Best Blu-ray Player Under $300 - Blu-ray Forum

Jeff10ct · 10-28-2009, 08:39 PM

Ok, so I am no techno-power player here. I have a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD that I bought 4 years ago, and I just purchased a Samsung PN50B650 plasma tv about 3 weeks ago (still breaking it in - yeah, I know - a conversation for another thread). SO, I figure now is the time to get a basic blue ray player. All I currently have is standard def DVDs, and I have a computer so I don't need to go on-line with my TV/BD. With that being said, I am looking for a good BD player under $300 (just bought a house) that works for playing standard def discs. Most of the recent problems I've seen with BD players is that they either don't play standard discs very well, or they end up freezing. SO, anyone have a BD player under $300 that they feel is the best one at that price point???

BASICALLY - I'm looking for a BD player to function like a DVD player and that's it - not a computer, not to download internet or movies - just play DVDs and BDs....

bt12483 · 10-28-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff10ct

Ok, so I am no techno-power player here. I have a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD that I bought 4 years ago, and I just purchased a Samsung PN50B650 plasma tv about 3 weeks ago (still breaking it in - yeah, I know - a conversation for another thread). SO, I figure now is the time to get a basic blue ray player. All I currently have is standard def DVDs, and I have a computer so I don't need to go on-line with my TV/BD. With that being said, I am looking for a good BD player under $300 (just bought a house) that works for playing standard def discs. Most of the recent problems I've seen with BD players is that they either don't play standard discs very well, or they end up freezing. SO, anyone have a BD player under $300 that they feel is the best one at that price point???

BASICALLY - I'm looking for a BD player to function like a DVD player and that's it - not a computer, not to download internet or movies - just play DVDs and BDs....

Well - you have a lot of choices.

For basic movie playback - you can get a slew of players for well under $300.

But you need to provide more info - do you have a surround sound system/AV receiver? Or will you be using the TV speakers?

Do you have a Netflix account? I know you said you don't want/need internet features - but it is actually kind of hard not to get them by default these days.

But for a barebones, basic player, you can buy the Sony S360 right now for ~$150 on Amazon, which should play back DVDs and blurays just fine.

Nick4Blu_81 · 10-28-2009, 09:03 PM

Blu-ray!

seeweda · 10-28-2009, 09:09 PM

I can second the Sony BDP-S360 I have that player and it works great the next model up can also be had for less than $250 the BDP-S560. It doesn't have Netflix streaming so if that is important to you may want to go with one of the Samsung models believe both the 1600 and 3600 can be found for less than $300.

I do wonder though if Sony will be able to use a firmware update to add Netflix support to their players like they are with the PS3 not sure if they put enough memory in the units for that kind of upgrade or if they wouldn't just to get people to upgrade to a new player.

OrlandoEastwood · 10-28-2009, 09:58 PM

There's an Isignia Blu-ray player on sale at Best Buy for $99.99. I bought it and get a 2 year Geek Squad extended warranty for an extra $10.

GeologyNut · 10-28-2009, 11:01 PM

I like RobJinWNY's idea, go with the Playstation 3 Slim. You can update the firmware through your ethernet/wifi, it bitstreams, and it will play DVD's. I actually am pretty impressed with the DVD playback on the PS3. I have the big boy model but the slim would be a wonderful addition to your equipment.

But if you are looking even cheaper, these other wonderful Blu-ray enthusiasts can steer you in the right direction!

Clark Kent · 10-28-2009, 11:05 PM

The most reliable under $300 will be the PS3 slim. Almost all Blu-ray testing is done on the PS3, and frequent firmware updates will include any missing essential functionality that BD manufacturers could come up with.

Rob J in WNY · 10-28-2009, 09:08 PM

First off, welcome to the forums, Jeff10ct!

Not sure if you're looking for a Blu-ray drive for your computer, or a standalone Blu-ray player.

I can't make any recommendations for PC Blu-ray drives, but I can vouch for Sony in the standalone department. I have a BDP-S350 and it has been a flawless unit for me. I own over 100 BD movies, and every title has played just fine, plus rentals. Sony is probably one of the least-complained-about brands as far as standalone players are concerned.

