A disc player has one job, but the wrong one can leave you fighting slow menus, missing audio support, or a format limitation halfway through movie night. The Best blu ray player should also make sense for the rest of your setup, from an older television with composite inputs to a modern 4K HDR theater.
We compared ten players spanning simple 1080p decks, USB-friendly models, a region-free Sony, and two serious 4K options. The Panasonic DP-UB820-K is our top pick, while the rest cover compact designs, legacy TVs, imported discs, and straightforward Full HD playback.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Video | Audio and connections | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panasonic DP-UB820-K | Best overall | 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Twin HDMI, Hi-Res audio | A serious 4K home theater |
| 2 | Sony UBP-X700U | Best 4K alternative | 4K Ultra HD, upscaling to 60p | Dual HDMI | 4K discs and A/V separation |
| 3 | Sony BDP-S1700U | Best simple Sony | Full HD 1080p, DVD upscaling | HDMI | Fast, uncomplicated disc playback |
| 4 | Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K | Best compact Panasonic | Full HD, 1080p upscaling | HDMI-CEC, USB, Dolby Digital | A narrow media shelf |
| 5 | N NUTROMO Full HD Player | Best format flexibility | 1080p, DVD upscaling | Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, USB | Discs plus USB media |
| 6 | N NUTROMO USB Player | Best legacy-TV bundle | 1080p, DVD upscaling | HDMI, AV, Dolby Digital, USB | Modern and older televisions |
| 7 | N NUTROMO 8TB Player | Best large-drive support | 1080p, DVD upscaling | HDMI 1.4, AV, Dolby TrueHD, DTS | A large local media library |
| 8 | LONPOO Full HD Player | Best Dolby Vision option | Full HD, DVD upscaling, Dolby Vision support | USB, Dolby TrueHD, DTS | Full HD systems with USB media |
| 9 | Sony Region Free Player | Best for imported discs | PAL and NTSC conversion | Streaming services | Multi-region collections |
| 10 | LONPOO LP-100 | Best connection variety | Full HD 1080p, DVD upscaling | HDMI, AV, coaxial, USB | TVs and amplifiers with mixed inputs |
1. Panasonic DP-UB820-K: Best Overall
Pros
- Supports 4K Ultra HD discs and several HDR formats
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG support
- Twin HDMI outputs help separate audio and video
- Panasonic HCX processing targets natural color and detail
- Hi-Res audio support for a more capable theater system
Cons
- Much larger and heavier than the Full HD players
- Its capabilities are excessive for a basic 1080p television
- Streaming and voice features should not be the sole reason to buy it
Best for: someone building a 4K home theater around physical discs and high-quality audio.
The Panasonic DP-UB820-K is the player to choose when picture quality matters more than keeping the box tiny. It handles 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback and pairs that with Panasonic's HCX processing, which is intended to preserve natural textures, color, and depth rather than simply inflate the image. It also plays DVDs and supports streamed content, so it can sit at the center of a broader home theater rather than acting as a single-purpose disc reader.
Its HDR support is the most complete in this group. Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma are all listed, giving the player a better chance of matching the format used by a particular disc or display. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision can provide scene-by-scene or dynamic picture information when the television supports it, while standard HDR10 keeps compatibility broad. That matters more with a modern 4K screen than with an older Full HD set.
The twin HDMI outputs are a meaningful theater feature. One can feed a display while the other connects to an audio system, which is useful when an older receiver does not pass modern video formats cleanly. Hi-Res audio support and the stated studio-master approach also make this the strongest fit for someone who cares about music and film sound, not just the image. For more context on choosing a player for an Ultra HD setup, the differences that matter in a 4K disc player are a useful place to focus.
This is not the neat little deck for a cramped shelf. At 16.9 inches wide, 8.06 inches deep, and 2.5 inches high, it needs more room than the Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K or Sony BDP-S1700U, and its 5.3-pound weight reinforces that this is a theater component. Skip it if you only own a 1080p television or want a quick, no-frills DVD and Blu-ray machine. Keep it in mind if you want the most flexible 4K picture and audio path in this lineup.
