Panasonic DP-UB820 vs Sony BDP-S1700U: Discs and Receiver Fit
Choose the Panasonic DP-UB820 for UHD discs or a receiver that needs direct analog audio. Choose the Sony BDP-S1700U for a standard-disc library and a compatible digital connection; it gives up UHD playback and native analog output.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-08
Source checked 2026-10-08 23:04 UTC
Products compared
Product A · ASIN B07N3PQM5N
Panasonic DP-UB820-K (Black)
Last observed offer
$628.27
Per listed package.
Offer eligibility must be confirmed on Amazon.
Checked 2026-10-19 17:34 UTC. Price and availability may change.
Product B · ASIN B0DWGS5977
Sony BDP-S1700U (Black, HDMI-cable package)
Last observed offer
$113.00
Per listed package.
Offer eligibility must be confirmed on Amazon.
Checked 2026-10-19 13:44 UTC. Price and availability may change.
Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
The buying question
Do your discs require UHD playback, and does your receiver need a direct analog connection?
Panasonic adds UHD-disc eligibility and native analog connections, with setup restrictions. Sony fits standard-disc use through its digital connections.
Quick verdict
Choose Panasonic DP-UB820-K (Black) if
- You need to play UHD Blu-ray discs.
- Your receiver has the matching analog inputs you intend to use.
Choose Sony BDP-S1700U (Black, HDMI-cable package) if
- You plan to use standard Blu-ray, DVD or CD rather than UHD discs.
- Your TV/receiver setup fits Sony’s HDMI or coaxial digital route.
When the recommendation changes
- Adding UHD discs changes the format requirement.
- Keeping an analog-only receiver changes the connection requirement even if you never buy a UHD disc.
The differences that matter
Disc Format Eligibility
Panasonic DP-UB820-K (Black)
Plays Ultra HD Blu-ray as well as standard Blu-ray, DVD and music CD.[1]
Sony BDP-S1700U (Black, HDMI-cable package)
Full HD Blu-ray/DVD/CD player; Sony explicitly says it does not play UHD Blu-ray or output native 4K.[3]
What this changes: UHD discs require the Panasonic in this pair. For a standard-disc library, the Sony covers the stated formats; owning a 4K TV alone does not make UHD-disc support necessary.[1, 3]
Receiver Output Route
Panasonic DP-UB820-K (Black)
Provides analog 2-channel and 7.1-channel audio outputs, plus HDMI and optical. Choosing 7.1ch or 2ch (Downmix) analog output disables HDMI audio.[1]
Sony BDP-S1700U (Black, HDMI-cable package)
The complete connection panel and output list provide HDMI and coaxial digital audio, without an analog audio output.[4]
What this changes: For a direct analog connection, choose Panasonic only after matching the receiver’s analog inputs and channel layout. Sony fits a receiver with the corresponding HDMI or coaxial digital input; a coaxial digital jack is not an analog input.[1, 4]
Best for your routine
You are adding UHD movies to your library.
Best fit: Panasonic DP-UB820-K (Black)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Panasonic reads that disc format. Check the 4K/HDR display and cable path before expecting that output.
You are keeping a receiver with suitable analog inputs.
Best fit: Panasonic DP-UB820-K (Black)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Panasonic offers the direct connection. Match stereo or multichannel inputs to the intended output; do not plan on simultaneous HDMI audio.
You only need standard discs and already have compatible digital inputs.
Best fit: Sony BDP-S1700U (Black, HDMI-cable package)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Sony fits that narrower job. Panasonic’s two distinguishing capabilities need not drive your purchase when neither is required.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
If Panasonic costs more in the offers you compare, justify the difference with a capability your discs or receiver actually need.
There is insufficient verified price history for a buy-now or wait recommendation.
Limitations
- This comparison covers connection and format fit, not measured picture quality, upscaling, sound quality, reliability or streaming performance. Neither player was hands-on tested.
- The selected US identities are DP-UB820-K and BDP-S1700U. Model-family manuals do not certify every hardware revision or the contents of a particular seller’s box; verify the selected Sony HDMI-cable package when ordering.
- Disc region, recording method and media condition still matter. Supported format names do not promise playback of every disc or file.
Questions shoppers ask
What else is needed for Panasonic 4K/HDR viewing?
Check HDCP 2.2, 4K/60p (4:4:4) and HDR compatibility across the connected devices and terminals, and use a suitable HDMI cable. Some UHD discs also require internet access.
Can Panasonic feed analog audio and an HDMI amplifier at the same time?
Do not plan on it: selecting either analog-output mode disables HDMI audio. Its illustrated dual-amplifier setup also prohibits simultaneous audio through the HDMI AUDIO OUT amplifier and the other optical/analog amplifier.
Is the Sony coaxial output a substitute for stereo analog jacks?
No. It is a digital audio connection and needs a matching digital input. If your receiver only accepts analog audio, the Panasonic route is the relevant direct connection in this pair.
Methodology and sources
Compared disc eligibility separately from receiver-input requirements, preserving configuration limits.
AI assisted with source research, organizing the connection choices and drafting.
View 4 sources
- 1.DP-UB820 US Owner’s Manual (TQBS0258)Panasonic · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-08 23:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Printed pp. 6–7, 10–15, 21, 31, 39: UHD and standard disc eligibility; analog receiver paths and settings; HDMI-audio restrictions and 4K/HDR signal-chain conditions.
- 2.DP-UB820K Product GuidePanasonic North America · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-08 23:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Product identity and Owner’s Manual (US) link: Connects the US DP-UB820K support identity to the manufacturer-hosted manual.
- 3.BDP-S1700U Blu-ray PlayerSony Electronics · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-08 23:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- FAQ: 4K Ultra HD discs/native 4K output; supported disc formats: Explicitly excludes UHD Blu-ray playback and native 4K output; identifies Full HD and Blu-ray/DVD/CD playback.
- 4.BDP-S1700/K, BDP-S1700/U Operating InstructionsSony · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-08 23:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Cover; printed pp. 10, 14, 30–31: Complete rear panel and output specifications document HDMI and coaxial digital audio; receiver diagrams match the available input type.