Radio Shack Slyvania for $139

[Jeff Kleist]

Just because something has some name brand parts in it does not indicate quality

There aren't very many sources of chipsets for Blu-ray yet, and when a player is this cheap compared to the name brands, it means they're skimping on other parts to hit that price point.

Remember, HD is more about the software running through the chips than about the chips themselves. That's why Westinghouse or Vizio looks and lasts like crap, even though they may have some b-stock or overstock parts from reputable manufacturers in them. Saving on that software development is a huge savings. Funai isn't in the business of making good gear, they're in the business of making utilitarian gear that's focused on a low price point

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by Jeff Kleist

Just because something has some name brand parts in it does not indicate quality

I am quite aware of that.........I am also very aware of who Funai is and what they are trying to accomplish........however in this particular case, these players have performed very well and have been found to be quite reliable. Those other posters who came on here to slam the Sylvania player saying it is a cheap piece of junk don't understand the history and performance of this player and did ZERO research before spouting off......It was stated above that this player is "probably a refurbished product, outdated, and unreliable" which is untrue based on many first end user reports and several reviews including Consumer reports............

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Scoob

I am quite aware of that.........I am also very aware of who Funai is and what they are trying to accomplish........however in this particular case, these players have performed very well and have been found to be quite reliable. Those other posters who came on here to slam the Sylvania player saying it is a cheap piece of junk don't understand the history and performance of this player and did ZERO research before spouting off......It was stated above that this player is "probably a refurbished product, outdated, and unreliable" which is untrue based on many first end user reports and several reviews including Consumer reports............

I think sometimes think some of us put ourselves in the OP's shoes and look at whether we should buy the player as if it was ourselves in his/her position, but with our own set of values. It is very reasonable that the OP might consider buying this player based on what his/her own needs are for this player. I personally live by the old saying "you get what you pay for" and thus would not look to purchase this player.

[PatrickL2009]

"You get what you pay for." You can also waste money on a more expensive player. I own the magnavox made with the same parts as the slyvania and a sony BD player and the picture/audio on both is the SAME. The magnavox has never even tripped up on a disc, and never needed a firmware update, unlike my sony. Mag has played every disc. Sure it's a 1.1 and it doesn't have an ethernet port. But what does it matter? Anybody who has tried it out knows BD-Live is the biggest piece of Sh*t on the planet. Just a way for companies to collect your viewing information. You've obviously never seen the Magnavox, Phillips, Slyvania, Insignia, etc. players in action. They are a great value. Ask someone who has them. Search the owners thread.

[Wreck]

@ that price I wouldnt mind buying it for a 2nd player and to take some stress off my ps3, if it lasted 2 years I'd be happy with the purchase if it took a crap after that.

[PatrickL2009]

Originally Posted by Wreck

@ that price I wouldnt mind buying it for a 2nd player and to take some stress off my ps3, if it lasted 2 years I'd be happy with the purchase if it took a crap after that.

I'm sure it will last 2 years, they really aren't bad players. The slyvania is a pretty big steal for $139.