The Official "Help me pick a Blu-ray player" thread

[WiseCentaur9]

Hello, i am new to the forums so I am not sure if this is in the right threads. I have been looking for a region free blu ray player that I can buy in Australia. Ive seen some overseas but Im not even going to consider it because I know the shipping price will be crazy. I want a region free player because I want to buy the NTSC dvds + blu ray because they have the best editions, but i also want it to play PAL. I am looking for the cheapest option possible as I am on short on money atm. Also i would prefer that it had USB input with AVI, DIVX, MP4 and MKV playback. Thanks in advance!!!!

[shkl56]

I have blu ray on my laptop, but do not want to hook it up to my home theatre every time I want to watch a movie. Thinking of buying the Panasonic DMP-BDT310 with built in wifi. I know I can watch netflix and youtube on it, but I've subscibed to some online indian channels....can I still watch them through this wifi? Thanks a lot for all the help!!

[Mischief]

Hi everyone, I am looking for a 3D blu ray player that will work ok with my LG Cinema TV.

I am on a budget of no more than $150,- I was looking at the Soniq B500 and B501 (can't find a difference between the 2), but not sure if they will support the LG Cinema function on the TV?

[dgarvey]

Hi, first time posting long time reader. I currently have a PS3 60 GB FAT with SACD using HDMI since 2006 and it still runs great. I'm looking to replace it with a OPPO-93. Will I see any benifits? Thank you all.

[vettel450]

UK'er looking for a universal/all region/s dvd and bluray player. help

thanks

[DKage]

I recently purchased a Samsung BD-E5700. The player is worthless and will be taken back; I have had it for less than a week. The SmartHub is insanely slow - just getting to the red Netflix screen (the primary reason for getting it) takes at least 2 minutes. The Wii can connect faster than that! I even noticed that resuming an episode of The Walking Dead took close to 1-1/2 minutes! Additionally, Samsung provided some substantial misinformation: their product flyer provided to stores gives the impression that the model comes with a "fully optimized web browser." 3 phone calls to Samsung later, apparently this model does NOT come with a browser. That was one of the main marketing points the store used to convince me not to get an LG.

I have decided on one of 4 models: Sony S390, Panasonic BD77, Panasonic BD87, and Panasonic BDT210. I know...3 Panasonics and 1 Sony - so obviously Panasonic is the favorite. Let me explain what features matter most.

1. Built-in wifi
2. Steady, quality streaming for Netflix
3. Play movies off a FAT32-formatted USB HDD

HMDI was not listed because that is something of a given. It will be connected directly to a Panasonic 720p HDTV via HDMI. I am not concerned about matching brands.

I would like some opinions; I hope to pick it up this weekend as I am taking that Samsung back as soon as humanly possible. I know everyone has their personal preference, but I am really torn. I want to make sure my money is well spent for quality; my fiancee deserves to have her Netflix and Twilight blu-rays be beautiful.

[jaj0619]

Hi! I am buying a blu-ray player as a gift and while I would love to buy something fancy my price range is sadly only about $80 (or less). If you guys had any suggestions, I would appreciate it SO much. Thanks!

[DKage]

As a follow up, I ended up getting the Sony s390. So far, I have to say that I am quite pleased with the purchase; it is above and beyond a better product than the Samsung BD-E5700 that I previously bought. Not only did it cost only $100 (the Samsung was $130), but it includes a web browser. Admittedly, it is the same crappy browser as the PS3, but it's there if I want to use it. My fiancee can even check Facebook from it.

The WiFi on the Sony is many moons faster than the Samsung. Getting into Netflix and starting a program is much more reasonable, only negligibly longer than the PS3 or Wii. Setting it up was easy. I do think that the strength of reception for a wireless signal was a bit better on the Samsung as the Sony seems fluctuate quite a bit. HD on Netflix doesn't always look HD; I believe the inconsistent WiFi reception is responsible. It took about 4 tries before it was steady enough to connect to the Sony server in order to receive the software update for the player.

Another difference is playing media from an external USB device. The Samsung stuttered when playing video files. The stuttering wasn't anything that seriously disrupted the viewing, but it was annoying. Nothing has even so much as skipped a beat thus far on the Sony, and I am using the exact same files.

