Ask Engadget HD: Which Blu-ray player should I pick up for the holidays?

Although standalone Blu-ray players have traditionally been more costly than their HD DVD counterparts, noticeable price cutting has finally commenced on a number of well-known units. Granted, there's all sorts of debate surrounding DVD upconversion performance, Profile 1.0 / 1.1 / 2.0 and how sexy a given player looks beside your HD DVR, but that's where you come in. Is paying top dollar really worth it to be on the bleeding edge? Or should you pick up an oldie-but-goodie and await a firmware upgrade? Oh, and let's not forget the fact that Sony's recently heralded PlayStation 3 isn't taking its movie playing duties lightly, either. Needless to say, the sheer number of choices here are mind-numbing, so why not chime in and help those struggling to decide which BD player to snap up before long lost siblings and oft forgotten cousins rush in?
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Vidikron (FU) @ Dec 20th 2007 3:11PM
Here you go (went back and got it from the previous news article about the Harmony remte):
http://www.schmartz.com/main.sc;jsessionid=AFEF933E7A11E9E687F978C902F3DE7E.qscweb24?categoryId=1
Siva @ Dec 20th 2007 7:59PM
If you are limited by HDMI ports, you can do one of two things. Get an HDMI switcher ($30 from monoprice), or better yet get a HDMI receiver. This way you get more HDMI ports and also lossless audio. That way you can stay with your favorite HD-DVD player and get the PS3 for Bluray. I won't trust the LG or the Samsung universal players yet!
Raptor007 @ Dec 20th 2007 11:20PM
Excellent points. For me, it's worth the $$$ for Samsung's BD-UP5000.
kcmurphy88 @ Dec 21st 2007 12:27AM
Well, I will eventually upgrade my receiver, but I hope to get another year out of my Denon 3803. The replacement would cost at least twice the cost of the BD player. And I hate switches.
It's probably the Samsung BD-5000 for me, too since they discrete audio outputs allow me to stretch the Denon even further.
Treefingers @ Dec 21st 2007 9:10AM
Ethernet port on dual format players are not enabled for BD, only HD DVD, therefore they cannot be upgraded to 1.1, and firmwares are just as hard to install as they are now.
Nate the Prophet @ Dec 20th 2007 2:57PM
The PS3 is the one of the current best deals in the electronics world. It's a great deal for JUST a Blu-ray player, a great deal for JUST a game console--but it does both and doubles as a multimedia player. That whole package can be had for just $299 at sony's website (that's what I did).
Even if you don't think you'll ever use the game console or other multimedia aspects, it's still the best "cheap" BR player around, and you can guarantee that it will always have the latest firmware and fixes available for download for many years since there will be tens of millions of them in circulation.
I've been loving Blu-ray movies on my PS3 for just over a month now, and plan to keep adding to my movie collection. But having the option of playing games has been awesome too. You can find good used games very cheap, and I know that when my son is a little older he's going to love that.
Mexigun @ Dec 20th 2007 3:08PM
PS3 Hands Down.
Peace,
Mexigun
James Rainey @ Dec 20th 2007 3:16PM
PS3
Ed @ Dec 20th 2007 3:24PM
I don't want to stoop to the Blu trolling level of the tool aka BBG here like he or she did on the HDDVD poll yesterday, but I wanted to comment anyway and hopefully you all understand that my comments below aren't intended to offend Blu fans.
For the past year I've said all along that the best Blu player on the market wasn't a stand alone player at all but a gaming system: the PS3. Now to be fair, I don't own a PS3 and have no intentions of getting one because I'm a gamer that's what I would use it for.
Having said that, I actually find it refreshing to see so many others agreeing that the PS3 would be the best option to go Blu, and would most likely be my choice as well if I so choose to. It's going to be Profile 1.1 fairly soon, which would help sway me more.
But now that I'm learning that it doesn't bitstream Dolby TrueHD and DTSHD-MA, however, does lessen the likelihood that I would go for the PS3 afterall. Maybe another firmware update could fix that in the near future? Might just have to wait for a reasonably priced stand alone Profile 1.1 player then.
