Need advice on buying a Blu-ray player - Blu-ray Forum

Hystoryan · 08-02-2009, 03:01 AM

New to this forum -- and the (electronic) form. Just bought an HDTV (Panasonic Plasma G-10 series) and a Home Theater (Surround) System (also Panasonic, which includes a DVD player). Thinking of adding a Blu Ray player (which I've found a more confusing process than choosing the TV and Surround Sound). Landed on the Panasonic DMP-BD60. Anyone have an opinion on that choice? (I'm looking for something inexpensive -- my wife's already freaked by all the other purchases!)

Also, the Surround Sound has only one HDMI port, which I assume leads to the TV. What do I do about the Blu Ray player? (Told you I was new to this.)

Thanks for anything anyone can offer.

Sylin · 08-02-2009, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

New to this forum -- and the (electronic) form. Just bought an HDTV (Panasonic Plasma G-10 series) and a Home Theater (Surround) System (also Panasonic, which includes a DVD player). Thinking of adding a Blu Ray player (which I've found a more confusing process than choosing the TV and Surround Sound). Landed on the Panasonic DMP-BD60. Anyone have an opinion on that choice? (I'm looking for something inexpensive -- my wife's already freaked by all the other purchases!)

Also, the Surround Sound has only one HDMI port, which I assume leads to the TV. What do I do about the Blu Ray player? (Told you I was new to this.)

Thanks for anything anyone can offer.

First off, welcome!

I got into Blu-ray about 2 years ago. Best thing I ever did from a home entertainment perspective (except that dancers pole, but... err... nevermind).

Anyhow, this should give you a good place to start:

https://www.blu-ray.com/players/

There's a Compare option, along with comments on all the various players available, and those coming to the market.

Personally, I like Panasonic BD players. I also like Sony's stand-alone players, and the PS3 (because you get the benefit of gaming and media streaming).

SlmShdy1 · 08-02-2009, 03:34 AM

The DMP-BD60 is a nice player. Well worth it. The sound system, however, will not allow you to take full advantage of Blu-ray. I don't know how much you know about audio, but in a nutshell, you'll be getting downgraded audio when watching a Blu-ray with that sound system. Now, Panasonic does make some nice Blu-ray home theaters in a box, which would be an all in one system (like you already have, but instead, with a Blu-ray player built in).

If you go ahead and get the BD60 and keep what you have, you'll want to get a digital optical/TOSLink cable. This will give you 5.1 surround sound from the Blu-ray player (either Dolby Digital or DTS). If you were to upgrade to a better home theater system (something that has a HDMI output as well as an input), you would be able to take advantage of the newer audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. They are basically a HD form of what we've been listening to on DVD for years. They are uncompressed and an exact copy of the master audio that was used in the movie.

ScarredLungs · 08-02-2009, 04:13 AM

Welcome! When you say cheap what do you mean? Sub 200? 300?

That Panasonic player, the BMP-BD60, is a good player. My grandpa has that one and he really enjoys it. Of course, there is always the PS3 option. It is not the best player, but it is very good.

Hystoryan · 08-02-2009, 04:15 AM

Thanks for the help. The Blu-ray.com site is great, Sylin. (I hear you about the dancer's pole, but I'm in enough trouble already with all this equipment, as I said in my last post.) Question for SlmShdy1: you say I'll be getting downgraded audio with the Home Theater I have (because I can't connect the Blu Ray to it via HDMI? -- right, don't know much about audio). If I get the TOSLink cable (that runs between the Blu Ray and the HT?), I'll get what, exactly? Something, but not what I could be getting? In any case, I'm stuck with that HTS, at least for now, so your advice is to...just get that cable?

Again, thanks to you both for the quick replies.

Hystoryan · 08-02-2009, 04:16 AM

Yes, I was thinking sub-300. Grandpa, huh?

Hystoryan · 08-02-2009, 04:35 AM

Just curious: the Samsung BD-1600? Reviews seem similar to the Panasonic's -- and the price is about the same. I just need a few options, and then I can choose. Much of this (obviously) is way beyond me.

Thanks again for any advice.

SlmShdy1 · 08-02-2009, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

If I get the TOSLink cable (that runs between the Blu Ray and the HT?), I'll get what, exactly? Something, but not what I could be getting? In any case, I'm stuck with that HTS, at least for now, so your advice is to...just get that cable?

Yeah, you would need a HDMI input to get the best sound. For now, sticking with what you already have, just pick up an optical cable and that will give you 5.1 surround sound.

