Believe it or not, many of us still use a Blu-ray player. Some of us want a dedicated device for enjoying physical media instead of using a console. If you're a movie fan that still buys discs or know someone who does rather than relying on access via streaming services, the right viewing equipment can make all the difference. And one of the absolute best 4K Blu-ray players is on sale. It's actually your last chance to place your order for it to arrive before Christmas.
If you're splurging on a gift or want to overhaul your entertainment space ahead of hosting friends and family, the Panasonic DP-UB820 is perfect. And even better, it is on sale for just $370 at Walmart, which is a $130 discount. Walmart lists it as higher, but it usually retails for around $500.
While the super premium Panasonic DP-UB900P sits atop of the company's 4K Blu-ray player lineup, given that it's more than double the price, it's only for people who truly demand the absolute best and will pay anything for it. For most people, the current Panasonic DP-UB820 that's on sale right now will more than suffice.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money
The thing that sets the DP-UB820 apart from other lower-priced 4K Blu-ray players is its image performance, sound performance and support for multiple HDR formats. This player supports HDR10 Plus, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. It also tends to perform smoothly, without freezes or crashes.
Read more: 31 Great Tech Gifts Under $100
Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can play 4K Blu-rays. However, the Panasonic supports formats like HDR10 Plus and Dolby Vision for disc playback, whereas the PS5 and Xbox Series X don't. (Weirdly, the Xbox does support Dolby Vision for games and streaming apps.) You'll get more accurate color and detail from Panasonic. Plus, the Panasonic has two HDMI outputs, so one HDMI can be dedicated to video and the other to audio.
Why this deal on the Panasonic DP-UB820 matters
The Panasonic DP-UB820 is a premium Blu-Ray player from one of the top brands on the market, which means that it's a solid option for serious film buffs even at full price. Plus, this exact model rarely goes on sale -- let alone for over $100 off -- which makes this a rare opportunity to grab it for a low price. It's worth noting that it was $20 cheaper earlier this year, but it's still a great bargain at $370.
Best Last-Minute Gifts, According to CNET Readers
Based on their popularity, here are the holiday deals that you should be considering
Will this item arrive in time for Christmas?
If you're ordering this as a holiday gift, you probably want to know if it's going to arrive on time. With Christmas and Hanukkah both taking place on Dec. 25 this year, and Kwanzaa kicking off the day after, it's important to note shipping deadlines for USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon and others.
Guaranteed shipping deadlines at some of these delivery companies arrive as soon as Dec. 16, with others offering expedited services that may allow you to order as late as Dec. 23 or even Dec. 24. Where delivery is no longer possible, be sure to assess your in-store pickup options or check out these great digital deals for the holidays.
This Panasonic Blu-ray player will arrive before Christmas, according to Walmart's product page.
CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page, and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse our gift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.