2. Sony UBP-X700U: Best 4K Alternative
Pros
- Plays 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs
- Upscales content to 4K at up to 60p
- Dual HDMI outputs support A/V separation
- Plays DVDs and many disc and file formats
- HDMI cable is included
Cons
- Listed region support is Blu-ray A and DVD 1
- It lacks the Panasonic's broad HDR format list
- It is not the compact choice in this group
Best for: a Sony-focused 4K theater that needs separate video and audio connections.
The Sony UBP-X700U gives the Panasonic DP-UB820-K its closest competition by taking the same broad 4K direction and presenting it in a slightly more restrained package. It plays 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and multiple file formats, making it a sensible replacement for a stack of older playback devices. The included HDMI cable removes one small setup chore.
Sony's 4K upscaling is specified up to 60p. That is most useful when a DVD or other lower-resolution source needs to be shown on a 4K display, though upscaling cannot create the detail present in a native Ultra HD disc. The dual HDMI outputs are the standout connection feature. They allow the video signal and audio path to be handled separately, a practical solution for systems built around an older A/V receiver.
Compared with the Panasonic, the Sony is the more straightforward pick for someone already using Sony home theater equipment or who values broad disc and file playback without needing every HDR format listed on the Panasonic. Compared with the Sony BDP-S1700U, it is the clear step up for 4K televisions, but it is also more machine than a Full HD setup requires. Its 12.6-inch length, 8.5-inch width, and 1.8-inch height make it reasonably manageable, though it still needs proper shelf space.
The limitation is format scope. The listed region codes are Blu-ray A and DVD 1, so collectors of imported discs should choose the Sony Region Free Player instead. This model is also less compelling if your television is Full HD and your collection contains no 4K discs. For a current 4K display and a receiver that benefits from dual HDMI, it remains the cleanest alternative to the Panasonic.
3. Sony BDP-S1700U: Best Simple Sony
Pros
- Full HD Blu-ray playback
- Upscales DVDs to near HD quality
- Super Quick Start boot mode
- HDMI cable is included
- Compact and light design
Cons
- Region support is Blu-ray A and DVD 1
- No 4K disc playback
- No USB playback feature is listed
Best for: someone who wants a small Sony player for Blu-ray and DVD discs without extra theater complexity.
The Sony BDP-S1700U is the easiest recommendation for a reader who wants to insert a disc and start watching. Its focus is Full HD Blu-ray and DVD playback, with a user-friendly interface and a Super Quick Start mode that Sony says boots in less than a second. That emphasis on speed and simplicity is more useful to many households than a long list of advanced theater features.
DVD upscaling gives older collections a cleaner presentation on an HDTV, though it remains an enhancement of standard-definition material rather than true Blu-ray detail. The included HDMI cable makes the basic connection uncomplicated. At 9.1 inches long, 7.8 inches wide, and 1.6 inches high, it also fits shelves where a full-width theater component would be awkward. Its 1.8-pound weight makes it easy to move between rooms.
The Sony feels more polished and purpose-built than the generic Full HD models lower in this list. The N NUTROMO Full HD Player counters with USB media and support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, while the Sony answers with a cleaner interface and very quick startup. It is also much less capable than the Sony UBP-X700U for a 4K setup, so the choice depends on the television and disc collection rather than brand loyalty alone.
The real weakness is what it does not do. The listed Blu-ray region is A and DVD region is 1, and there is no USB playback feature in the supplied details. That rules it out for imported discs or a library stored on a flash drive. For straightforward North American Blu-ray and DVD playback, especially in a tight cabinet, the BDP-S1700U is the Sony we'd keep.
4. Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K: Best Compact Panasonic
Pros
- Compact 9.7-inch-wide design
- Full HD playback and 1080p upscaling
- USB support for external media
- HDMI-CEC for compatible equipment
- Plays a wide range of audio files
Cons
- No 4K disc playback
- Listed sound support centers on Dolby Digital
- The compact chassis leaves fewer theater connections
Best for: a narrow media shelf that still needs USB and broad file playback.
The Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K is the practical middle ground between the simple Sony BDP-S1700U and the feature-heavy 4K decks. It plays Full HD Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and external files, with 1080p upscaling for standard DVDs. The compact shape is its most obvious ownership advantage: about 9.7 inches wide, 6.9 inches deep, and 1.5 inches high.
USB playback is more useful here than the bare-bones Sony's minimal approach. Panasonic lists video formats including MKV and MP4, and audio formats including MP3, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, and WAV. That does not make it a full media server, but it gives a household more ways to play locally stored music, photos, and video from an external drive. HDMI-CEC can also simplify control when connected equipment supports it.
The player is particularly convincing for a small secondary television or a shelf already crowded with hardware. The N NUTROMO USB Player offers HDMI and AV outputs plus included cables, while the Panasonic takes less shelf space and has a more clearly documented audio file list. The LONPOO LP-100 adds coaxial audio and similar physical-media flexibility, so that model is a better fit when a separate amplifier requires coaxial output.
The limitation is resolution. This is a Full HD machine, not a 4K Blu-ray player, and its listed sound feature is Dolby Digital rather than the more expansive theater focus of the Panasonic DP-UB820-K. Choose it for a compact setup, USB media, and familiar Panasonic controls. Skip it if you are upgrading a 4K screen and want HDR format support.
5. N NUTROMO Full HD Player: Best Format Flexibility
Pros
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray playback
- DVD upscaling through HDMI
- Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD support
- Plays Blu-rays, DVDs, CDs, and USB media
- Includes playback controls such as zoom and A-B repeat
Cons
- Listed region support is A and 1
- No dimensions or weight are provided
- It lacks 4K disc playback
Best for: a mixed disc collection that includes CDs and locally stored USB media.
The N NUTROMO Full HD Player makes a strong case through breadth. It handles Blu-rays, DVDs, CDs, and media files from a USB port, then adds DVD upscaling to 1080p through HDMI. That combination suits someone replacing an older DVD deck while keeping a Blu-ray collection and a folder of locally stored music or video.
Its audio specification is unusually ambitious for a Full HD model. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD support can pass along higher-quality movie sound when the rest of the system supports those formats. The player also lists anti-skip protection and useful playback controls including fast-forward, zoom, and A-B repeat. Those details are less glamorous than HDR, but they matter to people who still use discs regularly.
Against the Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K, the NUTROMO offers a stronger stated movie-audio feature set and more direct emphasis on USB playback. The Panasonic has the advantage in compactness and a more detailed list of supported audio files. The N NUTROMO 8TB Player goes further for very large external drives, but its long compatibility claims need a more specific use case than most households have.
The catch is that the supplied data does not provide dimensions or weight, making shelf planning less certain. It also remains limited to Blu-ray region A and DVD region 1, and there is no 4K playback. If you want one Full HD machine for discs, CDs, and USB files, this is the NUTROMO to consider. If you want a known compact footprint, choose the Panasonic instead.
6. N NUTROMO USB Player: Best Legacy-TV Bundle
Pros
- HDMI and AV outputs
- Includes HDMI and AV cables
- Full HD playback and DVD upscaling
- USB playback for movies, music, and photos
- Dolby Digital support
Cons
- No 4K disc playback
- Region support is A and 1
- The 2.5-inch height is taller than several compact rivals
Best for: connecting a Blu-ray player to either a modern HDMI television or an older AV display.
The N NUTROMO USB Player is the practical choice when the television connection is uncertain. It has HDMI for current screens and AV output for older equipment, and both HDMI and AV cables are included. That makes it more adaptable than the Sony BDP-S1700U, whose supplied details focus on HDMI alone.
It supports 1080p Full HD playback for Blu-rays and upscales standard DVDs. USB playback covers movies, music, and photos, while Dolby Digital handles the basic home theater audio requirement. This is a clear, functional combination for a spare room, an older television, or a family setup where local USB media matters as much as discs.
The Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K is smaller and lists a broader range of audio file formats. The N NUTROMO, however, is easier to recommend when legacy connectivity is the deciding factor. Its dimensions are 11.5 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 2.5 inches high, so it needs more vertical space than the Panasonic or Sony. The 2-pound weight is manageable, but this is not the most discreet player on a crowded shelf.
There is no 4K playback, and the stated region support is Blu-ray A and DVD 1. Buyers with imported collections should look at the Sony Region Free Player. For everyone else, this model is about connection flexibility rather than premium image processing. It is a sensible choice when the included cables and AV output can prevent a frustrating compatibility problem.
7. N NUTROMO 8TB Player: Best Large-Drive Support
Pros
- Claims compatibility with external HDDs up to 8TB
- HDMI and legacy AV outputs
- Full HD Blu-ray playback
- DVD upscaling through HDMI
- Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS support
Cons
- AV output is limited to standard-definition disc formats
- Large hard drives may need external power
- No 4K disc playback
Best for: viewers with a substantial local media library on an external hard drive.
The N NUTROMO 8TB Player is the specialist pick in this roundup. Its headline feature is support for external mechanical hard drives up to 8TB, along with flash drives up to 128GB. That is a very different proposition from a basic USB port intended for occasional music or photo playback. Someone with a sizable local media library is the audience this player is trying to reach.
For discs, it supports Blu-ray, DVD, CD, and VCD formats, with 1080p playback and DVD upscaling through HDMI. Its HDMI 1.4 output is intended for high-definition Blu-ray, while the AV output is limited to standard-definition DVD, VCD, and CD media. That distinction is important: the legacy connection helps with older displays, but it is not a route to Full HD Blu-ray video.
The audio list includes Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS surround formats. The player also claims quick-start firmware and quiet disc spinning, though the supplied information does not give a chassis weight or dimensions. Compared with the N NUTROMO USB Player, this model is more ambitious for storage and audio. Compared with the Panasonic DP-UB820-K, it lacks 4K video and advanced HDR support.
The biggest caution is practical. High-capacity mechanical drives may need their own external power supply, and the player does not include a drive. It is also restricted to American region A Blu-ray and region 1 DVD formats. Choose it only if the large-drive feature solves a real problem. For ordinary discs and a small USB stick, the Panasonic or Sony options are easier to live with.
8. LONPOO Full HD Player: Best Dolby Vision Option
Pros
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray playback
- DVD upscaling over HDMI
- Dolby Vision support is listed
- Dolby TrueHD and DTS audio support
- USB and HDD playback
Cons
- No 4K disc playback is listed
- USB storage is limited to 64GB
- HDD support is limited to 2TB
Best for: a Full HD setup that also uses USB or external-drive media.
The LONPOO Full HD Player has an unusual feature mix. It is a 1080p Blu-ray and DVD player, yet its feature list mentions Dolby Vision support. That does not turn it into a 4K Ultra HD deck, and buyers should not confuse the HDR label with native 4K disc playback. Still, it may appeal to a setup where Dolby Vision compatibility is useful and the television handles the rest of the signal path.
DVD upscaling over HDMI helps older discs look cleaner on an HDTV. The player also supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS, plus external playback from USB drives and hard disks. LONPOO specifies a maximum of 64GB for USB and 2TB for HDD, which is enough for a modest local collection but far below the N NUTROMO 8TB Player's stated capacity.
At 10 inches long, 7.5 inches wide, and 1.75 inches high, the chassis is fairly manageable. The 2.65-pound weight puts it between the light Sony BDP-S1700U and the more substantial 4K players. Compared with the LONPOO LP-100, this model foregrounds Dolby Vision and supports larger external storage, while the LP-100 adds coaxial output and broader physical connection options.
The obvious limitation is the Full HD ceiling. If you own a 4K television and want native 4K discs, choose the Panasonic DP-UB820-K or Sony UBP-X700U. If your setup is Full HD and you want USB media, strong listed audio support, and a little more format flexibility than the simplest players, the LONPOO is a reasonable fit.