ScarredLungs · 08-02-2009, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

Yes, I was thinking sub-300. Grandpa, huh?

My grandpa wanted a new set up so, as his grandson i just had to help

I went and helped him buy a TV and a blu ray player.

TV: XBR9 (52 Inch)
Blu ray Player: Panasonic BMP-BD60

JimShaw · 08-02-2009, 05:13 AM

Wecome

Here is a good link to all the various BD players

https://www.blu-ray.com/players/compare.php?p=1

jonesyg27 · 08-02-2009, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvm

My grandpa wanted a new set up so, as his grandson i just had to help

I went and helped him buy a TV and a blu ray player.

TV: XBR9 (52 Inch)
Blu ray Player: Panasonic BMP-BD60

You are a damn fine grandson! That XBR9 is pretty sweet.

ScarredLungs · 08-02-2009, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonesyg27

You are a damn fine grandson! That XBR9 is pretty sweet.

What can I say. He had money and wanted to know what he should buy. I was not going to let him buy cheap or low quality. Between this and what my dad bought, I've done my share of good deeds this year!

Billy Rickey · 08-02-2009, 07:09 AM

Buy a PS3

seigneur_rayden · 08-02-2009, 11:31 AM

First of all, how much did U spend on that Home Theater in a Box (surround sound)?

Reason I am asking is you can return it and buy one with a built-in Blu-ray player.

Panasonic SC-BT300 $529
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-B.../ref=pd_cp_e_1

Panasonic SC-BT200 $445
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-B.../dp/B0021YZ4EK

OR
U return that HTiB (surround sound) and buy separately
1. a Blu-ray player Panasonic BD60
2. a AVR (audio video receiver): Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer has some that do lossless audio (new codecs Dolby True HD, DTS HD Master Audio) for less than $500.
3. speakers

This second option has the advantage of easy future upgrades.
For example, U can buy speakers of $200 dollars now and later upgrade to speakers of $1000.

Another advantage is that U can buy speakers gradually. Front L and R first; then Center; then subwoofer; then Surround L and R; then Surround back L and R; then a 2nd subwoofer;....

This will ensure that U do it right the 1st time. Remember, quality speakers will last for years (10, 20, 30, 40 years). HTiB are convenient but they do not offer the best sound possible.

blarneyrubble · 08-02-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

Just curious: the Samsung BD-1600? Reviews seem similar to the Panasonic's -- and the price is about the same. I just need a few options, and then I can choose. Much of this (obviously) is way beyond me.

Thanks again for any advice.

IMO the Panasonic is a better player, plus you will only need one remote. The big benefit off the Samsung is that you can stream Netflix, which is an awesome feature.

If you don't have or plan to get Netflix I say go with the Panasonic. If you do have Netflix I say go with the Samsung. Since it sounds like you are new to HDTV, Blu Ray, HT, ect check out www.monoprice.com for your cables.

Good luck.

syncguy · 08-02-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Rickey

Buy a PS3

Surely PS3 if you or your family is into gaming. It is robust future proof and built like a tank. It has some limitations in audio, remote and noise but it is good for all configurations. However, if you are not into games you may get away with a lower price similar quality machine.

Hystoryan · 08-03-2009, 04:00 AM

Thanks for all this advice. Because the Panasonic is under $200 (and I paid $300 for the surround sound), I think I might just add that. And I read a lot about the Monster Cable scam (right?), and so returned that $75 HDMI I'd bought at Best Buy.

ScarredLungs · 08-03-2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hystoryan

Thanks for all this advice. Because the Panasonic is under $200 (and I paid $300 for the surround sound), I think I might just add that. And I read a lot about the Monster Cable scam (right?), and so returned that $75 HDMI I'd bought at Best Buy.

Buy a HDMI cable from monoprice

08-02-2009, 03:01 AM	#1
Hystoryan Junior Member Member since:Aug 2009	Need advice on buying a Blu-ray player New to this forum -- and the (electronic) form. Just bought an HDTV (Panasonic Plasma G-10 series) and a Home Theater (Surround) System (also Panasonic, which includes a DVD player). Thinking of adding a Blu Ray player (which I've found a more confusing process than choosing the TV and Surround Sound). Landed on the Panasonic DMP-BD60. Anyone have an opinion on that choice? (I'm looking for something inexpensive -- my wife's already freaked by all the other purchases!) Also, the Surround Sound has only one HDMI port, which I assume leads to the TV. What do I do about the Blu Ray player? (Told you I was new to this.) Thanks for anything anyone can offer.

