PS3 vs. Blu Ray Player

[taylor41]

I've been doing some research on Blu Ray Players and was recommended to purchase a PS3 instead - the following research supports this:

1. Some NEW Blu Ray discs will NOT play in older or even current players until you update the software.
2. 2.0 ready Blu-ray players will be released later this year.
3. PS3 actually matches or comes out ahead which is not a bad deal for $399 (40 GB version) - as most Blu Ray players are $350 to $500 right now - that’s basically like getting the PS3 gaming portion for $50 To $100
4. Most reviews are that PS3 is a match for other Blu Ray players or even exceeds it.

Am I missing something? Why wouldn't everyone just buy the less expensive, more advanced PS3?

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by taylor41

I've been doing some research on Blu Ray Players and was recommended to purchase a PS3 instead - the following research supports this:

1. Some NEW Blu Ray discs will NOT play in older or even current players until you update the software.
2. 2.0 ready Blu-ray players will be released later this year.
3. PS3 actually matches or comes out ahead which is not a bad deal for $399 (40 GB version) - as most Blu Ray players are $350 to $500 right now - that’s basically like getting the PS3 gaming portion for $50 To $100
4. Most reviews are that PS3 is a match for other Blu Ray players or even exceeds it.

Am I missing something? Why wouldn't everyone just buy the less expensive, more advanced PS3?

- PS3 does not have analog audio outs so you would need an HDMI enabled receiver to enjoy advanced audio (TrueHD, DTS-HD-MA, etc).
- Lack of IR support (although there are workarounds for this)
- Odd shape
- Can run hot

Those are the major complaints. I own a PS3 and would not sell it for any standalone player right now (and I sold a gen1 standalone BD player to buy it).

[taylor41]

ack_bak:

PS3 does not have analog audio outs so you would need an HDMI enabled receiver to enjoy advanced audio (TrueHD, DTS-HD-MA, etc) - OK
- Lack of IR support - WHAT'S THIS?
- Odd shape - OK
- Can run hot - OK

Those are the major complaints. I own a PS3 and would not sell it for any standalone player right now (and I sold a gen1 standalone BD player to buy it) - SO, YOU AGREE WITH ME?

[cathexist]

Originally Posted by taylor41

- Lack of IR support - WHAT'S THIS?

Makes it so you can't use an IR universal remote...since the PS3 remote uses bluetooth

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by taylor41

PS3 does not have analog audio outs so you would need an HDMI enabled receiver to enjoy advanced audio (TrueHD, DTS-HD-MA, etc) - OK
- Lack of IR support - WHAT'S THIS?
- Odd shape - OK
- Can run hot - OK

Those are the major complaints. I own a PS3 and would not sell it for any standalone player right now (and I sold a gen1 standalone BD player to buy it) - SO, YOU AGREE WITH ME?

IR= infrared. What all your remotes use to talk to their components. In other words, no standalone universal remotes will be able to work with the PS3. There are some workarounds but none are very elegant. Personally, I just use the Bluetooth remote for the PS3 and my uni for everything else.

Also, another +1 on the PS3. I love mine. I have a couple games for it (I also own an xbox 360) but it's primarily a player and my non-techie wife and daughter are able to use it just fine. You can set it to automatically start once a disc is inserted, thus getting rid of any difficulties.

[cathexist]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

- PS3 does not have analog audio outs so you would need an HDMI enabled receiver to enjoy advanced audio (TrueHD, DTS-HD-MA, etc).

Not quite getting what you're saying, PS3 has the option for Analog, Optical, AND digital HDMI audio output.

You would need an HDMI receiver to enjoy advanced audio codecs with any player that's out there.

[cathexist]

I know one reason is children as well. My boss wants to get a blu-ray player in the near future, however is hesitant to get a PS3 because his kids would just want to play a bunch of games on it, hehe.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by cathexist

Not quite getting what you're saying, PS3 has the option for Analog, Optical, AND digital HDMI audio output.

