I have some older and repeatedly used DVDs which all work perfectly in the DP-UB154, I haven't noticed any scratched DVDs in particular, so far the unit has played all DVDs without any faults or interruptions.
Yes, the Panasonic DP-UB154 can play simple, mundane CDs from your old CD collection. The device supports the playback of CDs alongside Ultra HD Blu-Ray discs, Blu-Ray discs, DVDs and other media formats.
Yes, it is possible, even Dolby Atmos is supported, it would be good if the surround amplifier can also process this sound format, but you would also get good sound with other sound formats.
It says so in the instructions:
Region Management Information
The unit can play BD-Video/DVD-Video discs of the following region codes, including "ALL".
Example: BD-Video "B" DVD-Video "2
a.) Maybe the monitor cannot decode the audio signal. You could try setting the audio signal on the player to stereo and deactivating fancy codecs such as Dolby Audio etc.
b.) Settings on the player or monitor should be able to fix this.
If all else fails, I would try connecting an AV receiver in between, if you have one lying around.
In my opinion, the upscaling also works with DVD playback. When playing a DVD, DVD-Video Playback 4K is displayed in the Playback field (according to the operating instructions, an HDMI cable with 18 Gbps is required for this).
According to the technical data from Panasonic, only Region 2 and ALL are supported, I don't have any Region 3 DVDs and unfortunately can't test it.
Hope I could help so far, LG.
While reading the operating instructions, I came across the following section:
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About ARC:
When using a TV or amplifier/receiver that does not have an "(ARC)" label on the HDMI connector (i.e. it is not ARC compatible)
(i.e. not ARC compatible), the amplifier/receiver and TV must also be connected with a digital optical or digital coaxial cable.
coaxial cable so that the TV sound can be reproduced via the amplifier/receiver.
can be played back via the amplifier/receiver.
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Perhaps this answers your question.