My player is now discontinued, and the replacement is the BDP-S360, which you can get for $200. It's Profile 2.0 (BD-Live ready) player and decodes advanced multichannel audio internally (of course, it bitstreams it as well). The BDP-S560 is higher up, and goes for $250. It does all the S360 does, plus adds wireless access for BD-Live/internet access. Of course, you can always get a new PS3 "Slim" for $299 as well.

BD players, by standard, will play standard DVDs, so you should never run into any problems with that.

Blove23 · 10-31-2009, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff10ct

Ok, so I am no techno-power player here. I have a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD that I bought 4 years ago, and I just purchased a Samsung PN50B650 plasma tv about 3 weeks ago (still breaking it in - yeah, I know - a conversation for another thread). SO, I figure now is the time to get a basic blue ray player. All I currently have is standard def DVDs, and I have a computer so I don't need to go on-line with my TV/BD. With that being said, I am looking for a good BD player under $300 (just bought a house) that works for playing standard def discs. Most of the recent problems I've seen with BD players is that they either don't play standard discs very well, or they end up freezing. SO, anyone have a BD player under $300 that they feel is the best one at that price point???

BASICALLY - I'm looking for a BD player to function like a DVD player and that's it - not a computer, not to download internet or movies - just play DVDs and BDs....

I love the people on this site, but they live and die with the PS3! The PS3 is a great system for all around use meaning multimedia, but it still isn't the best blu-ray player. You can either look at a Panasonic BD60 or a Sony entry level player. People feel to tell you that the PS3 doesn't have near the PQ or AQ of the Panasonic or Sony stand alones.

I have a PS3 and I never use it for Blu-rays, but I use it for gaming Plus, if you can save $150 bucks then you can use that extra money for some blu-ray movies.

ak_ka · 10-31-2009, 04:01 PM

I have a Sony BDP-N460. I got it off Best buy for $245 odd. Its really good. Very fast load times, and awesome picture and sound quality. Only a couple of things to consider : doesn't have Wi-Fi, and you need to plug in a USB stick to access BD-Live.
Other than that, it beats all players in that price range.
I'm returning it tomorrow though, only coz I got a deal on a PS3 slim for the same price. But if I hadn't, I was extremely happy with the player.

Hope this helps.

will0775 · 10-31-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ak_ka

I have a Sony BDP-N460. I got it off Best buy for $245 odd. Its really good. Very fast load times, and awesome picture and sound quality. Only a couple of things to consider : doesn't have Wi-Fi, and you need to plug in a USB stick to access BD-Live.
Other than that, it beats all players in that price range.
I'm returning it tomorrow though, only coz I got a deal on a PS3 slim for the same price. But if I hadn't, I was extremely happy with the player.

Hope this helps.

Costco has the same player with a free hdmi cable for $229.99

also they got the panny BD 605 for $159.99 also with the hdmi included. just my 2 cents.

brps3 · 10-31-2009, 10:14 PM

I saw a Magnavox BRP for like $150. If name brand is no big deal. I doubt you will notice a picture difference between it or a Sony.

Kryptonic · 10-31-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brps3

I saw a Magnavox BRP for like $150. If name brand is no big deal. I doubt you will notice a picture difference between it or a Sony.

But Sony and Panasonic players are in the same price range. I own and love my Magnavox and it's been a flawless player since June, but for that price, the Sony or Panasonic players are a no-brainer. For $98 though, the Mag is a great player.

BigMots · 11-02-2009, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will0775

Costco has the same player with a free hdmi cable for $229.99

also they got the panny BD 605 for $159.99 also with the hdmi included. just my 2 cents.

+1 there, and the Sony N460 says it can stream Netflix, youTube etc as well, no can beat that for the money. not to mention costco's 2 yr warranty.

