New User - BDP S300 advise - Blu-ray Forum

Mike Z · 08-06-2007, 03:02 AM

Hi everyone,

I just purchased an HDTV this weekend and am interested in getting a blu-ray player. I was just wondering if I can get people's opinion on the BDP-S300 player. I know there's a review of it on this page but I'm looking for people's opinions who actually own one. It's around $490 at Best Buy and Wal-Mart and I'm just wondering about the quality of it.

Also, what kind of connection to I need to get the ultimate picture quality? I know there's the HDMI cable but does that give you great picture quality for both HD television and blu-ray movies or just the blu-ray movies?

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Mike

k20king · 08-06-2007, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Z

Hi everyone,

I just purchased an HDTV this weekend and am interested in getting a blu-ray player. I was just wondering if I can get people's opinion on the BDP-S300 player. I know there's a review of it on this page but I'm looking for people's opinions who actually own one. It's around $490 at Best Buy and Wal-Mart and I'm just wondering about the quality of it.

Also, what kind of connection to I need to get the ultimate picture quality? I know there's the HDMI cable but does that give you great picture quality for both HD television and blu-ray movies or just the blu-ray movies?

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Mike

Hey Welcome Mike Z!

This is a great forum for information.

My 2 Cents I would pay $499 for a PS3.

Well Good Luck!

Enjoy the High Definition!

GO BLU-RAY!

nhaase · 08-06-2007, 03:05 AM

Welcome! Use the search function on the forums page, as you can find many threads about the S300. HDMI is the best connection for AV equip. at the moment. Since it sends a digital signal, you don't have to worry about any interference.

Welcome again!

Mike Z · 08-06-2007, 03:14 AM

Thanks for such a quick repsonse. The thing is, however, that I don't play video games at all, I'm strictly a movie fanatic so I'm just trying to figure out if the BDP is a good purchase since I wouldn't need a PS3 or if I should be looking at a different player or just waiting for something coming out in the near future. It's the price that's so attractive right now.

Thanks again,
Mike

crackinhedz · 08-06-2007, 03:30 AM

I dont play games either...go with the ps3! (I only watch blurays)...its basically a dam computer for $500!!!

read this article on the Sony BDP-S300

read this part near the end....

"--Update-- It looks as if the BDP-S300 isn't HDMI 1.3 equipped after all. This post from A/V Magazine (Italian) clearly shows a Silicon Image SiI9030 new window chipset which is HDMI 1.1 only"

...that was a deal killer for me.

jermwhl · 08-06-2007, 05:15 AM

Hey Mike,
Alot of us on here aren't gamers but still own PS3's. Is is THE best BD player out there right now. Regardless if you play games or not, you WILL be happy with it! It is a multimedia center, with the added bonus of being able to play games if you wanted to. I would highly recommend you give it a serious look as a media center/BD player. You can put all your photos, videos, and music on there and play it all from a hard drive. It is a great piece of equipment.
Good luck in your BD search.........and welcome to the forums!

whippersnapper · 08-06-2007, 09:40 AM

If an attractive price is what you're looking for, you can get a 60GB PS3 for $349 (August only). To get that price you must sign up for a Sony credit card. See linked site.

http://ps3mods.blogspot.com/2007/08/...3-for-349.html

By the way, in addition to the PS3 which we use in our family room (never have used it for gaming), we also have a BDP-S300 that we use in our bedroom. Both are good players. I prefer the PS3 for its robustness and upgradability. Welcome and enjoy your Blu-ray experience.

cheto2k7 · 08-06-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Z

Thanks for such a quick repsonse. The thing is, however, that I don't play video games at all, I'm strictly a movie fanatic so I'm just trying to figure out if the BDP is a good purchase since I wouldn't need a PS3 or if I should be looking at a different player or just waiting for something coming out in the near future. It's the price that's so attractive right now.

Thanks again,
Mike

Hey Mike, the PS3 is currently the best blu ray player out there. My son plays video games on it but I just watch blu ray movies. And the PS3 is such an attractive machine. Thats just my opinion. Good luck on your purchase.

cawgijoe · 08-06-2007, 12:06 PM

PS3.

if you have to have a standalone get the Sony BDP-S301 at Costco for $449. It's the same player as the S300 and comes with an HDMI cable in the box. Also, don't forget that you can get five free movies buying a BD player now.

