Blu-Ray player advice

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Our new blu ray player died last night. We had only had it about a month and a half so it is going back to the store. I've looked at some reviews and the information is overwhelming. Anyone have good advice about which player they personally have and like?

Thanks

 

[merekc]

We have a PS3 and an LG that was in the $125 range at Christmas. I'm not dissatisfied with the LG, but I like the PS3 better. We get much more use out of the PS3 with games and movies. We've also started streaming Netflix through the PS3.

 

[Golf4food]

Don't go for the cheapest version on a Bluray player, for sure. Any BD player you get should have Netflix streaming, Youtube streaming, internet radio, etc. or some combination thereof. WiFI built in is nice but not absolutely necessary.

We are very happy with our LG BD surround system. Stick with the major players like Samsung and LG if you can.

 

[JB2K]

IMO, at $299, a PS3 is big-time overkill (that is, if you're not a "serious" gamer) -- and most definitely not "budget"...

Plus, PS3's are known for not having a large library of "family-friendly" games, like the Wii.

However, other Sony standalone Blu-ray players can now be had for anywhere between $100-150.

I have the Sony BDP-S360, which is a good, solid BD player (it is internet/BD-Live capable, but does not stream Netflix). I saw one at my local Walmart last night (display model) for $100.

As you can tell from my hyperlink, it is also available as a refurbished model from Sony for only $119.99

Also, if you would like good reviews on Blu-ray players from everyday folks who are in the know, check out the Blu-ray Forums, which are formatted similar to the discussions, here...

 

[pyrxtc]

well, despite it not being "budget" the PS3 is definitely my favorite blu-ray player. It can be used for so much more.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I have a Samsung P-1600 model that I got for $199 last November. It's great in that I can use it for Netflix, YouTube and Pandora streaming audio. Haven't had any real issues with it that weren't resolved with a firmware update. So far it's been a great entertainment value! You should be able to pick one up now for cheaper than I what I paid for it.

We already have a Wii (before it was Netflix-enabled) so getting a PS3 was out of the question for us.

 

[bonoriffic]

PS3. It basically is $50 more than the equivalent stand alone player, and does much much more. As far as quality goes, it is considered a reference player, meaning professional reviews use it as the baseline for excellent video quality. The one downside is using the controller is a bit annoying and you would more than likely want to add the remote control which is an extra $25.

Other blu-ray players stream netflix, but none can show pictures from your computer and stream your music library from your computer also.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

well, despite it not being "budget" the PS3 is definitely my favorite blu-ray player. It can be used for so much more.

I have to agree we use the PS3 way more than I ever thought. I am not a gamer at all (I enjoy games like ummmm PacMan ) anyway my DH decided to get one used. We use it for games (DH and DS usually) blu-ray, and the internet. It is well worth the money IMO.

 

[JB2K]

I have to agree we use the PS3 way more than I ever thought. I am not a gamer at all (I enjoy games like ummmm PacMan ) anyway my DH decided to get one used. We use it for games (DH and DS usually) blu-ray, and the internet. It is well worth the money IMO.

Ok, since you said you're not a gamer, what is it that makes a PS3 "well worth the money"?

Espcecially, on a board, where many don't have the means to go to Disney, let alone buy the highest-end BR player on the market.

Not that I am bashing the PS3, or anything (in fact, I am a big-time Sony fan) -- I just want to know what makes it so special to the non-gaming community.

And, the blanket statement "DH and/or the 10 year-old wanted it to play "Call of Duty Part 26" doesn't count...

For OP - if you want a gaming console for hubby/teens, I say go for it -- it's the best at what it does. If you are just going to use it as a movie viewer, consider the total cost of PS3 ownership:

• PS3 - $300
  
• PS3-specific Blu-ray remote control (yes, you have to buy this seperately, and your universal remote at home isn't going to cut it) - $20
  
• Extra Game Controller (yes, you will need two of these, especially if you have more than one person playing video games) - $45
  
• Video Game (why buy the PS3 if you're not going to play with it?) - $35-50

So, at the minimum, you are looking at around $400 (plus tax) to get things rolling. If that's within the budget - great. If not, it's not the end of the world, as both myself and MsStinkerBelle put some good, quality alternatives, out there.

Now that you know, you can make an educated decision...

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Ok, since you said you're not a gamer, what is it that makes a PS3 "well worth the money"?

Espcecially, on a board, where many don't have the means to go to Disney, let alone buy the highest-end BR player on the market.

Not that I am bashing the PS3, or anything (in fact, I am a big-time Sony fan) -- I just want to know what makes it so special to the non-gaming community.

