Ask Engadget HD: What's the best mainstream Blu-ray player?
by Richard Lawler 
posted Jun 3rd 2009 at 12:10PM
"I'm finally ready to jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon and move up from DVDs, but I have no idea which player to buy. I'm not really looking for a universal player like the BDP-83, and I'm not sold on streaming services just yet and I'm not in need of discrete analog outs. I just want a high quality picture, support for all the audio codecs and fast load times. With a budget of around $300, where should I turn for the Blu-ray player that fits me, or should I just grab a PS3?"
You have your mission if you choose to accept it, now that many of us have some hands on time with the latest and greatest hardware so let him know which one you like.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kyle @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:27PM
I would go with a Panasonic. We carry the Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic players where I work. The Panasonic seem to be the quickest, especially with the content heavy BD-Java titles, and can get firmware updates over the internet. The Sony players don't do any streaming as far as I know, the Samsung seems to have the best streaming capabilities, incorporating Pandora, and NetFlix. The Panasonic DMP-BD60 has Panasonic's VeiraCast streaming with YouTube, Google's Picasa, Amazon UnBox HD video rental service, as well as stock quotes from Bloomberg. I know you said that streaming was not important to you but others might find this information helpful.
John @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:30PM
I would go Panasonic as well. The DMP-BD35 might be cheaper than the BD-60 if you don't care about the extra features on the 60. If you need the analog audio outs, you'll need the BD55 or BD80, both of which are more expensive.
However, I just got my BDP-83 and I have to say that even if you only use it for Blu-ray and DVD and don't care about the universality (like me), I feel it's still worth the cash. The ability to play back DVDs at 24p is a great feature that I haven't found anywhere else, and the overall UI, functionality, and feature set is second to none.
demon @ Jun 4th 2009 12:46AM
Er, 24p DVD playback works fine on my DMP-BD35. However, you must explicitly enable it after putting the DVD in. Panasonic did this because many DVDs were authored with a 24p cadence flag, even though the video couldn't be properly run through reverse 3:2 pulldown for 24p playback. I thought many Blu-Ray players supported this?
John @ Jun 4th 2009 2:21AM
Hmm, well at least I haven't seen 24p DVD playback anywhere else, though that certainly doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Was that added to the BD35 later via a firmware update? If not, maybe I just missed it. I didn't spend a lot of time with it (played with a BD30 for a while, though).
Good to know it's available elsewhere, and yes it's off by default on the BDP-83 for the same reason. I've seen issues with it even on newer, well-authored DVDs, but they're only ever quick glitches (on some cuts to different camera angles, the top 3/4 of the first frame will appear before the remaining 1/4) and they happen so fast and so infrequently that I don't care. I'll take that glitch over juddery camera pans anytime.
Primecash @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:36PM
PS3 is the hands down winner. BD live, Playstaion network and high quality games. it also can be functional HTPC. No question its the PS3. A ton of features can't list them all.
PuBeLeSs @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:57PM
if you have a theater system that supports hdmi (acutally sound decoding) i would def go with a ps3 IF YOU LIKE GAMES. it does generate alot of heat compared to normal blu ray players. but i mean the ps3 is def the strongest blu ray player i feel. not to mention it will always be upgraded by firmware. i play games alot, and this is why i bought a ps3. i love it. only problem is the hole controller issue (bluetooth).
Jake @ Jul 21st 2009 3:55PM
Bluetooth controller is not much of an issue now that Logitech has the PS3 Harmony adapter. Super fast and seamless. Any self-respecting geek has a Harmony (right?).
Also, I don't know why your receiver would need decoding. PS3 supports all the majors anyway and sends the audio LPCM.
Yeah, there's heat, but it doesn't crash. Just make sure it's above your PVR and receiver in the rack. For some people the fan noise is an issue but my Bell PVR's fan makes more noise...
