Blu-ray Road Show???

[AV_Integrated]

I know that patience is the key to all of this, but I really am anxious to see one of the players in real life. There apparently is some demo going on in TX coming up, but anyone have any word on a real road show similar to the HD-DVD version... Or better yet, when the demo displays might actually be set up?

[KC-Technerd]

If you are anywhere near New York or Las Vegas, you might want to check out the Sony stores there.

About a year ago I went to the Sony Store at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. In the back of the store there was a Qualia room. They were demonstrating the Qualia 004 using a prototype Blu-ray player. It was extremely impressive seeing Blu-Ray on a quality 1080 projector.

[JTK]

If there's any show in Ohio that's not too far from me...ANYTHING...I will be there.

Reading the latest issue of WSR definitely got my temptation meter back up a few spots.

[AV_Integrated]

Originally Posted by KC-Technerd

If you are anywhere near New York or Las Vegas, you might want to check out the Sony stores there.

About a year ago I went to the Sony Store at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. In the back of the store there was a Qualia room. They were demonstrating the Qualia 004 using a prototype Blu-ray player. It was extremely impressive seeing Blu-Ray on a quality 1080 projector.

Yes, I'm aware of the Sony stores, but I have no real interest in prototype or Japanese models. I want the real deal - the stuff we are going to be able to get. I want to hold the remote and PLAY with the player.

Oh - and I don't want to drive 6 hours to see it.

[KC-Technerd]

Originally Posted by AV_Integrated

I want the real deal - the stuff we are going to be able to get. I want to hold the remote and PLAY with the player.

Yeah, I know the feeling. Me too. The Samsung and Pioneer players will be first anyway (assuming no more changes in release dates). The Pioneer unit looks awful nice. I'm sure all the bargain electronics chains will have the Samsung unit at release, but I'm wondering if the Pioneer BDP-HD1 might be a little too high end for the bargain chains to carry.

I've got a dealer nearby that was the place to go back in Laserdisc days. They still heavily promote the Pioneer Elite line, so I suspect that's where I'll be going to see the BDP-HD1. However I'm not so sure I'll be shelling out $1800 for one. I'll probably wait and buy the Sony.

[AV_Integrated]

Unless things have changed I believe all 3 players are due for June 25th delivery... At least, that's the current rumor.

[KC-Technerd]

Seems like they're constantly changing. On the official Sony site and elsewhere, the BDP-S1 is "on or around August 15." I thought I saw somewhere today that Pioneer may be delaying til July, but I can't find that info now.

[zombie]

Originally Posted by AV_Integrated

Unless things have changed I believe all 3 players are due for June 25th delivery... At least, that's the current rumor.

Pioneer confirmed directly to me that there player would be out in June. That was two weeks ago though so perhaps it's changed, I hope not. Also there is at least one website showing an LG BD player coming out in June as well. Details on that one are very sketchy.