BDP-S550 or BDP-05FD or just another PS3

[msm]

I want to add another blu-ray player to the living room and I am currently considering the following:

Pioneer BDP-05FD
Sony BDP-S550
PS3

Out of the 3 which would you take in terms of PQ.

[kevinokev]

Supposedely the new stand-alone players offer better PQ then the PS3. Can't validate whether the S550 or Pioneer is better, but that's what I've read.

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by kevinokev

Supposedely the new stand-alone players offer better PQ then the PS3. Can't validate whether the S550 or Pioneer is better, but that's what I've read.

Love to see some hard data on this outside of "people say". Got any links?

[singhcr]

The new Panasonic 55 and 35's have the best PQ of any standalone, but the PS3 is equal to that, according to CNET's review. http://reviews.cnet.com/video-player...?tag=mncol;lst

In short- if you are looking for a new SA, the Panasonic has excellent PQ, but if you have a PS3 you aren't missing anything.

[callas01]

yeah, i don't know about PQ, but I would say that the newer stand alones will be more flexible like the PS3, given that they will have ethernet ports and can get firmware updates just a easily as the PS3. With the ablility to decode and bitstream HD audio and most have 5.1 to 7.1 analogs outs for people with non-HDMI AVR's, this gives the SA more flexiblilty then the PS3.

PQ, I would want to see some test or a link, Like Aramis stated.

[johnnyd1]

Originally Posted by singhcr

The new Panasonic 55 and 35's have the best PQ of any standalone, but the PS3 is equal to that, according to CNET's review. http://reviews.cnet.com/video-player...?tag=mncol;lst

In short- if you are looking for a new SA, the Panasonic has excellent PQ, but if you have a PS3 you aren't missing anything.

You are missing internal decoding of DTS-HD MA with the new SONY 550 !!!

[InfectedStranger]

Pioneer, unless you are a gamer...then you go with the PS3.

[jon s]

I have the Sony PS3 and a Pioneer BDP-05FD. The Pioneer has a noticeably sharper image than the Sony PS3 (I am using a 100" screen with a JVC RS-1 front projector). If you are planning to use the Pioneer to play audio CDs, you will be pleasantly surprised as the Wolfson DACs used in the Pioneer is killer...

BUT the Pioneer has teething issues (I am using firmware 1.07).
1. it is quite slow in loading, slower than current generation players
2. it is missing internal DTS HD Master decoding
3. layer changing in SD-DVD is abysmal... taking up to three seconds
4. scanning forward and pressing play at a scene does NOT always end you at the scene.
5. HDMI occasionally drops audio when skipping chapters
6. some control issues with SD-DVDs
7. terribly designed remote control
8. player goes into standby mode too quickly... 10-15 seconds

the PS3...
1. softer image
2. no analog output
3. bluetooth remote control
4. noisy
5. very quick load times
6. fast response time
7. least problems with compatibility
8. profile 2.0 ready
9. energy hog

[bluskies]

Originally Posted by johnnyd1

You are missing internal decoding of DTS-HD MA with the new SONY 550 !!!

I thought we established that it did do internal decoding?

[johnnyd1]

Originally Posted by bluskies

I thought we established that it did do internal decoding?

You are reading my post wrong !

[msm]

Thanks for your input, I ended up buying the Pioneer.