BluRay Player Comparison

[smiddy]

Over at BluRay.com they have done a comparison of the current players: http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=74197

[tworivers1]

You still can't beat ($400) the playstation 3 as a blue ray player and you get a game player also.

[smiddy]

You still can't beat ($400) the playstation 3 as a blue ray player and you get a game player also.

I find that to be so interesting too. Sony had their poop together when they rolled that puppy out and so many folks called it a gamble. :)

[kevinwmsn]

I got a PS3 mainly for its dual roles, just as I did years ago with the PS2. But the fan on mine kicks on a bit too much in an open shelf in my tv cabinet. I don't want to watch a movie over fan noise.

[Steve615]

The LG BD300 seems to be a very good player,from what we have seen of it at this time.I picked one of these up at a local BB a few days ago for around $240.
When I first set it up via HDMI,networked it and turned it on,there was a software update available for it,which surprised me.The player was manufactured August 2008.
It powers up and loads discs quickly.It also streams content from Netflix.Overall,we're very pleased with this player. :)

[smiddy]

The LG BD300 seems to be a very good player,from what we have seen of it at this time.I picked one of these up at a local BB a few days ago for around $240.
When I first set it up via HDMI,networked it and turned it on,there was a software update available for it,which surprised me.The player was manufactured August 2008.
It powers up and loads discs quickly.It also streams content from Netflix.Overall,we're very pleased with this player. :)

I debated between that one and the BDP-S550 from Sony and Santa decided I'd get the Sony. I haven't put it up yet. I need to beg to Santa a bit. ;)

[Richierich]

Yeah, I bought the BD300 and I couldn't be happier with the unit and for the price I paid for it and it plays everything!!!

[spartanstew]

That chart doesn't really tell you much. One of the least important factors when determining what player to get is load times.

I base my decision on actual AQ, PQ and problems from owners and reviewers. Based on that, the clear leader right now is the BD35/55.

You can also get great deals on them. I got a 35 for $139 a couple of weeks ago and you can get $100 off on the 55 (and other players) when buying 4 movies.

[smiddy]

That chart doesn't really tell you much. One of the least important factors when determining what player to get is load times.

I base my decision on actual AQ, PQ and problems from owners and reviewers. Based on that, the clear leader right now is the BD35/55.

You can also get great deals on them. I got a 35 for $139 a couple of weeks ago and you can get $100 off on the 55 (and other players) when buying 4 movies.

Good points, are there any comparisons on AQ and PQ out there?

[hdtvfan0001]

You still can't beat ($400) the playstation 3 as a blue ray player and you get a game player also.
That's been debated extensively in many places....

While the PS3 has some nice things...it also has some flaws and problems, which is to be expected for a game machine posing as a Blu Ray player. Some folks who have done comparisons in the imagery with dedicated players have indicated the PS3 is a step lower in terms of image quality.

Now that you can get a BD player for under $200 easily...the $399 PS3 isn't the deal it used to be, nor does it stand up in terms of unit noise, heat displacement, and other things.

[smiddy]

That's been debated extensively in many places....

While the PS3 has some nice things...it also has some flaws and problems, which is to be expected for a game machine posing as a Blu Ray player. Some folks who have done comparisons in the imagery with dedicated players have indicated the PS3 is a step lower in terms of image quality.

Now that you can get a BD player for under $200 easily...the $399 PS3 isn't the deal it used to be, nor does it stand up in terms of unit noise, heat displacement, and other things.

So, in my case, if I kept my PS3 in a media closet away from teh rest of the players, in which the closet temperature is kept at an electronic component comfort level of 68 degrees then the PS3 would be pretty ok.

BTW, how does one rate PQ? If the bits coming across the HDMI are the same for each system, shouldn't the PQ be the same? The difference is in the video decoding so a comparison of the engines is in order...who's got the data?

[hdtvfan0001]

So, in my case, if I kept my PS3 in a media closet away from teh rest of the players, in which the closet temperature is kept at an electronic component comfort level of 68 degrees then the PS3 would be pretty ok.
Yes
BTW, how does one rate PQ? If the bits coming across the HDMI are the same for each system, shouldn't the PQ be the same? The difference is in the video decoding so a comparison of the engines is in order...who's got the data?
The reports are that the imagery has the same pixel display....but a "slightly faded" (that's how I've seen it described) view in terms of contrast. From what I've read....it can be compensated for in the HD set itself....but a pain to have to do that.