Galley @ Dec 20th 2007 3:43PM
The PS3 is a no-brainer. It's got:
wireless firmware updates
game-playing as a bonus
An Internet browser (handy when you bork your PC)
It's built like a tank
fast loading times
media card support for photo viewing and more
audio & video streaming
LA26 @ Dec 20th 2007 3:51PM
Streaming HD episodes of Stargate and Heroes to your PS3 is pure "win."
Nfinity @ Dec 20th 2007 4:16PM
Nah..I"ll just get those in hi-def on Xbox Live or get them on HD DVD.
Panasonic is THE ONLY real Blu-Ray player with all proper audio and video support that comes close to completeness of HD DVD despite the fact that it will match HD DVD only with Profile 2.0.
mntwister @ Dec 20th 2007 4:07PM
I own the Playstation but I hear the Panasonic bmp-bd30 is quite the player, and 1.1 compliant and sends dolby true and DTS master through the HDMI as bitstream. Their previous player the 10a, sends the formats through the analog outputs too for those without a new HDMI receiver. I love the PS3, it's an awesome blu-ray player with absolutely one of the best upscalers to 1080 (from dvd) I have yet seen, very close to the Reon HQV processor.
I also hear, for a more expensive price, the Pioneer Elite model is a beauty and very well built, and the Sony ES player also. It really depends on budget. For $399, I think the Playstation 3 is one awesome deal, you get the blu-ray player and the next generation game system in one, with internet connectivity so when profile 2.0 comes out (for internet blu-ray extras), you will be set.
For combi players, I have been reading about Samsung's new bd-up5000 combi player and it's a nice piece of equipment. Has the HQV reon for the best upscaling, interactivity for both formats, and 7.1 analog outputs in addition to the HDMI.
domerdel @ Dec 20th 2007 4:14PM
PS3, all the way. It gets a bad wrap for using Bluetooth remote instead of IR technology. Perhaps in the remote control market, although bluetooth is EXTREMELY superior to IR technology, it's not ready to be that way across the board, so if you are the type who spent a pretty penny on those tech-savvy remotes, it will be accompanied by another remote.
Not sure about the audio bitstream issues, so I guess the Panny would be the one to pick up. I personally would go with the PS3 (biased because I own one) because the fact it's a powerhouse multimedia center with firmware updates. Nobody thought DivX was coming, and hell, they suprised us with a DivX-certification, so I'll hope for the best and wait til what they say about the audio decoding.
kcmurphy88 @ Dec 21st 2007 12:31AM
The remote control market is IR and will be IR for the foreseeable future. I have a drawer with a dozen remotes in it. Instead, I use a single remote that my fingers know by heart. I will not buy a piece of equipment, no matter what, that does not fit in that scheme. I can program the remote to do anything, as long as it is IR.
Raghu @ Dec 20th 2007 4:16PM
What about fan noise with PS3? No one seems to mention it. Is it as silent as standalone?
Treefingers @ Dec 21st 2007 9:25AM
Its no louder than a Rear-Projection TV (DLP)
Greg @ Dec 20th 2007 4:17PM
Different kind of players for different kind of users and pockets :)
If you could care less about on line capability or Picture in picture, the Sony and Samsung models at $299 (or less depending on your source) will make perfectly good 1080p blu Ray players, and look very nice in any AV setup in a living room.
If You want a profile 1.1 (PiP) ready, with superior image enhancement features, the Panasonic BD30K is for you at $499. Probably the best HD picture you can ever expect from any HD player on the market at the moment imho.
If you want a future ready, all bells and whistles player, with also multimedia abilities, the PS3 is a match made in Heaven. Do not forget the Blutooth remote control, and the HDMI cable to go with it.
The PS3 includes (of course) a playstation 3 (and 1) console, but also a 40Gb Hard Drive ($399 model), a Blu Ray player, Wi Fi Wireless internet connection (which means, with the black loss finish, that it can go into your living room and not transform it into a Geek zone) is profile 1.1 and has expansion capabilities (tested in Japan) that include HD DVR and online echanges through "Home".
