Buying a PS3 strictly for BRD movies

[Canada]

I am thinking of picking up a PS3 in late December to get into the high def market. I do not have an HDMI compatible receiver so I believe I am SOL for uncompressed 5.1 sound through the PS3. I was wondering does any one know if Sony is planning on releasing a PS3 with 6 analog outputs or should I keep on dreaming. I have no idea why they did not release the PS3 originally with 6 analog outputs as a lot of people have older receivers that have no HDMI input/output.

I am looking to upgrade my receiver anyway but if I purchase a PS3 I will be strapped for cash.

Should I go straight to Sony for this answer?

Can you send the answer to my inbox as well as posting it.

[jermwhl]

Your SOL as far as six analog outputs! I wouldn't hold my breath. I guess there is a possibility they could release a A/V cable with those connections, but I highly doubt it.
I would get it, and just save for an HDMI reciever. I am in the same boat. I am saving my pennies for a good reciever!

[cawgijoe]

You can just use the Toslink output for now to get 5.1 audio which is excellent anyway and save up for an HDMI receiver.

[whippersnapper]

Originally Posted by jermwhl

Your SOL as far as six analog outputs! I wouldn't hold my breath. I guess there is a possibility they could release a A/V cable with those connections, but I highly doubt it.
I would get it, and just save for an HDMI reciever. I am in the same boat. I am saving my pennies for a good reciever!

You're showing good judgement and foresight. And you're in the same boat as a lot of us. Save and plan for the future.

[thratousphere]

why? well they want you to buy more stuff. I'd keep it easy - go Sony / HDMI / the reciever I have is coming down in price and works really well.

[Canada]

The thought had crossed my mind to pick up another Blu-Ray player other than the PS3 that could output PCM through 6 analog outputs. Then I thought why? I will upgrade to a HDMI 1.3 receiver sometime down the road and why not get it in a gaming console. That way my dad can't complain
"Why did you get another gaming console that will collect dust in 7-10 years" yada yada yada

[RichiPuppy]

I hear sony style is giving free bd's with a PS3 purchase in about a week, even if they bring the price down for the holidays, this still maybe a better deal.

[ftrez]

I am HDMI capable and am wondering about the PS3 as an option for playing Blu-Ray discs. I'm not too interested in the games, though my kids will want to play them, I mainly want the BD movies.

Being totally new to BD & PS3 I'm trying to find out as much as I can before I take the plunge. Like, are BD discs 1080p standard? The 1.8 firmware upgrade allows for regular DVDs to be upconverted to 1080p now?

Basically I'm looking to find out how the PS3 is as a BD player compared to the standalones.

[outfdblue]

yes all blu-ray are 1080p however depending on what tv you have it will downscale. And yes with the new firmware it now plays dvds in 1080p but don't think that just because a dvd is in 1080p it will look as good as a regular blu-ray. Upscale only predicts the pixels that are missing while having a 1080 picture there is no prediction so basically you get a better. Also sony already said that with future updates they could see higher then 30% better image when upscaling. Im not sure if that could be possible with the players. And don't forget that it also upscales on video games now which is very cool. I would still go with a ps3 rather then a player but thats just me

[TauRus]

Originally Posted by outfdblue

yes all blu-ray are 1080p however depending on what tv you have it will downscale. And yes with the new firmware it now plays dvds in 1080p but don't think that just because a dvd is in 1080p it will look as good as a regular blu-ray. Upscale only predicts the pixels that are missing while having a 1080 picture there is no prediction so basically you get a better. Also sony already said that with future updates they could see higher then 30% better image when upscaling. Im not sure if that could be possible with the players. And don't forget that it also upscales on video games now which is very cool. I would still go with a ps3 rather then a player but thats just me

Not entirely correct, some Blu-Ray discs, especially those shot with HD1080i video cameras, were mastered in 1080i. For example, Nine Inch Nails and some other concert discs. But yes, all film based movies were authored in 1080p.

[ftrez]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like I'm going to have to upgrade my TV to get the most out of Blu-Ray. Here's what I have: http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/lcd/pdf/70VS810.pdf

I watch HD TV in 1080i and will need to get a tv that runs 1080p. The wife is going to be thrilled.

[Memnoch]

Originally Posted by TauRus

Not entirely correct, some Blu-Ray discs, especially those shot with HD1080i video cameras, were mastered in 1080i. For example, Nine Inch Nails and some other concert discs. But yes, all film based movies were authored in 1080p.

