Best Available BD Player

[BBCAN]

I just recently invested in a LCD TV as well as a surround sound system and I wanted to jump into HD. I wasnted to get some advise on what is the best BD player (Brand and model) currently available or to be available this year.

Please advise what you know and from your experience. I have heard that the PS3 is a great bet, but I do not game alot and I would sooner make a choice based on BD capabilities.

Please advise
Thanks
B

[Jimbo976]

Even if you don't game at all it is the best Blu-ray player to get. It is the fastest and gets constant updates.

[Eagle_23]

I was in the same boat as you before last friday. Did a lot of research and posted a lot of questions on this board and others asking about all sorts of stuff. In the end I went and bought a PS3. Which I believe to be the best choice just like the above poster. So my recommendation is to go out and buy a PS3 now, I waited for forever trying to decide what player to get (was going to get the 350) but am glad I can finally watch my movies in glorious 1080p.

[sg2386]

The PS3 is an excellent Blu-ray player. It loads so fast compared to most standalones and the firmware updates are great. Its a great machine overall.

From what i read the Sony BDP-S350 and BDP-S550 look like awesome players if you don't want the PS3.

[RUR]

Yes, the PS3 is a great player, provided you don't need 5.1/7.1 analog outs.

[bhampton]

Ps3 is my choice and has been since Nov 06.

I don't think anyone "needs" analog output. Those new-fangled HDMI cable thingies can send the audio with the video to the rest of your gear.

Time to ditch the pro-logic AVRs.

-Brian

[Entertainment72]

If most people are upgrading their SD TV's to HDTV's and DVD players to BD's chances are they will eventually upgrade their archaic analog out receivers to HDMI receivers.

Thus I allow my "zeal" for the PS3 to come into effect and recommend it.

Choose the reason Blu-Ray is even on the map.

[cartman781]

PS3 is nice but for movies I prefer my Panasonic BD30

[mdm1699]

Originally Posted by cartman781

PS3 is nice but for movies I prefer my Panasonic BD30

You mean games? If the PS3 is nice for movies then what do you need the Panny for ?

[clownface]

Originally Posted by Jimbo976

Even if you don't game at all it is the best Blu-ray player to get. It is the fastest and gets constant updates.

Yes Sir!!!

[cartman781]

Originally Posted by mdm1699

You mean games? If the PS3 is nice for movies then what do you need the Panny for ?

No , I am saying that I prefer the BD30 for watching movies

[stockstar1138]

Originally Posted by mdm1699

You mean games? If the PS3 is nice for movies then what do you need the Panny for ?

Main Entry: 1but
Pronunciation: \ˈbət\
Function: conjunction
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English būtan, preposition & conjunction, outside, without, except, except that; akin to Old High German būzan without, except; akin to Old English be by, ūt out — more at by, out
Date: before 12th century
1 a: except for the fact <would have protested but that he was afraid> b: that —used after a negative <there is no doubt but he won> c: without the concomitant that <it never rains but it pours> d: if not : unless e: than <no sooner started but it stopped> —not often in formal use
2 a: on the contrary : on the other hand : notwithstanding —used to connect coordinate elements <he was called but he did not answer><not peace but a sword> b: yet <poor but proud> c: with the exception of —used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause <none but the brave deserves the fair — John Dryden>

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by cartman781

PS3 is nice but for movies I prefer my Panasonic BD30

Originally Posted by cartman781

No , I am saying that I prefer the BD30 for watching movies

[mdm1699]

Originally Posted by cartman781

No , I am saying that I prefer the BD30 for watching movies

I wish the PS3 wasn't so good. I am honestly starting to resent it somewhat. I hope the BDP-S350 is as good. I can't wait to try bitstreaming. Sounds wierd I know.

[mdm1699]

Originally Posted by stockstar1138

Main Entry: 1but
Pronunciation: \ˈbət\
Function: conjunction
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English būtan, preposition & conjunction, outside, without, except, except that; akin to Old High German būzan without, except; akin to Old English be by, ūt out — more at by, out
Date: before 12th century
1 a: except for the fact <would have protested but that he was afraid> b: that —used after a negative <there is no doubt but he won> c: without the concomitant that <it never rains but it pours> d: if not : unless e: than <no sooner started but it stopped> —not often in formal use
2 a: on the contrary : on the other hand : notwithstanding —used to connect coordinate elements <he was called but he did not answer><not peace but a sword> b: yet <poor but proud> c: with the exception of —used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause <none but the brave deserves the fair — John Dryden>

Multitasking heh?

[Pitman]

As far as I am concerned, no player is satisfactory right now because so far as I know there are no changers available. I want to be able to put multiple discs in the machine, not just one.

[The Guardian]

PS3:
Pros - Loads fast, easily updateable, pretty good quality
Cons - no analog outs, can't bitstream HD formats, no IR remote by default, fan noise, can't disable net connectivity for BDs if you don't want it, heat, slot-loading of discs

If you want best period, the Denon 3808 is a little slower at loading, but has far better quality and if I'm not mistaken has none of the Cons of the PS3.

I know most of those cons are nitpicking, and I use a PS3 myself, but it just bugs me when people are like there's absolutely nothing wrong with the PS3. Sure I'll upgrade my receiver *eventually* but what if I want to enjoy the HD audio NOW?

I'll be looking at picking up one of the new Pioneer Elite players when they come out (later this month?)... looks to be almost as good as the Denon for only $800...

[Stephan.klose]

If you have a Receiver that can handle bitstreamed audio, you should go with either one of those 3 players.

Panasonic DMP-30 (profile 1.1, Divx Capable)
Samsung BD-P 1400 (profile 1.0, very cheap)
Samsung BD-P 1500 (profile 1.1, will be updated to BD LIVE)

Actually you can take those too if your player can only handle PCM input since they all can decode all HD Soundformats internally.

Except for the Samsung 1500 who will not be able to internally decode DTS HD until the next Firmware update.

Picturewise they are all pretty much the same.

Soundwise too.

Most important tip: Don't buy a Sony Player. They don't support the HD Soundformats.. (Which are one of the greatest things about Blu Ray)

If you have more questions send me a message

[Whytewash]

Originally Posted by The Guardian

I'll be looking at picking up one of the new Pioneer Elite players when they come out (later this month?)... looks to be almost as good as the Denon for only $800...

What do you do and how do you do it? lol I wish I could get to a point and be like, "yo its only $800!" that would be nice haha

[Stephan.klose]

Don't ever get the PS3 if you mostly wanna watch movies. It will never be able to bitstream the HD Audio Formats and if you have a good receiver you can hear the difference. Also the receiver will only display "Multichannel" instead of the very cool "DTS HD Master 7.1" for instance.