It uses the same UI as the PS3, the cross media bar (XMB). I have never liked the XMB interface - to me, it is ugly and cumbersome. It is like playing a modern RPG that still uses text boxes instead of visual cutscenes. It feels text-heavy and archaic, but it gets the job done.

Supposedly, a standard USB keyboard can work with it, but I haven't tried that aspect. I would say that it should because the thought of having to use the remote for the web browser makes my soul ache.

All in all, I would recommend this player to someone who needs a functional, fast WiFi blu-ray player. I especially love the compact size of the unit. It's no bigger than a cable receiver. The price was right, and I have no complaints about functionality. I believe that the WiFi signal received would be stronger if I could reposition the player.

[svenge]

Originally Posted by jaj0619

Hi! I am buying a blu-ray player as a gift and while I would love to buy something fancy my price range is sadly only about $80 (or less). If you guys had any suggestions, I would appreciate it SO much. Thanks!

$80 bucks, huh? The Sony BDP-S185 would be a good choice as long as the recipient isn't into streaming video services...

[jaj0619]

Originally Posted by svenge

$80 bucks, huh? The Sony BDP-S185 would be a good choice as long as the recipient isn't into streaming video services...

Thanks so much! I am now trying to decide between this, the Panasonic BD75, and the LG BD611. Which would you recommend?

[Scarriere]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by DKage

I recently purchased a Samsung BD-E5700. The player is worthless and will be taken back; I have had it for less than a week. The SmartHub is insanely slow - just getting to the red Netflix screen (the primary reason for getting it) takes at least 2 minutes. The Wii can connect faster than that! I even noticed that resuming an episode of The Walking Dead took close to 1-1/2 minutes! Additionally, Samsung provided some substantial misinformation: their product flyer provided to stores gives the impression that the model comes with a "fully optimized web browser." 3 phone calls to Samsung later, apparently this model does NOT come with a browser. That was one of the main marketing points the store used to convince me not to get an LG.

I have decided on one of 4 models: Sony S390, Panasonic BD77, Panasonic BD87, and Panasonic BDT210. I know...3 Panasonics and 1 Sony - so obviously Panasonic is the favorite. Let me explain what features matter most.

1. Built-in wifi
2. Steady, quality streaming for Netflix
3. Play movies off a FAT32-formatted USB HDD

HMDI was not listed because that is something of a given. It will be connected directly to a Panasonic 720p HDTV via HDMI. I am not concerned about matching brands.

I would like some opinions; I hope to pick it up this weekend as I am taking that Samsung back as soon as humanly possible. I know everyone has their personal preference, but I am really torn. I want to make sure my money is well spent for quality; my fiancee deserves to have her Netflix and Twilight blu-rays be beautiful.

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by DKage

As a follow up, I ended up getting the Sony s390. So far, I have to say that I am quite pleased with the purchase; it is above and beyond a better product than the Samsung BD-E5700 that I previously bought. Not only did it cost only $100 (the Samsung was $130), but it includes a web browser. Admittedly, it is the same crappy browser as the PS3, but it's there if I want to use it. My fiancee can even check Facebook from it.

The WiFi on the Sony is many moons faster than the Samsung. Getting into Netflix and starting a program is much more reasonable, only negligibly longer than the PS3 or Wii. Setting it up was easy. I do think that the strength of reception for a wireless signal was a bit better on the Samsung as the Sony seems fluctuate quite a bit. HD on Netflix doesn't always look HD; I believe the inconsistent WiFi reception is responsible. It took about 4 tries before it was steady enough to connect to the Sony server in order to receive the software update for the player.

Another difference is playing media from an external USB device. The Samsung stuttered when playing video files. The stuttering wasn't anything that seriously disrupted the viewing, but it was annoying. Nothing has even so much as skipped a beat thus far on the Sony, and I am using the exact same files.

It uses the same UI as the PS3, the cross media bar (XMB). I have never liked the XMB interface - to me, it is ugly and cumbersome. It is like playing a modern RPG that still uses text boxes instead of visual cutscenes. It feels text-heavy and archaic, but it gets the job done.

Supposedly, a standard USB keyboard can work with it, but I haven't tried that aspect. I would say that it should because the thought of having to use the remote for the web browser makes my soul ache.