Good luck and welcome.

ground chuck · 08-06-2007, 12:16 PM

welcome.... if someone told you that you could get two things for the price of one, why wouldn't you get it. that's whay you get w/ the ps3, you actually get much more b/c you can browse the web and download MOVIES, etc.

xwingsct · 11-30-2007, 03:31 PM

I picked up BDP-S301 from Bj's last week for $279. I love it so far except the load time. Seems like it takes forever.
Anyway, I just got "Ladder 49" from Netflix yesterday. When I put it in. It failed to load and got a message saying that disc can not be played. I ejected and reload it again several time and got the same message. The disc looks brand new no finger print on it whatsoever.
I want to update the firmware but the only firware that I found here is for BDP-S300 since someone mentioned in the thread that 300 and 301 is the same except HDMI cable I assume I can update it with 300 firmware right?
How do I find out which firmware I have for my player? I went through the whole setup menu screen but can not find anything about the firmware.

Moefiz · 11-30-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xwingsct

I picked up BDP-S301 from Bj's last week for $279. I love it so far except the load time. Seems like it takes forever.
Anyway, I just got "Ladder 49" from Netflix yesterday. When I put it in. It failed to load and got a message saying that disc can not be played. I ejected and reload it again several time and got the same message. The disc looks brand new no finger print on it whatsoever.
I want to update the firmware but the only firware that I found here is for BDP-S300 since someone mentioned in the thread that 300 and 301 is the same except HDMI cable I assume I can update it with 300 firmware right?
How do I find out which firmware I have for my player? I went through the whole setup menu screen but can not find anything about the firmware.

I have the S300 and they are the same player.The problem might be the disc that you got from netflix not the player or firmware., go back in the set up menu and when you get to tv hit enter and then hit i think either the red or green button on the remote and that should tell you.

GregBlu5 · 11-30-2007, 04:02 PM

I have the S300 and I love it. But it is slow to upload the latest titles and methodical to use. We are on 3.3 firmware upgrade right now, which I still have to get. You simply cannot be in a rush when you use the S300. One step at a time and it works great. I did have a couple times when an SD froze, but I simply unplugged the machine and plugged it back in and it continued fine where it left off with no further problems.

Again, you just have to be patient with it and it will reward you. But the PS3 lovers do enjoy their machines, as you can tell.

-Greg

xwingsct · 11-30-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moefiz

I have the S300 and they are the same player.The problem might be the disc that you got from netflix not the player or firmware., go back in the set up menu and when you get to tv hit enter and then hit i think either the red or green button on the remote and that should tell you.

I went ahead and updated the firmware. Everything went by smoothly
Ladder 49 still won't play. I assume it's the disc problem because Spiderman 3 plays with no problem at all. I will try it on PS3 this weekend if I it will play on that machine.

Go Blu · 11-30-2007, 04:44 PM

I just got the 301 from BJ's too....$279.

I also used the update for the S301 to 3.30.
I copied it down to my computer, then unpacked it and burned the image to a DVD.

At first it didn't like it but then it worked on the second try and took about 20 minutes. Now my movies seem to load a little faster.

tron3 · 11-30-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregBlu5

I have the S300 and I love it. But it is slow to upload the latest titles and methodical to use. We are on 3.3 firmware upgrade right now, which I still have to get. You simply cannot be in a rush when you use the S300. ...

The very first time you turn it on, it take a couple of minutes to set itself up. Then turns on in 45 seconds thereafter with the latest firmware.

Non BD-J discs load in 30 seconds from the moment the door shuts.

The worst loading BD-J disc I know of is Pirates of the Carribean 1. That loads under 2 minutes with 3.30 firmware, where as it used to take about 3.5 minutes.

I'm sticking with Sony s300 because so far they are on top of the updates whenever a new movie needs it.

I say get it, or wait for the next generation which hopefully loads faster, if that matters to you.

