Aussie's need more choice

[Blofelds Cat]

Originally Posted by shueardm

Not questioning the quality but it doesn't play discs when you insert them (if i'm told correctly) you need to select data disc mode first.

Of course the PS3 can play discs automatically on insertion. the function is called 'auto start' (which is the unit's default mode and can also be switched off); not only that but discs load faster than all the standalone's currently available here in Australia.

I am not now nor ever have been a 'gamer'. My interest in BluRay only extends to home theatre application i.e. hi-def movies and TV content.

I originally chose to purchase a PS3 purely for financial reasons i.e. it was $500 cheaper than the cheapest standalone and $1700 cheaper than the most expensive standalone available here in Australia.

I initially perceived the PS3 as a compromise in both quality and price. After all, it wasn't equipped with 8 analogue outputs making it impossible to get DTS HD-MA, Dolby TrueHD or even Uncompressed PCM into the analogue inputs of my receiver - audio functionality being an equal priority to video for the home theatre enthusiast.

But my impressions about the PS3 being a unit of compromised inadequacies was turned completely on its head when I got it home and discovered the unit's options and flexibility.

First and foremost the PQ of the PS3 is stunning and every bit the subjective equal of the current Aussie flagship standalone from Panasonic (my display is a rather good 55" Plasma).

Second - and of equal importance to home theatre afficionado's - the audio functionality of the PS3 allows far more flexibility and scope than any standalone currently available on our shores due to its ability to decode DTS HD-MA and Dolby TrueHD internally then send the decoded discrete streams down an HDMI cable as uncompressed PCM. My Yamaha RX-V1700 receiver, in turn, sends the PCM channels to the relevant speaker. In other words, I am enjoying DTS HD-MA now and don't have to wait until amps/receivers/processors with inbuilt decoding for the HD audio formats come on the market at inflated prices. Standalone players cannot decode DTS HD-MA (none of the BluRay movies I've purchased have Dolby TrueHD audio).

Third, the PS3 has a 60Gb HDD (which can be replaced with any standard SATA HDD) onto which can be stored pictures, audio and a growing list of raw video files - it can even playback HDV streams. You can even install the Linux OS on the HDD and the PS3 will take care of the partitioning and installation. A bonus for many is it's ability to play MP3 files and compatible video files directly off DVD data discs.

Fourth, it can access the internet either by direct connection to the internet or by wi-fi as part of a network (a bluetooth keyboard and mouse can be added for a more convenient and streamlined web experience). Even if the PS3's internet capabilities was only used to download firmware upgrade's (which the PS3 downloads and install's with the absolute minimum of fuss), it's well worth it.

Fifth. Fifth? ...oh yes, it plays games.

In summary, no standalone BluRay player can hold a candle to the PS3. It's a no-brainer no-contest scenario. I count the PS3 unit in my top three best hardware purchases of the last twenty years.

You'd be a fool to dismiss it out-of-hand as not being a 'real' player because it sh!ts on the BluRay competition from a great height in every comparative way and then some.