9. Sony Region Free Player: Best for Imported Discs
Pros
- Blu-ray zones A, B, and C
- DVD regions 0 through 6
- PAL and NTSC playback
- NTSC to PAL and PAL to NTSC conversion
- HDMI compatibility with all TVs is listed
Cons
- Older design and platform
- No 4K Ultra HD playback is listed
- Streaming requires subscriptions and broadband
Best for: collectors who need to play discs from multiple regions and video standards.
The Sony Region Free Player earns its place by solving a problem the other Sony models do not. It supports Blu-ray zones A, B, and C and DVD regions 0 through 6, with PAL and NTSC playback plus conversion between those television standards. For an imported-disc collection, that capability matters more than 4K upscaling or a sleek interface.
The product information also lists access to more than 300 streaming services with a valid subscription and broadband connection, as well as PlayStation Now support for streaming and playing PlayStation 3 games with a DualShock 4 controller. Those features broaden the box beyond physical discs, but the region handling is the reason to buy it. Streaming availability can change, and it should not be the deciding feature.
The Sony BDP-S1700U and Sony UBP-X700U are better choices for ordinary North American discs, particularly if you want a newer 4K path. This region-free model is the one that beats them for international libraries. Its listed dimensions are unusual at 13 inches wide, 11 inches long, and 11 inches high, so measure the shelf carefully before ordering.
The main weakness is age and format ceiling. There is no 4K Ultra HD playback listed, and the supplied details do not identify modern HDR support. It is also a poor match for someone who only watches local Blu-rays and DVDs. For collectors of films from several countries, however, this is the most specialized and useful player here.
10. LONPOO LP-100: Best Connection Variety
Pros
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray playback
- DVD upscaling
- HDMI, AV, coaxial, and USB outputs
- Plays Blu-ray, DVD, CD, VCD, and USB files
- Supports Dolby and DTS formats
Cons
- Region support is A and 1
- Blu-ray video requires HDMI rather than AV
- Remote battery is not included
Best for: a mixed home setup that needs HDMI, analog video, and coaxial audio connections.
The LONPOO LP-100 is built for older and newer equipment to coexist. It has HDMI for a modern television or projector, composite AV for compatible older equipment, coaxial audio for an amplifier, and a front USB port for digital media. That makes it the most connection-flexible player here, even though its video output remains Full HD rather than 4K.
It plays Blu-ray discs in region A, DVDs, CDs, VCDs, and several recordable disc formats. DVD upscaling can improve the presentation of standard-definition movies, while DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD support give a home theater more audio options. The important connection caveat is that Blu-ray video requires HDMI. The AV output does not support Blu-ray discs.
The LP-100 measures about 10.24 inches long, 7.56 inches wide, and 1.57 inches high, so it remains fairly easy to place despite the number of outputs. It includes an HDMI cable and AV cable, plus a remote, though the remote battery is not included. The LONPOO Full HD Player offers Dolby Vision support and larger listed external-drive limits, while the LP-100 is the better pick when coaxial audio or analog video is the deciding factor. If you still use CDs regularly, choosing a player that handles music discs cleanly can help narrow the options.
The player is not for a 4K collection, imported discs, or anyone who wants a modern HDR theater. Its region support is limited to A and 1, and the multi-format list does not change that. It is best understood as a dependable bridge between a Blu-ray collection and a mixed-age home entertainment system.
How to choose the best blu ray player
The right player depends on the discs you own, the display you use, and the connections your audio system expects.
Video resolution and HDR
Full HD players output 1080p and are appropriate for Blu-ray discs on a 1080p television. They can upscale DVDs, but upscaling cannot add the detail of a native 4K disc. For a 4K screen, look at the Panasonic DP-UB820-K or Sony UBP-X700U, both of which support 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback.
HDR support is separate from resolution. Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG can affect contrast and color when the television and disc support the same format. The Panasonic has the broadest listed HDR coverage here.
Disc regions
Most standard players in this roundup are listed for Blu-ray region A and DVD region 1. That is fine for discs intended for the United States, but it excludes many imported releases. The Sony Region Free Player supports Blu-ray zones A, B, and C and DVD regions 0 through 6, along with PAL and NTSC conversion.