BigMots

troyboven · 11-09-2009, 08:34 PM

I recently purchased a panasonic blu ray dmp-bd60. I researched it a lot and decided on the panasonic because of the excellent picture quality for blu ray and standard dvds . Virtually all the reviews had picture quality outstanding. I didnt want to spend a whopping amount on a player and this was about 150.00. I dont plan on doing any streaming from the web or netflix I just wanted a good blu ray player. So far I havent had any problems with the panasonic. No freezing problems have came up. I would definately recommend this one.

wafi · 11-09-2009, 08:45 PM

Walmart was practically givin away Sony BD players for $140ish this weekend! I think it was the model 350...I could be wrong...but def a newer model than my 300

Jeff10ct · 11-18-2009, 12:35 PM

** UPDATE **

Ok, so Bernie's had an unbelievable sale this weekend in the Northeast for Sikorsky employees (my friend is one): 12% over Bernie's cost. I ended up picking up a Polk Audio SurroundBar SDA for $378 (list $499) and a Sony BDP-N460 for $224 (list $249).

So far, I have only played the plasma break-in DVD (the one with all the colors) in it, but the N460 seems like a nice machine. Nice, sleek lines and very easy user interface. I'm going to pop in Saw V tonight and watch it - on DVD unfortunately. I plan on picking up something on blue ray this weekend to watch it for the first time.

Thanks to everyone on br.com for their assistance!!!!!!!

JB2K · 11-18-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wafi

Walmart was practically givin away Sony BD players for $140ish this weekend! I think it was the model 350...I could be wrong...but def a newer model than my 300

It was the 360 model that Walmart has been promoting -- chances are, this same machine is going to get some serious discounting from the competition, come next Friday...

10-28-2009, 08:39 PM	#1
Jeff10ct Junior Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:Naugatuck, CT, USA	Best Blu-ray Player Under $300 Ok, so I am no techno-power player here. I have a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD that I bought 4 years ago, and I just purchased a Samsung PN50B650 plasma tv about 3 weeks ago (still breaking it in - yeah, I know - a conversation for another thread). SO, I figure now is the time to get a basic blue ray player. All I currently have is standard def DVDs, and I have a computer so I don't need to go on-line with my TV/BD. With that being said, I am looking for a good BD player under $300 (just bought a house) that works for playing standard def discs. Most of the recent problems I've seen with BD players is that they either don't play standard discs very well, or they end up freezing. SO, anyone have a BD player under $300 that they feel is the best one at that price point??? BASICALLY - I'm looking for a BD player to function like a DVD player and that's it - not a computer, not to download internet or movies - just play DVDs and BDs.... Last edited by Jeff10ct; 10-28-2009 at 08:55 PM.

10-31-2009, 10:14 PM	#12
brps3 Expert Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:kansas city, MO	re I saw a Magnavox BRP for like $150. If name brand is no big deal. I doubt you will notice a picture difference between it or a Sony.

11-09-2009, 08:34 PM	#15
troyboven New Member Member since:Nov 2009 Blu-ray collection:52	panasonic dmp-bd60 I recently purchased a panasonic blu ray dmp-bd60. I researched it a lot and decided on the panasonic because of the excellent picture quality for blu ray and standard dvds . Virtually all the reviews had picture quality outstanding. I didnt want to spend a whopping amount on a player and this was about 150.00. I dont plan on doing any streaming from the web or netflix I just wanted a good blu ray player. So far I havent had any problems with the panasonic. No freezing problems have came up. I would definately recommend this one.

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10-28-2009, 09:03 PM	#3
Nick4Blu_81 Special Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Salem, Oregon Blu-ray collection:585 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:15	Blu-ray!

10-28-2009, 09:09 PM	#4
seeweda Special Member Member since:Jun 2009 Blu-ray collection:302 Trading Score:6	I can second the Sony BDP-S360 I have that player and it works great the next model up can also be had for less than $250 the BDP-S560. It doesn't have Netflix streaming so if that is important to you may want to go with one of the Samsung models believe both the 1600 and 3600 can be found for less than $300. I do wonder though if Sony will be able to use a firmware update to add Netflix support to their players like they are with the PS3 not sure if they put enough memory in the units for that kind of upgrade or if they wouldn't just to get people to upgrade to a new player.

