Sony BX2 or PS3 Slim?

[Kryptonic]

Are there any BD's that flat out won't play in the PS3? I'm considering getting a PS3 Slim. I don't have high speed internet and won't be able to update the player online, so I'm considering getting the BX2 since I can simply request an update disc directly from Sony should I have any problems. I greatly enjoy my Magnavox NB500MGX that I paid $98 for. It's worked perfectly with all of the discs in my collection. But I must admit, the price for the new PS3 is very enticing and there are a few games I'd like to have. So, which should I go with?

[Theoriez]

I would say go with the PS3 slim. as they say more "bang" for your buck.

grab some blu-rays...some ps3 games...and have a good time...at 299.99 you can't lose.

[icyteddy]

I chose the S360 over the Slim because the S360 is quieter, use less power and over $100 cheaper. However, it would seem the PS3 slim would suit you better because you are also interested in playing games so I would say the PS3 Slim for you.

[PoorSignal]

The S360/BX2 is a solid player
I still plan to get a PS3 later but I won't be using that for Blu Ray. I need dead silent player and the S360 delivers, the price is dropping everyday literally while the PS3 will be at $299 for quite a while

[Theoriez]

Yeah if your looking for just a player...get a player...BUT if you want to play games ps3 slim is a simple choice...Plus you could get the slim now...then anytime in the future you can buy games...psn is free...wifi built in...you can play demos free..and get on ps home for free those both are entertaining for most.

You can also put music on your ps3...upconvert dvds...blu-rays...and really the slim is pretty much quiet unless you mute everything in the room and sit right by the tv....

The thing i like about the ps3....when the next playstation comes out..the ps3 will still be of use...you can still watch blu-rays and dvds...listen to music...systems like the 360 and wii...once there next console comes out they will be useless IMO..nobody really watches movies on 360 and the wii doesnt even have the option.and the standard players that are in a good price range.they get outdated quick by the ps3....Thats what makes the ps3 a better deal..and that was at 399.99 now at 299.99 its a easy choice to make.

Im not a fanboy or whatever they call it...i just do my homework on electronics and what i think you get more for your money and can i use it for years to come..getting a cheaper quick fix always costs more down the road.

I think you will be happy with a ps3..set it up connect it with the wifi to your computer and get the updates...then enjoy.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Kryptonic

I don't have high speed internet and won't be able to update the player online, so I'm considering getting the BX2 since I can simply request an update disc directly from Sony should I have any problems.

You can download the update and put it on a thumbdrive from your computer and do it yourself.

Here is the link on how to:

How to update your PS3 from using a thumbdrive

[Glassroots]

Buy a Slim. There, problem solved.

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by HAMP

You can download the update and put it on a thumbdrive from your computer and do it yourself.

Here is the link on how to:

How to update your PS3 from using a thumbdrive

This is the thing though - does the PS3 require updates to play BD's? Are there any discs that it just won't play? My Magnavox has played everything, even discs that have trouble in other more expensive players. That's the main reason I bought it. That and it was dirt cheap. And that's my main concern with a new player. The BX2 seems to be the better choice should I need a firmware update since I can just request one from Sony. Downloading a 154 MB file on 56k for the PS3 isn't really an option.

I'm not worried about the sound since the Magnavox is actually somewhat noisy, but not to the point where it's loud during a film. I'm also wondering if the PS3 Slim gets hot though? The Magnavox's fan runs pretty much all the time, so it never gets hot, even if I leave it enclosed in the cabinet for 3-4 hours playing a BD.

[MOONPHASE]

PS3 Slimmy

[syncguy]

Since you are into games, normally the answer is clear, i.e. PS3 - nothing else. However, in your case, it is not clear because you don't have a broadband connection. As posted previously you may ask a friend to download updates to a USB and could use it for updates. PS3 requires updates to be compatible with the latest disks. I expect this would be the case for any other player.

I am happy if you go for the PS3. It is great machine and gives excellent PQ. However, you need to work out a way to do the updates. You may be able to download to your PC overnight and then update PS3.

