PS3 or Stand Alone? - Blu-ray Forum

bpomalley85 · 01-23-2009, 04:48 AM

Hello everyone... new to the forums. Just purchased a 50" Panny Plasma and now looking for a blu-ray player to get my 1080P $ worths. I guess my question is how good is the PS3 blu-ray player? I am not sure whether or not to buy a PS3 or a stand alone. I do like games and would use it for games but I am happy with my 360 and I would mainly just use it for a Blu-Ray player. So if the stand-alones are superior I would just invest in one of those... but if the PS3 has a solid blu-ray player I should probably go with the game/blu-ray. Any suggestions????

Note: I also have heard a rumor the PS3 80GB will be dropping in price some time in April to $299. Is this true?? Also, will the stand alone players be dropping in price also this year?? THANKS!!!!

<--- man I love this smilie

plowmanjoe · 01-23-2009, 05:01 AM

the ps3 is one of the best blu-ray players and is the best bang for the buck. if you're interested in everything else the ps3 can do, than that's a sealed deal.

saprano · 01-23-2009, 05:03 AM

Uh oh here come the SA guys.

But yea you can't go wrong with a ps3. if you dont want that, get panny BD35.

T-Town Oil · 01-23-2009, 05:07 AM

pioneer 51. ive got 2 ps3 and think my 51 is the better overall player

TomHoang · 01-23-2009, 05:14 AM

Buy a ps3!!!

Canada · 01-23-2009, 05:16 AM

I have a PS3 and it's absolutly great.

Blu_Ray_Fan · 01-23-2009, 06:11 AM

I have both in my HT room. But if I had to give one up, it would be the stand alone no question's asked. And I don't play video games all that much. (maybe 2-3 times per month)

The Ps3 is just soooooo much more value for the money. (storage device for movies, music,and photo's. media center. internet browser. just to name a few)

bpomalley85 · 01-23-2009, 06:25 AM

Thanks for the quick responses! Good, then PS3 it is... that was my initial thought, just needed a couple assurance posts I guess lol. I remember reading about a year or more ago that PS3 was one of the better blu-ray players but wasn't sure if that was still true today. I think I should wait till April for the price drop but it is going to be hard... especially after now knowing that Band of Brothers box set is on blu-ray... my all time favorite movie/series. I can't imagine what that looks like in 1080P with DTS sound... I can barely watch it in SD because it is so intense and emotional.

onehothemi · 01-23-2009, 06:28 AM

I had a Pioneer BDP-51FD and had to many problems with it, even with the latest firmware, I also have a 80GB PS3, a BDP-S300 and a BDP-S350, both are amazing, the 350 is night and day as far as load times, and features, compared to the 300 but all are great players. I enjoy the bitstreaming of the BDP-S350 over the LPCM of the PS3, but I personally feel the storage and processing capasity of the PS3 is great, but the BDP-S350 unit has a better picture, but to each is own. Either way, with bluray, you can't go wrong!

BTBuck1 · 01-23-2009, 06:33 AM

GET BOTH, help the economy...help the causes!

ps3/BD 4tw!

Petra_Kalbrain · 01-23-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpomalley85

Thanks for the quick responses! Good, then PS3 it is... that was my initial thought, just needed a couple assurance posts I guess lol. I remember reading about a year or more ago that PS3 was one of the better blu-ray players but wasn't sure if that was still true today. I think I should wait till April for the price drop but it is going to be hard... especially after now knowing that Band of Brothers box set is on blu-ray... my all time favorite movie/series. I can't imagine what that looks like in 1080P with DTS sound... I can barely watch it in SD because it is so intense and emotional.

Nobody knows for sure if the PS3 is really going to drop in price at all this year. The rumour was created by a "market analyst." Technically, a market analyst is the equivalent of a fortune teller. Do either really have any proof to back up their claims? Not really, since Sony themselves are not sharing this kind of information with ANYONE.

I say, put yourself out of your misery and just buy the PS3 already. You said that you are happy to stick with the 360 for gaming, but you are already missing out on some amazing PS3 exclusive titles with tons more coming throughout this year. In particular, check out 'Uncharted: Drake's Fortune' (in preparation for the amazing sequel to be released this year), 'Metal Gear Solid 4', and 'LittleBigPlanet' (for the kid in all of us... especially those who grew up as Mario Bros addicts).

krazeyeyez · 01-23-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onehothemi

I had a Pioneer BDP-51FD and had to many problems with it, even with the latest firmware, I also have a 80GB PS3, a BDP-S300 and a BDP-S350, both are amazing, the 350 is night and day as far as load times, and features, compared to the 300 but all are great players. I enjoy the bitstreaming of the BDP-S350 over the LPCM of the PS3, but I personally feel the storage and processing capasity of the PS3 is great, but the BDP-S350 unit has a better picture, but to each is own. Either way, with bluray, you can't go wrong!

how does the ps3 do with dvd upconversion, especially compared with your 300 and 350? i notice this is not mentioned much when people ask about the ps3 and too me is a VERY important feature! i was very disappointed with my panny bd-30's performance when it comes to clean dvd playback.

