I've decided to purchase a Blu-Ray

[johnny p]

Here's the thing. With many recent purchases etc. My wife is dead against me spending any money on pretty much anything. I have convinced her to allow me to purchase a new blu-ray player by selling my Xbox 360 and games. This is gonna put me in the market for a new blu-ray player, but I'm trying to find a good deal on one. At one time Best Buy had sonys for $300, but now it looks like they're $400. I don't want to buy a used one, that much I know. What Brand should I look to for the cheapest available, and also, what do I need to know about having to upgrade software etc? My T.V. has HDMI, but it's only 720P, but I'm sure a Blu-Ray will still be a big jump over the standard Def. I'm getting (420P via component cables) now, and I am anxious to see the upconverting capabilities of these new machines......

I'm going to keep my eye out at Best Buy for an open box, etc. but anyone have any players to stay away from, or ones I should seriously look at?

thanks!
JP

[f0rge]

what about a ps3?

then again i have no idea if those are good BD players or not...

[johnny p]

The first thing I thought about after posting this was "I should say I'm not interested in a PS3" Couple reasons..... I am looking for something for the sole purpose of playing movies, and don't want a game system, I have heard, and seen, the PS3's aren't the best for playing Blu-Ray, and although I only have 720p capabilities now, I'd like to upgrade the T.V. in the future, and I have seen with my own eyes, 1080p capabilities from a PS3 aren't as good as other dedicated players (store had a side by side demo with a PS3, a Samsung Blu-Ray, and matching Plasma monitors playing the same movie, both via HDMI.) but I digress....

I don't want all the bulk of the PS3 either, although I understand they're not too big.

Believe me...... all of my friends say "well get a PS3" but I just don't have the desire to own another gaming console I guess.

Even if someone fell off of a turnip truck and gave me $5,000 for my Xbox, the wife wouldn't let me purchase a new T.V. otherwise I'd be in the store after work today getting a new T.V. + Blu-Ray package deal!!!!! I want something closer to 42" but I don't want a divorce in the process!

[GMichael]

Actually, the PS3 is rated one of the best BR players. But it doesn't have component out for audio. This means that you would need audio equipment with HDMI to be able to get true DD etc.
Maybe you (read wife) feel that you may become addicted to the games the same way you did with the Xbox?

Here's another person with the same quest.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=969206

[johnny p]

Maybe you (read wife) feel that you may become addicted to the games the same way you did with the Xbox?

Funny thing is, if I actually played the thing, I'd keep it! I turn it on once every 3 months or so. Thanks for the link though!

[L.J.]

I gotta go with GM and 2nd the PS3.

[johnny p]

I think I read it didn't, but I want to confirm.......

I've read more and more, and I'm leaning towards the PS3. I don't intend to use it for games, so I don't think I need a version that plays the old PS2 games, especially since I don't have any, but here are my questions.

A) do they upconvert standard DVDs?

B) what models (I read they don't all do it) play SACDs???

Those are the big things for me right now.... if it doesn't upconvert (Since I don't plan on replacing all 500 of my current DVDs) I don't want it......

[bobsticks]

Hey johnny p,

I can fill you in partially as I've had the PS3 for a few weeks and actually got my system semi-hooked up yesterday. The PS3 does indeed upconvert standard dvds and it does it extremely well. Of course BLU-RAY is magnificent.

As far as SACDs I have the 80 gig model and it will play them. I don't have a receiver with HDMI passthrough so I'm not sure of the sq as of yet. I'll share my future discoveries, but thus far I'd say I'm fairly impressed---and I'm not a gamer either.

Peace

[johnny p]

I just found another forum (for video game junkies!) and read a thread that spanned over a year and a half (pre-release) and it went from "no it won't" to "hey it does!!" so I know it up-converts. I am still limited by my t.v. which is a Sharp Aquos, LC37D43U which I'm pretty sure is a 720p set.... but I should be o.k. (I saw the thread with the resolution vs. viewing distance vs. screen size.... GREAT TOOL)

[johnny p]

sorry.... one more question..... I know there have been compatibility issues, and I've heard HDCP vs HDMI tossed around, here's the specs on my T.V. should I be good to go on any blu-ray player?