[spartanstew]

While the PS3 has some nice things...it also has some flaws and problems, which is to be expected for a game machine posing as a Blu Ray player. Some folks who have done comparisons in the imagery with dedicated players have indicated the PS3 is a step lower in terms of image quality.

Now that you can get a BD player for under $200 easily...the $399 PS3 isn't the deal it used to be, nor does it stand up in terms of unit noise, heat displacement, and other things.

I'll agree it's no longer the deal it once was, but the comparisons in imagery that I've read (and I've read a lot), not only don't have indications that the PS3 is a step lower in image quality, but many contend it's a step higher in terms of image quality.

As far as noise and heat, it's dependent upon which unit you have. My 40GB is silent and puts off virtually no heat. I'm not sure what you mean by other flaws and problems, but the only flaws it has are the lack of analog output and the blutooth remote, both of which are design decisions and not flaws. Every stand alone player on the market today has problems with certain discs. Every one except the PS3. It will play every BD movie thrown at it. No other player can say that.

So, in my case, if I kept my PS3 in a media closet away from teh rest of the players, in which the closet temperature is kept at an electronic component comfort level of 68 degrees then the PS3 would be pretty ok.


More than OK.


BTW, how does one rate PQ? If the bits coming across the HDMI are the same for each system, shouldn't the PQ be the same? The difference is in the video decoding so a comparison of the engines is in order...who's got the data?

No, it's not always the same. PQ (of Blu Ray) is close in all the units, but there are differences. The biggest differences, however, are in the way the units upconvert SD discs. There's a very wide range. There's also a pretty wide range in AQ, mainly due to the DAC's that are used in each player.

The Pio units are believed to have the best audio processing (and best PQ), but IMO, the benefits aren't big enough to justify the price of those players. Couple that with no ethernet (which some don't want), and a number of specific disc issues (although some are corrected with each new firmware) and I'd much rather go with the Panny's which are a close second in those areas.

[hdtvfan0001]

I'll agree it's no longer the deal it once was, but the comparisons in imagery that I've read (and I've read a lot), not only don't have indications that the PS3 is a step lower in image quality, but many contend it's a step higher in terms of image quality.

As far as noise and heat, it's dependent upon which unit you have. My 40GB is silent and puts off virtually no heat. I'm not sure what you mean by other flaws and problems, but the only flaws it has are the lack of analog output and the blutooth remote, both of which are design decisions and not flaws. Every stand alone player on the market today has problems with certain discs. Every one except the PS3. It will play every BD movie thrown at it. No other player can say that.
There are plenty of players that can say that, and more important, the dedicated players handle the new Digital Audio Codecs better as well.

If you go to AVSForum...there are hundreds of posts of PS3 owners telling of audio breakups, hard drive failures, Ethernet port failures, cable connection failures, excessive heat, and video freezes on certain disks etc.

At $399, my point was that you can do better (now). That was not the case just 90 days ago.
PQ (of Blu Ray) is close in all the units, but there are differences. The biggest differences, however, are in the way the units upconvert SD discs. There's a very wide range. There's also a pretty wide range in AQ, mainly due to the DAC's that are used in each player.
Agreed (as I indicated above).
The Pio units are believed to have the best audio processing (and best PQ), but IMO, the benefits aren't big enough to justify the price of those players. Couple that with no ethernet (which some don't want), and a number of specific disc issues (although some are corrected with each new firmware) and I'd much rather go with the Panny's which are a close second in those areas.
I'm not sure I agree with the cost/results comment (that's kinda in the eyes of the beholder), but in general, your observations are consistent with many others I have read. My Panny has never missed an audio or video playback - never. Its imagery is outstanding, and the audio stellar.

At this moment in BD evolution..the Panny 35 or Sony 350 seem to be the best units and bang for the buck in Blu Ray.

[Cholly]

The table is nice as far as it goes. However, it's disappointing in its lack of many models in the marketplace. I'd selfishly like to see my LG BH-200 included, for example.

Load times have become a source of irritation for folks who own HD DVD or Blu-ray players. That, of course, is because the player must determine what type of media is being thrown at it and make adjustments accordingly.

