PS3 Blu-ray VS Standalone Blu-ray - Blu-ray Forum

Duelce · 03-22-2008, 11:38 PM

Playstation 3 price ranges from around 400 -500 bucks.
@ sonystyle.com if u sign up for their credit card they'll take off $100 more.

so the Playstation will cost $300

My question is
How does the bluray player in the Playstation 3 compare with the other standalone bluray players who's prices are around $500.

Are the standalone players better at playing blu ray?
or is Playstation lower because of competition from other consoles?

Ectoplasm · 03-22-2008, 11:50 PM

Are the 40gb PS3's really that expensive for you guys? They're around $340 here.

owa · 03-23-2008, 12:43 AM

The PS3 is one of the better blu-ray players. It's faster to load, smoother, seems to have less issues with playback and is more upgradeable. BD-Live support was just announced (should have it by the end of the month) which makes the PS3 the first blu-ray player to support bonus-view (I believe). DTS-HD MA is also coming at some point but since it's not supported at the moment (we just get the core track when DTS-HD MA is used), that's a disadvantage currently. That mostly comes in to play with Fox blu-rays (and maybe New Line) since they use that codec for lossless audio. The PS3 has built-in wireless networking so if you do want to use Bonus-View or need firmware upgrades, at least you don't have to have a wired ethernet connection in your HT area. That might be an advantage for some (definitely is for me).

While I love the bluetooth remote (I have line-of-sight issues) and consider it an advantage, many use the Harmony universal remotes so they don't like that the PS3 is bluetooth. There is an adapter that mostly solves the issue though. The shape of the PS3 means it needs to be on top of the stack or on its own shelf. It also needs better airflow in order to keep the fans at a low-level (wouldn't be good for an enclosed rack although some apparently do use it that way but I wouldn't want to). Standalones usually have more audio connections (analog outs) and there's a thread here that explains how you might be able to get lossless audio on standalones without having to use HDMI, for example. With the PS3, you have to use HDMI to get lossless audio.

As far as noise, apparently some PS3s are noisier than others. Both of my 60-gig PS3s are nearly silent (have to get down right next to them to even tell they're on). The 40-gig PS3s, apparently, are supposed to be quiet and more consistent in that regard.

The PS3 can, of course, also do a lot more than movie playback but it depends on if you actually use that capability in order to list it as an advantage over a standalone.

xiong651 · 03-23-2008, 08:46 PM

I prefer a standalone player. I just tend to believe that a game console is for playing games and a standalone is for playing BD only.

DutchBoy · 03-22-2008, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duelce

Playstation 3 price ranges from around 400 -500 bucks.
@ sonystyle.com if u sign up for their credit card they'll take off $100 more.

so the Playstation will cost $300

My question is
How does the bluray player in the Playstation 3 compare with the other standalone bluray players who's prices are around $500.

Are the standalone players better at playing blu ray?
or is Playstation lower because of competition from other consoles?

Most will tell you that the PS3 will go toe to toe with any standalone player out there. PQ wise it's amazing.

The only things that I can imagine anyone conning about it are the audio limitations -- not being able to bitstream the HD codecs, and not being able to do DTS-HD at all at the moment. The latter one is getting fixed though, so personally I'd stack it against any standalone there is, especially at its price-point.

Duelce · 03-22-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchBoy

Most will tell you that the PS3 will go toe to toe with any standalone player out there. PQ wise it's amazing.

The only things that I can imagine anyone conning about it are the audio limitations -- not being able to bitstream the HD codecs, and not being able to do DTS-HD at all at the moment. The latter one is getting fixed though, so personally I'd stack it against any standalone there is, especially at its price-point.

1) Im new to the bluray forum...what does "PQ" mean?

2) So the PS3 can't play HD sound or DTS-HD? There is a newer PS3 that comes with 80 GB hard drive and some other features. Maybe it has those features.

DutchBoy · 03-22-2008, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duelce

1) Im new to the bluray forum...what does "PQ" mean?

2) So the PS3 can't play HD sound or DTS-HD? There is a newer PS3 that comes with 80 GB hard drive and some other features. Maybe it has those features.

1) Picture Quality

2) It can do HD sound -- it can't bitstream it, meaning that it can't send it out to have the receiver decode it. It CAN send it via LPCM, which uses the PS3 to decode it and send it out, so you DO get the HD sound in all its glory (at least TrueHD or Lossless PCM).

Right now, the PS3 can't do DTS-HD. None of them can. Like I said though, it's coming in a future firmware update -- just noone is sure exactly when.

All the models of the PS3 work the same in terms of Blu Ray, unless I'm forgetting something.

Moefiz · 03-22-2008, 11:59 PM

I have the PS 3 and the S300 and i like both in different ways...the S300 is the main player in the living room that we watch our movies on and the PS3 is in the bedroom that I play my games on

The S300 even with the lack of decoding all of the new audio codec is a excellent play in my book it does it job and I can't say enough good things about the PS3.

