What player to buy...

[Carlsberg19]

I current have the Sony BDP S300 and i am not happy with it, basically The Guardian & World Trade Cente do not play anymore since the 3.8 firmware upgrade, i thought i would be able to downgrade the firmware but the player spits the disc out when i put it in, not only that but the player sticks and freezes and occasionaly decided not to play any movies for me, resulting in me having to power off/on the system and try again. Anywho im looking to see what other Sony player is how would you say "good" and im not looking for a ps3.

[SquidPuppet]

The 3.9 firmware has given me no problems. Everything I have (50+) plays just fine.

[The Guardian]

If you like Sony and don't want a PS3, wait it out till late summer and get an S350.

[dannyk8232]

You should definitely get a Sammy BDP1200.

Haha j/k you should wait for the s350

[Leon Liew]

I am always very baffled of other makes of BD players like Sony,Samsung Panasonic whereby there are alot of grouses on the need to have firmware upgrade in order to watch this or that BD title.

Practically non-existent for Sharp BD-HP20 player. My Sharp play all titles
that I bought so far. Initially I was thinking of the Sony or Samsung models
or even the super duper expensive Pioneer(actually my favourite brand-loved their DVD players) but finally chose the Sharp based on price factor and it's
really performing well.

But on reflection perhaps the Sharp is basically a straight forward player,
what we termed as 'bare-bones' and me being not fussy about viewing
PIP bla..bla then I guess it's fine.Maybe the coming BD-HP50 should provide
a challenge on these firmware issues being their 2nd gen model when launched, this has yet to be seen.

My ultimate goal will still be a Pioneer BD player and that's when I go for
total upgrade on A/V amp and HDTV to really enjoy the HD audio/video
marvel.

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by Leon Liew

I am always very baffled of other makes of BD players like Sony,Samsung Panasonic whereby there are alot of grouses on the need to have firmware upgrade in order to watch this or that BD title.

Practically non-existent for Sharp BD-HP20 player. My Sharp play all titles
that I bought so far. Initially I was thinking of the Sony or Samsung models
or even the super duper expensive Pioneer(actually my favourite brand-loved their DVD players) but finally chose the Sharp based on price factor and it's
really performing well.

But on reflection perhaps the Sharp is basically a straight forward player,
what we termed as 'bare-bones' and me being not fussy about viewing
PIP bla..bla then I guess it's fine.Maybe the coming BD-HP50 should provide
a challenge on these firmware issues being their 2nd gen model when launched, this has yet to be seen.

My ultimate goal will still be a Pioneer BD player and that's when I go for
total upgrade on A/V amp and HDTV to really enjoy the HD audio/video
marvel.

The Samsung BD-P1500 has yet to have one FW update and is playing everything I'm throwing at it; no lock-ups; no freezing; no audio loss; plays on resume; plays off of pause; washes my car and mows my lawn. Ok, it doesn't do the last two but, it's working great!

[Moefiz]

I am sure alot of us are waiting for the the new Sony's to hit the stores.I have the S300 and I haven't had any problems that couldn't be resolve by powering down and on again.

I would wait until the new players start hitting the market.

[moviefan]

Originally Posted by Edh63

The Samsung BD-P1500 has yet to have one FW update and is playing everything I'm throwing at it; no lock-ups; no freezing; no audio loss; plays on resume; plays off of pause; washes my car and mows my lawn. Ok, it doesn't do the last two but, it's working great!

But wait until the 1500 NEEDS an update ... you will wait, and wait and wait and wait.
Samsung showed their colors with the 1200 updates, I won't give them another chance!
It's the Panny BD50 or Sony S550 for me ... which ever one is out first!

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by moviefan

But wait until the 1500 NEEDS an update ... you will wait, and wait and wait and wait.
Samsung showed their colors with the 1200 updates, I won't give them another chance!
It's the Panny BD50 or Sony S550 for me ... which ever one is out first!

You people really need to get out of the Samsung pity-pot now. Step-up into the now and pull your heads out of that dark stinky place.

