PS-3 vs all other Blu-ray players - Blu-ray Forum

bholmes · 12-26-2008, 07:52 AM

Hello all... I know this has been discussed before, but I'd like to know before I plop down hard earned cash, is the ps3 still the absolute best bd player out there currently or is there something better??? If so, why? Thanks in advance! Btw I'm currently using a sony bdps300 and the load times are incredibly slow... Also no bd live support. Will playstation be my cure?

welwynnick · 12-26-2008, 09:42 AM

Need a bit more information - can you describe your system? In particular, how will you use the audio outputs from your player? Are you wanting to use particular features like networking, gaming or Netflix?

If you are thining of a PS3, that suggests you can use LPCM audio over HDMI. If that is the case, I think many people would suggest you get a Panasonic BD DMP35. If you want to use the PS3 for gaming as well as films, I would stick with that. Many people are starting to say the PS3 is going overtaken in performance by newer players, and they are canching up in response & startup times.

Nick

maygit · 12-26-2008, 10:25 AM

At the time i was looking for a...well 2...blu-ray players, i bought PS3's because they were the cheapest, the best, and had the option for games. I now find that after owning the systems for 2 years, i've yet to find a game that interests me and it's no longer the cheapest option. Don't get me wrong, it's still a top contender and you really can't go wrong with it, but i would personally take the Panasonic BD35 instead.

tntkain · 12-26-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maygit

At the time i was looking for a...well 2...blu-ray players, i bought PS3's because they were the cheapest, the best, and had the option for games. I now find that after owning the systems for 2 years, i've yet to find a game that interests me and it's no longer the cheapest option. Don't get me wrong, it's still a top contender and you really can't go wrong with it, but i would personally take the Panasonic BD35 instead.

we use our ps3 all the time for our blu-ray player. And as for games, there are lots of good ones out there. Can't keep my 15 year old off of it and yes he has the "other" gaming system. Given the choice he will play the ps3.

As far as bd-live. It works great for that. WE watched TDK with Christopher Nolan and it worked well and was really cool. The ps3 is also the easiest for firmware updates. The ps3 also has built in wi-fi and a hard drive, so in the end it is worth it.

bholmes · 12-26-2008, 05:27 PM

Thanks for all the responses! I guess I should have clarified... I'm looking for the easiest for firmware updates, bd-live performance. It's going to be mainly used as a blu-ray player with some game playing too. I'm also concerned with durability issues... I've heard that the ps3's break down a lot. It sounds like the PS3 is what I'm looking for though... How about load times for movies? The sony player I have now bdps300 takes a year and 2 days to load movies on it!!! Im guessing with the ps3's processor, the load times should be better???

ack_bak · 12-26-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bholmes

Thanks for all the responses! I guess I should have clarified... I'm looking for the easiest for firmware updates, bd-live performance. It's going to be mainly used as a blu-ray player with some game playing too. I'm also concerned with durability issues... I've heard that the ps3's break down a lot. It sounds like the PS3 is what I'm looking for though... How about load times for movies? The sony player I have now bdps300 takes a year and 2 days to load movies on it!!! Im guessing with the ps3's processor, the load times should be better???

I have a PS3, and also own a Samsung 1500 and have setup and configured several Panasonic BD35 players for friends and family. Personally, I still prefer the PS3 over those other players for several reasons:
- Load times. No question that standalone players have improved, but the PS3 still loads faster, especially for movies that have heavy BD-J.
- Menu and functionality. I really like the PS3's on screen user menus and information menus. I have also found menus to be a little snappier on the PS3 vs standalone players (BD-J I am guessing).
- BD Live is still pretty clunky on the other standalones I have used. I am guessing this is due to processing and memory utilization and the fact that the PS3 is so much more powerful.
- Love the built in wifi and hard drive. With other player you will be swapping out SD cards and/or USB thumb drives.