Petra_Kalbrain · 01-23-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazeyeyez

how does the ps3 do with dvd upconversion, especially compared with your 300 and 350? i notice this is not mentioned much when people ask about the ps3 and too me is a VERY important feature! i was very disappointed with my panny bd-30's performance when it comes to clean dvd playback.

The PS3 is definitely not the best upconverting BD player on the market. I can attest to that. However, DVD is still not going to be satisfactory on ANY upconverting player anyhow when you have a 42" or larger 1080p TV. So, I am more than happy to sacrifice a little DVD quality for the ability to play games (online FOR FREE I MIGHT ADD), stream content wirelessly from my computer to my HT setup (and my 3 roommates computers), browse the internet on my big screen, and much much more.

It really is a no-brainer decision. However, there will always be the people who "don't like the look of the *most awesome piece of HT equipment available on the market today* on the shelf next to my other HT components." Sounds pretty shallow a reason to avoid the *PS3*.

Oops... I think that I was supposed to transpose those two asterixed tidbits.

krazeyeyez · 01-23-2009, 08:48 AM

lol too anyone with a ps3 and a standalone how does it compare? when it comes to dvd playback..... i know the sony300 was not the best of the best when it comes to this, BUT was passable imo when compared to my panny bd-30 which exhibits many MANY more problems with the process. im looking for an honest opinion/experience on this one and don't need any kind of sales pitch since i am getting a ps3 regardless of the answer lol barring an "o man its horrible", and the ps3 is simply a stopgap on my way to an OPPO whenever it comes out. just kind of wanna know what to expect before i drop a chunk of change get it home and realize it wont at least out perform the panny when it comes to dvd!

micks_address · 01-23-2009, 09:13 AM

the ps3 is no slouch when it comes to upscaling.. i reckon its up there with the best of them.. i had an oppo 981 dvd player which was great, but i sold it to fund the purchase of the ps3 and dont have any regrets..

the one thing that does annoy me is that it doesnt upscale sd content on blu-ray.. such as extras which are often sd

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazeyeyez

lol too anyone with a ps3 and a standalone how does it compare? when it comes to dvd playback..... i know the sony300 was not the best of the best when it comes to this, BUT was passable imo when compared to my panny bd-30 which exhibits many MANY more problems with the process. im looking for an honest opinion/experience on this one and don't need any kind of sales pitch since i am getting a ps3 regardless of the answer lol barring an "o man its horrible", and the ps3 is simply a stopgap on my way to an OPPO whenever it comes out. just kind of wanna know what to expect before i drop a chunk of change get it home and realize it wont at least out perform the panny when it comes to dvd!

Petra_Kalbrain · 01-23-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micks_address

the ps3 is no slouch when it comes to upscaling.. i reckon its up there with the best of them.. i had an oppo 981 dvd player which was great, but i sold it to fund the purchase of the ps3 and dont have any regrets..

the one thing that does annoy me is that it doesnt upscale sd content on blu-ray.. such as extras which are often sd

Yes. That is true. But it is true of EVERY Blu-ray player, is it not?

Blu-ray Neo · 01-23-2009, 12:44 PM

My equipment is listed below in my sig and considering that I own both a standalone and a PS3, I felt that my opinion would be appreciated.

UPSCALING

PS3: This totally sucks as an upscaler. Playing Blu-ray's is a different story. The PS3 I think, is one of the biggest bangs for the buck when you look at the value. As an upscaler, my Toshiba HD DVD A20 player makes the PS3 look like like ^&*$ when it comes to upscaling DVD.

S300: My S300/S301 does a decent job at upscaling DVD's. Better than the PS3 and as for BD's, I haven't had an issue yet. I always keep my firmware up to date and with my experience in standalones, the "boot-up" time can be rather tedious. (45 seconds - 1 min.) I really can't comment on the S350, but I've heard that the "boot-up" time and "start-up" times have been radically reduced with the S350.

If you're looking at playing BD's and a good bit of DVD's without gaming, you may wanna save the money, buy some BD's and get you a Sony standalone. If not, spend the extra money and get a PS3.

