View Full Version : Blu Ray dvd player info.
I am looking for a nice BR player. Something that supports all the surround audio formats, easily updates its own software. But not real espensive. Any good web sites that compare different models, and give full specs??? Also that explains the what the specs mean? Like version 1 vs version2 software?????:confused:
Tom Robertson
12-22-08, 07:17 PM
Finding "inexpensive" players that support ALL video/audio formats might be tough. Oppo Digital has announced their upcoming BD-83 will and be somewhere around $500 to $600 early next year.
There are many other players ranging from $150 to $250, depending on sales, but few of them support Profile 2.0, BD-Live which are the interactive/online features.
If you want to just play the BD movies and don't care for the extra's and interactive, the less expensive units will work.
I'm also a big fan of PS3's as BD players. I don't own a single PS3 game (nor any PS2 games for that matter), so my PS3 has only been for BD/DVD/media playing.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Tom
spartanstew
12-22-08, 08:56 PM
To date, the Panasonic BD35 is the most well reviewed player (sound&vision, hometheater, etc.). It's also most mags best buy since it can be found for less than $250 if you pay attention (got mine for $139).
It has an Ethernet connection so any updates can be done automatically and it also allows for BDLive if you desire it.
If you have an audio receiver with HDMI inputs, it'll allow for lossless audio. If you're audio receiver doesn't have HDMI, but has analog inputs, you may want to get the BD55 instead.
If you're just using your display, the BD35 will also suffice.
davemayo
12-22-08, 09:19 PM
I bought a BD-35 a few weeks ago and have been very happy. Firmware updates can't be any easier after connecting the player to the Internet. PQ has been great. Got it for $299.
I'm also a big fan of PS3's as BD players. I don't own a single PS3 game (nor any PS2 games for that matter), so my PS3 has only been for BD/DVD/media playing.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
TomWhat audio format does the PS3 support? I was thinking about that unit.
spartanstew
12-22-08, 10:52 PM
The PS3 supports all audio formats (lossless and lossy) as long as you have an HDMI capable receiver. The PS3 decodes them and sends them to the receiver via PCM. It cannot bitstream the audio to have the receiver do the decoding. Sound wise, there's really no difference, but some people like to have their receiver display the sound format (i.e. Dolby TrueHD) instead of PCM.
brian188
12-22-08, 11:49 PM
PS3 is the way to go. They sell for 399, but it is not hard to find specials and deals, a little while back I had a promo code discount of 17% from my company, sony was running a 15% on their website with free shipping, and I found a stackable 10% coupon code. (I'd give them but they are expired now) So little over $230 got me one. But I would have been happy paying 400. Last Christmas I paid 188 for a sony player (BDP-300), not nearly as nice as the PS3, but plays truehd sound with a firmware upgrade via download and disc. That one works well in the bedroom now.
So the bottom line on the PS3, even if you pay full price, you get a full-featured, internet connected (easy upgrade) player for a few dollars more (in a lot of cases less money) than most other players, and you get a kick ass game system to boot.
spartanstew
12-23-08, 01:47 PM
The PS3 was the obvious choice 6-9 months ago. It's not so obvious anymore.
hdtvfan0001
12-23-08, 02:33 PM
The PS3 was the obvious choice 6-9 months ago. It's not so obvious anymore.
The PS3 was indeed a solid choice 6-9 months ago...
Now there are many more choices, a number of which are 25-50% less and offer attractive features.
The Panasonic BD35 is a good unit, as is the SOny BD350.
Target happens to have a Profile 1.1 unit on sale this week for $149.99 (Olevia). It is similar to other Profile 1.1 units from Magnavox, Memoriex, Sylvania, and Insignia that are all now priced at $199 or less (on sale).
Profile 1.1 is adaquate for most folks, unless you plan to use the Profile 2.0-featured ethernet connectivity for BD-Live interactive features cropping up on a limited number of BD disks.
pez2002
12-23-08, 02:40 PM
I am looking for a nice BR player. Something that supports all the surround audio formats, easily updates its own software. But not real espensive. Any good web sites that compare different models, and give full specs??? Also that explains the what the specs mean? Like version 1 vs version2 software?????:confused:
after christmas sales are good
rudeney
12-23-08, 04:03 PM
Over the last month or so, HH Gregg has been selling the Panasonic BD35 for as low as $199, but usually no more than $249. Given that they do negotiate prices, you might be able to strike a deal on it if it isn't already on sale.
VegasDen
12-23-08, 08:45 PM
I have the Samsung 2500 (actually the BD-2550 from Best Buy) and love it. Outstanding video and audio quality. Upgrades easily. Soon to add DTS-HD audio.
