Looking for inexpensive replacement for PS3

[mpstjohn]

Was using my brother's PS3 for blu-rays. Recently he bought a second for himself from an importer, renchi.com, but it seems UPS has blocked it for some reason (something to do with renchi not cooperating), so now he wants the PS3 back (he's since bought his own 1080p HDTV) and I'm looking for an inexpensive alternative to the PS3.

I could care less about Netflix streaming, but would like a blu-ray player with a WI-FI connection (so I can update the firmware automatically) and ability to output DTS-HD and TrueHD to my receiver.

Any ideas?

[xtjs21x]

what do you want to spend?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia...0blu%20netflix

[mpstjohn]

Originally Posted by xtjs21x

what do you want to spend?

Less than $200 dollars if possible, that Insignia does look good though.

[xtjs21x]

it is*, i have the non wireless one and bestbuy has it for $99 right now

[mpstjohn]

Originally Posted by xtjs21x

it is*, i have the non wireless one and bestbuy has it for $99 right now

Can the non-wireless one handle DTS-HD and TrueHD? Does it have an ethernet port? How is the firmware?

[xtjs21x]

http://reviews.cnet.com/blu-ray-play...tag=mncol;rnav

yes it has Ethernet port and the firmare is up-to-date, it will update as soons as you hook it up and turn it on

[Kryptonic]

Sony S360 or Panasonic BD60. Both are well under $200 and among the most reliable players on the market.

[Harry88]

I have the BDP-S360. It is a little bit slower in load times compared to the ps3 but I only needed something small and cheap. Good PQ as well.

[mpstjohn]

I've been reading about these two models. The PQ for blu-rays seems great for the S360 and it does allow 7.1-channel surround sound, DTS-HD and TrueHD but from what I've read when upconverting DVD's its about average, also no internal storage for BD-Live content. BD-Live thru ethernet port is not a problem, my desk with ethernet hub is right next to my TV.

Though after having my first Sony BD player (BDP-S300) fail so soon after purchase (and the task of updating firmware took forever) I am a little standoff-ish about their products (I had something similar happen with my previous Sony sound system).

The Panasonic BD60 also outputs 7.1-channel surround sound, DTS-HD and TrueHD, BD-Live and 24p Cinema Mode. There's no mention of WI-FI so I'll assume there's an ethernet port somewhere on this thing.

In comparison to the Insignia I'd be paying about 60 bucks more, getting WI-FI and netflix streaming but no mention of 7.1-channel surround sound (which I do have) or DTS-HD. Still even then I'd be paying $100 less than a PS3. Would I have trouble outputting 7.1 surround sound if I opt for the Insignia?

So the choice comes down to WiFi with Netflix or better sound.

Can anyone actually compare the PQ and AQ of the Sony and Panasonic models? And can the firmware be updated through the ethernet connection on these models are do they require firmware updates by USB port? Do either have frame-by-frame tracking?

[kefrank]

Originally Posted by mpstjohn

The Panasonic BD60 also outputs 7.1-channel surround sound, DTS-HD and TrueHD, BD-Live and 24p Cinema Mode. There's no mention of WI-FI so I'll assume there's an ethernet port somewhere on this thing.

Check the official BD60 thread for details on this model having a fairly widespread intermittent freezing problem acknowledged by Panasonic. If it seems like a problem you wouldn't want to deal with, you may want to mark it off your list.