be done via the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) or USB drive (via the front port) and is recommended upon first use especially since this player is hot off the press.
Panasonic blu ray smart player software#
Upon setup the player quickly displays a message to go into the Setup for a Software Update. At over 8 pounds the player isn’t exactly light (a few pounds more than the Panasonic DP-UB820-K), but nowhere near as heavy as Pioneer’s 22-pound UDP-LX500 (although in an entirely different class). Sony boasts the X800M2’s frame-and-beam chassis construction which includes reinforcements to minimize micro-vibrations and provides additional electrical shielding. But, it’s got all the buttons and we’d rather see practicality rather than design in a remote. It doesn’t have much style to it either (compared to more stylish remotes from Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung) but is rather rectangular and clunky. The remote control is light as a feather and for this reason may seem a little bit on the cheap side. On the right, High-Res Audio, 4k/HDR and Ultra HD Blu-ray brand logos cover a USB port that can be accessed by flipping the front plate open. The Sony logo sits on the front left corner of what is a really wide disc tray. It’s a simple yet elegant design with a combination of rough matte black and smooth glossy finish. It’s 17” wide by 2” tall with a depth of 10-½”. The design, size, and weight of the X800M2 are exactly the same as the X800 (which followed the UHP-H1). The 2 free movies are only being offered for a limited time so order from Amazon or Best Buy while still in stock. However, considering the X800M2 comes with two free 4k Blu-rays: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Jumanji: Welcome To the Jungle that together are valued at about $40, the price almost equals out. The X800M2 retails for $299 which is $50 more than the X800 at $249. This was an incredible oversight by Sony as even their cheaper X700 model supports Dolby Vision. We hope the new Sony X800M2 will also support HDR10+ which improves upon the HDR10 specification (although we don’t have any confidence it will, and the amount of HDR10+ content is extremely limited). The Sony UBP-X800M2 is pretty much an updated X800 that fixes what the previous model lacked: HDR with Dolby Vision. If you’re thinking about picking up the X800M2 here’s a hands-on review that can maybe help you decide.
The new Sony UBP-X800M2 was released on May 11, 2019, and we spent some time giving the player a test drive.