Good consumer level blu-ray player

[jeremy_williams]

I am looking to buy a blu-ray player for my tv downstairs but I'm looking for suggestions on what player will be best. Also, how can I update the firmware for the player if it only has Ethernet? Do I plug it into a laptop and update it?

[Zman2k2]

Before I recommend a player for you, it would be nice to know how it's going to be connected. Just to the TV, or is there a receiver for audio. If there's a receiver, what make and model.

As for how to update firmware with an ethernet card, you need to connect the player to a router with an ethernet cord. So the connection would be
Internet Modem--> Router--> Computer in one jack, blu-ray player in another.

[jeremy_williams]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

Before I recommend a player for you, it would be nice to know how it's going to be connected. Just to the TV, or is there a receiver for audio. If there's a receiver, what make and model.

As for how to update firmware with an ethernet card, you need to connect the player to a router with an ethernet cord. So the connection would be
Internet Modem--> Router--> Computer in one jack, blu-ray player in another.

That's strange that companies assume customers have routers near their home entertainment center. I would think that it would be much more practical to use a wireless card.

Anyway, I have a Rotel receiver. Unfortunately my Sony Grand Wega SXRD does not have HDMI so I will have to use either DVI or Component cables.

[SkillzthatKillz]

Originally Posted by jeremy_williams

That's strange that companies assume customers have routers near their home entertainment center. I would think that it would be much more practical to use a wireless card.

Anyway, I have a Rotel receiver. Unfortunately my Sony Grand Wega SXRD does not have HDMI so I will have to use either DVI or Component cables.

does your receiver have HDMI or does it just have analog and optical inputs? also, can it do the HD audio formats? have you looked at any players yet? we're here to help mate

[Johnny Vinyl]

If , based on the location, there is no ethernet available, could a firmware upgrade be done via a USB stick or burnt CD/DVD?

[jeremy_williams]

Originally Posted by John72953

If , based on the location, there is no ethernet available, could a firmware upgrade be done via a USB stick or burnt CD/DVD?

I would assume that it can be updated via DVD. I have the Sony BDP-S2000ES and it can be updated with a disc. It's a real pain compared to my PS3 but it gets the job done.

[jeremy_williams]

Originally Posted by SkillzthatKillz

does your receiver have HDMI or does it just have analog and optical inputs? also, can it do the HD audio formats? have you looked at any players yet? we're here to help mate

The Rotel does not have HDMI either and I don't think it would really matter if it did because there would be no way to plug the receiver into the TV. The best picture I am going to get is with either DVI or component cables. I'm not so much concerned with the HD audio formats downstairs. My main theatre system is upstairs with Wilson speakers.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by jeremy_williams

I would assume that it can be updated via DVD. I have the Sony BDP-S2000ES and it can be updated with a disc. It's a real pain compared to my PS3 but it gets the job done.

I kinda thought so, but thanks for the confirmation jeremy.

[jeremy_williams]

So based on everything mentioned, what player would you guys recommend?

[kpkelley]

Assuming that your Rotel has analog inputs you can go for the Sony BDP-S550 or Panasonic DMP-BD55 both of which decode HD audio and have 7.1 analog outputs. Both can be had for under $350. If you are looking for cheaper there are plenty of profile 1.1 and 1.0 players available on discount all over the web, though they wouldn't provide you with all of the hd audio codecs.

[jeremy_williams]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

Assuming that your Rotel has analog inputs you can go for the Sony BDP-S550 or Panasonic DMP-BD55 both of which decode HD audio and have 7.1 analog outputs. Both can be had for under $350. If you are looking for cheaper there are plenty of profile 1.1 and 1.0 players available on discount all over the web, though they wouldn't provide you with all of the hd audio codecs.

Are there any advantages to one player over the other? I definitely want one that is 2.0 compatible.

[kpkelley]

I am not familiar enough to recommend one over the other. Check out the review threads for some owner insight:

Panasonic DMP-BD55
Sony BDP-S550

[SkillzthatKillz]

both of the previously mentioned Sony and Panasonic players are very comparable in terms of cababilies. I would say to either buy one based on a)brand preference, b) how the player looks with the setup, or c)price, you might be able to get a deal on one of them if you shop around a bit.

Also, if you want to get the best PQ on the TV you will be using it with, i would recommend using an HDMI to DVI cable, as i have heard that that DVI does provide substantially better PQ than the component cables. For audio, you could use the analog outs on the player to connect to your receiver and that would probably give you the best sound available, or an optical cable if it isnt a huge deal

[ozzman]

I would also suggest to stay away from Samsung.
Even tho i own one and haven't had any problems.

It seems like a lot of people have.It's almost like you have a 50,50 shot of getting a good player over one that craps out on you.(Samsung)

So like i said its just suggestion.I would hate for you to have a bad experience with your new player

Good luck

You friend Ozzman