[spartanstew]

If you go to AVSForum...there are hundreds of posts of PS3 owners telling of audio breakups, hard drive failures, Ethernet port failures, cable connection failures, excessive heat, and video freezes on certain disks etc.


Thanks. I can assure you I've read every post in the PS3 thread, the BD35/55 threads , the Pio 05/51 threads, the 350/550 threads as I'm subscribed to them all and have been subscribed to them since they all started. Now, I have the 35 and love it. I'll also be getting a 55 at some point. However, the PS3 has by far the fewest number of complaints of any other blu ray player. And I don't even remember reading any complaints regarding ethernet port failures or cable connection failures. Most of the heat (and noise) issues were with a specific 80gb model as well.

And other than discs with known errors, the PS3 has fewer disc errors (almost zero) than any other player also. I've been looking into these players for over a year and have spent hundreds of hours reading and comparing them. I'm not a gamer and I think the PS3 is kinda ugly. However, if you want a player that is virtually plug and play and will give you the least number of problems, the PS3 is the way to go. And it's not even close.

So, I would not necessarily recommend the PS3 at this point, because other stand alones have caught up (for the most part) and they can be found for much cheaper. The PS3 is still the cream of the crop in terms of performance however (with and HDMI equipped receiver).

Oh, and the 35 bests the 350 too, BTW.

[Mark Holtz]

And how much are the games on the PS3? How much heat does it generate?

[spartanstew]

I have no idea how much the games are, I've never played a game on it, but they probably have them listed on Amazon. I haven't used a thermometer, but my PS3 produces less heat than my HR20 or my Pio Elite Receiver based on what I can gauge by touch (but the 80G unit produces a bit more heat, which also results in a bit more noise overall).

[hdtvfan0001]

Thanks. I can assure you I've read every post in the PS3 thread, the BD35/55 threads , the Pio 05/51 threads, the 350/550 threads as I'm subscribed to them all and have been subscribed to them since they all started. Now, I have the 35 and love it. I'll also be getting a 55 at some point. Oh, and the 35 bests the 350 too, BTW.
I'd share your observations on these same points.

Nice to know I'm not the only one perusing some of those other threads. :D

I've got 13 favorites for HD and Home Theater reads...so I share your passion for information on those topics. As for the PS3...I'll respectfully agree to disagree in terms of the folks who have reported problems. I even know of some of them personally, so I'll level the playing field by concluding that the PS3 certainly has proven to be a viable alternative for Blu Ray playing.

[bobukcat]

There are plenty of players that can say that, and more important, the dedicated players handle the new Digital Audio Codecs better as well.

If you go to AVSForum...there are hundreds of posts of PS3 owners telling of audio breakups, hard drive failures, Ethernet port failures, cable connection failures, excessive heat, and video freezes on certain disks etc.

At $399, my point was that you can do better (now). That was not the case just 90 days ago.

Agreed (as I indicated above).

I'm not sure I agree with the cost/results comment (that's kinda in the eyes of the beholder), but in general, your observations are consistent with many others I have read. My Panny has never missed an audio or video playback - never. Its imagery is outstanding, and the audio stellar.

At this moment in BD evolution..the Panny 35 or Sony 350 seem to be the best units and bang for the buck in Blu Ray.


I think it would be understandable that there are more complaints of problems with PS3s than the standalone BD players because they've sold several order of magnitude more PS3s than any standalone player. Personally I've never had a single glitch (knock on wood) with my 80GB when playing BDs.

New games are $59.95 which I believe is the same as XBOX360 but more expensive than Wii games.

FWIW, we're almost done with our finishing the basement and I'm probably going to buy another PS3 (probably the 40GB) to go with the PDP-6020 I'm putting in as opposesed to a standalone player. I like the faster load times and the ability to media stream and play games. I may pick up a lower-end standalone player for the 50" 720P Plasma I have in the bedroom during the sales closer to Christmas.

[hdtvfan0001]

FWIW, we're almost done with our finishing the basement and I'm probably going to buy another PS3 (probably the 40GB) to go with the PDP-6020 I'm putting in as opposesed to a standalone player. I like the faster load times and the ability to media stream and play games. I may pick up a lower-end standalone player for the 50" 720P Plasma I have in the bedroom during the sales closer to Christmas.
Your mix of players is actually quite commonplace...after all...there are millions of the PS3 boxes out there, so having one of those and a standalone would be a normal situation.