Plus it is only one of 2 Blu-Ray players (that I know of) that allow you to stream Netflix. With Netflix adding more HD to the stream...it's better than a premium movie channel and at almost the same price.
Ok thanks for the info. Now I need to research what the 2 profiles mean??
hdtvfan0001
12-24-08, 02:03 PM
Ok thanks for the info. Now I need to research what the 2 profiles mean??
Profile 1.1 supports the current audio codecs (with the proper receiver but has no Ethernet connections for the BD-Live download feature (if you are into that...), while Profile 2.0 supports everything to date, including BD-Live.
The Ethernet can also be used if and when you get any firmware updates, whereas 1.1 can also be updated, but using a CD instead.
Only about 1% of Blu Ray disks today use the BD-Live feature, but more will come...mostly interactive a supplimental activities that some viewers will use.
Profile 1.1 supports the current audio codecs (with the proper receiver but has no Ethernet connections for the BD-Live download feature (if you are into that...), while Profile 2.0 supports everything to date, including BD-Live.
The Ethernet can also be used if and when you get any firmware updates, whereas 1.1 can also be updated, but using a CD instead.
Only about 1% of Blu Ray disks today use the BD-Live feature, but more will come...mostly interactive a supplimental activities that some viewers will use.
Thanks for the info. I might as well get profile 2 to be up to speed....
MicroBeta
12-24-08, 03:53 PM
Samsung BD-p1500 at best buy for $249 but my friend got it on sale for $199.
It's the one I have and I love it.
Mike
hdtvfan0001
12-24-08, 05:58 PM
Thanks for the info. I might as well get profile 2 to be up to speed....
You'll likely be OK either way...depends on if and how much you'd use BD-Live...
But right now..Target has a Profile 1 unit on sale this week @$150, and I've seen 2 Profile 2 units on sale @$199....so prices are favorable in both directions.
Planning to see alot of Blu Ray HD over the next week with company coming in...
Can anyone give an example of BD Live features. I remember about all the "features" we were supposed to get with DVDs (multiple camera angles, alternate endings, etc.) mostly it turned into trailers and deleted scenes on the disc.
Santa brought us a BDP-S550 and we also got Kung Fu Panda (with BD-Live) and Tinkerbell (with Disney's BD-Live). The Kung Fu Panda is a feature and has very little content, a screen showing the last fight scene, it is pretty benign. Tinkerbell downloaded a bunch of stuff, of which I haven't tried, the little Smiddelette is watching the movie at the moment. I'll report back afterwards.
hdtvfan0001
12-25-08, 04:40 PM
Santa brought us a BDP-S550 and we also got Kung Fu Panda (with BD-Live) and Tinkerbell (with Disney's BD-Live). The Kung Fu Panda is a feature and has very little content, a screen showing the last fight scene, it is pretty benign. Tinkerbell downloaded a bunch of stuff, of which I haven't tried, the little Smiddelette is watching the movie at the moment. I'll report back afterwards.
You're gonna like that unit......and you're really gonna like the HD.
ibglowin
12-26-08, 09:00 AM
Can anyone give an example of BD Live features. I remember about all the "features" we were supposed to get with DVDs (multiple camera angles, alternate endings, etc.) mostly it turned into trailers and deleted scenes on the disc.
The Dark Knight had some interesting BD Live features:
http://www.spike.com/blog/dark-knight-bd-live/71488
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/09/the-dark-knight-fan-commentary-bd-live-feature-shown-on-video/
I snagged a Panny BD35 BD player for an amazing price of only $199 with free shipping from Tigerdirect. I found it on Cyber Monday and ordered it, the next AM it said it was all backordered and out of stock which pissed me off as it was supposedly in stock when I ordered it. I refused to cancel the order and I watched the price on this machine go from $229 on Amazon to $379 on Xmas eve. The player arrived via UPS on Christmas eve....................
Amazing machine compared to the PS3 I also have. Its fast AND silent in operation and fully profile 2.0 compatible.
A little off the subject a friend of mine just got a 52" Sony bravia LCD 120HZ + a blueray player for $2000 at Circuit City today.
deltafowler
12-26-08, 10:32 AM
A little off the subject a friend of mine just got a 52" Sony bravia LCD 120HZ + a blueray player for $2000 at Circuit City today.
Your friend should see about getting the "SUCKER" tattoo removed from his forehead :lol:
Ron Barry
12-26-08, 10:39 AM
I am waiting personally for the units with analog audio out (550 and 55) to come down in price. Definitely some good deals were out there during the holidays but all of them were for the 350 and 35 units (Sony/Panny).
