Blu-Ray Tech Talk

[Stuart Sweet]

This is a HIGHLY MODERATED thread. Only discussion of Blu-Ray discs and players will be permitted.

If you wish to discuss a particular movie in a non-technical way, open a thread for that.

HD-DVD or bashing talk will not be tolerated! Posts that discuss the "format war" or promote HD-DVD over Blu-Ray will be deleted, and the posters will be subject to infractions or bans. Unfortunately, if this becomes too common we will have to close all next-generation DVD threads.

[elaclair]

Okay, I'll start this one off. Does anyone have release information on Panasonic's BD-50? It's my understanding that it should be this spring. From the pre-release spec's I've read, this one appears to be the player to get.....builds on the BD-30 with 2.0 profile compatibility.....

[B Newt]

I'll be monitoring this thread for the best deals when the next generation BD players with the 2.0 profile come out...
What is 2.0 profile?

[Jason Nipp]

Okay, I'll start this one off. Does anyone have release information on Panasonic's BD-50? It's my understanding that it should be this spring. From the pre-release spec's I've read, this one appears to be the player to get.....builds on the BD-30 with 2.0 profile compatibility.....
I have an email in to a friend of mine at Panasonic.... I got an out of office reply, but I did ask him about this model earlier this week.

I'll PM you his response.

[Jason Nipp]

What is 2.0 profile?
Please search the At The Movies & On DVD forum, you'll find an answer to your question in detail.

We are trying to keep the post on topic so if you have difficulty finding the answer, PM me and I'll dig up some good links for you.

[tomcrown1]

Hey thats not right I got the BD30 great player Can you let the world know when the BD 50 will be out I will probably get it.

[chris0]

Here's a pretty good explanation of Blu-Ray profiles from sister site AVSForums.com. I'm sure there will be plenty of profile questions popping up soon.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=10910140&postcount=1

[Pinion413]

The one question I have, since I'm interested in getting a player capable of profile 2.0....

I've read here and there that the PlayStation 3 will be able to be updated via a firmware update to Blu-ray Profile 2.0. Is this truly accurate or merely speculation?

[Tom Robertson]

According to Sony, the PS3 will be upgradeable to Profile 2.0, BD-Live. It already has all the hardware requirements for BD-View (1.1) and the internet for BD-Live so all it needs is a software upgrade.

Cheers,
Tom

[Pink Fairy]

Yay for me then since mine is a PS3

[Pinion413]

Excellent. Thanks Tom!

I know which B-r player I will be buying then. Even if there are/will be stand-alone players that are of better quality, I'd be getting the PS3 for the 50/50 split benefit of HD Movies and Gaming.

Now, if they'd just get it to around $300....... :D

[machavez00]

The PS3 is a slot loading machine. Any issues with scratching discs? How does the PS3 stack up against a stnd alone BD player. It will be a lot easier to tell the wife I am buying a game console and not ANOTHER movie player.

[Drew2k]

In the past I've owned two Sony 5-disc players: one SD, and the other HD upconvert and they were both great. How long will it be before there's a 5-Disc BD player, and how much cost would be added overall for the carousel?

[hdtvfan0001]

Is there any documentation showing how much of the new v1.1 standards will be backwards compatible to other Blu Ray players?

We know Ethernet can't be retrofitted, but how about the new audio codecs (new chips inside the new players?) and new Javacode?

[braven]

The PS3 is a slot loading machine. Any issues with scratching discs? How does the PS3 stack up against a stnd alone BD player. It will be a lot easier to tell the wife I am buying a game console and not ANOTHER movie player.


That's how I got it pass the wife in my house. It does a great job playing BD movies. The fact that it plays PS3 games is a real bonus.

[machavez00]

list of BD players and their profile
http://www.idoblu.co.uk/page2%20Blu-ray%20Players.html

This lists the Samsung BD-1500 as 1.1 complaint and it has an Ethernet port for firmware upgrades. Anyone know if it can be upgraded to 2.0?

[chris0]

The PS3 is a slot loading machine. Any issues with scratching discs? How does the PS3 stack up against a stnd alone BD player. It will be a lot easier to tell the wife I am buying a game console and not ANOTHER movie player.
I've had my PS3 since June and it hasn't scratched any of the discs. Besides, Blu discs have a harder coating on them then regular DVDs.

In the past I've owned two Sony 5-disc players: one SD, and the other HD upconvert and they were both great. How long will it be before there's a 5-Disc BD player, and how much cost would be added overall for the carousel?
I've been wondering that, too. It's not like they have to figure out how to do it, they already did with DVD players. Seems like it should only take some internal rearranging, the tray and a small motor to spin it. Shouldn't be that hard or cost too much.

