AMEX Rewards - Which Player??

[NDK32489]

I have been scanning all of the review threads and am no closer to deciding which player is best for my family. American Express currently has all of their products that are for "sale" 20% off when you use your AMEX points. We have plenty built up and would like to purchase a new Blu-Ray player with them. MY QUESTION is.... Which player offers the best all around usability. Meaning, decent load times, no problems playing any discs and easy firmware updating?? So basically a sturdy player that will last for a long time and perform with no problems. All responses are greatly appreciated.

[JJ]

I must've recommended this one about 50 times today, it feels like:

Panasonic DMP-BD30.

Has all of your necessities and much much more.

[JadedRaverLA]

I agree that the new Panasonic BD30 is the player to beat right now. Bitstream audio output of all HD audio codecs, and Profile 1.1 compliance for playback of PIP streams on upcoming discs. I also really like the Pioneer Elite BDP-95HD for excellent picture quality and bitstream audio output.

Unfortunately, neither of those seems to be available from ShopAmex yet. The Pioneer may never be, due to restrictions on their Elite line, but the Panasonic should be if you're willing to wait.

If not, then the PS3 certainly has many supporters and is certainly a very capable player. Also, the Samsung BD-P1400 supports bitstream output of all the audio signals.

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

I must've recommended this one about 50 times today, it feels like:

Panasonic DMP-BD30.

Has all of your necessities and much much more.

I also agree that this is the best option for a standalone player today. Be aware though that there are cheaper options that have a few more questions attached to them.