New to site/Blu Ray - need advice

[mcordani]

Hi I am new to this site as well as Blu Ray. I have been holding off on getting one, but now with the price drops I was considering getting one after the holidays. The reason I have been waiting is that I didn't want to get something that would be obsolete, as I understand earlier models may become. Are there several models I should consider in the near future?

I currently have a Panasonic 42" LCD Projection TV. It is only 1080i but has a amazing picture. I remember picking it out years ago and it looked better than the majority of the competition. I figure once I get Blu Ray I may update my TV to a new 1080p, but that is for another forum thread.

Sound is less important. I have a 5 speaker surround system, hooked to a Sony V333ES receiver that sounds great. It plays DTS which I have been more than happy with.

Anyway, for now I would like to find a Blu Ray player. Seems like many of you like Panasonic or Sony. I've had good luck with both brands.

[hardcorefrokid]

Happy with DTS? Once you listen to loss less audio you won't want to go back. But, here are some solid players: Panasonic DMP-BD35, Sony BDP-S350, and of course the PS3.

[mcordani]

Originally Posted by hardcorefrokid

Happy with DTS? Once you listen to loss less audio you won't want to go back. But, here are some solid players: Panasonic DMP-BD35, Sony BDP-S350, and of course the PS3.

Thanks for the info. I'll upgrade the audio at some point but that has to be last on my list, since I would like a player and maybe upgrade to a 1080p TV first. That is gonna be a pretty penny as is...

[neos_peace]

Originally Posted by mcordani

Thanks for the info. I'll upgrade the audio at some point but that has to be last on my list, since I would like a player and maybe upgrade to a 1080p TV first. That is gonna be a pretty penny as is...

If you consider upgrading you tv. Just a thought and there will prolly be arguements over this too, however. If you do upgrade I'd personally suggest you get a plazma, why? becasue they are considered gfood tv's for movies, and LCD, are good for regular TV. Just a thought. And yes go wiht the PS3 you won't be dissopppointed.

[andyman1970]

Originally Posted by neos_peace

And yes go wiht the PS3 you won't be dissopppointed.

NO NO NO NO NO!!!!! Unless you are a gamer and into playing video games the PS3 is highly overrated and you can get the Panasonic DMP-BD35k which is just as good, if not better then the PS3 for at least a $100.00 cheaper. And I believe the Sony model that was mentioned is also cheaper. I know this from my own personal experience. The only benefit to the PS3 is the built in WiFi for easy fimware updates, but you can always plug an ethernet cable or network adapter/bridge into the ethernet port of the Panasonic for firmware upgrades. Or call them and have them send you a disc.

And one other thing, I have an LCD and it is PERFECT for movies. neos_peace is just trying to shove his opinions down your throat. You need to go and check out the TV's and decide which is right for you.

[DealsR4theDevil]

Originally Posted by andyman1970

NO NO NO NO NO!!!!! Unless you are a gamer and into playing video games the PS3 is highly overrated and you can get the Panasonic DMP-BD35k which is just as good, if not better then the PS3 for at least a $100.00 cheaper. And I believe the Sony model that was mentioned is also cheaper. I know this from my own personal experience. The only benefit to the PS3 is the built in WiFi for easy fimware updates, but you can always plug an ethernet cable or network adapter/bridge into the ethernet port of the Panasonic for firmware upgrades. Or call them and have them send you a disc.

I don't know about the Panasonic DMP-BD35k but I have seen many stand alone Blu-ray players (including a Pioneer Elite one that my friend bought) and I have to tell you, the PS3 loads instantly where as every standalone I have seen takes at least a minute if not more.

Originally Posted by mcordani

The reason I have been waiting is that I didn't want to get something that would be obsolete, as I understand earlier models may become.

No such thing as a truly obsolete player. Some can't do picture-in-picture and BD-Live (just gimmicky special features). The main thing to watch out for is that they can handle teh HD audio codecs: DTS HD Master Audio and Dolby True HD.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by andyman1970

And one other thing, I have an LCD and it is PERFECT for movies. neos_peace is just trying to shove his opinions down your throat. You need to go and check out the TV's and decide which is right for you.

Ah yes, the plasma vs. LCD debate. I always love these! I agree with andyman, though, even though our choice of TV types may differ: do the research and see which set will be best for you. I chose plasma, but it won only by the narrowest of margins over LCD.

[quest88]

Originally Posted by mcordani

Hi I am new to this site as well as Blu Ray. I have been holding off on getting one, but now with the price drops I was considering getting one after the holidays. The reason I have been waiting is that I didn't want to get something that would be obsolete, as I understand earlier models may become. Are there several models I should consider in the near future?

I currently have a Panasonic 42" LCD Projection TV. It is only 1080i but has a amazing picture. I remember picking it out years ago and it looked better than the majority of the competition. I figure once I get Blu Ray I may update my TV to a new 1080p, but that is for another forum thread.

Sound is less important. I have a 5 speaker surround system, hooked to a Sony V333ES receiver that sounds great. It plays DTS which I have been more than happy with.

Anyway, for now I would like to find a Blu Ray player. Seems like many of you like Panasonic or Sony. I've had good luck with both brands.

You can't go wrong with either brand. If a stand alone is what you're thinking of going with I would say go with the Panny it seems that many people here enjoy it, but if you go with a PS3 you can get a deal here http://www.sonyrewards.com/en/gatewa...nk=sr150nowps3

[callas01]

First Off, Does your receiver have multi-channel analog inputs? you know the red and whites in the back? IF so then the Sony 550 or the Panasonic 55, I would suggest the Panny cause it can play the HD audio in LPCM while still playing the secondary audio for PIP, etc. The sony can only play standard DTS and DD while doing this(I've heard).

Secondly, If you have to upgrade the receiver, do that first. I know sounds strange but hear me out. Your current TV does 1080i which is still a really good picture, but to hear the lossless audio and immerse yourself in that sound with what is still a high quality 1080i picture would be the better way to go, IMO. Satellite and cable are only going to give you 720p and 1080i anyways, so half of what you are going to watch will not be in 1080p anyways.