Your friend should see about getting the "SUCKER" tattoo removed from his forehead :lol:I dont know about that... if he is happy then that all that counts .
gnahc79
12-26-08, 12:14 PM
I am waiting personally for the units with analog audio out (550 and 55) to come down in price. Definitely some good deals were out there during the holidays but all of them were for the 350 and 35 units (Sony/Panny).
IMO just get the bd35 and upgrade the receiver later. At least that the conclusion I came to when I asked on avs (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1096860). In the thread one user links this (http://www.hemagazine.com/node/Dolby_TrueHD_DTS-MA_versus_Uncompressed_PCM)article describing how trueHD is better than DTS, but not significantly.
spartanstew
12-26-08, 03:39 PM
I am waiting personally for the units with analog audio out (550 and 55) to come down in price. Definitely some good deals were out there during the holidays but all of them were for the 350 and 35 units (Sony/Panny).
Fry's had the Sony 550 today for $249.
IMO just get the bd35 and upgrade the receiver later.
That's easy to say if you already have a cheap receiver. For those that spent $2000 or more on a receiver several years ago, there's no way to currently "upgrade" it without dropping $3000+. Sure, they could buy one of the cheap Onkyo's that everyone talks about so that they have HDMI capabilities, but the Sound Quality would suffer. To most, a good receiver is about the sound quality first and foremost.
gnahc79
12-26-08, 08:11 PM
Fry's had the Sony 550 today for $249.
That's easy to say if you already have a cheap receiver. For those that spent $2000 or more on a receiver several years ago, there's no way to currently "upgrade" it without dropping $3000+. Sure, they could buy one of the cheap Onkyo's that everyone talks about so that they have HDMI capabilities, but the Sound Quality would suffer. To most, a good receiver is about the sound quality first and foremost.
Makes sense to me :). For someone with a HT budget where the receiver is ~$2-3k then the cost difference between a 35 and 55 shouldn't be that much of a factor. A 55 would make sense for that scenario. For the HT budget that has a $500-$1,000 receiver or an old receiver (like me), you're not losing that much in sound quality by just getting a 35.
Ron Barry
12-26-08, 09:40 PM
My receiver is a Pioneer Elite VSX-26TX. Thanks for the link gnahc79. Hmmm 250 is the price point.. Might have to drop by Frys.. Was this a one day only sale?
spartanstew
12-26-08, 09:56 PM
Yes, at Fry's it was a one day sale and apparently most stores were out of them an hour or two after opening.
gnahc79
12-27-08, 01:34 AM
My employer has a beneplace affiliation with Panasonic, so I can buy it online from Panasonic's employee purchase program for $250 shipped and the 55 for $310:).
ibglowin,
So, I can have video of other people commenting on the film? Hmmm...
I wonder how much people would pay NOT to see me in my boxers with commentary?
The Dark Knight had some interesting BD Live features:
http://www.spike.com/blog/dark-knight-bd-live/71488
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/09/the-dark-knight-fan-commentary-bd-live-feature-shown-on-video/
I snagged a Panny BD35 BD player for an amazing price of only $199 with free shipping from Tigerdirect. I found it on Cyber Monday and ordered it, the next AM it said it was all backordered and out of stock which pissed me off as it was supposedly in stock when I ordered it. I refused to cancel the order and I watched the price on this machine go from $229 on Amazon to $379 on Xmas eve. The player arrived via UPS on Christmas eve....................
Amazing machine compared to the PS3 I also have. Its fast AND silent in operation and fully profile 2.0 compatible.
ibglowin,
So, I can have video of other people commenting on the film? Hmmm...
I wonder how much people would pay NOT to see me in my boxers with commentary?
Disney's BD-Live seems to be a work in progress. You can login to Disney's BD-Live site, change your avatar, comment on movies, and apparently upload videos too (I'm not sure how). Disney's site keeps track of your stats on number of movies. You can email friends from BD-Live and invite people to be your firend...it looks like a controlled onlne experience. Oh, and there is shopping too. I can't see using any of the Disney BD-Live stuff as it is right now. There is supposed to be extra features associated with each movie, but that area is under construction...so perhaps it is too early to tell. :rolleyes: Though I've only watched three movies with it, Fung Fu Panda, Tinker Bell, and WALL-E.
hdtvfan0001
12-28-08, 02:42 PM
Disney's BD-Live seems to be a work in progress. You can login to Disney's BD-Live site, change your avatar, comment on movies, and apparently upload videos too (I'm not sure how). Disney's site keeps track of your stats on number of movies. You can email friends from BD-Live and invite people to be your firend...it looks like a controlled onlne experience. Oh, and there is shopping too. I can't see using any of the Disney BD-Live stuff as it is right now. There is supposed to be extra features associated with each movie, but that area is under construction...so perhaps it is too early to tell. :rolleyes: Though I've only watched three movies with it, Fung Fu Panda, Tinker Bell, and WALL-E.