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08-02-2009, 03:34 AM	#3
SlmShdy1 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Honolulu, HI PlayStation® PSN: SlmShdy1 Home Theater Gallery:39 Blu-ray collection:292	The DMP-BD60 is a nice player. Well worth it. The sound system, however, will not allow you to take full advantage of Blu-ray. I don't know how much you know about audio, but in a nutshell, you'll be getting downgraded audio when watching a Blu-ray with that sound system. Now, Panasonic does make some nice Blu-ray home theaters in a box, which would be an all in one system (like you already have, but instead, with a Blu-ray player built in). If you go ahead and get the BD60 and keep what you have, you'll want to get a digital optical/TOSLink cable. This will give you 5.1 surround sound from the Blu-ray player (either Dolby Digital or DTS). If you were to upgrade to a better home theater system (something that has a HDMI output as well as an input), you would be able to take advantage of the newer audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. They are basically a HD form of what we've been listening to on DVD for years. They are uncompressed and an exact copy of the master audio that was used in the movie.

08-02-2009, 04:13 AM	#4
ScarredLungs Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Utah 4K collection:65 Blu-ray collection:1433 Prime collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:4	Welcome! When you say cheap what do you mean? Sub 200? 300? That Panasonic player, the BMP-BD60, is a good player. My grandpa has that one and he really enjoys it. Of course, there is always the PS3 option. It is not the best player, but it is very good.

08-02-2009, 04:15 AM	#5
Hystoryan Junior Member Member since:Aug 2009	Thanks for the help. The Blu-ray.com site is great, Sylin. (I hear you about the dancer's pole, but I'm in enough trouble already with all this equipment, as I said in my last post.) Question for SlmShdy1: you say I'll be getting downgraded audio with the Home Theater I have (because I can't connect the Blu Ray to it via HDMI? -- right, don't know much about audio). If I get the TOSLink cable (that runs between the Blu Ray and the HT?), I'll get what, exactly? Something, but not what I could be getting? In any case, I'm stuck with that HTS, at least for now, so your advice is to...just get that cable? Again, thanks to you both for the quick replies.

08-02-2009, 04:16 AM	#6
Hystoryan Junior Member Member since:Aug 2009	Yes, I was thinking sub-300. Grandpa, huh?

08-02-2009, 04:35 AM	#7
Hystoryan Junior Member Member since:Aug 2009	Just curious: the Samsung BD-1600? Reviews seem similar to the Panasonic's -- and the price is about the same. I just need a few options, and then I can choose. Much of this (obviously) is way beyond me. Thanks again for any advice.

08-02-2009, 05:13 AM	#10
JimShaw Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Menifee, CA 4K collection:49 Blu-ray collection:1069 Trading Score:141	Wecome Here is a good link to all the various BD players https://www.blu-ray.com/players/compare.php?p=1

08-02-2009, 07:09 AM	#13
Billy Rickey Banned Member since:Jul 2008 Blu-ray collection:166 Blu-ray reviews:1	Buy a PS3

08-02-2009, 11:31 AM	#14
seigneur_rayden Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Blu-ray collection:1097 Blu-ray reviews: 12	First of all, how much did U spend on that Home Theater in a Box (surround sound)? Reason I am asking is you can return it and buy one with a built-in Blu-ray player. Panasonic SC-BT300 $529 http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-B.../ref=pd_cp_e_1 Panasonic SC-BT200 $445 http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-B.../dp/B0021YZ4EK OR U return that HTiB (surround sound) and buy separately 1. a Blu-ray player Panasonic BD60 2. a AVR (audio video receiver): Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer has some that do lossless audio (new codecs Dolby True HD, DTS HD Master Audio) for less than $500. 3. speakers This second option has the advantage of easy future upgrades. For example, U can buy speakers of $200 dollars now and later upgrade to speakers of $1000. Another advantage is that U can buy speakers gradually. Front L and R first; then Center; then subwoofer; then Surround L and R; then Surround back L and R; then a 2nd subwoofer;.... This will ensure that U do it right the 1st time. Remember, quality speakers will last for years (10, 20, 30, 40 years). HTiB are convenient but they do not offer the best sound possible.

08-03-2009, 04:00 AM	#17
Hystoryan Junior Member Member since:Aug 2009	Thanks for all this advice. Because the Panasonic is under $200 (and I paid $300 for the surround sound), I think I might just add that. And I read a lot about the Monster Cable scam (right?), and so returned that $75 HDMI I'd bought at Best Buy.

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