All in all, I would recommend this player to someone who needs a functional, fast WiFi blu-ray player. I especially love the compact size of the unit. It's no bigger than a cable receiver. The price was right, and I have no complaints about functionality. I believe that the WiFi signal received would be stronger if I could reposition the player.

Thank you for sharing. I'll be looking for a player to replace our PS3 and your info was helpful.

[pbmpharmacist]

Anyone know of a blu-ray player that has Amazon VOD, Netflix AND plays MKV files? Preferrably it would play the MKV files WITH HD audio? I'm trying to talk myself out of a Roku box and into a new blu-ray player. Thanks.

[Rhoq]

Originally Posted by svenge

$80 bucks, huh? The Sony BDP-S185 would be a good choice as long as the recipient isn't into streaming video services...

The Sony BDP-S185 is a perfectly capable streamer.

Originally Posted by pbmpharmacist

Anyone know of a blu-ray player that has Amazon VOD, Netflix AND plays MKV files? Preferrably it would play the MKV files WITH HD audio? I'm trying to talk myself out of a Roku box and into a new blu-ray player. Thanks.

Sony BDP-S185, it's cheap (under $90) and has all of the features you are looking for. The only downside is it does not have wireless. It needs be hardwired or connected to a wireless bridge. I've got one as a secondary player (in my bedroom) and am very happy with it.

[Goze211]

I have been trying to decide between these two players. Was going to go with Sony if for no other reason than it is more interesting looking, but then a CNET review and CNET user complaints about the Sony's load times made me think twice. Has anyone seen any shootouts between these players with regard to loading times?

[Dwayne]

Originally Posted by Goze211

I have been trying to decide between these two players. Was going to go with Sony if for no other reason than it is more interesting looking, but then a CNET review and CNET user complaints about the Sony's load times made me think twice. Has anyone seen any shootouts between these players with regard to loading times?

Own them both and the Panny 220 is a far better player compared to the Sony 590. The load times to me seem to be equal but as far as performance I like the Panny 220 much better. I do not stream at all so I cant say which one would be better for that.

[timyan]

Hey, this is my first post. Im wondering if i should upgrade my old blu-ray player.

I just bought the Mordaunt Short Carnival 5.1 package and a Denon 2312ci av receiver and I was looking at my old blu ray player (Samsung BDP-1500) and i realized there are a lot of formats that it cant play and the loading time has been bugging me a little. I looked at a few models and i dont use netflix or anything like that so im not too concerned about wifi. It really just boils down to the AV quality of the movie.

For video it only plays VC-1 / MPEG2 / H.264.
For audio it has Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD but no DTS-HD MA.

Is there any point in buying a new entry level Blu-ray player or should I just stick with what I have?

[TitansFan4Life]

My PoS Samsung just broke after I had it for just over two years.

I always had issues with it, so I'm not that upset. Just curious what I should buy.

I hear Panasonic and Sony are the best (reasonably priced) players. I prefer to spend no more than around $120. If I have to spend more than that for a good player, I may just consider getting a PS3 - but I really don't want to.

I wish I could help everyone else out who haven't gotten answers yet, but I know nothing about this stuff.

What do you guys think I should get?

[ridergroov1]

Hi folks. I'm in the market for a new player. Needs to do the following

1. Play mkv with dtshd and truehd audio from USB drive.
2. Mount ISO files of DVD and blu ray rips with menus from USB drive
3. Decent set of steaming services preferably with amazon void and hbo go.
4. Fast interface/playback spin up.

Possible?

Thanks.

[pip440]

Originally Posted by WiseCentaur9

Hello, i am new to the forums so I am not sure if this is in the right threads. I have been looking for a region free blu ray player that I can buy in Australia. Ive seen some overseas but Im not even going to consider it because I know the shipping price will be crazy. I want a region free player because I want to buy the NTSC dvds + blu ray because they have the best editions, but i also want it to play PAL. I am looking for the cheapest option possible as I am on short on money atm. Also i would prefer that it had USB input with AVI, DIVX, MP4 and MKV playback. Thanks in advance!!!!

I find the Kogan very good and cheap (about A$110). Allows changing regions. Just open draw, press Setup and 7252.

[DJ Matt]

Hi,
the up converter DVD play my parents has seems to be dying.
While changing the player, why not being future ready for them and get a BP player !?
So what would be the best player with wifi (for updates) picture quality & good DVD handling ?

Thanks all

DJ Matt