You would need an HDMI receiver to enjoy advanced audio codecs with any player that's out there.

ack_bak is referring to multichannel analog out... not L/R analog out..

[cathexist]

Originally Posted by Slec

ack_bak is referring to multichannel analog out... not L/R analog out..

Gotcha, did not know that. Thanks

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by Slec

ack_bak is referring to multichannel analog out... not L/R analog out..

Thanks. Spot on.

[ack_bak]

A few other plusses for the PS3 that were not covered:
- Speed. The PS3 loads, plays, and responds to movies better than any standalone player currently on the market (cell processor).
- Hard drive. The PS3 has a built-in hard drive for storage which will most likely come into play later on, especially with web enabled content. One can also upgrade the hard drive themselves or utilize USB.
- Built in wireless. I think this is a huge plus for folks that do not want to run cables.
- Digital distro. The PS3 can be used to stream music and video and there are plans for PS3 owners to download movies via Sony Online Store (although the quality will most likely be inferior to Blu-Ray).

[deccyj]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

- PS3 does not have analog audio outs so you would need an HDMI enabled receiver to enjoy advanced audio (TrueHD, DTS-HD-MA, etc).
- Lack of IR support (although there are workarounds for this)
- Odd shape
- Can run hot

Those are the major complaints. I own a PS3 and would not sell it for any standalone player right now (and I sold a gen1 standalone BD player to buy it).

1 - Why would you want analog inputs anyway? And why would you not want to enjoy advanced audio?

2- Who cares about IR? Bluetooth beats it by a mile, and is finely implemented in the ps3

3- Odd shape? A slot-loading machine which can be placed horizontal or vertical

4- Can run hot? Dont all of them anyway? AND from my experience all other BD players make a lot of noise and take AGES to load!

No contest really for the ps3....not for a loooong while

[Slec]

Originally Posted by deccyj

1 - Why would you want analog inputs anyway? And why would you not want to enjoy advanced audio?

2- Who cares about IR? Bluetooth beats it by a mile, and is finely implemented in the ps3

3- Odd shape? A slot-loading machine which can be placed horizontal or vertical

4- Can run hot? Dont all of them anyway? AND from my experience all other BD players make a lot of noise and take AGES to load!

No contest really for the ps3....not for a loooong while

1) Multi-channel analog allow you to use an older receiver with a BD player that decodes internally and take advantage of lossless audio. Again, not L/R analog. Full explanation found on this sticky

2) Most Universal remotes don't handle bluetooth, therefore workarounds must be used, but they are easy and relatively inexpensive.

3&4) don't bother me...

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by deccyj

1 - Why would you want analog inputs anyway? And why would you not want to enjoy advanced audio?

2- Who cares about IR? Bluetooth beats it by a mile, and is finely implemented in the ps3

3- Odd shape? A slot-loading machine which can be placed horizontal or vertical

4- Can run hot? Dont all of them anyway? AND from my experience all other BD players make a lot of noise and take AGES to load!

No contest really for the ps3....not for a loooong while

Those are the most common complaints that I have seen folks make. Again I OWN A PS3!

For #1, as it was explained all standalone players I have seen have multichannel analog outs which allow you to utilize an older receiver (non-HDMI). I don't have a problem since I have an HDMI receiver, but not everyone does. In fact some high end professional amps do not support HDMI So the PS3 does not work for everybody.

#2. Many people (myself included) have purchased costly Universal IR remotes so we can control everything from one remote. There are some workarounds for the PS3 in this department. And I am not the biggest fan of the Sony Bluetooth remote. Since I watch my BD movies on a 100" screen in a pitch dark room lack of back lighting on the Bluetooth remote was a major oversight. But again, I found a workaround.

#3. I am perfectly content with the shape but many people like to stack their gear. I don't stack my gear, but it does not mean others don't. Have you tried stacking something on top of your PS3? Not recommended...