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by syncguy

Since you are into games, normally the answer is clear, i.e. PS3 - nothing else. However, in your case, it is not clear because you don't have a broadband connection. As posted previously you may ask a friend to download updates to a USB and could use it for updates. PS3 requires updates to be compatible with the latest disks. I expect this would be the case for any other player.

I am happy if you go for the PS3. It is great machine and gives excellent PQ. However, you need to work out a way to do the updates. You may be able to download to your PC overnight and then update PS3.

I'm not "into" games really. There's literally about 3-5 games I would check out on PS3. I'm very selective when it comes to games. All I have right now is an old PS2.

But the PS3 definitely needs updates to play certain discs? Even if it's not connected to BD Live? Strange Sony would provide a way of updating their standalone players by ordering a disc, but not the PS3.

[progers13]

Originally Posted by Kryptonic

This is the thing though - does the PS3 require updates to play BD's? Are there any discs that it just won't play? My Magnavox has played everything, even discs that have trouble in other more expensive players. That's the main reason I bought it. That and it was dirt cheap. And that's my main concern with a new player. The BX2 seems to be the better choice should I need a firmware update since I can just request one from Sony. Downloading a 154 MB file on 56k for the PS3 isn't really an option.

I'm not worried about the sound since the Magnavox is actually somewhat noisy, but not to the point where it's loud during a film. I'm also wondering if the PS3 Slim gets hot though? The Magnavox's fan runs pretty much all the time, so it never gets hot, even if I leave it enclosed in the cabinet for 3-4 hours playing a BD.

I've never had an issue with PS3 not playing a disc, but Sony seems to do a very good job with keep the firmware updates coming.

To answer your original post, you've got to make some decisions for yourself. If gaming entices you, you can't go wrong with the PS3. I've personnally never had a problem with overheating, but mine is not enclosed in a cabinet. I've heard the fan bothers some people, but depending on how loud you play your movies, you shouldn't even hear it while watching. I watched Watchmen yesterday and didn't hear the fan kick on once.

As for the firmware updates via 56k, do you have an internet cafe in your town? I'd suggest investing an hour of your time to use their highspeed resources (or anywhere with a wi-fi if you have a laptop). You can download 154 megs in less than 5 minutes, put it on a thumb drive, and transfer to PS3 - problem solved. Just some suggestions as there are always alternatives (we call them workarounds).

Many people on here have debated (and continue to do so) the PS3's place as a Blu-ray player. Sure there are some features that the standalones offer that the PS3 doesn't. Conversely, many standalone players don't support frequent firmware updates. And no standalone player can play a game. I think if you want some gaming and a very good Blu-ray player, you can't go wrong with PS3.

[icyteddy]

Originally Posted by Kryptonic

I'm also wondering if the PS3 Slim gets hot though? The Magnavox's fan runs pretty much all the time, so it never gets hot, even if I leave it enclosed in the cabinet for 3-4 hours playing a BD.

From what I understand and other peoples reviews, the PS3 slim does get hot. But not so much as the first generation PS3 models.

If you are concern about, quietness, runs cooler, updating a firmware via discs, more energy efficient and a cheaper, then the S360 is your choice.

But if you are into games, then by far the PS3 slim is for you. The PS3 is more future proof than any standalone player for its price range. If you are using it to play more blu than games, then it is recommended you purchase the PS3 remote also. Personally I can't stand using the dualshock 3 as a blu remote.

Conclusion, just buy both if you can! That will solve all your problems.

[solarrdadd]

go with the ps3 slim, it's the better buy and i heard about someone mention that the other machine the S360 "is quiter" every machine makes some noise how don't care how little it is, besides, we are HT folks here and when the movie or game is playing and you've got that sound cranked up, trust me you won't hear the machine making any noise! you'll probably hear the folks next door or across the street yelling to turn that thing down, but not "why is your machine so loud!"

[Grif32]

Sony always puts the latest FW for the PS3 on thier BD movies. Thats how I always get the latest FW for my PS3