I guess it all boils down to what you would like for us its a good arangement .

winlonghorn · 03-23-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moefiz

I have the PS 3 and the S300 and i like both in different ways...the S300 is the main player in the living room that we watch our movies on and the PS3 is in the bedroom that I play my games on

The S300 even with the lack of decoding all of the new audio codec is a excellent play in my book it does it job and I can't say enough good things about the PS3.

I guess it all boils down to what you would like for us its a good arangement .

Plus you can get on Playstation Home if it ever comes out!

LOL

Blu-Style · 03-23-2008, 09:14 PM

What (special) blu-ray drive is in the PS3 ?

Seems like no standalone Player has it.

winlonghorn · 03-23-2008, 09:26 PM

To be honest, I think it is the software and processor more so than the drive. The drive is pretty much a standard blu ray drive.

darkside racing · 03-25-2008, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winlonghorn

Plus you can get on Playstation Home if it ever comes out!

LOL

Speaking of Playstation Home... when will it come out??? I dream of it everynite.. it'll be so awsome... Oh yea.. between the four PS3 out there the 80g, 60g, 40g, and the 20g. I'll chose the 60g over any other PS3 out there.. Correct me if I'm wrong... PS3 60g version is the only one that plays all Sony game from PS1, PS2, also the PS3 20g 1st gen. I have the 60g version and Im not complaining....

bhampton · 03-25-2008, 11:09 AM

I've never heard fan noise from my 60GB PS3.

I do have it set up in the gear rack which is outside the home theater though.

-Brian

olitas · 03-23-2008, 12:00 AM

You can go on hometheaterhifi.com for a full critique. But first of you need to know that the PS3 is nosy, it does'nt let you enjoy the new HD sound if you have a good sound system. On the plus side it a great multimedia machine especially the 80go model.
I habe both, a real BD player is definitely a beter DVD player but the PS3 is easier to upgrade. But the PS3 should be use as a second BD player not the main machine

DutchBoy · 03-23-2008, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olitas

You can go on hometheaterhifi.com for a full critique. But first of you need to know that the PS3 is nosy, it does'nt let you enjoy the new HD sound if you have a good sound system. On the plus side it a great multimedia machine especially the 80go model.
I habe both, a real BD player is definitely a beter DVD player but the PS3 is easier to upgrade. But the PS3 should be use as a second BD player not the main machine

No offense, and the model you get will affect the noise you are getting from the fan, but this is absolute rubbish. Now, I have heard that some of the older models of the PS3 had some issues with fan noise, but let's be frank here -- I have an Xbox360 that is quite possible the noisiest machine ever conceived of in the history of mankind, and I can still hear my surround sound over it. If it's not a comment about not being able to hear the sound over the fan noise, then I don't understand that either, because the PS3 can do HD sound...so that confused me a bit.

I have a 40G model and I can put my ear right next to it and barely hear a peep out of it.

And I would hope that any decent sound system would more than drown out any noise the PS3 might be making...

crackinhedz · 03-23-2008, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchBoy

...I have a 40G model and I can put my ear right next to it and barely hear a peep out of it.

this was my comment on another thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I was amazed at how much quieter the 40gb is compared to my older 20gb (launch system)...I always thought the 20gb was quiet, but wow the 40gb doesn't even sound like it is on!

I mean q-u-i-e-t

DutchBoy · 03-23-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I mean q-u-i-e-t

I have to strain to hear noise when I'm attempting to hear something out of mine...I love it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlf3911

Olitas is right though, mine is noisy as hell. In quiet movies it sucks, but louder action movies you cant even notice.

I'm still pretty sure this is an issue (if an issue) with the older models of the PS3 -- if it's still an issue (maybe with the larger capacity ones) someone enlighten me.

guitarist155 · 03-23-2008, 12:33 AM

i love my ps3 and i love that i don't have to get a new player when the profile 2.0 players come out, i am still finding out things that it can do

i would never trade it for a standalone it is just too amazing

also even if you have never played a video game this thing can be addicting, racing games in hd on a big screen will make you never want to leave your house

ps3andlovinit · 03-23-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchBoy

I have to strain to hear noise when I'm attempting to hear something out of mine...I love it.

I'm still pretty sure this is an issue (if an issue) with the older models of the PS3 -- if it's still an issue (maybe with the larger capacity ones) someone enlighten me.

The 40GB is much quieter than the 60GB for folding and upscaling DVD's and long session usage. The 60GB slot loader is quieter. I've found our 80GB to be more like our 40GB than our 60GB.

Doobiewah · 03-23-2008, 12:03 AM

PQ on a PS3 is great...so is the upconversion. My complaints with the PS3 versus a stand alone player are noise and the lack of a remote in the box. By the time you pick up a remote, unless you are a gamer, a stand alone is a better option. If you are a gamer, it is a no-brainer...get the PS3.