Phil @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:35PM
I own two blu-ray players. The playstaion 3 is the one in my living room. It has fast load times, beautiful 1080p gloriousness, linear PCM audio. I also own a Samsung p1600. That one is in the bed room. Not the best load times, upscale is not the best, but it does have netflix streaming, which is what is almost entirely used for. Ya, I know 250 bucks for a netflix player and another 70 for a wireless dongle is stupid, dont remind me. For me hands down the playstation 3. You get 80 gigs for 400 bucks. If you ever wanna play a game; you can. If you wanna throw 80 gigs of music on it to listen to; you can. The wireless updates are super smooth and work great. I have played around with the new models. Sony wasn't impressive if you go with one of theirs I suggest the 2008 Model 550 not the older 350 or newer 360. LG is LG nothing too specacular but does have the streaming netflix. The Samsung BD-p3600 and 4600 are almost identical in specs. The 4600 looks a lot sexier, but it costs $100 more. Sometimes going with a less sexy model and saving a little cash is worth it.
chilipepper @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:17PM
I only have experience with the PS3. Fast load times and excellent picture quality.
Jake @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:16PM
Even if you don't use the PS3 for any games, I would highly recommend that system to be your Blu-Ray Player (although, if you want a slimmer blu-ray player, you may want to wait for the highly rumored PS3 Slim). Not only can you play Blu-ray movies on it, but you can use it for an all-around media center. Hooked up to your surround sound system, it's great for music, supports full HD output and plenty of great audio outputs. You can even rent movies on it (or purchase movies/tv shows if your heart so desires) and every week more and more content is added. Overall, you're getting your money's worth from the PS3 and through firmware updates, more and more functionality is added. You can even help to cure cancer if you so please!
numerwan @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:46PM
I run the BD-35... I love it... BR prices are coming down so low its pretty pointless to get the PS3 unless youre gaming...
Primecash @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:12PM
No disrespect but, this is a kind of a moot point. Only because I dont think the quality can not be found under $300.00. The PS3 is the only solution. Untill Blue Ray players have all of the PS3 features or huge price drop.
Charles @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:47PM
After getting my first HDTV in January (50" Panny Plasma) I spent dozens of hours researching which Blu-ray player I should purchase. I realize that since it's debut everyone has pushed the PS3 as the best player. But I have no interest at all in playing games and $399 was just too much anyway. Many reviews seemed to place the Panasonic's slightly ahead of the Samsungs and Sonys (good machines also). Picked up the Panasonic BD60 last week for $229 and I've been ecstatic at the PQ and SQ on both Blu-Ray and DVD's. Pure visual sweetness! It's firmware updatable over ethernet, has YouTube and Picasa (I'm not really interested in NetFlix) as a bonus and just feels solid. I realize that all players have their own quirks and problems, you'd think that in a 3rd generation product they'd have all the kinks worked out. But the BD60 seems the best combination of dependability, performance, and price in an entry level player, at least for me. So far I love it and the $170 difference with the PS3 will buy a whole lot of my favorite Blu-rays from eBay!
Isaac @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:53PM
PS3 FTW! With each firmware update it becomes a better Blu-ray player and because its Sony's current-gen console, the updates come quite frequently. Its simply the best Blu-ray player on the market. Also...
It has a hard drive to store movies.
It gives you access to the PSN store for even more movies.
For $40, Playon (http://www.themediamall.com/playon) lets you watch Netflix, Hulu, etc. on your TV through your PS3.
And...
Its a freaking game system!
Seriously, its not even close. There may be some (slightly) cheaper Blu-ray players on the market but the PS3 is easily worth the extra cash.
Bozster @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:01PM
Pretty much every BLu-ray player right now on the market has surpassed PS3 in picture and audio quality and it's getting very close with speed too. Plus they are half the price.
numerwan @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:05PM
many BR players have free access to Netflix... why pay extra money on top of your $399 for it?
