Suggestions for CHEAP Blu-ray players? - Blu-ray Forum

Beta Man · 11-18-2009, 07:19 PM

I bought 4 of the Memorex players (3 for X-Mas gifts, and one for personal use) and after testing one of them, the noise during DVD playback is a killer for me, since most of the people receiving them as gifts will probably watch mostly DVDs with it.....

ALSO, I'm now concerned about firmware support....

So.....

The players were dirt cheap at $99 each (or $108 after tax) So I would like to take these back, and get four new ones..... but I don't want to go from a $100 player to a $200 player.... and I don't need a lot of features since these people won't care anyways.

I want:

Basic Operation..... 1080p and lossless audio
A brand that will likely support the hardware via firmware upgrades for a long time.
$135 or less Shipped

I don't pay tax via Amazon..... so suggestions from Amazon are greatly welcomed..... I just don't know what one to choose since there are so many.

What I don't Want/Need:

BD Live, or any other feature like Netflix etc.... Although I wouldn't mind netflix capability..... no desire for BD live though.

Anyone see any players for $135 or less out there that they would recommend? I don't want used etc... since they are gifts, and I need 4 of them.

EDIT:

I don't want to battle crowds and fight over boxes on Black-Friday.

langn08 · 11-18-2009, 07:23 PM

Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # NS-BRDVD3) w/Superman Returns or Beetlejuice Bluray at Best buy Black friday sale $99... Then they would get a movie with it too!

Edit: It has Netflix Streaming and BD live

prankster · 11-18-2009, 07:24 PM

the panny dmp-bd60's are just under $130.00 right now on amazon.com. i know that some people are experiencing som freezing issues with this model but my gf has had none with this unit so far (fingers crossed).

Beta Man · 11-18-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by langn08

Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # NS-BRDVD3) w/Superman Returns or Beetlejuice Bluray at Best buy Black friday sale $99... Then they would get a movie with it too!

Edit: It has Netflix Streaming and BD live

I'm worried that an Insignia won't have Firmware upgrades for very long.......

Also, I should update my OP (which I will) and state that I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT want to go out on Black-Friday!

Quote:

Originally Posted by prankster

the panny dmp-bd60's are just under $130.00 right now on amazon.com. i know that some people are experiencing som freezing issues with this model but my gf has had none with this unit so far (fingers crossed).

I saw this model on Amazon, and was wondering about it.... Thanks! I'll keep this one in mind.

blujacket · 11-18-2009, 07:36 PM

I 2nd the Panasonic's @ Amazon.

jeffb66 · 11-18-2009, 08:45 PM

Sylvania profile 1.1 BD player at Walmart for $78. These models do have available firmaware updates:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/17/news...ex.htm?cnn=yes

I use a similar Sylvania (NB501SL9) player that works great, very quite, and the manufacturer provides firmware updates.

Beta Man · 11-18-2009, 09:13 PM

I just got back from Target..... Talk about a weird policy.....

I returned four Memorex players, for $432

Well.... I apparently purchased them 6 days ago..... Big deal right? One was opened, three were sealed still....

THEY TOLD ME I COULDN'T GET MY CASH BACK until I waited 7 days..... Huh?? 7 Day waiting period for returning something??? I'm not buying a freakin' gun... I'm sending back a Blu-ray player! Either way.... I have a $432 Gift-Card for Target now...... (I didn't want to have to go back in a couple of days... oh... it's 7 BUSINESS days too.... hmmmm )

WHAT A STUPID POLICY!

callas01 · 11-18-2009, 09:18 PM

That sucks Beta....

I do give a 3rd recommedation on the Panasonic for $130 shipped. I like my Panny.

I am looking for another bdp also, I am thinking of getting the Sony S360 just because I want to try a Sony. Hell for $18 more why not.

langn08 · 11-18-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

That sucks Beta....

I do give a 3rd recommedation on the Panasonic for $130 shipped. I like my Panny.

I am looking for another bdp also, I am thinking of getting the Sony S360 just because I want to try a Sony. Hell for $18 more why not.

+1

Maybe Amazon will have the s360 under $140 for black Friday

SamC · 11-19-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prankster

the panny dmp-bd60's are just under $130.00 right now on amazon.com. i know that some people are experiencing som freezing issues with this model but my gf has had none with this unit so far (fingers crossed).

Good tip. I'm also considering a new player and it's time to pull the trigger on this.

jruc03 · 11-19-2009, 12:54 PM

Beta I'm in the same boat as you I want another player for myself but also need one for a gift for my mother in law. I have been seriously considering the Panasonic 60 but I read about all the freezing issues lately. Although I believe I read they just released a new firmware that should fix the issue. Can anybody comment on that?

groove93 · 11-19-2009, 01:12 PM

Macmall has the BDP-S360 for $145. It won't stream Netflix but it's a bang for the buck player!