Some negatives:
- The PS3 cannot bitstream the lossless codecs (but it can decode them internally). I cannot tell a difference between bitstreaming and internally decoding. So not really sure this is a negative at all, but some people prefer bitstreaming.
- Bluetooth. No IR on the PS3, but there are workarounds. I personally use the Nyko IR dongle with my Harmony and have not had any issues. However I still use the Sony Blutooth remote when using PiP and BD Live (which is infrequent for me).
- No 5.1/7.1 analog audio outs

As for durability my PS3 has been rock solid. I have played over 200 movie son it over the last 1.5 years.

papaholmz · 12-26-2008, 05:49 PM

Other blu-ray players combined

PS3

Reasons:
1) PS3 is the easiest blu-ray player to update the firware on
2) It has an online store
3) It supports DivX (not all stand alone players will, in fact most won't)
4) It also plays games (some really good games)
5) It can accept media server connections

-papaholmz

jcarys · 12-26-2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bholmes

Thanks for all the responses! I guess I should have clarified... I'm looking for the easiest for firmware updates, bd-live performance. It's going to be mainly used as a blu-ray player with some game playing too. I'm also concerned with durability issues... I've heard that the ps3's break down a lot. It sounds like the PS3 is what I'm looking for though... How about load times for movies? The sony player I have now bdps300 takes a year and 2 days to load movies on it!!! Im guessing with the ps3's processor, the load times should be better???

Well, if there is "some game playing" involved, then you've narrowed it down to just one player - the PS3. I've had no issues with mine, in terms of reliability or firmware upgrades. If you want to play games, just get the PS3. It may not be THE best Bluray player, but it's definitely among the best.

If you can lose the games, and you want to save money, then the Sony 350 or the Panasonic 35 are the machines for you. That's assuming that your receiver can take a HDMI input and decode the audio for you. If your receiver either doesn't have HDMI or can't decode the hidef audio, then move up to the Sony 550 or Panny 55. Enjoy whatever you decide to get!

Siri · 12-26-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papaholmz

Other blu-ray players combined

PS3

Reasons:
1) PS3 is the easiest blu-ray player to update the firware on
2) It has an online store
3) It supports DivX (not all stand alone players will, in fact most won't)
4) It also plays games (some really good games)
5) It can accept media server connections

-papaholmz

I agree 100%, and with the online store you can download trailers and watch game videos, I haven't used mine for games at all yet, mostly because I have that "other" system, But sure there are some decent games worth checking out, The firmware updates are very easy, you can also download them from the playstation website and load it onto a USB drive, but I think that the built in WiFi is great, viewing digital pics off of an SD card is also just awesome

prerich · 12-26-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bholmes

Thanks for all the responses! I guess I should have clarified... I'm looking for the easiest for firmware updates, bd-live performance. It's going to be mainly used as a blu-ray player with some game playing too. I'm also concerned with durability issues... I've heard that the ps3's break down a lot. It sounds like the PS3 is what I'm looking for though... How about load times for movies? The sony player I have now bdps300 takes a year and 2 days to load movies on it!!! Im guessing with the ps3's processor, the load times should be better???

If you plan on gaming - the PS3 is your only option other than a PC. So I believe you have answered your own question - PS3. If it was for BD strictly I would recommend The LG BH300 (faster than the PS3), the Panasonic BD35 or 55 more sound options.

Salamander · 12-26-2008, 06:47 PM

Hi All,

I am one of the many people looking to join the Hi Def world of Blu Ray. New Full HD Panasonic TV purchased and want to optimise. I've read dozens and dozens of reviews, forums etc regarding different players to get/not to get. This includes whether to get/not to get the PS3.

My demands when it comes to a player are simple. I want excellent picture with excellent sound quality. Load times, how easy it is to operate etc, while may be a bit annoying, would not put me off a player which possesses superior sound or quality.

Have a Sony Bravia Theater RHT-G500 - a 3.1-channel audio system incorporated into a stand. which I would be looking to connect up to. (Probably will upgrade within a year to a 7.1 system).

The main 2 players I've been looking at are the Panasonic DMP-BD50 and the Sony BDP-S550. Both look fantastic players and due to the GBP vs Euro conversion rate should be relatively cheap to buy.

Bearing the above criteria in mind, would anyone have any thoughts regarding these 2 players both against each other and against the PS3?

Many thanks!!

