Is it time to buy a Blu-ray Player???

Norm · 08-14-2008, 07:25 PM

I've been out of the loop for a while moving from Florida. I was also low on funds. But its time to get back into HT. I just don't know which Blue-ray player to buy on a budget. Or should I wait for the newer players? what do I need to know before I jump back in? Any info deeply appreciated.

jaysonbarnett · 08-14-2008, 07:34 PM

i just bought a sony bdp-s350 and could not be happier. also panasonic makes nice players as well. Still the best deal right now is the PS3 because its a game system, blueray player, and media streamer. I just wanted a standalone because it looks better in my rack. if you want to know more about my sony let me know.

Craig Beam · 08-14-2008, 07:57 PM

HELL YES it's time! I've got a PS3 and I can't recommend it highly enough. Jump in and enjoy the cool Blu water!

Norm · 08-14-2008, 08:01 PM

Well I can't use a ps3 due to my disability. So thats out.

Kevin. W · 08-14-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm

Well I can't use a ps3 due to my disability. So thats out.

It still makes an excellent player.

**HTF Ads**

Tony Whalen · 08-14-2008, 10:50 PM

Just picked up the Panasonic BD30, and I can't recommend it enough. I've been holding off on going Blu for ages now, but the 2.0 spec holds no attraction for me. I *do* suggest getting a 1.1 machine though, like the Panny BD30.

RickER · 08-14-2008, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysonbarnett

i just bought a sony bdp-s350 and could not be happier.

I will second that. I might pick up the 550 too. But the 350 was calling me, and at a nice price.

Craig Beam · 08-18-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm

Well I can't use a ps3 due to my disability. So thats out.

Rubbish. Operating a PS3 with a BD remote control is NO different from operating any Blu-ray player. In fact, the front-loading mechanism (versus the usual tray-loader) might even make it a touch easier to use. Seriously, the PS3 is an awesome player (with a bunch of other nifty features... web browsing, etc). I've never once used mine for gaming.

Jari K · 08-18-2008, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Beam

Rubbish. Operating a PS3 with a BD remote control is NO different from operating any Blu-ray player.

Fully agree. BD remote control is great (also Bluetooth) and quite cheap.

Blu-ray players to choose (IMO) - all "profile 2.0" (I would say, that it´s best now to get "full" 2.0-player):

*PS3 (new 80gb model coming soon)
*Panasonic DMP-BD50
(one good review: UltimateAVmag.com: Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray Player )
*Sony BDP-S550 (not available yet, I guess - coming soon)

I would say one of these three choices..

Cees Alons · 08-18-2008, 08:33 AM

Although I initially planned buying a PS3, there were reasons not to (no need to go into that now).

But my ever growing BD-library (40+) is screaming for a (Region-A) player, louder and louder all the time, so I'm planning to pick up a new Panasonic DMP-BD50 soon. Is about to come out any moment now. (The next number may even be -55, after CEDIA.)

It's profile 2.0, has the new audio decoders I want and the proper outputs. I guess the price will be something like $599. Probably lower if you look carefully.
Word is that the DVD-upconversion (Reg. 1 of course) is excellent too.

Cees

Jari K · 08-18-2008, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cees Alons

Word is that the DVD-upconversion (Reg. 1 of course) is excellent too.

Based on the review I linked, upscaling with BD50 could be better. Of course, it´s just "one review".

Also note Cees, that all US players (also PS3) are "NTSC only" (when it comes to SD DVD), so you need to use alternate player for PAL-material (even R0).

European BD50 will support both PAL and NTSC (but is region coded for R2). I guess there are already region hack for BD30/BD50, though.