My_Two_Cents · 11-19-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prankster

the panny dmp-bd60's are just under $130.00 right now on amazon.com. i know that some people are experiencing som freezing issues with this model but my gf has had none with this unit so far (fingers crossed).

I've already bought one of these, and like it a lot. I'm seriously considering buying another for the bedroom, and am hoping it'll be discounted even more on BF. So far, no freezing issues with mine.

My Memorex is going back this week.

arrt vandelay · 11-19-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

I've already bought one of these, and like it a lot. I'm seriously considering buying another for the bedroom, and am hoping it'll be discounted even more on BF. So far, no freezing issues with mine.

My Memorex is going back this week.

i also just bought a panasonic dmp bd 60. have only watched one full blu ray, but it played perfectly. i've also watched bits and pieces of 4 or 5 blu rays just to see the pretty "dolby truehd and dts hd master audio" show up on my receiver, and i've had no issues. here's to hoping that continues. the ps3 has been moved to the bedroom...

Uniquely · 11-19-2009, 04:21 PM

Walmart is supposed to have a Magnavox for $78 on Black Friday.

Nevermind.... just saw the edit.

CaptainVideo · 11-21-2009, 03:17 PM

I have the Memorex 2520, and its fine, no problems with noise, and all blue ray DVDS play, perfect, as long as I keep them clean !
Captain Video

goonieboy2008 · 11-22-2009, 01:12 AM

Don't forget that tomorrow at bestbuy the Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # WNS-BRDVD3) that as Wifi built in will be only 129.99$ just found that out today from another member on this forum.A Blu-ray with Wifi for under 130$ that as never been seen before.

ryandubbz · 11-22-2009, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I bought 4 of the Memorex players (3 for X-Mas gifts, and one for personal use) and after testing one of them, the noise during DVD playback is a killer for me, since most of the people receiving them as gifts will probably watch mostly DVDs with it.....

ALSO, I'm now concerned about firmware support....

So.....

The players were dirt cheap at $99 each (or $108 after tax) So I would like to take these back, and get four new ones..... but I don't want to go from a $100 player to a $200 player.... and I don't need a lot of features since these people won't care anyways.

I want:

Basic Operation..... 1080p and lossless audio
A brand that will likely support the hardware via firmware upgrades for a long time.
$135 or less Shipped

I don't pay tax via Amazon..... so suggestions from Amazon are greatly welcomed..... I just don't know what one to choose since there are so many.

What I don't Want/Need:

BD Live, or any other feature like Netflix etc.... Although I wouldn't mind netflix capability..... no desire for BD live though.

Anyone see any players for $135 or less out there that they would recommend? I don't want used etc... since they are gifts, and I need 4 of them.

EDIT:

I don't want to battle crowds and fight over boxes on Black-Friday.

I stand by the Shap Aquos BDhp22u Perfect

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...hp22u&sLevel=0

My_Two_Cents · 11-22-2009, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryandubbz

I stand by the Shap Aquos BDhp22u Perfect

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...hp22u&sLevel=0

Ranked #25 (of 27 tested) in Dec Consumer Reports. All players received an 'excellent' in blu-ray picture quality, but this one only got an average for DVD upconversion.

The Magnavox NB530MGX was rated a "Best Buy", so I would imagine the NB500MG1F at WM on BF would be a decent player. Looks like you might even be able to buy it online (inless they're just giving it a holding plae so people can see what it is).

As for Insignia, I would steer clear. Their TVs are are extremely low-end, so their BD players are probably of similar quality.

goonieboy2008 · 11-22-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

Ranked #25 (of 27 tested) in Dec Consumer Reports. All players received an 'excellent' in blu-ray picture quality, but this one only got an average for DVD upconversion.

The Magnavox NB530MGX was rated a "Best Buy", so I would imagine the NB500MG1F at WM on BF would be a decent player. Looks like you might even be able to buy it online (inless they're just giving it a holding plae so people can see what it is).

As for Insignia, I would steer clear. Their TVs are are extremely low-end, so their BD players are probably of similar quality.