Since the 1400 hit the ground Samsung has been putting out regular FW updates. I've had a 1200 and returned it because it was an overall piece of crap; had the 1400 and just sold it, but had regular and timely updates the whole time I've had it, and it worked great; now have the 1500 which hasn't needed one update because it's obviousy addressed all the issue so far that its predecessors had.

If you want to talk about what Samsung is producing right now, then let's talk about the 1400 and 1500. Other than than that, I would suggest, you that have 1000s and 1200s, get back in your "live in the past" forum and continue to throw feces all over the wall. I cannot understand why anyone would want to continue a conversation about those generation players. Buddy, let me tell you something. You were Beta tested, just as we all were.

Take a deep breath, get over it and move on... please.

[BobOjr]

I will be getting a Pioneer BD-51fd. Kinda partial to Pioneer.

[meckel]

I just upgraded my BDPS-300 to a Panasonic BD30, for the DTS-HDMA. I don't care about BD live until they have a built in wireless option for stand alone players.

If these is something I want to see via BD Live I can use my son's PS3.

[lokyro]

If you care about audio and video quality and could care less about playing games about the movie you just watched or interactivity,, then the denon 3800bdci is the best by far.... I mean,, video and audio are best by a mile, nothing close ! If you want to play games , get a ps3 or some other non-decoding machine, i am sure there are fine ones out there for 1/4 the price, and probably a 1/4 the total preformance.

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by lokyro

If you care about audio and video quality and could care less about playing games about the movie you just watched or interactivity,, then the denon 3800bdci is the best by far.... I mean,, video and audio are best by a mile, nothing close ! If you want to play games , get a ps3 or some other non-decoding machine, i am sure there are fine ones out there for 1/4 the price, and probably a 1/4 the total preformance.

... And I would say your recommendation is worthless unless you sit down and view every player out there. Unless you've done that then you're statement is based on other's testimonials on limited players, your limited experience, conjecture and documents that are presented by polls and write-ups about what people "think". Technoid facts and specifications don't represent the best when it comes down to what someone hears in their own head or sees with their own eyes. If you want to make an accurate statement then tell people to go and try them all and find out what they think. I would never presume to think I know what every player looks like and how it performs. I can only tell you from my limited experience about what I've been involved with. I'm sure what you say has some merit to it, but to presume it because you state it doesn't mean it's truth.

This is a very subjective environment and not everyone cares about "the best" according to a group of people, necessarily. "The best" in this arena is extremely subjective. Would you go to someone's home and insult them on their system choices because their impression of the best differs from yours? Unless you're a Neanderthal, you most likely wouldn't. Experience is what defines the best and I don't think anyone here could say they've done it all. I wouldn't steer someone toward a certain product and say you should buy this because it's the best. I would say I like this and you may want consider it, but try many things to find out what you think.

It just bugs me when people say "the best" and that's why you should buy it. Rant done.

[allstar780]

Originally Posted by Carlsberg19

I current have the Sony BDP S300 and i am not happy with it, basically The Guardian & World Trade Cente do not play anymore since the 3.8 firmware upgrade, i thought i would be able to downgrade the firmware but the player spits the disc out when i put it in, not only that but the player sticks and freezes and occasionaly decided not to play any movies for me, resulting in me having to power off/on the system and try again. Anywho im looking to see what other Sony player is how would you say "good" and im not looking for a ps3.

Maybe the new firmware doesn't let you watch garbage

[badboi]

Originally Posted by Edh63

You people really need to get out of the Samsung pity-pot now. Step-up into the now and pull your heads out of that dark stinky place.

Since the 1400 hit the ground Samsung has been putting out regular FW updates. I've had a 1200 and returned it because it was an overall piece of crap; had the 1400 and just sold it, but had regular and timely updates the whole time I've had it, and it worked great; now have the 1500 which hasn't needed one update because it's obviousy addressed all the issue so far that its predecessors had.