[machavez00]

In the past I've owned two Sony 5-disc players: one SD, and the other HD upconvert and they were both great. How long will it be before there's a 5-Disc BD player, and how much cost would be added overall for the carousel?

for those looking for a multi disc BD player, The HES-V1000
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665231960
http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/img/718x407/HESV1000.png

[Drew2k]

for those looking for a multi disc BD player, The HES-V1000
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665231960
:lol:

That's just a little bit more than I was looking for at the moment! I'd be happy with a 5-disc changer! :p

[Drew2k]

I've been wondering that, too. It's not like they have to figure out how to do it, they already did with DVD players. Seems like it should only take some internal rearranging, the tray and a small motor to spin it. Shouldn't be that hard or cost too much.That's been my thinking ... it's already done, so where are the multi-disc HD players? The price difference between a single-disc HD-upconvert player and a 5-disc HD-upconvert player is around $40, so why aren't there 5-disc HD players on the market?

[Pinion413]

for those looking for a multi disc BD player, The HES-V1000
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665231960
http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/img/718x407/HESV1000.png

...and only a mere $3500... :eek2:

Pocket change. :lol:

[Pinion413]

That's been my thinking ... it's already done, so where are the multi-disc HD players? The price difference between a single-disc HD-upconvert player and a 5-disc HD-upconvert player is around $40, so why aren't there 5-disc HD players on the market?

I would just say to give it time.

It was one of those things that I don't remember seeing in the DVD realm until the format really started to catch on. All I ever remember seeing from when DVD was first introduced until companies realized that it was going to be adopted far better than Laserdisc were single disc players (from $400 a player and up mind you :grin: ).

[Cholly]

list of BD players and their profile
http://www.idoblu.co.uk/page2%20Blu-ray%20Players.html

This lists the Samsung BD-1500 as 1.1 complaint and it has an Ethernet port for firmware upgrades. Anyone know if it can be upgraded to 2.0?

Difficult to say, since it is not on the market as yet. It was shown at CES, as was the Panasonic DMP-BD50. Not vaporware, but coming soon.

[machavez00]

The main thing holding me back from buying a PS3 is that it does not have a coaxial DA out . My receiver has two toslink and 1 coaxial DA inputs. Both toslinks are used by the HD-A2 and the HR20, both of which also are toslink only. Looks like I will be waiting awhile for the 2.0 players to hit the market at a reasonable price.

[Tom Robertson]

The main thing holding me back from buying a PS3 is that it does not have a coaxial DA out . My receiver has two toslink and 1 coaxial DA inputs. Both toslinks are used by the HD-A2 and the HR20, both of which also are toslink only. Looks like I will be waiting awhile for the 2.0 players to hit the market at a reasonable price.

You could get a $17 converter... :)

[machavez00]

You could get a $17 converter... :)

toslink to coaxial?

[Tom Robertson]

yupper.

[machavez00]

good ole monprice! $11.20
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2948&seq=1&format=2

[Tom Robertson]

I didn't want to get your hopes up too high. :)

[machavez00]

this will work as well, $29.95
http://www.impactacoustics.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=1002&sku=28734
AUDIO EXPLORER TOSLINK SELECTOR SWITCH
http://www.impactacoustics.com/assets/product_images/28734.jpg

[ImpactAcousticsGuy]

The link is incorrected. Please removed the Digital from the end if it and you'll be good!

[gcisko]

The PS3 is a slot loading machine. Any issues with scratching discs? How does the PS3 stack up against a stnd alone BD player. It will be a lot easier to tell the wife I am buying a game console and not ANOTHER movie player.

The only problem I have had is dropping the disk before it gets in the PS3 slot. (But I think that is a problem I have to solve myself!). Other than that, it seems to be an awesome DVD/BD player. I am quite pleased with it. You do need to have it networked to get the OS updates downloaded.

[machavez00]

The only problem I have had is dropping the disk before it gets in the PS3 slot. (But I think that is a problem I have to solve myself!). Other than that, it seems to be an awesome DVD/BD player. I am quite pleased with it. You do need to have it networked to get the OS updates downloaded.

I have a netgear gigabit switch behind my entertainment center for the HR20 and A2, so hooking up the PS3 won't be a problem.

[gcisko]

I have a netgear gigabit switch behind my entertainment center for the HR20 and A2, so hooking up the PS3 won't be a problem.

The other thing is I used to be a big time PC gamer. The network gaming on the PS3 is far better than on the PC. Not even close. And it does upconvert DVD but it is not comparable to a true Bluray disk.

[rcoleman111]

I have a netgear gigabit switch behind my entertainment center for the HR20 and A2, so hooking up the PS3 won't be a problem.

Then you also use your PC as a media server for the PS3, which is another advantage over a standalone Blu-ray player. Just install the freeware TVersity software on your PC, point it to the folders where your videos are located, and you can stream them to your TV using the PS3. I tried it last night and it works great.