Native 1366 x 768 resolution
450 cd/m2 brightness
1200:1 contrast ratio
6ms response time
Dual HDMI (w/HDCP) inputs
Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners
Includes built in speakers and table stand
Screen Size 37"
Aspect Ratio 16:9
DTV Capability HDTV
LCD Panel Advanced Super View/Black TFT
Number of Pixels (dots) 1366 x 768
Luminance (cd/m2) 450
Native Contrast Ratio 1200:1
Dynamic Contrast Ratio 6000:1
Viewing Angles (H x V) 176° x 176°
Lamp Life (Hours) 60,000
Backlight 3-Wavelength
Tuner Type ATSC/QAM/NTSC
Response Time 6ms
Audio Output 10W + 10W
Speakers Location/Type Bottom/Fixed
Terminals
HDMI In 2
RGB 15-Pin Input 1
HD Component In 2
S-Video In 1
Composite Video In 2
Audio L/R In 4
RF 1
Digital Audio Out 1
Power Source AC Input 120V
Power Consumption 185W
Cabinet Color Black
Dimensions with stand/with speakers
35 61/64" x 25 27/32" x 11 35/64"
without stand/with speakers
35 61/64" x 23 35/64" x 3 53/64"
Net Weight (lbs.) with stand/with speakers 52.9

[johnny p]

P.S. again..........

Sale of my Xbox was finalized last night, so the wife has o.k'd my purchase of the PS3, now I just gotta know if it's compatible with my T.V.

thanks,

[bobsticks]

Hey johnny, there's a little trick to gettin' it going. It's not plug-and-play per se.

During setup start off with your composite vid cable. Then, scroll through the setup options and choose HDMI. The system will then go to a blank screen and convert. It's not set up to "sense" an HDMI so if you go that route initially you'll get nothing but frustration...ask me how I know :ihih:

[johnny p]

Thanks! I saw on here older HD TVs might not be capable of connecting to certain Blu Ray players (I should find the link to the thread I guess! it was a guy with his Panasonic T.V. I believe) I just want to make sure that won't be the case for me.

[GMichael]

Hey johnny, there's a little trick to gettin' it going. It's not plug-and-play per se.

During setup start off with your composite vid cable. Then, scroll through the setup options and choose HDMI. The system will then go to a blank screen and convert. It's not set up to "sense" an HDMI so if you go that route initially you'll get nothing but frustration...ask me how I know :ihih:

Ditto.
The set up drove me nuts. After selecting the output you want it will prompt you to hit enter. Only thing is, the "enter button" is not what it means. After playing around for a few minutes (pushing ever dang button) it turned out that the right arrow key is what it wanted. Frickin engineers!

The 40GB will not play SACD's and has zero backward compatibility.
The 80GB will play SACD's and has about 90% BC.
The 60GB will play SACD's and has about 98% BC. (but has been discontinued and may be hard to find)

Think your TV is fine, but you may want to ask LJ. He's our HDMI expert these days.

[ttskyline01]

Hey johnny, there's a little trick to gettin' it going. It's not plug-and-play per se.

During setup start off with your composite vid cable. Then, scroll through the setup options and choose HDMI. The system will then go to a blank screen and convert. It's not set up to "sense" an HDMI so if you go that route initially you'll get nothing but frustration...ask me how I know :ihih:

actually the ps3 can sense the hdmi connected to it'

[O'Shag]

PS3. If you want to game as well as watch movies and play music, thats your answer - especially on a tight budget. The PS3, from the reviews I've read. does a fine job as a BR player. I'm holding out for the Sony 2000ES player - that said I'd love the PS3 with a whole racing setup - the steering wheel, footpedals, chair - the lot! I don't want much do I? I love formula 1, and know that if I get the PS3, I'll have to have Forza and all the rest of the racing games etc.

[johnny p]

On my way to the store after work....... T-Minus 5 hours............

[audio amateur]

I was at an audio and video show in London a few weeks back and almost every stand had a PS3 for Blue-Ray demonstrations. Let me tell you I was blown away. (That's also maybe 'cause they had massive screen sizes with the help of really good projectors). One of the popular scenes was the Casino Royal Bond chase at the beginning of the movie. The blue from the ocean when they are on the crane was simply stunning. The definition aswell. Well everything was really. Anyway just to say that I was thoroughly impressed with the picture quality.
AA.
PS: i'm playin' Doom 3 right now and i'm pissing my pants:D I just bought the game..

