Three New Pioneer BD Players Hit the Shelves

[bobukcat]

At $299, $399 and $599 (for the Elite) they aren't the cheapest options but may be a good value for a "premium" player if their performance meets expectations.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/05/pioneers-blu-ray-player-trio-gets-official-in-the-us/

[ilgiampa]

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/05/pioneers-blu-ray-player-trio-gets-official-in-the-us/

Hi, I've read the article, what's "Elite badging"?:confused: Looks like the reason for the higher price...

thanks

[bobukcat]

Hi, I've read the article, what's "Elite badging"?:confused: Looks like the reason for the higher price...

thanks

Elite badging is basically just prettier logos and a big "Elite" tag accross the front, but that model does add a couple of things such as a different video processing chip and RS232 control. The former may be useful to regular videophiles if it provides better picture (won't know until the reviews hit) but the latter is probably only desirable if you have a high-end central control system that actually uses RS232 instead of IR or HDMI switching.

[CCarncross]

Especially in the receiver line, the Elite badging is much more than just badging. Most times its better isolated power supplies/transformers, different/upgraded chipsets etc...as is illustrated by the better features and specs on that Elite BD player.

[bobukcat]

Just a note to anyone considering the -120 model, the folks over at AVS have some pretty compelling evidence that it's just a re-badged Sharp and not nearly worth the money. The 320 is getting pretty good reviews for the price.