Lots of newbie questions

[BearAddict]

Now that the HD wars are over, I have finally decided to make the plunge in to Blu-ray but I have some questions that I am hoping you can answer for me. I am at work atm w/o the exact list of all my gear but I will be as complete as possible (let me know if you need more detail and I can provide it later).

Questions:
1) I currently have a Pioneer Elite 50" Plasma but it is a year or so old and only displays up to 1080i. Will I get a big benefit from switching to Blu-ray from DVD with this set? I will most likely upgrade to a 1080p model but probably not for another year or two.

2) I currently have a Denon receiver (2800 series I believe) which was purchased at the same time as the plasma. Speakers are NHT with an NHT sub (5.1 system). I also am currently using a Denon DVD player. I am currently running everything through the receiver via HDMI and letting it upconvert the DVD prior to passing to the plasma. Remote is a Harmony One which controls the whole system including lights.

I think I have narrowed down my product search to either the Panasonic DMP-BD55 (or 35) or the Sony BDP-S550. Any suggestions or recommendations based on the above information (i.e. do I need to go to the BD55 or since I am using HDMI, is there no need, etc.). Any other players worth considering in a similar price range?

3) If I want to use the BD Live features of these new players, is there a way to connect them wirelessly or will I have to run a new ethernet cable? I have heard mention somewhere on these forums that there is no wireless support but also saw mention of something they referred to as a wireless bridge?

Any other recommendations you could make would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime, I will continue reading these forums. There is tons of great information here.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by BearAddict

Now that the HD wars are over, I have finally decided to make the plunge in to Blu-ray but I have some questions that I am hoping you can answer for me. I am at work atm w/o the exact list of all my gear but I will be as complete as possible (let me know if you need more detail and I can provide it later).

Questions:
1) I currently have a Pioneer Elite 50" Plasma but it is a year or so old and only displays up to 1080i. Will I get a big benefit from switching to Blu-ray from DVD with this set? I will most likely upgrade to a 1080p model but probably not for another year or two.

I own a 40" JVC 720p/1080i and went from DVD to blu-ray. Connect it via component cables or HDMI and you WILL notice a difference from upconverted DVD's to blu-rays. See films such as Blade Runner, 2001, 3:10 to yuma and others that are 5 star movies on this site.

3) If I want to use the BD Live features of these new players, is there a way to connect them wirelessly or will I have to run a new ethernet cable? I have heard mention somewhere on these forums that there is no wireless support but also saw mention of something they referred to as a wireless bridge?

Any other recommendations you could make would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime, I will continue reading these forums. There is tons of great information here.

I would check the manufacturers site for wifi information. You can probably download a pdf of the manual to check for sure.

I use the ps3 and mine connects wirelessly. So far it's been a great player. Good luck! I cannot comment on #2.

[aramis109]

The wireless bridge suggestion was mine. Try googling Logitech Play Link or something of that nature. I can't say for sure how well it would work but since it does all the heavy lifting it shouldn't have an issue with at least connecting. Alternatively you could go with a PS3 which has wireless connectivity built-in.

All of your other equipment looks good. Personally I think you'd see a big leap in quality even at 1080i, and especially with a great set like the Kuro.

...gotta run!

[lightning17]

hi
i am also quite new to this and just want a little help
my ps3 has all of a sudden stopped reading/playing audio cd's (i have tried numerous) though it plays blu ray movies and games fine

can anyone help

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by lightning17

hi
i am also quite new to this and just want a little help
my ps3 has all of a sudden stopped reading/playing audio cd's (i have tried numerous) though it plays blu ray movies and games fine

Try testing CD-Rs in various format - data CD and burned Audio CD. If that still doesn't work, then there's something wrong with the laser pickup. If it's under warranty, get Sony to fix it. If not, you can DIY or pay Sony to replace the OPU for you.


fuad

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by lightning17

hi
i am also quite new to this and just want a little help
my ps3 has all of a sudden stopped reading/playing audio cd's (i have tried numerous) though it plays blu ray movies and games fine

can anyone help

Same thing happened to me..... Here is the website to sony to start the repair process.....

good luck, I'm waiting for my box to show up to send one of mine back

https://service1.us.playstation.com/...3-A40C2B51858E