[GMichael]

On my way to the store after work....... T-Minus 5 hours............

3 hours. tic tic tic...

[johnny p]

2 hours on the dot now........ argggghhhhh maybe I'll sneak out early!

[johnny p]

SORRY.... one more question... need help!

What resolution will I get out of the box? I ordered an HDMI cable from Monoprice for $8 after shipping, so I figured i'd wait 3 days to get it rather than pay $50 for one at Best Buy. If I connect it with the Component video cables I have, will I get 720p out of it?

thanks!!!!!

[L.J.]

SORRY.... one more question... need help!

What resolution will I get out of the box? I ordered an HDMI cable from Monoprice for $8 after shipping, so I figured i'd wait 3 days to get it rather than pay $50 for one at Best Buy. If I connect it with the Component video cables I have, will I get 720p out of it?

thanks!!!!!

You cant use standard component cables with the PS3. You gotta use the component cables that are compatible with it.

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/8223/8223013_sb.jpg

[johnny p]

Thanks LJ! So with the cables that come in the box, (while I wait for the HDMI to get here) what resolution can I expect?

[johnny p]

P.S. I lied about the "one more question" thing I guess!

[L.J.]

Thanks LJ! So with the cables that come in the box, (while I wait for the HDMI to get here) what resolution can I expect?

Your gonna be stuck with 480i :(

Well the 3 days will go by fast enough :)

[johnny p]

ARRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH I might get a crazy idea while I'm there, and blow the $50 on an HDMI cable, and keep the one I ordered as a spare........ I want instant gratification!!!!!

[GMichael]

Be sure to change your settings when you get the new cable. It won't adjust on it's own.

[johnny p]

Will do GM, hopefully Worst-Buy has an HDMI open box for $20 or so.

[bobsticks]

actually the ps3 can sense the hdmi connected to it'

Only if you're smart like you and plug in your add-on sale HDMI cable first thing. If you're dumb like me and set it up with the composite cable and then go back days later with the HDMI, well that takes a bit o' cipherin'...especially if yer me.

[johnny p]

o.k. here's the update, as a lot happened....... I found out a mere 5 minutes prior to leaving work, that if you sign up for a sony-style credit card ( no annual fees etc. I checked) you get $100 off your first purchase of $299 or more.... PERFECT!!!! plus, since I happen to live in one of the two cities in Ohio that has a Sony Style location, I could go there..... I had a prior committment a couple hours after work, so I managed to pick up the PS3 40gb for only $299 (after the $100 off) plus I got a game, Call of duty 4 (don't know why really... I guess they guilted me into it!) Since they only had sony/bbc titles, and the Planet Earth series is a LOT cheaper on amazon, and they don't have Blade Runner (damn) I just walked out with the PS3, game, and the superman Blu-ray that came with it. Many more titles are needed!!! So anyways, the HDMI cable is on order from Monitorsite, or whatever the website is called, so I didn't get raped on the price of that. Now that I'm home again, the wife decided that I can't hook it up (no biggie.... I'll wait for the HDMI cable to get more of a 'wow' factor anyways) The wife, in her infinite wisdom, doesn't think it's good for the new Nanny to see us getting new things every day. Keep in mind that we have an affinity for above average junk as it is, and it's the Nanny's second day tomorrow. We don't throw money away, but we buy quality once, rather than repeatedly buying junk....... that being said, I don't think it's an issue, but My DEAR LOVELY WIFE, won't let me even set the PS3 out at this point in time...... Funny really, but like I said.... I can wait 2 days or so until my HDMI cable gets here!!!! I'll have two days to stock up on movies!!!

I'll give my full, and completely biased review when I am allowed to plug it in!!!!

[bobsticks]

Congrats johnny! Get them Beemers singin'.

[L.J.]

$299....sweet!!

[johnny p]

It got me in hot water with the wife because I was going to be home for dinner an hour late from work, because I was going to run to best buy, but the Sony Style store is 30 minutes away, so I ended up coming home around 2.5 hrs. after work...... but, a deal is a deal! I'm just glad I found out about it right before I left.

The remainder of my work day is devoted to compiling a list a Blu-Movies to buy!!!!

[GMichael]

Congrats on the deal!

Somewhere around here is a link on HD s/w sales. Check for threads started by L.J.