That is what i thought also but read the reviews on the Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # WNS-BRDVD3) its 4/5 stars and between you and me Magnavox isn't that much better as a brand.I wouldn't pay 200+$ for the insignia but for 129$ wireless its a steal!
When i bought my LCD tv last year there was a Zenith 42" 1080p at costco for 699$cnd,people kept saying to me stay away from zenith you should but a sony,samsung... that at the time cost 400$ more for the same specs.And now when these people come to my place they say wow your LCD is incredible the picture is as good as the high end TV's.
Everybody as their opinion but sometimes its good to go with your gut fealing

11-18-2009, 07:19 PM	#1
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Suggestions for CHEAP Blu-ray players? I bought 4 of the Memorex players (3 for X-Mas gifts, and one for personal use) and after testing one of them, the noise during DVD playback is a killer for me, since most of the people receiving them as gifts will probably watch mostly DVDs with it..... ALSO, I'm now concerned about firmware support.... So..... The players were dirt cheap at $99 each (or $108 after tax) So I would like to take these back, and get four new ones..... but I don't want to go from a $100 player to a $200 player.... and I don't need a lot of features since these people won't care anyways. I want: Basic Operation..... 1080p and lossless audio A brand that will likely support the hardware via firmware upgrades for a long time. $135 or less Shipped I don't pay tax via Amazon..... so suggestions from Amazon are greatly welcomed..... I just don't know what one to choose since there are so many. What I don't Want/Need: BD Live, or any other feature like Netflix etc.... Although I wouldn't mind netflix capability..... no desire for BD live though. Anyone see any players for $135 or less out there that they would recommend? I don't want used etc... since they are gifts, and I need 4 of them. EDIT: I don't want to battle crowds and fight over boxes on Black-Friday. Last edited by Beta Man; 11-18-2009 at 07:32 PM.

11-18-2009, 09:13 PM	#7
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Off-topic rant I just got back from Target..... Talk about a weird policy..... I returned four Memorex players, for $432 Well.... I apparently purchased them 6 days ago..... Big deal right? One was opened, three were sealed still.... THEY TOLD ME I COULDN'T GET MY CASH BACK until I waited 7 days..... Huh?? 7 Day waiting period for returning something??? I'm not buying a freakin' gun... I'm sending back a Blu-ray player! Either way.... I have a $432 Gift-Card for Target now...... (I didn't want to have to go back in a couple of days... oh... it's 7 BUSINESS days too.... hmmmm ) WHAT A STUPID POLICY!

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11-18-2009, 07:23 PM	#2
langn08 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Fox Cities WI Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:373 Trading Score:6	Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # NS-BRDVD3) w/Superman Returns or Beetlejuice Bluray at Best buy Black friday sale $99... Then they would get a movie with it too! Edit: It has Netflix Streaming and BD live

11-18-2009, 07:24 PM	#3
prankster Expert Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:LA/OC, California Blu-ray collection:408	the panny dmp-bd60's are just under $130.00 right now on amazon.com. i know that some people are experiencing som freezing issues with this model but my gf has had none with this unit so far (fingers crossed).

11-18-2009, 07:36 PM	#5
blujacket Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Dayton,Ohio 4K collection:70 Blu-ray collection:658	I 2nd the Panasonic's @ Amazon.

11-18-2009, 08:45 PM	#6
jeffb66 Member Member since:Jul 2009	Sylvania profile 1.1 BD player at Walmart for $78. These models do have available firmaware updates: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/17/news...ex.htm?cnn=yes I use a similar Sylvania (NB501SL9) player that works great, very quite, and the manufacturer provides firmware updates.

11-18-2009, 09:18 PM	#8
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	That sucks Beta.... I do give a 3rd recommedation on the Panasonic for $130 shipped. I like my Panny. I am looking for another bdp also, I am thinking of getting the Sony S360 just because I want to try a Sony. Hell for $18 more why not.

11-19-2009, 12:54 PM	#11
jruc03 Special Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Cincinnati Ohio Home Theater Gallery:57 4K collection:94 Blu-ray collection:580 Trading Score:4	Beta I'm in the same boat as you I want another player for myself but also need one for a gift for my mother in law. I have been seriously considering the Panasonic 60 but I read about all the freezing issues lately. Although I believe I read they just released a new firmware that should fix the issue. Can anybody comment on that?

11-19-2009, 01:12 PM	#12
groove93 Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Home Theater Gallery:74 4K collection:44 Blu-ray collection:162	Macmall has the BDP-S360 for $145. It won't stream Netflix but it's a bang for the buck player!

11-19-2009, 04:21 PM	#15
Uniquely Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Mobile, AL Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:171	Walmart is supposed to have a Magnavox for $78 on Black Friday. Nevermind.... just saw the edit.

11-21-2009, 03:17 PM	#16
CaptainVideo Junior Member Member since:Nov 2009	I have the Memorex 2520, and its fine, no problems with noise, and all blue ray DVDS play, perfect, as long as I keep them clean ! Captain Video

11-22-2009, 01:12 AM	#17
goonieboy2008 Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	Don't forget that tomorrow at bestbuy the Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # WNS-BRDVD3) that as Wifi built in will be only 129.99$ just found that out today from another member on this forum.A Blu-ray with Wifi for under 130$ that as never been seen before.

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