The Official "Help me pick a Blu-ray player" thread

[wiki131wiki]

What is the best Blu-ray player, if price is no object?

Originally Posted by EWL5

As many have already mentioned, there is no singular BEST BD player as everyone's situation is different and can evolve over time.

OP, if you feel the following list is helpful, please add it to your first post:

Note: any player in BOLD means the feature is exclusive to that player only

Best BD player if using all HDMI connections - Panasonic BD35
Best BD player using all HDMI and don't want BD Live 2.0 - Denon 2500

Best BD player with media features - PS3

Best BD player with Netflix streaming - Samsung BD-P2500/2550

Best BD player for analog users with full bass management - Denon 3800/Marantz 8002
Best BD player for analog users w/o full bass management - Pioneer Elite 09

Best BD player with SACD/DVD-A capability - Denon A1UDCI
Best BD player with only SACD support - older PS3 with 20gb/60gb

Best BD player with Video Source Direct - Pioneer 05/51 and possibly 09

Best BD player with 2 HDMI out - Denon A1UDCI

Best BD player with Dolby ProLogic IIx over analog - Denon A1UDCI

Best BD player with vertical stretch for 2.35:1 content - Denon A1UDCI

Best BD player for speed and responsiveness - PS3

Best BD player for looks - (sorry, not touching this one!)

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If any of the above is in error, please let me know. Here are a few thoughts based on typical comments I've read:

1) While it's true the PS3 does not bitstream, a lot of headaches are avoided since the PS3 does all the decoding and God forbid you use choose secondary audio (PIP commentary, etc.), then most players are out of luck until you change the audio menu whereas the PS3 will mix on the fly.

2) It's pretty apparent the Denon A1UDCI is being primed as the audiophiles BD player and, at least on paper, seems to really outdo the cheaper Pioneer 09. I really wanted to like the 09 but with no DTS-HD MA decoding when it ships and lacking bass management (fixed crossover), I really can't understand why they put a great analog section just to hamstring it.

3) Probably one of the most important decisions when buying a BD player should be whether or not you prefer Profile 1.1 or 2.0. I own both and must say that 2.0 currently is more annoying than anything else.

4) Right now the BDA is ironing out the 3D spec that should have final product in 2010. That makes every single player in existence for the time being obsolete except for perhaps the PS3 which seems to almost emulate anything in software. I own 2 BD players and will not be buying another one until 2010 hits.

5) There is a BD player coming out that has the potential to be all things to all people. The player I'm talking about is the upcoming Oppo BDP-83 player! It's a universal player with VRS video processing for b/w $499-$599! This is possibly the only player I would buy before 2010!

http://www.electronichouse.com/artic...l_blu_ray/C175

6) When a BD player outputs 1080p/24 to a 1080p/24 capable display, the image will be nearly identical b/w all BD players capable of 1080p/24 output. Many people don't understand this and start going off on "my player looks better than your player, etc." On top of that, if we're also talking bitstreaming the audio, then the work is offloaded to the AVR/prepro so again, yet another equalizer. Most BD players these days will do fine if we're talking the digital realm.

[ScarredLungs]

I'd go with the PS3.

[bluJames]

Originally Posted by cvm

I'd go with the PS3.

For the money and all it does, I agree.

[SS316SRV]

[bluewatergrigsby]

I'd look at the Denon, Pioneer Elite's and Marantz. PS3 is great but not all want to drive a Toyota ( best selling car ). Some enjoy a BMW or Acura.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

Originally Posted by wiki131wiki

What is the best Blu-ray player, if price is no object?

This is a no-brainer. The PS3 is by far the best blu-ray player regardless if you're a gamer or not. Its future-proof, easier to use, better trouble-shooting service, and many more.

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by bluewatergrigsby

I'd look at the Denon, Pioneer Elite's and Marantz. PS3 is great but not all want to drive a Toyota ( best selling car ). Some enjoy a BMW or Acura.

+1. And before anyone says that Criterion uses on as their reference player, they are also running it through a $3k video processor (DVDO VP50).

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

This is a no-brainer. The PS3 is by far the best blu-ray player regardless if you're a gamer or not. Its future-proof, easier to use, better trouble-shooting service, and many more.

And it doesn't bitstream TrueHD and DTS-HD MA.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by scweb13

And it doesn't bitstream TrueHD and DTS-HD MA.

It decodes it instead, while loading faster than any other player to date, and has the easiest firmware updates of the lot. Not to mention that whole other sideline of gaming, online web browsing, etc.

you can even install another os to run as a personal computer.

[Woody]

There is no answer to the OP question if there is no specificity about his needs.

1. SD DVD picture?
2. analog outs?
3. 2.0 important?
4. internal decoding?
5. speed
6. etc

You need to be more specific with what is most important to you.

[CAB]

@OP

What criteria do you deem important to determine "best"? That is critical no matter how much discretionary income you have.

Edit: Woody beat me to it.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

It decodes it instead, while loading faster than any other player to date, and has the easiest firmware updates of the lot. Not to mention that whole other sideline of gaming, online web browsing, etc.

you can even install another os to run as a personal computer.

And no analog outs, not the best upscaling, no IR, blah, blah, blah.

Different strokes..........

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

I'm still learning all this audio stuff. Let me get this right. If I use HDMI, I'll be using Linear to decode TrueHD and DTSMA, correct????

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

I'm still learning all this audio stuff. Let me get this right. If I use HDMI, I'll be using Linear to decode TrueHD and DTSMA, correct????

yes.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

yes.

Thank you for providing me with a simple answer.

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

It decodes it instead, while loading faster than any other player to date, and has the easiest firmware updates of the lot. Not to mention that whole other sideline of gaming, online web browsing, etc.

you can even install another os to run as a personal computer.

Some people would rather have their reciever decode the audio formats.
Some people don't care about gaming.
Some people would rather use a laptop or PC to web browse.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by scweb13

Some people would rather have their reciever decode the audio formats.
Some people don't care about gaming.
Some people would rather use a laptop or PC to web browse.

yes, but until there is a player that can load faster than the ps3 it will continue to be my suggested Blu-Ray player.

[SS316SRV]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

yes, but until there is a player that can load faster than the ps3 it will continue to be my suggested Blu-Ray player.

What if pure picture quality is the goal. Money is no object.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

What if pure picture quality is the goal. Money is no object.

Then the Denon, Marantz and Pioneer are probably better in that respect though I haven't seen any of them in action.

I'm sure all of these will show you a depth to Grunts that you haven't seen before.

[CAB]

Speaking of deja vu, it's great on Blueray.