If you want to talk about what Samsung is producing right now, then let's talk about the 1400 and 1500. Other than than that, I would suggest, you that have 1000s and 1200s, get back in your "live in the past" forum and continue to throw feces all over the wall. I cannot understand why anyone would want to continue a conversation about those generation players. Buddy, let me tell you something. You were Beta tested, just as we all were.

Take a deep breath, get over it and move on... please.

Hmmm. In three months time we'll see if your tune changes.

[zor]

Originally Posted by lokyro

If you care about audio and video quality and could care less about playing games about the movie you just watched or interactivity,, then the denon 3800bdci is the best by far.... I mean,, video and audio are best by a mile, nothing close ! If you want to play games , get a ps3 or some other non-decoding machine, i am sure there are fine ones out there for 1/4 the price, and probably a 1/4 the total preformance.

I think you mean "non-bitstreaming" since PS3 with latest firmware decodes everything, well all the standard DVD audio codecs and all the new HD and lossless formats. There's no player out there that decodes more than the PS3. I don't mean to nitpick; I just wanted to clarify in case there was any confusion for people reading the thread.

On topic, I too, if not getting a PS3, would wait until one of Sony's new players get released. Even if you don't care about profile 2.0, newer Sony's are better than older players since they're less likely to have compatibility or other issues. And since Sony owns a bunch of movie studios, you can be fairly sure that all of Sony's titles will play fine and be fully supported on their players.

[lokyro]

Actually at the time ( and leading up to the time) i bought the denon 3800bdci,, i did listen and watch every blu ray player available.I like to save a dime when it is warranted and when i can. The difference between a properly set up denon and the other blu ray players is simply staggering.. Audiio and Video... And if u have a better tv than mine, it will be better. ( i am using jvc 70 inch 97fh.. which is a very good display, running thru anthem statement d2)..Swapping out the denon for 7 othere players it became clear why denon charged what they did.. And yes,, this is my opinion with about 8 others in the audio video sales business,, this took place over about 9 hours on a Saturday.. Load times suck, but i watch and listen to movies and want the best quality i can get. To me special features dont mean anything.. And about the ps3 decoding, the denon dfoes it from the get go, no firmware needed. I am not knocking any other players, just stating the facts i saw in the denon versus 7 other mainstream players.....

[lokyro]

Edh63, i noticed you might be near houston.. If you are ever in the area you are welcome to come by watch and listen, drink a beer if you like and give me your opinion. I would welcome that and the opportunity to talk to you and get some of your opinions as well... thx

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by lokyro

Actually at the time ( and leading up to the time) i bought the denon 3800bdci,, i did listen and watch every blu ray player available.I like to save a dime when it is warranted and when i can. The difference between a properly set up denon and the other blu ray players is simply staggering.. Audiio and Video... And if u have a better tv than mine, it will be better. ( i am using jvc 70 inch 97fh.. which is a very good display, running thru anthem statement d2)..Swapping out the denon for 7 othere players it became clear why denon charged what they did.. And yes,, this is my opinion with about 8 others in the audio video sales business,, this took place over about 9 hours on a Saturday.. Load times suck, but i watch and listen to movies and want the best quality i can get. To me special features dont mean anything.. And about the ps3 decoding, the denon dfoes it from the get go, no firmware needed. I am not knocking any other players, just stating the facts i saw in the denon versus 7 other mainstream players.....

This is something I can hang my hat on. I appreciate you defining your research and posting results. I just get a bit tweaked when generalizations are presented instead of facts. I'm not supporting one player over another either, I just don't have that hands-on research to substantiate support for one over the other. Thanks again for posting this.

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by lokyro

Edh63, i noticed you might be near houston.. If you are ever in the area you are welcome to come by watch and listen, drink a beer if you like and give me your opinion. I would welcome that and the opportunity to talk to you and get some of your opinions as well... thx

I'm actually in new Braunfels about 2 minutes North of San Antonio off I35. I greatly appreciate your offer and maybe even take you up on that one day. You offering this goes a long with me and helps me understand that you're intentions are honest here on these forums.

Thanks again for your offer, my friend, and no disrespect intended in my former posts toward you.