[cdizzy]

Just picked up a PS3 the other day from costco. First time I've been able to view 1080p on my TV. Looks great!

As for the movies, I don't ever seem to watch the ones I buy more then once. So I decided to do blockbuster online. Got two Blu-ray movies in 2 days.

[machavez00]

Then you also use your PC as a media server for the PS3, which is another advantage over a standalone Blu-ray player. Just install the freeware TVersity software on your PC, point it to the folders where your videos are located, and you can stream them to your TV using the PS3. I tried it last night and it works great.

I have a Mac and I use EyeConnect. Works like a charm. I wish the HR20 worked that well

[turey22]

okay heres a dumb questions, the new bluray players are going to have new software. will the ps3 software also be upgraded or will that be only the ne BR players? i dont remember if it was software or firmware or if they are the same thing.

[mridan]

okay heres a dumb questions, the new bluray players are going to have new software. will the ps3 software also be upgraded or will that be only the ne BR players? i dont remember if it was software or firmware or if they are the same thing.

Yes, the PS3 will be upgradeable to v2.0,with lossless sound.From what I heard it will happen soon,shortly after panasonic releases their new 2.0v BD50.

[mridan]

Sony PS3 will get 2.0 software upgrade by the end of March.....
http://www.tvpredictions.com/ps3blu032008.htm

[ccr1958]

Sony PS3 will get 2.0 software upgrade by the end of March.....
http://www.tvpredictions.com/ps3blu032008.htm

i checked for new updates either sun or mon
night & it found a new one...but i don't think it was
this 2.0 upgrade yet...

[nn8l]

The only problem I have had is dropping the disk before it gets in the PS3 slot. (But I think that is a problem I have to solve myself!). Other than that, it seems to be an awesome DVD/BD player. I am quite pleased with it. You do need to have it networked to get the OS updates downloaded.

Actually, you can download the update to your pc, put it on a flash drive, plug the flash drive into the PS3 and update that way also.

[nn8l]

this will work as well, $29.95
http://www.impactacoustics.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=1002&sku=28734
AUDIO EXPLORER TOSLINK SELECTOR SWITCH
http://www.impactacoustics.com/assets/product_images/28734.jpg

I'm not sure about this switch, but if you're like me you can get a toslink switch that has an infrared remote and add it as a device to your Harmony remote and control the switch along with your tv, suround sound, etc. And before anyone mentions is, you can get a usb dongle that will allow you to use your infrared remote with the PS3 also.

[machavez00]

Sony PS3 will get 2.0 software upgrade by the end of March.....
http://www.tvpredictions.com/ps3blu032008.htm

i checked for new updates either sun or mon
night & it found a new one...but i don't think it was
this 2.0 upgrade yet...

version 2.17 for bug fixes. version 2.2 is supposed to be the BD Live firmware

Sony pledges Blu-ray Profile 2.0 PS3 update this month | Register Hardware (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/03/20/sony_ps3_firmware_2_2_update/)
Register Hardware » News » PS3
Sony pledges Blu-ray Profile 2.0 PS3 update this month
®
By Tony Smith [More by this author]
20th March 2008 11:04 GMT

Updated Sony has announced a PlayStation 3 firmware update that will bring support for the Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0's BD Live online interaction technology to the games console.

The update, due later this month, will take the PS3's firmware to version 2.20, Sony said. BD Live mandates an internet connection and 1GB of local storage for cached data. While some Blu-ray Disc players lack both of these, they're both ready to go on the PS3.

[Jason Nipp]

Unstuck.... Bump.....

[chris0]

FYI, Firmware version 2.20 for the PS3 is available now. It adds BD-Live capability to the player.

[jazzyd971fm]

Official Playstation site now updated 3-25-08 version 2.20

http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/SystemUpdate

[machavez00]

just checked, downloading 2.20 now

[chris0]

Official Playstation site still has version 2.17 listed.

http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/SystemUpdate
Right now the only way to get 2.2 is if your PS3 is connected to the internet. The website is usually a day or two behind.

[ccr1958]

thanks for info...downloading now :)

[braven]

FYI, Firmware version 2.20 for the PS3 is available now. It adds BD-Live capability to the player.


Sweet! Thanks for the heads up. I'll update tonight when I get home.

[machavez00]

Sony slips LTH Blu-ray recordable disc support in 2.20 PS3 update - Engadget HD (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/25/sony-slips-lth-blu-ray-recordable-disc-support-in-2-20-ps3-updat/)

[jazzyd971fm]

Right now the only way to get 2.2 is if your PS3 is connected to the internet. The website is usually a day or two behind.