10-28-2009, 09:58 PM	#5
OrlandoEastwood Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:R-Point Blu-ray reviews:86 Trading Score:24	There's an Isignia Blu-ray player on sale at Best Buy for $99.99. I bought it and get a 2 year Geek Squad extended warranty for an extra $10.

10-28-2009, 11:01 PM	#6
GeologyNut Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Oklahoma (Member Of "ECPP"/Tornado Alley Affiliate) Home Theater Gallery:27 4K collection:17 Blu-ray collection:491 DVD collection:612	I like RobJinWNY's idea, go with the Playstation 3 Slim. You can update the firmware through your ethernet/wifi, it bitstreams, and it will play DVD's. I actually am pretty impressed with the DVD playback on the PS3. I have the big boy model but the slim would be a wonderful addition to your equipment. But if you are looking even cheaper, these other wonderful Blu-ray enthusiasts can steer you in the right direction!

10-28-2009, 11:05 PM	#7
Clark Kent Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Metropolis Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:184	The most reliable under $300 will be the PS3 slim. Almost all Blu-ray testing is done on the PS3, and frequent firmware updates will include any missing essential functionality that BD manufacturers could come up with.

10-28-2009, 09:08 PM	#8
Rob J in WNY Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Location:'Western' N.Y. State (MEMBER OF THE "ECPP")™ Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:30 Blu-ray collection:486 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15	First off, welcome to the forums, Jeff10ct! Not sure if you're looking for a Blu-ray drive for your computer, or a standalone Blu-ray player. I can't make any recommendations for PC Blu-ray drives, but I can vouch for Sony in the standalone department. I have a BDP-S350 and it has been a flawless unit for me. I own over 100 BD movies, and every title has played just fine, plus rentals. Sony is probably one of the least-complained-about brands as far as standalone players are concerned. My player is now discontinued, and the replacement is the BDP-S360, which you can get for $200. It's Profile 2.0 (BD-Live ready) player and decodes advanced multichannel audio internally (of course, it bitstreams it as well). The BDP-S560 is higher up, and goes for $250. It does all the S360 does, plus adds wireless access for BD-Live/internet access. Of course, you can always get a new PS3 "Slim" for $299 as well. BD players, by standard, will play standard DVDs, so you should never run into any problems with that.

10-31-2009, 04:01 PM	#10
ak_ka Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jun 2009 Location:SoCal Home Theater Gallery:34	I have a Sony BDP-N460. I got it off Best buy for $245 odd. Its really good. Very fast load times, and awesome picture and sound quality. Only a couple of things to consider : doesn't have Wi-Fi, and you need to plug in a USB stick to access BD-Live. Other than that, it beats all players in that price range. I'm returning it tomorrow though, only coz I got a deal on a PS3 slim for the same price. But if I hadn't, I was extremely happy with the player. Hope this helps.

11-09-2009, 08:45 PM	#16
wafi Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:along the beltway Home Theater Gallery:26 Blu-ray collection:384 Blu-ray reviews: 11 Trading Score:4	Walmart was practically givin away Sony BD players for $140ish this weekend! I think it was the model 350...I could be wrong...but def a newer model than my 300

11-18-2009, 12:35 PM	#17
Jeff10ct Junior Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:Naugatuck, CT, USA	UPDATE Ok, so Bernie's had an unbelievable sale this weekend in the Northeast for Sikorsky employees (my friend is one): 12% over Bernie's cost. I ended up picking up a Polk Audio SurroundBar SDA for $378 (list $499) and a Sony BDP-N460 for $224 (list $249). So far, I have only played the plasma break-in DVD (the one with all the colors) in it, but the N460 seems like a nice machine. Nice, sleek lines and very easy user interface. I'm going to pop in Saw V tonight and watch it - on DVD unfortunately. I plan on picking up something on blue ray this weekend to watch it for the first time. Thanks to everyone on br.com for their assistance!!!!!!!

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