And, the blanket statement "DH and/or the 10 year-old wanted it to play "Call of Duty Part 26" doesn't count...

For OP - if you want a gaming console for hubby/teens, I say go for it -- it's the best at what it does. If you are just going to use it as a movie viewer, consider the total cost of PS3 ownership:

• PS3 - $300
  
• PS3-specific Blu-ray remote control (yes, you have to buy this seperately, and your universal remote at home isn't going to cut it) - $20
  
• Extra Game Controller (yes, you will need two of these, especially if you have more than one person playing video games) - $45
  
• Video Game (why buy the PS3 if you're not going to play with it?) - $35-50

So, at the minimum, you are looking at around $400 (plus tax) to get things rolling. If that's within the budget - great. If not, it's not the end of the world, as both myself and MsStinkerBelle put some good, quality alternatives, out there.

Now that you know, you can make an educated decision...

Just to answer your question if I lived alone then the PS3 probably wouldn't be the best deal but I have 5 people living in this house. My DH and DS love to play video games. They use the PS3 mostly for the gaming. I play bluray and regular DVDs in the PS3 (since it does inhance the quality of DVDs as well). My 2 DDs play games and the watch all their movies on it plus all 5 of us use it as another way to get online. We download all of our digital camera pictures on to it and use our TV as a huge digital picture frame. Since I am always on the regualr PC my DH and DDs use the PS
3 to download songs and shows and games onto thei ipods, mp3 and PSP. We also do not need the different remote and use the one that came with it. Not to mention the we did not go out and buy it on a whim...DH was looking for the best deal andfound it used for 279.00 plus a free game and movie... just to add since it came used we got an extra controller.

 

[bonoriffic]

• PS3-specific Blu-ray remote control (yes, you have to buy this seperately, and your universal remote at home isn't going to cut it) - $20
  
• Extra Game Controller (yes, you will need two of these, especially if you have more than one person playing video games) - $45
  
• Video Game (why buy the PS3 if you're not going to play with it?) - $35-50

You do not need the Blu-ray remote. It is 100% functional using the supplied controller. I agree it is much nicer to buy the remote, but no you do not have to buy it.

You do not need an extra controller. I don't have an extra controller. Most games for PS3 are single player games.

You do not need to buy any games, but if you do buy them on clearance. The console has been out for years, many of the great games from 3 years ago are available at Target for $5. I got a 2009 sports game for $7 as it was now "obsolete" as the 2010 branded games were out.

Here is what you get for an extra $50 - $75 over equivalent stand alone players (Netflix, You Tube, and wifi probably on standalone):

Internet browsing
View home movies (including HD) currently on your computer or flash card
View pictures stored on your computer or flash card
Listen to your music collection stored on your computer or flash card
Watch movies/video downloaded from internet
PS3 games
3D TV support. (I guarantee your stand alone player will not be upgradable)

 

[JB2K]

So much for "advice" -- all I was doing was trying to direct OP to a player that was (IMO) proven - compared to what they had, periously.

I didn't want this to turn into a "everyone on the DIS has PS3s, so you should get one, too" discussion, but it seems to be going just that way...

And while I have no idea what OP's shopping habits are like, there are many here that follows nearly anything that is said on this board.

OP - you now have a few options -- choose whichever one you think best suits YOU.

I'm done.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

So much for "advice" -- all I was doing was trying to direct OP to a player that was (IMO) proven - compared to what they had, periously.

I didn't want this to turn into a "everyone on the DIS has PS3s, so you should get one, too" discussion, but it seems to be going just that way...

And while I have no idea what OP's shopping habits are like, there are many here that follows nearly anything that is said on this board.

OP - you now have a few options -- choose whichever one you think best suits YOU.

I'm done.

I was just answering your question. You did ask. I had no idea that this question would turn into an argument.

 

[cm8]

hi, we have a sony bdp 550? it does the up scaling on the DVDS to HDMI format and it makes the DVDs look like blu ray disc quality. We love it and it was on sale for almost $200.00 less than it was listed for. We scored ours at our NEX and it has been a wonderful investment. We are not into blu ray disc yet, and the DVDs we have converts to the HD format and they look great! It also lets you wifi, and stream netflix or the other one, I can't remember every detail, but it was wort it. HTH

 

[bonoriffic]

So much for "advice" -- all I was doing was trying to direct OP to a player that was (IMO) proven - compared to what they had, periously.

I didn't want this to turn into a "everyone on the DIS has PS3s, so you should get one, too" discussion, but it seems to be going just that way...

And while I have no idea what OP's shopping habits are like, there are many here that follows nearly anything that is said on this board.

OP - you now have a few options -- choose whichever one you think best suits YOU.

