Best Blu-ray Player Under $300

[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....

[bt12483]

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]

Blu-ray!

[Rob J in WNY]

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.

[seeweda]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[graverot]

PS3 slim is your best choice. Firmware updates are easily accessible though WIFI. I have a Magnavox and a Insignia for the upstairs bedrooms. While they are good units and reliable they are not upgradable as firmware goes. To me they really are not units you want as your primary player in your entertainment hub in your Living room. I actually feel the PS3 is better then some of the higher price units as well. You are getting one of the top players on the market for under $300 not to mention you can download netflix movies, Play games, and bit stream.

[Propellarhead9]

I would do up the PS3, that's what I did and I don't regret it at all.

[Riddler95]

For $299.99 the PS3 is still the best Blu-Ray player.

[jonesyg27]

Best player under $300? 3/5 of an Oppo.

Seriously, if you're not a gamer and don't want a PS3, the Sony S360 is a great choice, reliable and pretty good support from what I've seen.

[GeologyNut]

I love the PS3!

[GeologyNut]

Originally Posted by jonesyg27

Best player under $300? 3/5 of an Oppo.

Seriously, if you're not a gamer and don't want a PS3, the Sony S360 is a great choice, reliable and pretty good support from what I've seen.

+1, Oppo is another good player! If I were to ever upgrade I would heavily consider an Oppo. Recently read a great review of the Oppo in the Home Theater Magazine!

[Clark Kent]

The standalone player I would pick would be a Panasonic. People are not aware of how much they are responsible for the development of the BD format. Panasonic has more Blu-ray patents than Sony and have made rock-solid players so far.

[Kryptonic]

Sony or Panasonic standalone players are the way to go.

[kefrank]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Panasonic has more Blu-ray patents than Sony and have made rock-solid players so far.

Agreed, except for the BD60/80 freezing problems. I'd steer clear of those, but pretty much all the rest of the Panasonics are awesome.

[Sith]

PS3, no brainer..

[bluman007]

+1 for PS3 slim or non-slim then get Modern Warfare 2 in November 10! You wont regret it!

[supersix4]

Is it bad that were collecting blu-ray players like we did with dvd players lol... We already have an BDP-S1 and a S350 that are sitting back in their boxes in the basement