Yeah, must have updated this morning. Got home from work this afternoon, checked & downloaded update :)

[machavez00]

http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/04/10/dts.hd.for.ps3.next.week/
DTS today said one of the longstanding criticisms of the PlayStation 3 would be addressed with a firmware update next week that adds DTS-HD Master Audio for movies on the Sony game console. The addition allows Blu-ray movies and other HD titles to output 7.1-channel surround at a 96kHz, 24-bit quality at up to 24.5 megabits per second. At this rate, the stream virtually equals the sound created in the studio masters that give the DTS format its namesake, according to its creator

[bobukcat]

http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/04/10/dts.hd.for.ps3.next.week/

This is awesome news, the report I read said it will release on 4/15 - I can't wait to try it out!

[chris0]

Just fyi for anybody here right now, FW 2.30 is live. I just downloaded it and popped in Live Free or Die Hard and the info screen says "DTS HD MA." Pretty cool. The new PS store is really, really fast. Right now most of the images are broken, though, which makes it hard to look for anything. I'm sure they'll have that fixed pretty soon.

[machavez00]

I downloaded 2.30 a little after 2100 PDT

[braven]

Can't wait to get home and update our PS3's.

[spartanstew]

If you check the thread at AVS, the new PS3 update has a few problems. The main one being with any NewLine discs. Apparently, the PS3 can't decode the 7.1 channel lossless audio correctly and sends it out as 5.1, meaning you'll get no sound from your rears in a 7.1 set-up.

Also, the update might clear your audio selections on the PS3, so you'll have to go back into the menu and re-select them.

[spartanstew]

The main thing holding me back from buying a PS3 is that it does not have a coaxial DA out . My receiver has two toslink and 1 coaxial DA inputs. Both toslinks are used by the HD-A2 and the HR20, both of which also are toslink only. Looks like I will be waiting awhile for the 2.0 players to hit the market at a reasonable price.


Does your receiver have 7.1 (or 5.1) analog inputs?

If it doesn't, it won't matter what blu ray player you get, as you'll never be able to get lossless audio.

You either need HDMI or analog inputs (and a player with analog outs).

[Brandon428]

Just fyi for anybody here right now, FW 2.30 is live. I just downloaded it and popped in Live Free or Die Hard and the info screen says "DTS HD MA." Pretty cool. The new PS store is really, really fast. Right now most of the images are broken, though, which makes it hard to look for anything. I'm sure they'll have that fixed pretty soon.

Thats exactly what I did early this morning. DTS HD-MA. It sounds freakin awesome.

[machavez00]

Does your receiver have 7.1 (or 5.1) analog inputs?

If it doesn't, it won't matter what blu ray player you get, as you'll never be able to get lossless audio.

You either need HDMI or analog inputs (and a player with analog outs).

Bought the PS3 and a toslink to coax converter for the HR20. Someday when the price comes from >$1k price to around $200 I will buy an HDMI 1.3 AV receiver

[spartanstew]

If the player decodes the audio (like your PS3 does), you don't need 1.3. You just need a receiver with HDMI. There's quite a few in the $300 - $400 range.

[Brandon428]

I got my STR-DG910 for 275.00 at CC. It was an open box I think their retail price is 500.00. I love it even at 500.00 its a great value.Put some Klipsch on that baby and be prepared to be blown away.I highly suggest it.

[machavez00]

If the player decodes the audio (like your PS3 does), you don't need 1.3. You just need a receiver with HDMI. There's quite a few in the $300 - $400 range.

I got my STR-DG910 for 275.00 at CC. It was an open box I think their retail price is 500.00. I love it even at 500.00 its a great value.Put some Klipsch on that baby and be prepared to be blown away.I highly suggest it.

When I researched for HDMI AV units, the least expensive AV unit that was not HDMI pass through was close to $1K. The above Sony AV unit is pass through and uses the analog 7.1 inputs.

Unfortunately, the PS3 does not have 5.1/7.1 analog outputs, nor does my A2.

[space86]

I plan to get a Blu-ray Disc Player this summer that supports
the new firmware or maybe just get a PS3.

[spartanstew]

When I researched for HDMI AV units, the least expensive AV unit that was not HDMI pass through was close to $1K. The above Sony AV unit is pass through and uses the analog 7.1 inputs.

Unfortunately, the PS3 does not have 5.1/7.1 analog outputs, nor does my A2.

But since the PS3 does the decoding, a pass through receiver is all you need.

Of course, that won't help you with your A2 (which you don't really need anymore unless you have a lot of HD-DVD's), but even the Onkyo 705 which decodes everything and has a plethora of inputs can be found for $500 (not quite the $200 you need, but better than $1000)

[turey22]

does the bluray player upconverts sd-dvd's?

[Jason Nipp]

does the bluray player upconverts sd-dvd's?
Yes, it does upconvert. Even to 1080p if you use HDMI and a 1080p capable display.

[turey22]

Yes, it does upconvert. Even to 1080p if you use HDMI and a 1080p capable display.

i learned something new today, thank you.