Best Blu-ray player?

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

The last thing I want is a BD player having a hard drive, LOL.

Say what? Why do most new standalone players require usb storage devices for some features including BD-Live and such? Imho that is a wacky out statement, I can see it now standalones coming out with built in storage.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

There is this perception that the 360 is better than the PS3 but it's simply not true. You cannot believe a system is better due to it's user base as we all know the 360 came out much sooner than the PS3, thus more users and more games available. Hardware for hardware the 360 doesn't hold a candle to the PS3. Sony gave up their video game fan base for much much bigger fish, the next generation media and they succeeded. How many video gamers are out there? 25-50 million? How many people buy DVD's 200 million? Sony was simply ingenious.

To get off the thread jack (which I did not begin anyways):

OP: you've made a wise decision, the PS3 has continually shown that it is the 1st to get BD updates, the most reliable BD playback device (meaning it plays all BD's with no worries). The PS3 is worlds above HTPC in terms of worry free, HTPC people have to figure out drivers, software etc. You are just asking for a Job's "bag of hurt" with HTPC if you are not a true computer geek for lack of a better word.

I can see now, honey can you configure the software on the computer to see Spirit then re-install the drivers for Indiana Jones. I'd have a computer flying at me faster than an R8!

Experienced HTPC users don't have these problems that many have (mainly drivers and stuff - new driver comes out for your video card - install it - it's always been that way - and if it aint broke - don't try to fix it - that's how people get in trouble, updating firmware when there's no need to , always update your player software first - thats the equivelint of a firmware update because decoding is done in software in a HTPC). My HTPC has surplanted my standalone and I'm not looking back - but you did put a qualifier in there - if you are not a PC geek. Ok, I can live with that

[sokrman14]

Pioneer Elite BDP09FD.

[MaleManGuy]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

For aesthetics and the fact I am not a gamer, the PS3 was not an option. I prefer a standalone player, and in my opinion, the Panasonic BD series are top notch.

This thread might very well end tragically......

I use the PS3 since well, I have other family members that play games, it loads Blu-rays VERY quickly ... faster than most standalone players, I can access remote multi-media servers and view all my pictures you can use it for web browsing and chat and more. It has a lot of features... and I do play games but only some times. As a blu-ray player... it is fast/updatable with the most features that other players do not have supporting all the latest playback standards

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

Say what? Why do most new standalone players require usb storage devices for some features including BD-Live and such? Imho that is a wacky out statement, I can see it now standalones coming out with built in storage.

My player has BD-live. Been there, done that. I wasn't at all impressed and I am not sold on it. It wasn't even worth the $10 I spent for a 2 GB USB stick.

[mozen_1ne]

Originally Posted by hitman0042

Thanks guys for your reply. I honestly think PS3. Why would you go by a stand alone BD player when you can buy a PS3 that doers much more inc, internet, photos, games and more PLUS it has a hardrive to upload things on it.

some people just want to watch blu ray movies, not everyone wants to play games, upload photos or use it for the internet capabilities.

[carbonS54]

Originally Posted by mozen_1ne

some people just want to watch blu ray movies, not everyone wants to play games, upload photos or use it for the internet capabilities.

+1....then again mines deaded after hardly using it.....don't mind me....I'm bitter...

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

My player has BD-live. Been there, done that. I wasn't at all impressed and I am not sold on it. It wasn't even worth the $10 I spent for a 2 GB USB stick.

I agree with BD-live but if storage is included and has future potential why not.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by hitman0042

What is the best blu ray player? Some say it is the PS3?

Best is a subjective assessment.

The PS/3 is the reference standard. Everyone uses it for testing. It is also the fastest player, and the one that will likely always be 100% compatible with anything new added to the standard (assuming there aren't hardware changes required).

But, it is such a power beast it has to keep cool and some might be put off by the fan. And it is clearly unconventional as a piece of home theater equipment.

Gary

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by Kinsella5

I would go with Panasonic for a standalone Blu-ray disc player, unless you are a gamer, but the PS3, while being a quality BD player, it is an inferior gaming system compared to the 360. I know that will upset some, but it's my opinion.

It's infinity better a BD player than the 360, and a vastly better game player than the Panasonic.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

For aesthetics and the fact I am not a gamer, the PS3 was not an option. I prefer a standalone player, and in my opinion, the Panasonic BD series are top notch.

This thread might very well end tragically......

It's official...this thread is ending tragically.....

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

It's official...this thread is ending tragically.....

Yes, yes it is. You called that one early on in the game.

[primaz]

you guys are lucky as I am still waiting for a phone call or e-mail letting me know I am able to buy the OPPO 83! If you do the research from the forums and the many knowledgeable folks here you will see that the OPPO 83 is much better than the others around.

Originally Posted by Oddiophile

Congrats on the OPPO Big Daddy, your going to love it.


I have both a PS3 and an OPPO BDP-83. The PS3 is a great machine but performance wise the OPPO is equal to if not better in every way. DVD up conversion is near HD depending on the source, garbage in garbage out. Plus if you need 7.1 analog outs the PS3 is not an option.

[squirrel101]

i love my Elite but that Sony with the Bluray changer should be pretty awesome, as far as everyday user i suggest the PS3 for the average JOE but for a dedicated HT my Elite has better picture than my PS3 as i would imagine any -high end stand alone player should.

[img eL]

squirrel101, Which Elite do u have?

[Rob J in WNY]

Most of the BD player owners I know have Sony units, and most of them are BDP-S350 units (including my own). I can't say anything about other brands, but I can say that my BD player has not let me down even once. DVD upconversion is more than adequate in quality. Firmware updates have kept it up to date (have updated both via burned CD and direct network connection), and I've not had one stalled disc. BD-Live works very well (although not really used so much). The shiny new S360 is poised to replace the S350 now.

If I had my choice, and price were not an object, I would try the new Oppo unit.

[squirrel101]

the BDP-95FD

[EWL5]

If you want one device for BD's and DVD's, then it would have to be the Oppo BDP-83. It's about as fast as the PS3 and will work with your universal remote w/o buying any additional IR/BT dongles. While $500/$600 may not be for everyone, having reference quality A/V all in one box is almost priceless.

You can also mod the hell out of it.

[primaz]

Ordered it immediately and it might even be here by Friday? I can not wait to try out the OPPO 83!

[Adam.C]

I love my Panasonic. No issues and great PQ