Need advice on buying a Blu-ray player

[Hystoryan]

New to this forum -- and the (electronic) form. Just bought an HDTV (Panasonic Plasma G-10 series) and a Home Theater (Surround) System (also Panasonic, which includes a DVD player). Thinking of adding a Blu Ray player (which I've found a more confusing process than choosing the TV and Surround Sound). Landed on the Panasonic DMP-BD60. Anyone have an opinion on that choice? (I'm looking for something inexpensive -- my wife's already freaked by all the other purchases!)

Also, the Surround Sound has only one HDMI port, which I assume leads to the TV. What do I do about the Blu Ray player? (Told you I was new to this.)

Thanks for anything anyone can offer.

[Sylin]

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

New to this forum -- and the (electronic) form. Just bought an HDTV (Panasonic Plasma G-10 series) and a Home Theater (Surround) System (also Panasonic, which includes a DVD player). Thinking of adding a Blu Ray player (which I've found a more confusing process than choosing the TV and Surround Sound). Landed on the Panasonic DMP-BD60. Anyone have an opinion on that choice? (I'm looking for something inexpensive -- my wife's already freaked by all the other purchases!)

Also, the Surround Sound has only one HDMI port, which I assume leads to the TV. What do I do about the Blu Ray player? (Told you I was new to this.)

Thanks for anything anyone can offer.

First off, welcome!

I got into Blu-ray about 2 years ago. Best thing I ever did from a home entertainment perspective (except that dancers pole, but... err... nevermind).

Anyhow, this should give you a good place to start:

https://www.blu-ray.com/players/

There's a Compare option, along with comments on all the various players available, and those coming to the market.

Personally, I like Panasonic BD players. I also like Sony's stand-alone players, and the PS3 (because you get the benefit of gaming and media streaming).

[Hystoryan]

Thanks for the help. The Blu-ray.com site is great, Sylin. (I hear you about the dancer's pole, but I'm in enough trouble already with all this equipment, as I said in my last post.) Question for SlmShdy1: you say I'll be getting downgraded audio with the Home Theater I have (because I can't connect the Blu Ray to it via HDMI? -- right, don't know much about audio). If I get the TOSLink cable (that runs between the Blu Ray and the HT?), I'll get what, exactly? Something, but not what I could be getting? In any case, I'm stuck with that HTS, at least for now, so your advice is to...just get that cable?

Again, thanks to you both for the quick replies.

[SlmShdy1]

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

If I get the TOSLink cable (that runs between the Blu Ray and the HT?), I'll get what, exactly? Something, but not what I could be getting? In any case, I'm stuck with that HTS, at least for now, so your advice is to...just get that cable?

Yeah, you would need a HDMI input to get the best sound. For now, sticking with what you already have, just pick up an optical cable and that will give you 5.1 surround sound.

[SlmShdy1]

The DMP-BD60 is a nice player. Well worth it. The sound system, however, will not allow you to take full advantage of Blu-ray. I don't know how much you know about audio, but in a nutshell, you'll be getting downgraded audio when watching a Blu-ray with that sound system. Now, Panasonic does make some nice Blu-ray home theaters in a box, which would be an all in one system (like you already have, but instead, with a Blu-ray player built in).

If you go ahead and get the BD60 and keep what you have, you'll want to get a digital optical/TOSLink cable. This will give you 5.1 surround sound from the Blu-ray player (either Dolby Digital or DTS). If you were to upgrade to a better home theater system (something that has a HDMI output as well as an input), you would be able to take advantage of the newer audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. They are basically a HD form of what we've been listening to on DVD for years. They are uncompressed and an exact copy of the master audio that was used in the movie.

[ScarredLungs]

Welcome! When you say cheap what do you mean? Sub 200? 300?

That Panasonic player, the BMP-BD60, is a good player. My grandpa has that one and he really enjoys it. Of course, there is always the PS3 option. It is not the best player, but it is very good.

[Hystoryan]

Yes, I was thinking sub-300. Grandpa, huh?

[Hystoryan]

Just curious: the Samsung BD-1600? Reviews seem similar to the Panasonic's -- and the price is about the same. I just need a few options, and then I can choose. Much of this (obviously) is way beyond me.

Thanks again for any advice.

[blarneyrubble]

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

Just curious: the Samsung BD-1600? Reviews seem similar to the Panasonic's -- and the price is about the same. I just need a few options, and then I can choose. Much of this (obviously) is way beyond me.

Thanks again for any advice.

IMO the Panasonic is a better player, plus you will only need one remote. The big benefit off the Samsung is that you can stream Netflix, which is an awesome feature.

If you don't have or plan to get Netflix I say go with the Panasonic. If you do have Netflix I say go with the Samsung. Since it sounds like you are new to HDTV, Blu Ray, HT, ect check out www.monoprice.com for your cables.

Good luck.

[ScarredLungs]

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

Yes, I was thinking sub-300. Grandpa, huh?

My grandpa wanted a new set up so, as his grandson i just had to help I went and helped him buy a TV and a blu ray player.

TV: XBR9 (52 Inch)
Blu ray Player: Panasonic BMP-BD60

[JimShaw]

Wecome

Here is a good link to all the various BD players

https://www.blu-ray.com/players/compare.php?p=1

[jonesyg27]

Originally Posted by cvm

My grandpa wanted a new set up so, as his grandson i just had to help I went and helped him buy a TV and a blu ray player.

TV: XBR9 (52 Inch)
Blu ray Player: Panasonic BMP-BD60

You are a damn fine grandson! That XBR9 is pretty sweet.