I see more updates further improving the Java, but I see little to no improvement in the load times with newer firmware. But that is my opinion. Maybe Sony has an ace up their sleeve.

scorpionkingct · 11-30-2007, 05:40 PM

Make me # 3 from Bj's
I just got the 301 from BJ's too....$279.

Julman · 11-30-2007, 05:50 PM

I have the PS3 and the BDP-S300. I love both machines but I have to say the picture quality looks slightly better on my S300. The colors are more vibrant and the sound is better than the PS3. I have them both hooked up HDMI so it's not my connection doing it. You can't go wrong either way but if you want a stand-alone player definitely go with the BDP-S300. Make sure you upgrade the firmwire to 3.30 so you will have quicker disc loads and improved BD-J support. Check Sony's support website for the latest firmwire updates.

Moefiz · 11-30-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xwingsct

I went ahead and updated the firmware. Everything went by smoothly
Ladder 49 still won't play. I assume it's the disc problem because Spiderman 3 plays with no problem at all. I will try it on PS3 this weekend if I it will play on that machine.

I won't even bother with it, just send it back to them.

Dyana B · 11-30-2007, 05:57 PM

I own the BDP-S300 and I am extremely satisfied with it. Amazon. com has it for $394 and you get Spiderman 3 in the box. I was also informed by one of Sony's Reps that they have a new firmware upgrade for the player
(ver 3.30) which will improve faster load times, as well as bd-java interactivity.
Another benefit of the new firmware is that it will decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. The PS3 is also an incredible blu-ray player and if you are interested in using it for games, then you have the best of both worlds.

In the end, it will be your decision, but I promise, you will not go wrong with either one.

08-06-2007, 03:02 AM	#1
Mike Z Senior Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Virginia Beach Blu-ray collection:204	New User - BDP S300 advise Hi everyone, I just purchased an HDTV this weekend and am interested in getting a blu-ray player. I was just wondering if I can get people's opinion on the BDP-S300 player. I know there's a review of it on this page but I'm looking for people's opinions who actually own one. It's around $490 at Best Buy and Wal-Mart and I'm just wondering about the quality of it. Also, what kind of connection to I need to get the ultimate picture quality? I know there's the HDMI cable but does that give you great picture quality for both HD television and blu-ray movies or just the blu-ray movies? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks, Mike

08-06-2007, 03:14 AM	#4
Mike Z Senior Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Virginia Beach Blu-ray collection:204	Thanks! Thanks for such a quick repsonse. The thing is, however, that I don't play video games at all, I'm strictly a movie fanatic so I'm just trying to figure out if the BDP is a good purchase since I wouldn't need a PS3 or if I should be looking at a different player or just waiting for something coming out in the near future. It's the price that's so attractive right now. Thanks again, Mike

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08-06-2007, 03:05 AM	#3
nhaase Special Member Member since:Mar 2007 Trading Score:2	Welcome! Use the search function on the forums page, as you can find many threads about the S300. HDMI is the best connection for AV equip. at the moment. Since it sends a digital signal, you don't have to worry about any interference. Welcome again!

08-06-2007, 03:30 AM	#5
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	I dont play games either...go with the ps3! (I only watch blurays)...its basically a dam computer for $500!!! read this article on the Sony BDP-S300 read this part near the end.... "--Update-- It looks as if the BDP-S300 isn't HDMI 1.3 equipped after all. This post from A/V Magazine (Italian) clearly shows a Silicon Image SiI9030 new window chipset which is HDMI 1.1 only" ...that was a deal killer for me.

08-06-2007, 05:15 AM	#6
jermwhl Special Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Virginia	Hey Mike, Alot of us on here aren't gamers but still own PS3's. Is is THE best BD player out there right now. Regardless if you play games or not, you WILL be happy with it! It is a multimedia center, with the added bonus of being able to play games if you wanted to. I would highly recommend you give it a serious look as a media center/BD player. You can put all your photos, videos, and music on there and play it all from a hard drive. It is a great piece of equipment. Good luck in your BD search.........and welcome to the forums!

