Magnavox or Sherwood Blu-ray Player

[connect42]

I am looking for a Blu-ray player for a friend who doesn't have a big budget. I have a thread about the upcoming Vizio player already.
Does anybody have any info on the Magnavox or Sherwood Blu-ray players that Walmart has for sale? Under $200 would be great for him.

[Batman1980]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...#ProductDetail
Considering Magnavox's had 2 1 star reviews, I would stay away from it. I can't say anything on the Sherwood since it's new. Tell him to wait for the Vizio, should be reliable and inexpensive, comes out early next month.

[tntkain]

I think you can buy Insignia player for a reasonable price. I don't recall hearing any complaints about them

[SpHeRe31459]

Originally Posted by tntkain

I think you can buy Insignia player for a reasonable price. I don't recall hearing any complaints about them

The Insigina players are some of the most complained about inexpensive players around. They have done nothing to support them. The 1st generation unit is a Funai OEM, and despite other vendors having firmware updates available, Insignia hasn't seen fit to update. Their 2nd generation is having issues too and still doesn't seem to have the promised BD Live update.

Unfortunately I don't know who makes the Sherwood players and they aren't widely stocked, so I haven't seen one bit of feedback on them.


The brand new Magnavox 530 seems to be decent and the Memorex players seem to be too, Memorex has started to offer regular firmware updates.

[illini71]

look for open box returned players you can get really good deals that way. the samsung 1500 is selling very cheap with the release of the newer ones.

[PatrickL2009]

I have had no experience with the sherwood considering I can never find them in a store, but I own the new Magnavox 530 from walmart for $200. It's a great machine for the price, gives my tv an amazing picture, and has played every blu I've bought/rented. It's nice for the money and will get the job done for someone looking to save cash and experience true blu-ray quality. Bought Bolt yesterday, looked flawless on it. I would go with the Magnavox if I were you, one because of my experience, and two, it is hard to find testimonials for people who own the sherwood. The 1 star reviews must be from people who happen to get a bad product. It happens. There is also 4 and 5 star reviews, which I would give it; if i reviewed it.

[brettallica]

Sherwood used to be renowned for good quality gear back in the day (and I'm talking about WAY back when), so I would guess/hope that their new player(s) is (are) at least passable for BD playback.

My brother and sister in-law were able to get the BDP-S350 for $179 on a special sale at Kmart a while back. That was a deal and a half. The reason I bring that up is because it shouldn't be too much of a problem to find a reputable, well-liked player for under $200 at this point. I would say do your best to find such a player. Just be patient.

Unless of course you absolutely must have the Magnavox or Vizio models because you're (or your friend is) partial to those brands.

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by SpHeRe31459

The Insigina players are some of the most complained about inexpensive players around. They have done nothing to support them. The 1st generation unit is a Funai OEM, and despite other vendors having firmware updates available, Insignia hasn't seen fit to update. Their 2nd generation is having issues too and still doesn't seem to have the promised BD Live update.

Unfortunately I don't know who makes the Sherwood players and they aren't widely stocked, so I haven't seen one bit of feedback on them.


The brand new Magnavox 530 seems to be decent and the Memorex players seem to be too, Memorex has started to offer regular firmware updates.

the only movie i have ever had a problem with (and it seems many people with other brand players have too) was "twilight" I own almost every new blu ray movie that has come out in the last 6 months (plus all the other blu-ray movies i own and rent) and it plays all of them with no problem. what the cheaper (price wise) brands may have more than the "big name) players have is a lack of "quality control" I like my player and think it plays as well as any other player for it's purpose. Mind you i am going to get the Oppo blu-ray player when it comes out, because i want to play my sacd & dvd-a discs again. the insignia will go downstairs to my smaller hdtv in my office.
sometimes you just get the "messed up" player, no matter who makes it!

[Blu Titan]

I would wait for the new Vizio BD player that should be released next month. Profile 2.0 and $200...

[SpHeRe31459]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

I would wait for the new Vizio BD player that should be released next month. Profile 2.0 and $200...

FYI: If you look in the recent Vizio thread, it's now been delayed to "late summer" according to Vizio's customer service.