Enjoy the HD!

[smiddy]

No, it's not always the same. PQ (of Blu Ray) is close in all the units, but there are differences. The biggest differences, however, are in the way the units upconvert SD discs. There's a very wide range. There's also a pretty wide range in AQ, mainly due to the DAC's that are used in each player.

The Pio units are believed to have the best audio processing (and best PQ), but IMO, the benefits aren't big enough to justify the price of those players. Couple that with no ethernet (which some don't want), and a number of specific disc issues (although some are corrected with each new firmware) and I'd much rather go with the Panny's which are a close second in those areas.

SD upconverting, well, there ya go. I suspect my DVD-3910 upconverts better than most BluRay units out there, I will have to compare it to my BDP-S550 once Santa Allows me to open the package and set it up. I agree, upconversion will be a problem...for some units.

I'd be curious to see a comparison on audio between the latest Denon unit and the Pioneer, price aside, sheer audio performance. Price there isn't a comparison I don't think, the Denon is way over priced. There's also another $16k model out there too, but I can not recall the brand name.

[machavez00]

I think it would be understandable that there are more complaints of problems with PS3s than the standalone BD players because they've sold several order of magnitude more PS3s than any standalone player. Personally I've never had a single glitch (knock on wood) with my 80GB when playing BDs.

New games are $59.95 which I believe is the same as XBOX360 but more expensive than Wii games.

FWIW, we're almost done with our finishing the basement and I'm probably going to buy another PS3 (probably the 40GB) to go with the PDP-6020 I'm putting in as opposesed to a standalone player. I like the faster load times and the ability to media stream and play games. I may pick up a lower-end standalone player for the 50" 720P Plasma I have in the bedroom during the sales closer to Christmas.


There are games for $20 (PS3 Hall of Fame) Most new games are $60. Used games can be purchased for less.

[spartanstew]

SD upconverting, well, there ya go. I suspect my DVD-3910 upconverts better than most BluRay units out there, I will have to compare it to my BDP-S550 once Santa Allows me to open the package and set it up. I agree, upconversion will be a problem...for some units.


I think you'll be keeping your Denon for SD. Not only should the upconversion be better, but IIRC, the Denon has zero layer change on SD, while the 550 will have 1-3 seconds depending on the disc.

[smiddy]

I think you'll be keeping your Denon for SD. Not only should the upconversion be better, but IIRC, the Denon has zero layer change on SD, while the 550 will have 1-3 seconds depending on the disc.

Yuck, really, 1 to 3 seconds! Yikes!

Yes, my Denon DVD player rocks for upconversion. Cars for example is flawless. But, I plan on getting a few movies (like Cars) updated to BluRay which I would suspect should be better than any upconverted DVD.

[hdtvfan0001]

Yuck, really, 1 to 3 seconds! Yikes!

Yes, my Denon DVD player rocks for upconversion. Cars for example is flawless. But, I plan on getting a few movies (like Cars) updated to BluRay which I would suspect should be better than any upconverted DVD.
Despite the marketing information to the contrary....I would get a Blu ray to play Blu Ray, and not SD disks....yes they all can upconvert (and a few of the higher price models do a pretty good job), but I also have an HD DVD player, and use that for standard DVD upconverts (as well as HD DVD HD disks).

While my Panny Blu Ray does a pretty good job with upconverting SD disks...the HD DVD player does a better job. Since I use these on a 116" screen display, you can really tell the difference.

As for the Panny doing Blu Ray - holy swamp gas - you should see how spectacular Cars would look with that...it's almost 3D.

[smiddy]

Despite the marketing information to the contrary....I would get a Blu ray to play Blu Ray, and not SD disks....yes they all can upconvert (and a few of the higher price models do a pretty good job), but I also have an HD DVD player, and use that for standard DVD upconverts (as well as HD DVD HD disks).

While my Panny Blu Ray does a pretty good job with upconverting SD disks...the HD DVD player does a better job. Since I use these on a 116" screen display, you can really tell the difference.

As for the Panny doing Blu Ray - holy swamp gas - you should see how spectacular Cars would look with that...it's almost 3D.

Yeah, I'm excited to see it on my 92" screen in BluRay. I will compare it on that too to make a clear comparison.