Buy for the region codes printed on your collection, not the region you happen to live in.
Audio outputs and formats
Dolby Digital is enough for many basic systems, while Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS support are more useful in a home theater with a compatible receiver or sound system. Twin HDMI outputs on the Panasonic DP-UB820-K and Sony UBP-X700U can separate the video path from the audio path.
A coaxial output can still matter in an older setup. The LONPOO LP-100 includes one, while the smaller Sony BDP-S1700U is much more focused on a simple HDMI connection.
USB and external media
USB playback varies considerably. The Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K lists video and several high-resolution audio formats, while the N NUTROMO Full HD Player supports video, photo, and music files. The LONPOO models add external storage support, and the N NUTROMO 8TB Player is aimed at unusually large hard drives.
Check the stated limits before assuming a drive will work. The LONPOO Full HD Player lists USB storage up to 64GB and HDD storage up to 2TB. The N NUTROMO 8TB Player says larger mechanical drives may require their own power supply.
Size and shelf clearance
Compact players are easier to place in narrow cabinets. The Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K is about 9.7 inches wide and 1.5 inches high, while the Sony BDP-S1700U is 7.8 inches wide and 1.6 inches high. The Panasonic DP-UB820-K is a much larger 16.9 inches wide and 2.5 inches high.
Measure width, depth, and height, then leave room for HDMI, power, and audio cables. A player that technically fits can still be awkward if its connectors face a wall or the shelf has no ventilation space.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Blu-ray player play DVDs?
Yes. Every player in this roundup lists DVD playback, and several also upscale DVD video to 1080p through HDMI. Upscaling improves the way standard-definition video is displayed, but it does not make a DVD equivalent to a 4K disc.
Do these players support 4K Blu-ray discs?
The Panasonic DP-UB820-K and Sony UBP-X700U list 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback. The other models are Full HD players, so they should not be selected for a 4K disc collection.
Which player handles imported Blu-rays?
The Sony Region Free Player is the clear choice for imported discs because it supports Blu-ray zones A, B, and C. It also supports DVD regions 0 through 6 and PAL and NTSC conversion.
Can I play movies from a USB drive?
Several models support USB playback. The Panasonic DMP-BD84P-K lists MKV and MP4 video plus multiple audio formats, while the N NUTROMO and LONPOO players list playback for video, music, and photos. Storage limits vary, so check the individual listing before connecting a large drive.
Do I need a 4K player for a 4K television?
Not necessarily. A Full HD player can still play standard Blu-ray discs on a 4K television, usually with the television or player upscaling the image. Choose a 4K player if you want native 4K Ultra HD discs and HDR format support.
Which player works with an older television?
The N NUTROMO USB Player and LONPOO LP-100 include AV connections alongside HDMI. The N NUTROMO 8TB Player also lists HDMI and AV, but its AV output is intended for standard-definition DVD, VCD, and CD media rather than high-definition Blu-ray video.
Can a Blu-ray player replace a streaming device?
Some models list streaming features, especially the Sony Region Free Player, but streaming service access requires subscriptions and broadband. If streaming is your main use, the features that separate a dedicated streaming box deserve more attention than disc compatibility.
The bottom line
The Best blu ray player for most serious home theaters is the Panasonic DP-UB820-K. Its 4K Ultra HD playback, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, twin HDMI outputs, and Hi-Res audio support give it the broadest physical-media and theater capability in this group. The Sony UBP-X700U is the strongest alternative for a Sony-centered setup or anyone who specifically wants dual HDMI and 4K upscaling.
For a basic Full HD television, the Sony BDP-S1700U is the cleaner choice, with quick startup, DVD upscaling, and a compact design. Choose the Sony Region Free Player instead if imported discs are the priority, or the LONPOO LP-100 if your system needs a mixture of HDMI, AV, coaxial, and USB connections.
If you are undecided, match the player to your television's resolution first, then check region codes and audio connections before anything else.
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