Panasonic 4K 3D Blu-ray

Lumstorm

You can update the firmware through the USB as described here  https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/bd/download/bdt180/euro/index.html
As far as Blu-ray discs are concerned you don't need a connection to play them I can't even think of disc that use online features being released now a few early discs did have features that required internet access but that idea never caught on. My Terminator 2 online features no longer works now as I guess the server has shut down but the disc still plays all the content on the disc. I don't know offhand about my other discs with online content but it's no big loss either way.

As a side note I noticed you said it's a 4K 3D player. The model you bought is not a 4K player and will not play 4K UHD discs just in case you mistakenly thought it would. I think it's really dishonest of companies to put a 4K logo on machines that upscale but can't play 4K content.

RumRat

The OP was told about the USB update and given the link earlier, but, thanks for the backup.....

As an aside, it seems sad, that since the advent of the new forum, people don't use the 'Thanks' button anymore.

[Deleted User]

There is rarely a problem simply playing discs in a Blu Ray player that isn't connected to the internet. The main reason for updates is for the 'SMART' features also available on most players which allows Prime, Netflix etc to be accessed. 

The main problem I've found is that manufacturers rarely provide updates for models more than a year old and sometimes support for streaming services is  withdrawn completely after a period. 

In addition, at £79, this really is a budget player which has no 4K capability and it's very rare to see 3D in anything these days. Certainly, no new TV  produced in the last few years even has 3D capability. 

So the product description is very mis-leading...

fred246

You will need to connect it to the internet to use streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon video and BBC iplayer. You can get ethernet from your PC to your Blu-ray player using a powerline network starter kit eg TP-Link TL-PA4010KIT. That should be more reliable than wifi.