08-06-2007, 09:40 AM	#7
whippersnapper Special Member Member since:Jan 2007	If an attractive price is what you're looking for, you can get a 60GB PS3 for $349 (August only). To get that price you must sign up for a Sony credit card. See linked site. http://ps3mods.blogspot.com/2007/08/...3-for-349.html By the way, in addition to the PS3 which we use in our family room (never have used it for gaming), we also have a BDP-S300 that we use in our bedroom. Both are good players. I prefer the PS3 for its robustness and upgradability. Welcome and enjoy your Blu-ray experience.

08-06-2007, 12:06 PM	#9
cawgijoe Special Member Member since:Feb 2007 Trading Score:1	PS3. if you have to have a standalone get the Sony BDP-S301 at Costco for $449. It's the same player as the S300 and comes with an HDMI cable in the box. Also, don't forget that you can get five free movies buying a BD player now. Good luck and welcome.

08-06-2007, 12:16 PM	#10
ground chuck Power Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Charm City Blu-ray collection:75 Blu-ray reviews:48 Trading Score:18	welcome.... if someone told you that you could get two things for the price of one, why wouldn't you get it. that's whay you get w/ the ps3, you actually get much more b/c you can browse the web and download MOVIES, etc.

11-30-2007, 03:31 PM	#11
xwingsct Senior Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray reviews: 3	I picked up BDP-S301 from Bj's last week for $279. I love it so far except the load time. Seems like it takes forever. Anyway, I just got "Ladder 49" from Netflix yesterday. When I put it in. It failed to load and got a message saying that disc can not be played. I ejected and reload it again several time and got the same message. The disc looks brand new no finger print on it whatsoever. I want to update the firmware but the only firware that I found here is for BDP-S300 since someone mentioned in the thread that 300 and 301 is the same except HDMI cable I assume I can update it with 300 firmware right? How do I find out which firmware I have for my player? I went through the whole setup menu screen but can not find anything about the firmware.

11-30-2007, 04:02 PM	#13
GregBlu5 Power Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Indio, CA 4K collection:794 Blu-ray collection:3954 iTunes collection:2 Blu-ray reviews:1	I have the S300 and I love it. But it is slow to upload the latest titles and methodical to use. We are on 3.3 firmware upgrade right now, which I still have to get. You simply cannot be in a rush when you use the S300. One step at a time and it works great. I did have a couple times when an SD froze, but I simply unplugged the machine and plugged it back in and it continued fine where it left off with no further problems. Again, you just have to be patient with it and it will reward you. But the PS3 lovers do enjoy their machines, as you can tell. -Greg

11-30-2007, 04:44 PM	#15
Go Blu Special Member Member since:Feb 2007	I just got the 301 from BJ's too....$279. I also used the update for the S301 to 3.30. I copied it down to my computer, then unpacked it and burned the image to a DVD. At first it didn't like it but then it worked on the second try and took about 20 minutes. Now my movies seem to load a little faster.

11-30-2007, 05:40 PM	#17
scorpionkingct Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Connecticut, USA Home Theater Gallery:32 Blu-ray reviews:6	Make me # 3 from Bj's I just got the 301 from BJ's too....$279.

11-30-2007, 05:50 PM	#18
Julman Member Member since:Apr 2007	I have the PS3 and the BDP-S300. I love both machines but I have to say the picture quality looks slightly better on my S300. The colors are more vibrant and the sound is better than the PS3. I have them both hooked up HDMI so it's not my connection doing it. You can't go wrong either way but if you want a stand-alone player definitely go with the BDP-S300. Make sure you upgrade the firmwire to 3.30 so you will have quicker disc loads and improved BD-J support. Check Sony's support website for the latest firmwire updates.

11-30-2007, 05:57 PM	#20
Dyana B Active Member Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:501 Blu-ray collection:2747 DVD collection:25 Blu-ray reviews: 8	I own the BDP-S300 and I am extremely satisfied with it. Amazon. com has it for $394 and you get Spiderman 3 in the box. I was also informed by one of Sony's Reps that they have a new firmware upgrade for the player (ver 3.30) which will improve faster load times, as well as bd-java interactivity. Another benefit of the new firmware is that it will decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. The PS3 is also an incredible blu-ray player and if you are interested in using it for games, then you have the best of both worlds. In the end, it will be your decision, but I promise, you will not go wrong with either one.

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