Jamoctopus · 12-26-2008, 07:01 PM

i think the PS3 would win.
Maybe

thunda · 12-26-2008, 07:05 PM

My top two suggestions would be PS3 and Panny BD-35. PS3 for overall entertainment value and BD-35 for price and functionality.

thunda · 12-26-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salamander

Hi All,

I am one of the many people looking to join the Hi Def world of Blu Ray. New Full HD Panasonic TV purchased and want to optimise. I've read dozens and dozens of reviews, forums etc regarding different players to get/not to get. This includes whether to get/not to get the PS3.

My demands when it comes to a player are simple. I want excellent picture with excellent sound quality. Load times, how easy it is to operate etc, while may be a bit annoying, would not put me off a player which possesses superior sound or quality.

Have a Sony Bravia Theater RHT-G500 - a 3.1-channel audio system incorporated into a stand. which I would be looking to connect up to. (Probably will upgrade within a year to a 7.1 system).

The main 2 players I've been looking at are the Panasonic DMP-BD50 and the Sony BDP-S550. Both look fantastic players and due to the GBP vs Euro conversion rate should be relatively cheap to buy.

Bearing the above criteria in mind, would anyone have any thoughts regarding these 2 players both against each other and against the PS3?

Many thanks!!

Same questions to you as the other guy....Are you looking to play games and watch Blu rays or just blu rays?

Hedchekr · 12-26-2008, 07:15 PM

All around vaule (bang for your buck) the PS3 wins hands down, Internet browsing, wifi, movie downloads, streaming media, playing games, and more. If these things don't interest you at all go with a stand alone.

bholmes · 12-26-2008, 07:59 PM

Thanks again for all the info! Y'all helped me decide on the PS3! Being that it has built in wifi really made the ultimate difference allowing easy firmware upgrades. I ordered if from Dell and got 60 bucks off the purchase price thanks to a coupon and free shipping! If anyone wants to use the coupon code let me know and I'll post it here... It expires on jan. 3!
Thanks,
Brian

ack_bak · 12-26-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bholmes

Thanks again for all the info! Y'all helped me decide on the PS3! Being that it has built in wifi really made the ultimate difference allowing easy firmware upgrades. I ordered if from Dell and got 60 bucks off the purchase price thanks to a coupon and free shipping! If anyone wants to use the coupon code let me know and I'll post it here... It expires on jan. 3!
Thanks,
Brian

Congrats. You will love the PS3. It is an amazing machine, and it sounds like you got a good deal too.

thunda · 12-26-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bholmes

Thanks again for all the info! Y'all helped me decide on the PS3! Being that it has built in wifi really made the ultimate difference allowing easy firmware upgrades. I ordered if from Dell and got 60 bucks off the purchase price thanks to a coupon and free shipping! If anyone wants to use the coupon code let me know and I'll post it here... It expires on jan. 3!
Thanks,
Brian

Yea, I would love to use the coupon code if possible. I've been waiting to pick up my 2nd PS3 and a coupon would be great. What did your total price come out to, if I may ask?

ADRiiAN` · 12-26-2008, 09:08 PM

I own an Sony BDP-S550 and a PS3.

PS3 is a hell of a machine!
Don't get me wrong the S550 is fantastic.

Although, i'm just going to game on my PS3 now and watch my blu's on my S550.

bholmes · 12-26-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunda

Yea, I would love to use the coupon code if possible. I've been waiting to pick up my 2nd PS3 and a coupon would be great. What did your total price come out to, if I may ask?

the coupon code is: p8kjnt4lv44t9s

Price before coupon for an 80 gig was $399.99
-$60.00 coupon
----------
$339.99 with free shipping + tax.

12-26-2008, 07:52 AM	#1
bholmes Member Member since:Mar 2008	PS-3 vs all other Blu-ray players Hello all... I know this has been discussed before, but I'd like to know before I plop down hard earned cash, is the ps3 still the absolute best bd player out there currently or is there something better??? If so, why? Thanks in advance! Btw I'm currently using a sony bdps300 and the load times are incredibly slow... Also no bd live support. Will playstation be my cure?