Bozster @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:59PM
Samsung 1600 right now.. Super fast, great quality of picture and sound, bitstreaming, Netflix.. $200
primecash @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:12PM
I would recomend the extra cost for the PS3. You get the PSN 160 gig hard drive and DLNA plus more. I did not Know Blue Ray Players had gotten so cheap though. I bought the PS3 almost a year ago and never looked back.
Fargus @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:34PM
If you are reccomending the 160 gig PS3, You cant rule out the Oppo since they are the same price. And since the Oppo blows the PS3 out of the water in every category that isn't gaming related, It would be a no brainer.
SH @ Jun 3rd 2009 6:25PM
I have a 1600. It lacks simple features like auto-resume. Many people are having issues with it playing recent BR discs (not me). If you pause it and walk away it will power down anywhere from 15 to 45 mins. later, losing your place because it has no resume. When navigating BR disc menus there is a full 2 second lag from button press to the action taking place.
On the bright side the Netflix streaming is tons better than my xbox360 and uses much less bandwidth (I'd like to know why and how this is so). The Pandora streaming is a cool feature also but there is no controlling the screensaver for those with older TVs prone to burn-in.
Chad @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:59PM
I can't compare it to anything else but I recommend the PS3. Despite not being interested in streaming you might later on. I didn't buy mine for streaming but use it frequently now that I have it. For slightly more than the cost of a good BD player you get more usefulness. The picture quality is there so the only down side is the lack of IR for a universal remote.
Mike @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:01PM
PS3 without a doubt. Best pound for pound (or dollar for dollar) BD player on the market. It has more features than any other BD player around for a very affordable price point. If PS3 decided to implement native Netflix and Hulu playback without Playon or other pay-to-stream services, this wouldn't even be a discussion. Furthermore, I download and store HD .mkv movies on my portable hard drive and play them on my PS3 with no lag whatsoever, while maintaining 1080p 8mbps video and 5.1 DTS surround sound. Are you kidding me? This is barely a contest.
Adam @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:04PM
Yep, it's definitely the PS3. It's a media hub for your living room, and it doesn't only play Blu-Rays and DVDs, it plays anything you throw at it. Definitely a wise investment.
Mr_Fizzlepop @ Jun 3rd 2009 7:18PM
Yes, I think for the PS3, that is what makes the large range of different opinions.
Some see it as just a gaming console that plays BD and DVD, while others aren't so old school in their outlook and see it as a media center and the use in having a hard drive that stores video, pictures or music that you can manage and use anytime. (DLing 1080 trailers and small games for free doesn't hurt either for me at least.)
I never even upgraded an audio device the last time I upgraded my system, I move music files into the PS3(you can rip CDs with the PS3). When Christmas time gets here this year, I'll just turn on the PS3 and start the Christmas playlist.
I have my TV, my Onkyo and speakers, and my PS3, that's it. Haven't felt the need to add anything else to the mix, as it does everything I need. That won't be true for everyone, but again, I think that is why the range of opinions on the PS3s value is so disparate.
Richard @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:05PM
I do had PS3, but i think they are the best stand alone blu-ray player in the market, even after all the update, they simply don't allowed bitstream to receiver which won't hear lossless sound only pcm which could be a problem, the ps3 use about 10 to 15 times more power than other stand alone blu-ray player.
I got the Panasonic BD605K, the PQ and SQ is better, especially it can now bitstream which a major plus to head lossless sound. However the cpu is weak make some disk navigation very laggy.
I think the LG BD390 right now is the best all around blu-ray player, does just about everything except gaming, very fast load time, has intergrate wifi, play many media file on usb include MKV! has youtube and netflix, the only blu-ray player that has this 2 most popular program. But the cost is almost like a PS3.
LG 370 maybe the best deal right now around 200 half of ps3 cost gave you solid performance and can bitstream.
Scott @ Jun 3rd 2009 2:03PM
You Can't lose with the PS3.