At least you've seen 3 pretty cool HD movies so far....:D
The BD-Live stuff is (like you said) "a work in progress".
I have seen 5 movies with is so far, and quite honestly...don't see all that much value in the interactive deployment so far. Maybe they'll grow it up into something of substance, but so far, its nothing I'd miss if I had a Profile 1.1 BD player.
Galaxie6411
12-28-08, 03:28 PM
I researched BluRay this past month and decided a PS3 was the way to go IF you can get it for under $400. As luck would have it Dell was/is running 15% off so you can get it for $340. I went ahead on got it, aside from the games I would pay, the PS3 blows away the "budget" players in load times and beats most of them in at least 1 other area, be it upgradeability or what audio it outputs. So ar I have watched Lonesome Dove, half a dozen episodes of Firefly and the Dark Knight and I am very pleased. I also have an HD Dvd player and have to admit, after being an HD Dvd supporter, Blu Ray does have some advantages and may even look a tad better.
I will say one PITA thing about the PS3 is the remote, it is Bluetooth based so my Harmony will not run the PS3 without a converter that I'd have to plug into the PS3. For now I just use the controller.
hdtvfan0001
12-28-08, 04:59 PM
I will say one PITA thing about the PS3 is the remote, it is Bluetooth based so my Harmony will not run the PS3 without a converter that I'd have to plug into the PS3. For now I just use the controller.
...and of course the fact that you can get 2 standalone players for less than the price of 1 PS3...but then of course the PS3 can also be used to heat your home in the winter time so some might see that as an advantage favoring the PS3....:D
As for load times...the cheapest standalone found to date is the Magnavox BD player (which I got Black Friday for $128 as my 2nd player)...and the load times were within 2 seconds of the PS3 I used at my neighbors house yesterday viewing the same 2 movies....
Now that I think of it...I got my Wii and my Magnavox both together for less than 1 PS3...
HDJulie
01-01-09, 07:43 AM
Is it worth it to get a blu-ray player if your television does only 720P?
Is it worth it to get a blu-ray player if your television does only 720P?
short answer....... definately:)
HDJulie
01-01-09, 08:26 AM
short answer....... definately:)
Cool, thanks! I'll tell my husband that we should get a lower end model to try on our current TV & then move it to the guest room when we get a new tv & also get a better player :-).
hdtvfan0001
01-01-09, 08:48 AM
Is it worth it to get a blu-ray player if your television does only 720P?
That's still considered HD...and seeing Blu Ray present on a 720p display is still great.....most 720p sets also present 1080i, which is also outstanding.
You don't need 1080p to appreciate and enjoy HD from Blu Ray.
MicroBeta
01-01-09, 09:47 AM
Is it worth it to get a blu-ray player if your television does only 720P?I think so.
I have a 768 TV and it actually looks better with a 1080 signal vs a 720.
So for me, yes. I guess it's up to the viewer.
I think my TV does a better job removing data from 1080 then adding data from 720.
My 2¢.
Mike
i have heard rumors for the last few days about panasonic discontinuing the well liked 35 and 55. they just came out in october..... here are there new players....
http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/Panasonic_s_New_Blu-ray_Line_Includes_VHS_Combo_Deck_and_Portable_Play er.shtml
hdtvfan0001
01-08-09, 08:57 AM
i have heard rumors for the last few days about panasonic discontinuing the well liked 35 and 55. they just came out in october..... here are there new players....
http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/Panasonic_s_New_Blu-ray_Line_Includes_VHS_Combo_Deck_and_Portable_Play er.shtml
They usually get a year lifespan out of a model...so don't look for these to be out until perhaps late 3Q or early 4Q 2009...but yes, they are intended and stated as replacements.
I may walk over to the Panasonic booth at CES tomorrow to see if I can learn more...
Mark Holtz
01-08-09, 09:08 AM
Panasonic's New Blu-ray Player Line, According to a Slide
http://i.gizmodo.com/5125883/panasonics-new-blu+ray-player-line-according-to-a-slide
neocharles
02-22-09, 09:37 PM
I have the Samsung 2500 (actually the BD-2550 from Best Buy) and love it. Outstanding video and audio quality. Upgrades easily. Soon to add DTS-HD audio.
Plus it is only one of 2 Blu-Ray players (that I know of) that allow you to stream Netflix. With Netflix adding more HD to the stream...it's better than a premium movie channel and at almost the same price.
What's the picture quality of the things from netflix on this? I was looking at this one as it has Netflix and Pandora on it...
vBulletin® v3.7.6, Copyright ©2000-2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.