Just my 0.02

micks_address · 01-23-2009, 12:49 PM

i dont mean to dissagree - but can i ask what firmware and settings you are using with the ps3? after sony added scaling to the ps3 things improved substantially on the dvd playing front.. there's no way the picture 'sucks' when compared to other upscalers... it may not be quite as good... but it defintely doesnt suck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Neo

My equipment is listed below in my sig and considering that I own both a standalone and a PS3, I felt that my opinion would be appreciated.

UPSCALING

PS3: This totally sucks as an upscaler. Playing Blu-ray's is a different story. The PS3 I think, is one of the biggest bangs for the buck when you look at the value. As an upscaler, my Toshiba HD DVD A20 player makes the PS3 look like like ^&*$ when it comes to upscaling DVD.

S300: My S300/S301 does a decent job at upscaling DVD's. Better than the PS3 and as for BD's, I haven't had an issue yet. I always keep my firmware up to date and with my experience in standalones, the "boot-up" time can be rather tedious. (45 seconds - 1 min.) I really can't comment on the S350, but I've heard that the "boot-up" time and "start-up" times have been radically reduced with the S350.

If you're looking at playing BD's with a good bit of DVD's without gaming, you may wanna save the money, buy some BD's and get you a Sony standalone. If not, spend the extra money and get a PS3.

Just my 0.02

Blu-ray Neo · 01-23-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micks_address

i dont mean to dissagree - but can i ask what firmware and settings you are using with the ps3? after sony added scaling to the ps3 things improved substantially on the dvd playing front.. there's no way the picture 'sucks' when compared to other upscalers... it may not be quite as good... but it defintely doesnt suck

Disagreeing is fine.

I believe that I'm running the ver. 2.54 firmware on my PS3. I'm pretty good about keeping up to date the firmware stuff.

On my TV, the PS3 looks absolutely putrid when upscaling DVD. My A20 HD DVD player is a better upscaler. I don't know what it is, but it is absolutely awful.

As for my Sony BDPS300/301, they're decent upscalers that do the job. Personally, I would rate those above my PS3 in terms of upscalers.

I have over 2,000 DVD's. There's no way in hell that I'm going to convert each and every one to BD even if they do come out on BD. That's why when playing DVD's, my PS3 is the bastard of the house.

As for playing BD's, the PS3 is one of the best players on the market. I have been really pleased with it and it has also played each and every BD disc thrown at it along with my S300/S301.

I do very little gaming, but I intend to change that very soon with the new Splintercell and F.E.A.R 2 coming out.

Creeper79 · 01-23-2009, 01:07 PM

I started my Blu ray adventures with a stand alone Samsung BDP1500 set it up played some movies and then it just died so i took it back the very next day and exchanged it for a PS3 which is what i originally was going to buy but the Samsung was on sale. PS3 by far is one of the best blu ray machines out there and Sony is probably the fastest with their firmware updates go PS3!!

01-23-2009, 04:48 AM	#1
bpomalley85 Junior Member Member since:Jan 2009 Blu-ray reviews:1	PS3 or Stand Alone? Hello everyone... new to the forums. Just purchased a 50" Panny Plasma and now looking for a blu-ray player to get my 1080P $ worths. I guess my question is how good is the PS3 blu-ray player? I am not sure whether or not to buy a PS3 or a stand alone. I do like games and would use it for games but I am happy with my 360 and I would mainly just use it for a Blu-Ray player. So if the stand-alones are superior I would just invest in one of those... but if the PS3 has a solid blu-ray player I should probably go with the game/blu-ray. Any suggestions???? Note: I also have heard a rumor the PS3 80GB will be dropping in price some time in April to $299. Is this true?? Also, will the stand alone players be dropping in price also this year?? THANKS!!!! <--- man I love this smilie

01-23-2009, 12:44 PM	#17
Blu-ray Neo Special Member Top contributor Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Duncan, SC USA 4K collection:186 Blu-ray collection:2087 DVD collection:71 Blu-ray reviews: 3 Trading Score:156	My equipment is listed below in my sig and considering that I own both a standalone and a PS3, I felt that my opinion would be appreciated. UPSCALING PS3: This totally sucks as an upscaler. Playing Blu-ray's is a different story. The PS3 I think, is one of the biggest bangs for the buck when you look at the value. As an upscaler, my Toshiba HD DVD A20 player makes the PS3 look like like ^&$ when it comes to upscaling DVD. S300:* My S300/S301 does a decent job at upscaling DVD's. Better than the PS3 and as for BD's, I haven't had an issue yet. I always keep my firmware up to date and with my experience in standalones, the "boot-up" time can be rather tedious. (45 seconds - 1 min.) I really can't comment on the S350, but I've heard that the "boot-up" time and "start-up" times have been radically reduced with the S350. If you're looking at playing BD's and a good bit of DVD's without gaming, you may wanna save the money, buy some BD's and get you a Sony standalone. If not, spend the extra money and get a PS3. Just my 0.02 Last edited by Blu-ray Neo; 01-23-2009 at 12:48 PM.