But do keep in mind, just because something SAYS 1080p, doesn't mean it will look 1080p. Even though there is some dispute as to whether or not the Nine Inch Nails: Beside You In Time BD is either 1080i or 1080p, it is the best BD I have played to date. I have NetFlix'd many BDs since getting my PS3 a few months back and none of the film based movies have come close to touching the audio or picture quality displayed on the NIN:BYIT BD. None where even close.

Don't get me wrong, BDs look much better than standard DVDs, but there is a HUGE difference between sources filmed with HD equipment and standard sources that have been "upgraded" to 1080p for a BD. For example, Discovery's HD Theater (supposedly 1080i) shows are filmed with HD equipment, like how the NIN BD was filmed. Both of these sources will show you how good 1080i/1080p "should" look, but when you view certain film based movies, keep in mind, many were not filmed with HD equipment, so you will see a noticeable difference between 1080 sources filmed with HD equipment (like the examples given above) and sources that have been "cleaned up" to 1080p for a BD, but they still kind of look and sound shitty (like The Fifth Element that they are rereleaseing soon).

On a seperate note, I recently made the HD jump as well and did a lot of research before purchasing my equipment. You might want to seriously consider just ditching your old receiver when you have money for a new one. I went after all HDMI v1.3 compatible equipment, so I sold my old stuff and used the money to purchase a Samsung HL-T6189S HDTV, an Onkyo TX-SR605 A/V Receiver, and a PS3. This is an expensive, but amazing combination.

If using a PS3, there are a lot of restrictions as to what audio and video you can get out of that thing when not using HDMI, so read the fine print VERY carefully. Unless you go with all HDMI connections with a PS3, you may lose many of the capabilities that you were buying the PS3 to achieve. For example, you can't hear SACDs without HDMI and the uncompressed audio (PCM, etc.) that everyone is raving about comes over HDMI much better. I originally didn't have an HDMI receiver and was using optical for that and only getting PCM 2.0 or something like that. Looked this up in the PS3 manual and found out I really had to go HDMI to get the best out of the PS3.

I could go on and on, but if you need more info, just message me and I'll do my best to help out. Good luck.

[Canada]

My parents will think I am crazy for re-buying some of my movies on Blu Ray (when I get a player, which will be after I get a HDMI 1.3 complient tuner player most likley I will get a PS3)

Two reasons to upgrade
Better Video 1080p TV can only display 1080i (34 inch TV)
Better Audio Uncompressed PCM anyone

Upgrades

1. Casino Royal
2. Black Hawk Down (bought it twice 1st edition first day Superbit 1st day.)
3. Sin City (when it comes out)
4. The Rock (Bought that twice on DVD also regular POS edition an kick a__ Criterion Edition)
5. Top Gun (if they have uncompressed PCM) I own the first POS edition and the Special (DTS hearing loss) Edition. Don't worry I don't listen to it that loud.

[GasCat]

You need to invite your parents over for a movie night Canada.

[GasCat]

Originally Posted by ftrez

I am HDMI capable and am wondering about the PS3 as an option for playing Blu-Ray discs. I'm not too interested in the games, though my kids will want to play them, I mainly want the BD movies.

Being totally new to BD & PS3 I'm trying to find out as much as I can before I take the plunge. Like, are BD discs 1080p standard? The 1.8 firmware upgrade allows for regular DVDs to be upconverted to 1080p now?

Basically I'm looking to find out how the PS3 is as a BD player compared to the standalones.

I don't know if this person is still reading but the PS3 should fit your needs. Don't get confused. The output resolution of discs is as high on the PS3 as it would be on any player.

I would suggest buying it at a place that has a great return policy. If you don't like it you should be able to return it within the first month. Amazon has a great special going on right now for the PS3 go take a look.

[Frode]

While I agree that the PS3 is one of the best players out right now simply because of the computing power and upgradeability, if you're going to buy a player in december I suggest the OP ask the question again then. If you're not going to use it for gaming at all there may be newer cheaper players that fit your needs by then.

[takezo]

If your current reciever has optical support, then use it. Blu-ray has high bitrate Dobly 5.1 on all discs, and some have an even better sounding high bitrate DTS 5.1 track. I just watched a DVD yesterday (that I rented because Blockbuster in HI has yet to get Blu-ray ) and the day before. the dobly tracks on Blu-ray sounded a lot crisper and had a greater depth of field compared to DVD.

Get PS3, and Blu-ray movies. You can save up for HDMI later, By then lossless audio will be readily availible, thwarting the need for PCM tracks all together.