You also have a nice choice of PC based Blu Ray players or Burners which associated with a WinDVD (soon 1.1 ready) will let you play movies on your PC/Mac, and for a rather affordable price. ex: $189 Lite On player.
Pioneer Burner @ $239 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129015
For deep pockets of course you have the high ends at $800+ Combo players (Samsung / LG).
From $189 to $800, with the most reasonable being between $299 (Sony/Samsung) and $399 (sony PS3), plenty of choices to get on board Blu Ray.
Oh, you can also probably find a good deal if you do not have a HDTV yet. Be sure to check the HDTV + Free player deals (recently there was a deal Panasonic Plasma + free BD30K Panasonic at Best Buy).
LA26 @ Dec 20th 2007 4:26PM
I'm probably wrong but doesn't the Xbox live marketplace only support 720p?
And do they even offer download services for Stargate SG-1(All Seasons)/Atlantis(1-current new ep on 4th.)?Since Stargate is MGM by which I was informed earlier only they could issue the rights?Sooo your saying Sony is also a supporter of HD downloads?
Why come to a Blu-Ray posed questionnaire for people looking for a Blu-Ray player to buy to promote your biased beliefs?Do you work for CNN or FOX?I'm not even sure you are even aware of the biased BS you spew to the masses.Your as bad as h4idol.
Heroin @ Dec 20th 2007 5:14PM
I wouldn't want a PS3, it being a non-stackable ugly game machine that doesn't have a remote. Add me to the list of adults who suggest the Panasonic BD30. It's slimmer than the PS3 (or any other player), very fast loading, and relatively attractive. Plus it's around $400 now. The extra $100 or so you spend on this model is worth it in the long run...
andyj @ Dec 20th 2007 11:55PM
Sony makes a Blu-ray disc remote for their PS3:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-Blu-ray-Disc-Remote/dp/B000M17AVO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1198212770&sr=8-1
royalice @ Dec 20th 2007 5:59PM
Um, the ps3 decodes Dolby TrueHD and sends the pcm to the receiver. Converting Dolby into pcm is what they receiver would have done anyways, so you're getting the exact same data and sound. In other wordst he player decodes so they're is so need to send a bit stream although it will probably bitstream both in the future. PS3 hands down, best investment for my home theatre system.
mj @ Dec 21st 2007 8:26AM
Its hands down PS3 as it is cheapest Blu-ray player considering amount of things it can do apart from being just blu-ray player.
JimD @ Dec 21st 2007 10:12AM
PS3
EGo @ Dec 21st 2007 11:37AM
HP Pavilion Slimline s3200t
Pros:
Its a combo player (HD DVD/Blu-Ray drive)
ATSC/NTSC tuner
500GB drive
15 in 1 media reader
Its a PC! (games, music, video, DVR, web, etc.)
Cons:
Is Cyberlink (PowerDVD) still downsampling highdef audio
some fan noise (how does it compare to a PS3?)
Its about time someone did a review of this one as an option.
Prhime @ Dec 21st 2007 11:38AM
I'd go with a PS3 but take certain things into account. Will it be in your main room? size of the room it will be in, who will be using it? etc etc. I think the fans can get annoying to those who are not frequent computer users.
Also, the price differential is no longer there where you could get a ps3 (game system + media player) for the same price as a stand-alone.
I'd still go with the ps3 in my opinon. and just get the xbox360 + hd drive shortly there after..it is only money after all right...
happy holidays
Mistbane @ Dec 23rd 2007 5:18AM
PS3, I have not tried other player, so I can not say ps3 is the best player around, but it plays BR well and upscale my DVD nicely.
On top of that, it has many other functions as well, well money spent in my personal opinion.
jcslickt @ Dec 26th 2007 9:30AM
the ps3 is tons quieter than the xbox 360 and it's dvd drive
Lance W. @ Dec 27th 2007 11:24AM
Which Sony Blu Ray dvd player would you recommend that I get if I have a 57" Mitsubishi WD-57734 series DLP television? I'd like to try and stay under $400, but would not want to sacrifice quality (picture & sound, if possible. Thanks for the input!