03-22-2008, 11:38 PM	#1
Duelce Junior Member Member since:Mar 2008	PS3 Blu-ray VS Standalone Blu-ray Playstation 3 price ranges from around 400 -500 bucks. @ sonystyle.com if u sign up for their credit card they'll take off $100 more. so the Playstation will cost $300 My question is How does the bluray player in the Playstation 3 compare with the other standalone bluray players who's prices are around $500. Are the standalone players better at playing blu ray? or is Playstation lower because of competition from other consoles?

03-23-2008, 12:43 AM	#3
owa Blu-ray Knight Member since:Apr 2007 Blu-ray reviews: 96	The PS3 is one of the better blu-ray players. It's faster to load, smoother, seems to have less issues with playback and is more upgradeable. BD-Live support was just announced (should have it by the end of the month) which makes the PS3 the first blu-ray player to support bonus-view (I believe). DTS-HD MA is also coming at some point but since it's not supported at the moment (we just get the core track when DTS-HD MA is used), that's a disadvantage currently. That mostly comes in to play with Fox blu-rays (and maybe New Line) since they use that codec for lossless audio. The PS3 has built-in wireless networking so if you do want to use Bonus-View or need firmware upgrades, at least you don't have to have a wired ethernet connection in your HT area. That might be an advantage for some (definitely is for me). While I love the bluetooth remote (I have line-of-sight issues) and consider it an advantage, many use the Harmony universal remotes so they don't like that the PS3 is bluetooth. There is an adapter that mostly solves the issue though. The shape of the PS3 means it needs to be on top of the stack or on its own shelf. It also needs better airflow in order to keep the fans at a low-level (wouldn't be good for an enclosed rack although some apparently do use it that way but I wouldn't want to). Standalones usually have more audio connections (analog outs) and there's a thread here that explains how you might be able to get lossless audio on standalones without having to use HDMI, for example. With the PS3, you have to use HDMI to get lossless audio. As far as noise, apparently some PS3s are noisier than others. Both of my 60-gig PS3s are nearly silent (have to get down right next to them to even tell they're on). The 40-gig PS3s, apparently, are supposed to be quiet and more consistent in that regard. The PS3 can, of course, also do a lot more than movie playback but it depends on if you actually use that capability in order to list it as an advantage over a standalone. Last edited by owa; 03-23-2008 at 12:50 AM.

03-23-2008, 12:33 AM	#18
guitarist155 Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:nashville Home Theater Gallery:45 4K collection:11 Blu-ray collection:134 DVD collection:3 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:1	i love my ps3 and i love that i don't have to get a new player when the profile 2.0 players come out, i am still finding out things that it can do i would never trade it for a standalone it is just too amazing also even if you have never played a video game this thing can be addicting, racing games in hd on a big screen will make you never want to leave your house Last edited by guitarist155; 03-23-2008 at 12:36 AM.

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03-22-2008, 11:50 PM	#2
Ectoplasm Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:12	Are the 40gb PS3's really that expensive for you guys? They're around $340 here.

03-23-2008, 08:46 PM	#4
xiong651 Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Twin Cities, MN Blu-ray reviews:1	I prefer a standalone player. I just tend to believe that a game console is for playing games and a standalone is for playing BD only.

03-22-2008, 11:59 PM	#8
Moefiz Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:288 DVD collection:20 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:70	I have the PS 3 and the S300 and i like both in different ways...the S300 is the main player in the living room that we watch our movies on and the PS3 is in the bedroom that I play my games on The S300 even with the lack of decoding all of the new audio codec is a excellent play in my book it does it job and I can't say enough good things about the PS3. I guess it all boils down to what you would like for us its a good arangement .

03-23-2008, 09:14 PM	#10
Blu-Style Special Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Германия	What (special) blu-ray drive is in the PS3 ? Seems like no standalone Player has it.

03-23-2008, 09:26 PM	#11
winlonghorn Member Member since:Feb 2008	To be honest, I think it is the software and processor more so than the drive. The drive is pretty much a standard blu ray drive.

03-25-2008, 11:09 AM	#13
bhampton Blu-ray Count Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:981 Blu-ray collection:2537 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews: 6 Trading Score:18	I've never heard fan noise from my 60GB PS3. I do have it set up in the gear rack which is outside the home theater though. -Brian

03-23-2008, 12:00 AM	#14
olitas Member Member since:Feb 2008 4K collection:23 Blu-ray collection:443 DVD collection:62 Digital collection:112 iTunes collection:42 Blu-ray reviews:1	You can go on hometheaterhifi.com for a full critique. But first of you need to know that the PS3 is nosy, it does'nt let you enjoy the new HD sound if you have a good sound system. On the plus side it a great multimedia machine especially the 80go model. I habe both, a real BD player is definitely a beter DVD player but the PS3 is easier to upgrade. But the PS3 should be use as a second BD player not the main machine

03-23-2008, 12:03 AM	#20
Doobiewah Member Member since:Jan 2008	PQ on a PS3 is great...so is the upconversion. My complaints with the PS3 versus a stand alone player are noise and the lack of a remote in the box. By the time you pick up a remote, unless you are a gamer, a stand alone is a better option. If you are a gamer, it is a no-brainer...get the PS3.

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