Yeah, I can imagine it but until I see it...I defer to you sir for your experience. ;) :lol:

[Steve615]

I thought I would share some info that I received via e-mail from LG a few minutes ago.
The BD 300 BR player is now getting a $50 instant savings from LG,when purchased "in-store".
In other words,whatever price you see in stores for this player,$50 will be taken off of that price at the time of purchase. :)
The offer is valid through 12/20/08,or while supplies last,according to the e-mail from LG.

[Richierich]

How do I get a copy of that email so I can get the rebate???

[Steve615]

How do I get a copy of that email so I can get the rebate???

There was no rebate form attached to the e-mail,it was a pretty lengthy e-mail,promoting discounts on several of their 1080p TV's and the BD 300 player.The $50 discount is an instant rebate,available "in-store" only.
Here is a link to LG's home page.

http://us.lge.com/index.jhtml

Scroll down that page and look to the left side of the page,for the QUICK LINKS section to sign up for their newsletter.That is how I get e-mails from LG.
Hope the info helps. :)

[smiddy]

I thought I would share some info that I received via e-mail from LG a few minutes ago.
The BD 300 BR player is now getting a $50 instant savings from LG,when purchased "in-store".
In other words,whatever price you see in stores for this player,$50 will be taken off of that price at the time of purchase. :)
The offer is valid through 12/20/08,or while supplies last,according to the e-mail from LG.

Wow, had I known that when Santa decided to get mine...it would have been a no brainer.

Is there any word on the Netflix in HD?

[Steve615]

Wow, had I known that when Santa decided to get mine...it would have been a no brainer.

Is there any word on the Netflix in HD?

Check this blog out from Netflix. ;) :)

http://blog.netflix.com/

EDIT: Downloading the new software update for the BD300 mentioned in the blog from Netflix currently.
For folks that have the BD300 player,the new software version is : BD.8.11.425

[wilbur_the_goose]

FWIW, the XBOX 360 has HD Netflix available.

PS - I love my PS3 BluRay player. I may be the only person using it for the BluRay and not the games.

[Richierich]

Thanks for that info and I have a BH300 but I did not receive any email and I am registered with them but one department does not know another one in the corporate scheme of things.

[spartanstew]

PS - I love my PS3 BluRay player. I may be the only person using it for the BluRay and not the games.

Oh, there's lots of us.

[hdtvfan0001]

Oh, there's lots of us.
...and it makes a great space heater for winter too....:D

[Tom Robertson]

OPPO has announced their Blu-ray player is coming: http://www.electronichouse.com/article/oppo_shares_details_on_bdp_83_universal_blu_ray/?utm_source=eh&utm_medium=rp

If it's anything like their upconverting DVD player that I have, there won't be a better player. :)

Peace,
Tom

[spartanstew]

Yes, reports from the Oppo beta testers are very good. You can also sign up via email to be an early adopter (buy the player before it gets released to the public and while it's still lacking a few features - no 2.0, no internal decoding of lossless audio, etc.).

However, unless you need some of the "bells and whistles" that the Oppo offers (i.e. SACD, DVD-A, DVD-V), I'm not sure if it's worth the $500 -$600 price point, especially if you already have a good upscaling DVD player.

If you're just interested in Blu Ray playback, the Panny 35, Sony 550 or PS3 would better serve you.

[Richierich]

WOW, spartanstew, what a SLAM DUNK!!! You very cleverly wacked them good with your post!!!

[hdtvfan0001]

Yes, reports from the Oppo beta testers are very good. You can also sign up via email to be an early adopter (buy the player before it gets released to the public and while it's still lacking a few features - no 2.0, no internal decoding of lossless audio, etc.).

However, unless you need some of the "bells and whistles" that the Oppo offers (i.e. SACD, DVD-A, DVD-V), I'm not sure if it's worth the $500 -$600 price point, especially if you already have a good upscaling DVD player.

If you're just interested in Blu Ray playback, the Panny 35, Sony 550 or PS3 would better serve you.
A solid summary of the Blu Ray comparison state of affairs as of this time.

[spartanstew]

WOW, spartanstew, what a SLAM DUNK!!! You very cleverly wacked them good with your post!!!

Whacked whom?

[BubblePuppy]

:confused: WOW, spartanstew, what a SLAM DUNK!!! You very cleverly wacked them good with your post!!!