BR has competition between major CE. Sony has reduced to the price and Samsung is right there with them. Philips and Sharp are also price conscious, so expect the prices to get even more competitive...
right now, you can get the Sony or Samsung for $450... around the holidays the price will be even better...
I'd say around X-mas you might see deals close to that, but probably not until next year for average price. With the 5 free discs offered on pretty much all BD players, that is putting you right around $400 already though.
Heck, if you sign up for a SonyStyle card you can get any Sony player (including a PS3) for $150 off right now.
Competition will drive prices down. With HD-DVD decks going for $200 around the holidays, the BD decks will have to at least approach that if they don't want to get killed (especially with the Paramount/ Dreamworks move).
http://computers.pricegrabber.com/dv...search=blu-ray ^well, you can buy it for under $300 if you already have a HTPC playing HD DVD (like me). i plan on buying once it hits around $220ish delivered. it's currently $270ish delivered.
I've been keeping my eye open, as I'm hoping for a $300 price tag to go format neutral.
I know that the first two generations of players are not going to be compatible with the finalized specs at the end of Oct, but will the PS3 be upgradable? It seems to the be the best bet as a player, no?