JH @ Dec 27th 2007 7:26PM
Does anyone know what happened to the Samsung BD-P2400 Blu-Ray player? It was announced back in July 2007 along with the BD-P1400, but the 2400 isn't even mentioned on Samsung's website. The 1400 series is down to $299, but did they decide to nix the 2400 in favor of their new 5000 series duo-player? Any thoughts on the 1400 player, overall how is it? Was thinking about getting it, but may wait for the 4th generation ones from Samsung.
Treefingers @ Dec 31st 2007 7:16AM
Sony CECHA01 - Open Market, around 500-600$
Pros -
-Profile 1.1
-HDMI v1.3
-Ethernet Port/Wifi
-Built in Hard Drive Disc for Memory (needed for Profile 2.0) and 256 megabytes of flash memory
-4 USB Ports
-Memory Card Slots - CompactFlash, SD/SDMini, and MemoryStick
-Slideshow Viewer
-Music Player
-DNLA Media Player (stream files from DNLA Media Server, that pictures, movies, and music)
-Super-Audio Playback
-3 Click Firmware Updates.
-Web Browser
-Friends List
-Video Chat
-Folding@Home (support your HiDef movie needs and support the search for the cure for cancer)
-Movie/TV Downloads to come soon as well as Music downloads.
-One of the fastest players on the market
Cons -
-Bluetooth Remote sold separately (IR USB attachment also sold separately)
-"Bitstream"ing of Dolby TrueHD audio is currently not supported on the player. The player must decode the signal internally and only the HDMI cable is supported. In addition, 7.1 channels are downmixed to 5.1 channels of Linear PCM. TOSLINK not supported because of bandwidth issues.
-dts-HD Master Audio is currently not supported at all for the player (this includes both "bitstream" and "Linear PCM").
-Rounded Top (must be on top of stack)
-Significantly thicker than most players
-Fan Noise (louder than most, but still not noticeable over Rear-Pojection TVs (DLPs))
Purely Tech Spec wise, one of the best players on the market.
Lee @ Jan 5th 2008 6:16AM
You Americans dont know how good you have it!! A $300 Blu-ray ? You wont find one cheaper than $600 back here in England. Anyway, enough of my envy, i think the PS3 is the best over here for Blu-Rays at the moment.
HDtheater @ Feb 24th 2008 3:00AM
"Dec 21st 2007 9:10AM - @Treefingers
Ethernet port on dual format players are not enabled for BD, only HD DVD, therefore they cannot be upgraded to 1.1, and firmwares are just as hard to install as they are now."
This isn't accurate first of all both units are fully BD-ROM 1.1 compliant either at ship date as this is actually a requirement of BDA.
Secondly, as far as Samsung BD-UP5000 the ethernet port allows firmware upgrades as well, ie very simple. The only thing I can see keeping it from BD-Live / BD-ROM 2.0 spec is 256MB vs 1 Gig local storage.
Now as far as LG it lists "ethernet ready" on its specification list for BluRay compatibility:
http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/tv%7Caudio%7Cvideo_digital%20video__BH200.jhtml I had previously read a rumor that it was supposed to be BD_Live compliant obviously they are still working on that.
My vote & money are still going to Samsung as it is the only player made that I don't have to replace my receiver Yamaha RX-Z9 thus saving $5-7k, as it is THE ONLY BLU-RAY PLAYER WITH 7.1 ANALOG OUTPUTS AND FULL AUDIO CODECS(Except $2000 Denon DVD-3800BDCI)(Panasonic DMP-BD10AK - 7.1 but no DTS-HD Master support). Also having Silicon Optix Reon HQV processing it should have the best video other than Denon's $2000 player (Realta chipset), as far as HD-DVD I beleive it is also the only player with 7.1 analog outputs.
I'm sure there are many other consumers looking for a solution but don't wish to upgrade their high-end receiver or pre-amp quite yet, this is the CHEAPEST alternative.