I'm not sure why people are commenting on the lack of bitstreaming audio. There is no difference in a PCM signal. The only difference is processing and equalizer for more effects.
PS3 is the only choice right now for me. Third party applications let you stream from your CPU to the PS3 as well....I don't know a bluray player that does this otherwise.
Pop @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:34PM
Probably because the internal sound decoding in the PS3 is decidedly muted compared to letting a nice receiver do it all.
Lowery M Posey @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:07PM
I own two BR players: PS-3 and the new OPPO BDP-83! Let me tell you that the quality, speed, and quiet of the OPPO blows away every competitor to date in price/performance. Don't get me wrong, because I love my PS-3 and have been a devout proponent of its capabilities since day one, but OPPO has it beat head-to-head in every aspect of pure BR features...which include bitstreaming DTS-MA audio to my receiver. The OPPO does not game and it does not uPnP yet, but the firmware is very young. However, it also plays nicely with DVD-A and SACD audio...and my home theater and music disk library has never been happier. You have to jump about $1500 MORE to get those features elsewhere in a single device !!!! With both these units sitting in my "man-room," I am truly in bliss. Oh, the OPPO also comes with a very premium HDMI cable and audio/video system calibration disk.
Mr_Fizzlepop @ Jun 3rd 2009 7:29PM
What are the load times and button pushing lags like?
If you read comments above you saw that the PS3 still has fast load times and some very quick response on menu items even on BDlive discs.
Being someone that has both you can give a great comparison, so please feel free to grab a BDlive intensive disc, a Stopwatch, and see which is faster on the load and menu surfing response times.
Thanks in advance if you take the time to do this for us.
squeeg @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:09PM
I LOOOVE my Sammy BD-3600, for the record. I have no experience with any other BD player, so take that into consideration. The features and the style are so nice.
Bob @ Jun 3rd 2009 2:11PM
The Samsung bd-3600 gets my vote, too. Love it!
Miggity @ Jun 3rd 2009 7:03PM
Thirding the 3600! I bought this off Amazon with 4 movies for $314.00 a couple weeks ago. LOVE IT!
Omar @ Jun 3rd 2009 6:25PM
PS3's major flaw to me is that it cannot do bitstream audio. If you have a high end HDMI receiver, go with a player that is cheaper than a PS3 and can do a bitstream. The sound quality will have a significant difference.
corey smith @ Jun 3rd 2009 2:20PM
how's that a flaw? the ps3 decodes pcm with it's hands tied. and dont say there's a diff between lossless pcm and bitstreams (because there isnt).
Fargus @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:25PM
Its a flaw b/c people want to see their AV receivers light up with Dolby True HD and DTS MA. : )
Pop @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:37PM
No, it is a known "flaw" that the sound output from the PS3 is rather flat compared to bitstreamed directly. There is a difference because the hardware doing the decoding is different.
Matt @ Jun 3rd 2009 4:10PM
Blah blah. None of that matters unless you have 50k invested. Come on, really? The question is what's the best mainstream blu-ray player, not "What blu-ray player meets all of your unreasonable expectations and/or stands up to your trivial tests/opionions?".
WebDev511 @ Jun 3rd 2009 4:56PM
I don't have a $50k system and I can tell the difference.
System is Onkyo 805
Test media is Batman Begins Blu-ray and HD DVD (both have identical TrueHD soundtracks)
I don't think it's a huge difference in sound quality, but when doing an A/B between formats, the LPCM from the PS3 just sounds a bit flatter than the decoded TrueHD from my XA-2.
FWIW, the difference could be on the Onkyo side in the form of brighter decoding. If I didn't have the ability to A/B, I probably would have never noticed.
That said, I second the Panasonic reccomendations. The cost of the PS3 + BT to IR converter just puts it out of reach...unless you're angling for a game system.
