Finally making the Blu-ray jump...

Shane Kelley · 10-02-2008, 11:32 AM

Hi all. I've browsed these forums quite a bit, but never posted. So, hi there

In the last few weeks I've made the mental transition to finally move to Blu-ray. After a few days of browsing this thread for equipment ideas, I'm officially overwhelmed.

I'm looking for a good quality player and a/v receiver, and I'm open to just about anything. The Panasonic DMP-BD55 is looking like a good option, but I just don't feel like I REALLY know what I should be looking for.

This will be a new setup; haven't decided on a TV beyond sticking with 1080p or i. I'd like to go 7.1 for audio if it's cost feasible. Looking to stay under $800 if possible for both player and receiver.

I only have standard DVD's now, so I don't NEED anything beyond that.

What are the things I absolutely MUST be paying attention to? I see the 2.0 profile is important, but all the audio encoding options seem more confusing than they need to be. If I have Dolby Digital and DTS standard DVD's now, what do I need to know about a Blu-ray player to retain those tracks?

Anyway, any help that can be offered would be great. If there are good threads to go back over, I'd be happy with links.

Thanx in advance.

Jeff Ulmer · 10-02-2008, 06:37 PM

Unless I'm missing something, I don't see any reason to go with the 55 unless you already have a receiver with 7 channel inputs. The BD35 is $100 less, which would get you a third of the way to an Onkyo SR606, putting you well under budget for both.

Man-Fai Wong · 10-02-2008, 06:49 PM

I could be wrong, but isn't the main diff between the Panny BD55 and BD35 that the one offers 7.1 analog out while the other does not? Is there any other meaningful diff?

Since you're also buying a new receiver (and have a limited budget), you probably won't need the 7.1 analog out. Probably better off spend the $$$ on a better receiver (or something else) instead. Of course, I'm assuming there's no other meaningful diff between those players.

Assuming the BD35 costs you ~$300, that'd leave you ~$500 for the receiver, which is not a lot though it might be just enough depending on your actual needs. If you can extend your budget by another ~$100, then the discontinuing Onkyo 805 receiver would probably be a good choice. If not, maybe one of the lower end Onkyo's or maybe even the Yamaha 663 (for <$400), particularly if you don't have a big space and/or do not have difficult speakers to drive (nor play your soundtracks at anywhere near reference level) -- that Yamaha is also a bit limiting w/ just 2 HDMI inputs though.

_Man_

Chris S · 10-02-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong

I could be wrong, but isn't the main diff between the Panny BD55 and BD35 that the one offers 7.1 analog out while the other does not? Is there any other meaningful diff?

Nope, that's all. The 55 did get a very favorable review from CNET which is tempting me to look into getting the 35.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNET

In sum, the DMP-BD55 and the PS3 offer essentially identical image-quality performance. Additionally, the differences in image quality between any one Blu-ray player and the next is generally fairly small--pretty much all the players put out a great-looking picture that blows DVD away. So, while the DMP-BD55 does look great--and we were particularly pleased with how it handled video-based material--only picky videophiles will appreciate the minor differences.

"picky videophiles" ... hey that's me!

Shane Kelley · 10-02-2008, 08:28 PM

Thank you for your responses, guys

I had originally seen the 7.1 option on the BD55, which was why I was leaning towards it. But maybe I've misunderstood the actual functionality; if I pick up a 7.1 receiver, then I don't need 7.1 on the player, is what I'm hearing (well, reading, at any rate).

I haven't heard of Onkyo before (I'm been partial to Pioneer products in the past, so haven't really looked into other manufacturers), but I'll definitely check out the one's suggested. I'm used to S-video and Optical with my current setup; is HDMI the preferred connection between the player and receiver, and is it carrying both audio and video?

I have to tell you, it's been at least 6 or 7 years since I was out buying components - I'm really excited about putting together a whole new system

**HTF Ads**

Shane Kelley · 10-03-2008, 01:53 PM

After a little more reading, I think I've answered my own question about cables. HDMI is what I want, from player to receiver, and receiver to TV. As long as I stick with 6' or under between each source, I should be fine with just about any cable (I see a couple places advertised as good cable sources around the forum, so that's good enough for me).

I think I will end up going with the DMP-BD35; I see a few too many discussions on Sony player problems (the other brand I've used in the past and thought about for a blu-ray player).

Thanx again everyone; now to do some research on Onkyo receivers.

Shane Kelley · 10-12-2008, 03:06 PM

Sorry to revive a dying thread, but I just saw an offer in Best Buy that has interested me enough to ask the following:

Samsung BDP1500 - worth the investment?

It's on sale this week for $299, same as the upcoming Panasonic that I had settled on, but when purchased this week, it comes with Ultimate Matrix on Blu-ray for free.

So, is the player worth looking at, or is there a reason this one is being offered with the package

Thanx in advance for any and all opinions.

Man-Fai Wong · 10-13-2008, 05:33 PM

Personally, I'd rather wait for the Panny, if I were you, given Samsung's track record/history w/ players.

Also, if you're all that keen on saving the $, there's still the option of a PS3 for net cost of ~$250 (+tax) when bought from Sony's own Sony Style store w/ a new Sony credit card (via their current $150-back offer). Just go to the sonystyle.com site, and you'll find the offer there. The savings should get you pretty close to buying the Matrix box set at a good discount somewhere, eg. WHV's own online store w/ 30% off coupon, although the PS3 doesn't usually come w/ remote included (and only uses Bluetooth for that).

_Man_

Shane Kelley · 10-14-2008, 10:40 AM

Thank you _Man_. I had already been leaning toward sticking with the Panny, so I'm glad to hear at least one opinion that agrees.

I'm not interested in the PS3, so I'll be waiting patiently for the Panny

Scott Merryfield · 10-14-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Kelley

I think I will end up going with the DMP-BD35; I see a few too many discussions on Sony player problems (the other brand I've used in the past and thought about for a blu-ray player).

FYI, I own the Sony BDP-S350, which is comparable in price and features to the Panny BD35. I've experienced no problems playing back any BD or SD-DVD's so far. SD-DVD 1080p upconversion looks good to me, although I do not have another player to compare with.

I'm sure the Panny is a good player, too. I've had great luck with Panasonic SD-DVD players.

Man-Fai Wong · 10-14-2008, 05:08 PM