I'm done.

Matyrdom, must it come to that? The OP was looking for players that we had and liked. You certainly can't fault anyone for professing their love of the device. As their original player died, I thought it was implied that the cheap route wasn't the OP only interest. I understand you had great success with the player you recommended, nobody called your recommendation out and pointed out its flaws.

I'm sure the original poster is more than capable of making up their own mind. If everyone were such blind sheep to the advice offered here everyone wouldn't have time to post as they would be too busy reading, listening to, and watching Dave Ramsey.

 

[Chaoster]

I have a Panasonic DMP-BD60. Excellent reviews and paid $99 on black Friday. You could get it at Costco for about $129 when there is an instant rebate.

 

[sceavis]

Get the new Sony BDP-S370 it's the fastest player on the market .You can find it for 179.99 it has several streaming services if you connect it to the net.Image and audio is amazing.I just upgraded from a Panasonic player.

 

[bicker]

We replaced our Sony BDP-S360 with a Samsung BD-C6900 in May, and it is a big step-up. I highly recommend it (especially if you think you might ever be interested in any 3D movies, but even just for 2D it is a superior unit).

The Samsung was recently reviewed in Home Theater Magazine... here are some highlights of the review:

At A Glance: Exceptional speed • Plethora of streaming services, including Netflix, Blockbuster, and VUDU • Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi • Blu-ray 3D

The HDMI output supports the Anynet+ function, which is Samsung’s proprietary HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). It lets a Samsung HDTV and Blu-ray player communicate with each other over HDMI. In theory, this simplifies playback. When you turn on the Blu-ray player, the TV also powers on and changes to the appropriate input. The player also sports BD Wise, which optimizes the video connection between it and the display based on the information exchanged. I didn’t test these features.

I did. They absolutely work. It is a great convenience. (The only downside is for DVDs that do not provide subtitles for the hearing impaired. I'll be happy to go into details for anyone who is curious about that disadvantage. If you're not hearing impaired, these features are strictly positives.)

Over the past few years, Samsung has done pretty well in our benchmark video-processing tests, and the BD-C6900 is its best performer yet—it aced them all. Furthermore, its performance with real-world material is mighty impressive. It features reference-quality DVD upconversion, with excellent fine object delineation and minimal ringing.

If there were a 100-yard dash for Blu-ray players, the BD-C6900 would capture the gold. In fact, it mimics DVD-like speed in its boot-up and disc-loading times. From a cold start, the player arrives at the main menu in 9 seconds. Even the Java-intensive Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest took a mere 23 seconds to reach the trailers and then another 20 seconds to reach the menu. I experienced similar results from other, typically slow-loading discs, including Fox’s Avatar.

http://hometheatermag.com/3d-blu-ray-players/samsung_bd-c6900_blu-ray_3d_player/index.html

We've been using it all summer. The disc playback is, of course, fantastic. We've not had any problems and overall have had a great experience with it so far. We've played lots of Blu-ray discs, but also a lot of DVDs (because some things are only available on DVD) and the upconversion is flawless.

We've enjoyed the one true 3D disc that has been available to us so far (Monsters and Aliens) and it was incredible. We've also tried-out the Samsung's 2D to 3D simulator and it is remarkable. We probably wouldn't use it very often, but it is much better than I thought it was going to be.

We've also be doing a good bit of Netflix streaming. The performance is fantastic. I'm very impressed both with Samsung and Netflix, in this regard. (I just wish that they'd require subtitles for the hearing impaired already. It's very bad, imho, that practically none of Netflix's thousands of streaming titles are subtitled, and even worse that there is no way to find the small faction of a percent of them that are, but that's Netflix's problem, not Samsung's.)

Again, I highly recommend this Blu-ray disc player for anyone considering buying a new disc player.

 

[Nayan]

While some cost more than others, I can say I am extremely happy with my Samsung. One thing I can tell you for sure is to make sure you can connect it to the internet (either wired or wireless), even if you don't plan on streaming through Netflix or any of the others. Blu-Ray disks are always changing and getting the software updates on your player can mean a big difference between playing that must-see movie or not.

 

[elgerber]

hi, we have a sony bdp 550? it does the up scaling on the DVDS to HDMI format and it makes the DVDs look like blu ray disc quality. We love it and it was on sale for almost $200.00 less than it was listed for. We scored ours at our NEX and it has been a wonderful investment. We are not into blu ray disc yet, and the DVDs we have converts to the HD format and they look great! It also lets you wifi, and stream netflix or the other one, I can't remember every detail, but it was wort it. HTH

We have this onealso, had it for a year and a half and it works great!