Bozster @ Jun 3rd 2009 9:23PM
Right Pop.. but you made one mistake.. the problem and the sound difference coming from PS3 is because the decoding into LPCM is being done via software. PS3 doesn't have necessary chips to hardware decode the streams.
This is why it sound flatter and when you bitstream you get your dedicated AVR to do the hardware decoding with the chip and plus you get some nice post-processing that most recievers do and you get better sound.
Only those who have no clue what they are talking about are saying it's only a matter of light shining DTS-MA or whatever.. That's when you eat the hype and marketing to cover the flaws of the PS3.
I have a PS3 and I stopped using it as a Blu-Ray player completely. The video had noise, it wasn't as sharp as any Blu-ray player I played the identical content on and standalones had much fuller sound going through my Denon 2809ci.
PS3 is a patched up mediocre player that has to do most of the stuff via software which is never ideal situation.
GrammarConstableTim @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:17PM
I just want a high quality picture, support for all the audio codecs and fast load times. With a budget of around $300, where should I turn for the Blu-ray player that fits me, or should I just grab a PS3?
Both a PS3 and a standalone will give you a high quality picture, so that one is a wash.
In terms of audio codec support, all of the new players support all of the high definition audio codecs, both decoding and bitstreaming. Are you a guy that likes to tinker with sound via your receiver? If so, I'd say go standalone.
Load times. I think the PS3 still holds a slight edge over most other players at this point, but the gap has nearly closed. A slight edge to the PS3 here.
A few things you didn't mention: are you concerned about heat and power consumption? If so, the standalones are a much better choice. Are you planning on using a universal remote such as a Harmony? If so, go standalone unless you want to shell out more money for an IR adapter.
The only real advantage the PS3 has now is gaming. If you're going to game, then spend a bit more and get the PS3. If you have no interest in gaming, I'd recommend getting a standalone from Panasonic, LG, or Samsung.
primecash @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:36PM
Here is the one of the over looked features of the PS3 80gig Msg4 pack. This is the one I own. These are the optical formats played by this PS3. Blue Ray, DVD, DVD audio and SACD. Optical media is the next newspaper. Its will die a slow painfull and cheap death. My point is when the Little used formats are .99 cent I will be playing them still. So cheap but very high quality. Remember cassette. lol
Multi-format-mayhem @ Jun 3rd 2009 1:42PM
LG BH200.
Outstanding playback, top audio performance, region-free DVD & no region coding for Blu-ray (without the need for any messing about chipping).
Plus HD DVD playback (so you get the benefit of all those bargain HD movies).
Damned shame they canned in their 3rd gen BH300.
Anon @ Jun 3rd 2009 2:42PM
Samsung bd - p1590 - Decodes both Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD MA, is BD-Live 2.0 ready, and streams both Netflix, and Pandora. $248.00.
Bori @ Jun 3rd 2009 4:36PM
I have the BD-83 but I did have the Panasonic BD-35 and it worked great and never had any disc issues. The only thing compared to the Oppo its dog slow.
ArchCaptain @ Jun 4th 2009 8:21AM
PS3 has worked great for me. I would buy another one.
Rob Federici @ Jun 3rd 2009 2:33PM
Unless you know you are going to get some games as well (which would probably be a better investment on Xbox 360 especially after this E3) it is pointless to get a ps3. prices have come down enough, and even lover end models have all the important features. I would probably go with a panasonic, or samsung. Both excellent tech firms so you know you are getting a quality product.
Joseph0808 @ Jun 3rd 2009 2:34PM
LG BD 390 or when available the HR400. Very fast supports dlna and DivX 7 as well as beautiful pq.
Ron @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:00PM
PS3. Fantastic audio/video, frequent firmware updates (although lately they have been useless IMO), I can surf the internet, stream concerts from the web. It just does everything I need and I have never played a game on it!
Roger @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:44PM
Bozster - What in the world are you even talking about? Surpassed? Ummm....no. You are entirely wrong about that.
Roger @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:45PM
Pop - That is not at all true.