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01-23-2009, 05:01 AM	#2
plowmanjoe Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:6 Trading Score:2	the ps3 is one of the best blu-ray players and is the best bang for the buck. if you're interested in everything else the ps3 can do, than that's a sealed deal.

01-23-2009, 05:03 AM	#3
saprano Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Bronx, New York Blu-ray collection:495 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:9	Uh oh here come the SA guys. But yea you can't go wrong with a ps3. if you dont want that, get panny BD35.

01-23-2009, 05:07 AM	#4
T-Town Oil Expert Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Tulsa, Oklahoma Home Theater Gallery:20 Blu-ray collection:42 Blu-ray reviews:3	pioneer 51. ive got 2 ps3 and think my 51 is the better overall player

01-23-2009, 05:14 AM	#5
TomHoang Member Member since:Dec 2008 Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:37 Blu-ray reviews:15	Buy a ps3!!!

01-23-2009, 05:16 AM	#6
Canada Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Victoria, BC Home Theater Gallery:17 4K collection:305 Blu-ray collection:1201 DVD collection:37 Blu-ray reviews:42	I have a PS3 and it's absolutly great.

01-23-2009, 06:11 AM	#7
Blu_Ray_Fan Senior Member Member since:Mar 2008 Home Theater Gallery:20 Blu-ray collection:104 Blu-ray reviews:1	I have both in my HT room. But if I had to give one up, it would be the stand alone no question's asked. And I don't play video games all that much. (maybe 2-3 times per month) The Ps3 is just soooooo much more value for the money. (storage device for movies, music,and photo's. media center. internet browser. just to name a few)

01-23-2009, 06:25 AM	#8
bpomalley85 Junior Member Member since:Jan 2009 Blu-ray reviews:1	Thanks for the quick responses! Good, then PS3 it is... that was my initial thought, just needed a couple assurance posts I guess lol. I remember reading about a year or more ago that PS3 was one of the better blu-ray players but wasn't sure if that was still true today. I think I should wait till April for the price drop but it is going to be hard... especially after now knowing that Band of Brothers box set is on blu-ray... my all time favorite movie/series. I can't imagine what that looks like in 1080P with DTS sound... I can barely watch it in SD because it is so intense and emotional.

01-23-2009, 06:28 AM	#9
onehothemi Active Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Stuart, Florida Blu-ray collection:327 Blu-ray reviews:11 Trading Score:1	I had a Pioneer BDP-51FD and had to many problems with it, even with the latest firmware, I also have a 80GB PS3, a BDP-S300 and a BDP-S350, both are amazing, the 350 is night and day as far as load times, and features, compared to the 300 but all are great players. I enjoy the bitstreaming of the BDP-S350 over the LPCM of the PS3, but I personally feel the storage and processing capasity of the PS3 is great, but the BDP-S350 unit has a better picture, but to each is own. Either way, with bluray, you can't go wrong!

01-23-2009, 06:33 AM	#10
BTBuck1 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2006 Location:Oceanside, CA. Blu-ray collection:507 DVD collection:1	GET BOTH, help the economy...help the causes! ps3/BD 4tw!

01-23-2009, 08:48 AM	#14
krazeyeyez Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Dec 2007 Location:the guy on the couch Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:287 Blu-ray reviews:4	lol too anyone with a ps3 and a standalone how does it compare? when it comes to dvd playback..... i know the sony300 was not the best of the best when it comes to this, BUT was passable imo when compared to my panny bd-30 which exhibits many MANY more problems with the process. im looking for an honest opinion/experience on this one and don't need any kind of sales pitch since i am getting a ps3 regardless of the answer lol barring an "o man its horrible", and the ps3 is simply a stopgap on my way to an OPPO whenever it comes out. just kind of wanna know what to expect before i drop a chunk of change get it home and realize it wont at least out perform the panny when it comes to dvd!

01-23-2009, 01:07 PM	#20
Creeper79 Junior Member Member since:Nov 2008 Blu-ray collection:84	I started my Blu ray adventures with a stand alone Samsung BDP1500 set it up played some movies and then it just died so i took it back the very next day and exchanged it for a PS3 which is what i originally was going to buy but the Samsung was on sale. PS3 by far is one of the best blu ray machines out there and Sony is probably the fastest with their firmware updates go PS3!!

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