Yesterday I pulled the siwtch and picked up my 1st blu ray player...the Panasonic DMP-BD35K. I would have really liked to have the analog outs, but I can make due with the optical (and an optical to coax converter) for a year or two until I buy a new receiver. I took advantage of the HHGregg offer and was able to pick it up for $199 before tax.
Today Sony is offering the S350 for $149...I was about to jump on this player and return the Panasonic but then I remembered that the Panasonic comes with the mail in rebate offer for 2 free movies (at least a $40 dollar value in my mind) and they are movies I will enjoy. (I live in Ohio and bought the player at the retail store, so all rebate terms apply). This brings the effective price of the Panasonic to $159...and DTS master decoding is certainly worth $10
So, do ya'll think I've made the right call in keeping the Panasonic?
(I'm toying with the idea of buying two of the Sony anyway, taking advantage of the credit offer and then maybe selling them, but that's seems like quite a bit of hassle for what would probably be $50 profit when all is said and done. Besides...I have a feeling ebay is going to be filled with these players soon...
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As for the analogs, I figured the money I saved by not getting the BD55 can go towards a new receiver at some point in the future.
Craig
(As a side note, our local HHGregg had stacks of the Sony 350, Panasonic 35 & Samsung 1500 all out on the sales floor with the online sale price posted...the Panasonic was the smallest pile.