12-26-2008, 06:47 PM	#11
Salamander New Member Member since:Dec 2008	PS3 vs Other stand alone players Hi All, I am one of the many people looking to join the Hi Def world of Blu Ray. New Full HD Panasonic TV purchased and want to optimise. I've read dozens and dozens of reviews, forums etc regarding different players to get/not to get. This includes whether to get/not to get the PS3. My demands when it comes to a player are simple. I want excellent picture with excellent sound quality. Load times, how easy it is to operate etc, while may be a bit annoying, would not put me off a player which possesses superior sound or quality. Have a Sony Bravia Theater RHT-G500 - a 3.1-channel audio system incorporated into a stand. which I would be looking to connect up to. (Probably will upgrade within a year to a 7.1 system). The main 2 players I've been looking at are the Panasonic DMP-BD50 and the Sony BDP-S550. Both look fantastic players and due to the GBP vs Euro conversion rate should be relatively cheap to buy. Bearing the above criteria in mind, would anyone have any thoughts regarding these 2 players both against each other and against the PS3? Many thanks!!

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12-26-2008, 09:42 AM	#2
welwynnick Senior Member Member since:Sep 2007	Need a bit more information - can you describe your system? In particular, how will you use the audio outputs from your player? Are you wanting to use particular features like networking, gaming or Netflix? If you are thining of a PS3, that suggests you can use LPCM audio over HDMI. If that is the case, I think many people would suggest you get a Panasonic BD DMP35. If you want to use the PS3 for gaming as well as films, I would stick with that. Many people are starting to say the PS3 is going overtaken in performance by newer players, and they are canching up in response & startup times. Nick

12-26-2008, 10:25 AM	#3
maygit Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Iowa Blu-ray collection:76	At the time i was looking for a...well 2...blu-ray players, i bought PS3's because they were the cheapest, the best, and had the option for games. I now find that after owning the systems for 2 years, i've yet to find a game that interests me and it's no longer the cheapest option. Don't get me wrong, it's still a top contender and you really can't go wrong with it, but i would personally take the Panasonic BD35 instead.

12-26-2008, 05:27 PM	#5
bholmes Member Member since:Mar 2008	Thanks for all the responses! I guess I should have clarified... I'm looking for the easiest for firmware updates, bd-live performance. It's going to be mainly used as a blu-ray player with some game playing too. I'm also concerned with durability issues... I've heard that the ps3's break down a lot. It sounds like the PS3 is what I'm looking for though... How about load times for movies? The sony player I have now bdps300 takes a year and 2 days to load movies on it!!! Im guessing with the ps3's processor, the load times should be better???

12-26-2008, 05:49 PM	#7
papaholmz Senior Member Member since:Mar 2008 Trading Score:22	Other blu-ray players combined PS3 Reasons: 1) PS3 is the easiest blu-ray player to update the firware on 2) It has an online store 3) It supports DivX (not all stand alone players will, in fact most won't) 4) It also plays games (some really good games) 5) It can accept media server connections -papaholmz

12-26-2008, 07:01 PM	#12
Jamoctopus Member Member since:Dec 2008	i think the PS3 would win. Maybe

12-26-2008, 07:05 PM	#13
thunda Senior Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Arizona Trading Score:14	My top two suggestions would be PS3 and Panny BD-35. PS3 for overall entertainment value and BD-35 for price and functionality.

12-26-2008, 07:15 PM	#15
Hedchekr Special Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:Orcutt, Cali Blu-ray collection:120 Trading Score:5	All around vaule (bang for your buck) the PS3 wins hands down, Internet browsing, wifi, movie downloads, streaming media, playing games, and more. If these things don't interest you at all go with a stand alone.

12-26-2008, 07:59 PM	#16
bholmes Member Member since:Mar 2008	Thanks again for all the info! Y'all helped me decide on the PS3! Being that it has built in wifi really made the ultimate difference allowing easy firmware upgrades. I ordered if from Dell and got 60 bucks off the purchase price thanks to a coupon and free shipping! If anyone wants to use the coupon code let me know and I'll post it here... It expires on jan. 3! Thanks, Brian

12-26-2008, 09:08 PM	#19
ADRiiAN` Special Member Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Toronto Blu-ray collection:113	I own an Sony BDP-S550 and a PS3. PS3 is a hell of a machine! Don't get me wrong the S550 is fantastic. Although, i'm just going to game on my PS3 now and watch my blu's on my S550.

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