#4. I have had no issues with heat, or the fan being too loud, but all you have to do is look through the PS3 owner threads. It is an issue for some people. Perhaps they need better ventilation. Perhaps they need to call Sony support. All I know is that it is an issue that has popped up for several folks.

I love my PS3. I sold a BD standalone player for it. I have no plans to upgrade to a standalone player anytime soon. But the fact remains that it has some flaws and is not ideal for everyone.

[b00st]

my only complaint is that it can't bitstream the HD audios.

so something like Rush Hour 3 which has HD-MA 7.1 comes out to HD-MA 5.1 on my receiver. i believe a standalone will correct this.

happens with other titles too not just RH3. I know LOTR Extended editions have DTS-ES 6.1. which just kicks out as regular DTS 5.1
gladiator same problem.

there is a list of DTS-HD MA 6.1 or 7.1 that kick out only at 5.1...i'm assuming due to the internal decoding of the PS3 and LPCM audio output configuration.

and PS4 won't be out for 7-8yrs or so....PS3 was designed for a 10yr life span. lets just say you have a long time before you'll see PS4.

[Entertainment72]

A Firmware update will fix all the above mentioned issues other than bitstream itself.. which is a MOOT point because its utterly meaningless!

To me seeing a lighted DTS-MA etc on my receiver (due to bitstreaming) is just absurd.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by deccyj

1 - Why would you want analog inputs anyway? And why would you not want to enjoy advanced audio?

2- Who cares about IR? Bluetooth beats it by a mile, and is finely implemented in the ps3

3- Odd shape? A slot-loading machine which can be placed horizontal or vertical

4- Can run hot? Dont all of them anyway? AND from my experience all other BD players make a lot of noise and take AGES to load!

No contest really for the ps3....not for a loooong while

1. Analog outs (if the player is doing the decoding) means you don't have to upgrade your current receiver if you have multi-channel outs on it. PS3 $399 + 450.00< for a new receiver with HDMI (that carries audio) on it, that's about $850.00

2. IR capability - you can't run a PS3 with your expensive Harmony remote forcing you to use two remotes...One for the PS3 and one for everything else in your system.

3. Weird shape. Estetics, some think its "sexy" some think its ugly and not condusive for rack mounted systems.

4. Can run hot. I don't know how hot standalones run but I do know the PS3 does. My HTPC loads Ratatoille faster than my friends PS3 - and I don't have to sit through all of the previews.

There is a good contest. As BD is adopted by mainline consumers through inexpensive standalones it will place the PS3 where it should be - with the gaming consoles - and given a medal of honor for its part in the "format war" but when its all over (storming stage is over - now its time for the norming stage)...after this norming...It will be seen by many as just a gaming machine. Oppo, magnavox, insignia - they will all come out with sub 250.00 BD players making the need for a PS3 moot.

[Slec]

The PS3 is king because it is infinitely updateable via firmware. The PS3 is one of the fastest loading Blu-ray players.

Beyond that, you get into personal preference.

I don't foresee myself using 2.0 (BD-Live) content, so when I buy a standalone player, it will be a 1.1. I don't know if I'll ever use bonus view, but I'd like to have the option.

Someone can correct me if i'm wrong, but you can still play movies on older players, you just don't have access to the internet, or pip content if the player is incapable.

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by Slec

Someone can correct me if i'm wrong, but you can still play movies on older players, you just don't have access to the internet, or pip content if the player is incapable.

That is correct. You can play the movies. But most 1.0 players are very slow when it comes to playing titles with advanced BD-J features.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by taylor41

Am I missing something? Why wouldn't everyone just buy the less expensive, more advanced PS3?

Some people can't help but think of it as a gaming system, not just first, but only. The Playstation brand has always been about gaming and its newest iteration is a media center. Advertising will increase to promote this over time.

There are so many other reasons people buy stand alone players
-They've spent a considerable sum on their receivers and want bitstreaming capabilities.
- some feel receivers will decode better than ANY player
-Want the components to match (looks)
-brand loyalty or hatred...