$250 - $350 Range Crossroads

[bd_noob09]

First, I'm sorry if this question has been asked to death, so feel free to refer me other threads - I'm haven't been able to find my answer directly via search.

I'm in the $250 - $350 range, which is putting me at a crossroads: Sammy BD-P1500 vs. BD-P2500, Sony BDP-S350 vs. BDP-S550.

According to this chart:



and other research, it seems that the cheaper Sammy BD-1500/Sony BDP-350 offer 2.0 analog output and "STREAM"
DTS-HD HR and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The Sammy BD-2500 (which also adds the HQV chip)/Sony BDP-2550 offer 7.1 analog output and offer "COMPLETE" support for DTS-HD HR and DTS-HD Master Audio.

1) For the Sammny BD-2500 and Sony BDP-2550, do they both offer DTS-HD HR and DTS-HD Master Audio DECODERS? If the do, why don't they say "DECODE" vs. "COMPLETE"??

2) I don't have a surround sound system yet -- and probably won't for a least a year. However, I have a HDTV and want a Blu-ray player now. Is it worth paying more (now) for the Sammny BD-2500 or Sony BDP-2550 so I don't limit my capabilities in the future?

Thanks in advance!

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by bd_noob09

2) I don't have a surround sound system yet -- and probably won't for a least a year. However, I have a HDTV and want a Blu-ray player now. Is it worth paying more (now) for the Sammny BD-2500 or Sony BDP-2550 so I don't limit my capabilities in the future?

I would probably go with the cheaper players now considering you do not even have a surround system. By the time you add one, there will be better BD players available than either of your more expensive choices at cheaper prices.

[Kage]

You could add the Pioneer BDP-51FD to your list. It can be found for the upper $200 range.

[bd_noob09]

In terms of VIDEO QUALITY alone -- what's the best suggestion? I do have a nice TV, so I don't want to skimp on video quality.

I believe the Sony BDP-S350/BDP-BX1 and BDP-S550 have the same chip technology, so strictly speaking in term of video quality, both units would have an equal picture.

However, (to my knowledge) the Sammy BD-P2500 HAS a HQV chip, and the BD-P1500 DOES NOT have a HQV chip.

Would the video picture of the Sammy BD-P2500 (with a HQV chip) be better/significantly better than the picture quality from the Sonys?

**Also, what about DVD upscaling...do Sammys or Sonys do a better job?**

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by bd_noob09

In terms of VIDEO QUALITY alone -- what's the best suggestion? I do have a nice TV, so I don't want to skimp on video quality.

**Also, what about DVD upscaling...do Sammys or Sonys do a better job?**

Anything with the HQV chip is going to significantly outperform virtually all other upscaling solutions. If that is your sole priority I would go with the more expensive Samsung player.

[bd_noob09]

Thanks Clark Kent, I appreciate it.

So, a Blu-ray player with a Reon HQV chip will always outperform a Blu-ray player without a Reon HQV chip IN TERMS of (standard def) DVD upscaling. Gotcha.

Now what about Blu-ray playback?

In terms of Blu-ray picture quality, would the Sammy BD-P2500 be WORSE, BETTER, or ABOUT SAME as a Sony BDP-S350/BDP-S550 ?

(Both Sonys should technically have the same picture as they have the same chip.)

Sammy or Sony?

Thanks for all the help so far!

[StanDaMan99]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Anything with the HQV chip is going to significantly outperform virtually all other upscaling solutions. If that is your sole priority I would go with the more expensive Samsung player.

Definitely true!