[bfalls]

The PS3 is the best Blu-ray player available. I work for Sony. We have a media test center used to test player compatibility, audio/video quality and authoring. They have an inventory of approx. 140 players with a 0.1% market share or better. They have every Blu-Ray player available. They still report the PS3 is the best, even over the new Sony $1200 player. It loads faster, does great conversion of SD DVDs, has more processing power and is upgradable. I own one I bought as a BD player. It does such a great job of conversion I won't replace any of my DVD with a BD version, but will purchase new BDs. Be sure to take advantage of the five free disc promotion. It will take awhile to get them, but it's like getting an additional $150 off.

HDMI cable can be had on ebay for $.99 + shipping. I bought two, one each from two different companies. Shipping was around $7.50. Sort by "ending soonest" to find one near ending. With the $100 discount I would have gone with the 80GB. It has the memory/media inputs, four USBs, is backward compatible with PS2 and will do SACD. The storage isn't the issue, since there's a utility on the PS3 to allow installation of a larger drive. Instructions can be found on the net.
Enjoy.

[johnny p]

No PS2 games, so no need for backwards compatibility.

I ordered the HDMI cable yesterday, ($5 for a 6 footer) should be here tomorrow or the next day, then I'll connect it, and fire up the Spiderman 3 movie that came with the player to test it out.

I just printed and filled in the rebate form....

1. Pirates of the Caribbean (only one I don't own on Reg. DVD)
2) Full Metal Jacket
3) The Last Waltz
4) The Patriot
5) American Psycho

I'm gonna buy Cars, or Ratattouli or whatever it is for the Nanny's 3 year old daughter (she brings her daughter to our house every day) I figure she'll like that. Among my titles, not too many are kid friendly (although there are some)


If the Up-conversion is really that good, maybe I'll sell these to get new titles I don't have.... but we'll see.

[GMichael]

The Up-conversion is good. But it's not as good as true HD.

[Groundbeef]

Be sure to take advantage of the five free disc promotion. It will take awhile to get them, but it's like getting an additional $150 off.

.

No, its not. It's like getting 5 movies for free. Send me a rebate check for $150, and THATS like getting an additional $150 off.

Don't get me wrong, its a good deal, but in no way are free movies "like getting money back".

Also, don't forget to pick up the proprietary remote for your PS3, as IR remotes don't work. Seems Sony doesn't like traditional universal remotes for the PS3.

I would have gotten the 80GB with the price cut, but that assumes I would sell my 360 to finance my PS3. And that wouldn't happen.

[johnny p]

I sold my 360, not to finance the PS3, but to get permission from the wife to buy it! I never played the 360, maybe once every 3 months, so I would have sold it even if HD didn't exist........ I'm not a gamer, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to checking out this Call of Duty game.

[Groundbeef]

I sold my 360, not to finance the PS3, but to get permission from the wife to buy it! I never played the 360, maybe once every 3 months, so I would have sold it even if HD didn't exist........ I'm not a gamer, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to checking out this Call of Duty game.

Well, congrats on getting a BR player.

However, you do realize that the 360 did output games in HD out of the box? And that COD4 came out months ago on the 360/PS3?

And don't forget to get the Bluetooth remote, or your gonna be using your PS3 controller to watch movies. And I hear it isn't all that easy to use it for that function.

Anyway good luck. If the prices continue to fall I may pick up a PS3 just for the BR.

[GMichael]

And don't forget to get the Bluetooth remote, or your gonna be using your PS3 controller to watch movies. And I hear it isn't all that easy to use it for that function..

I heard the same thing and picked up the BT remote for $25. The controller really isn't that bad though once you get the hang of it. Just hit the triangle button and it gives you instructions.


Anyway good luck. If the prices continue to fall I may pick up a PS3 just for the BR.

Gasp! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO........ ...............

[L.J.]

I like the BR remote. I stream music and like to use the remote to skip tracks while I'm in another room. I don't know how often I use the remote when watching a movie. I usually hit play and that's the end of it.

[Groundbeef]

I heard the same thing and picked up the BT remote for $25. The controller really isn't that bad though once you get the hang of it. Just hit the triangle button and it gives you instructions.



Gasp! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO........ ...............

Yeah, I've been giving it some thought. If I do, I'm gonna invite Pixel, Mel, and PS over for a party. I was going to invite you, but then I remembered I was married. Your such a playa, I didn't want to go to the trouble of hiding my wife.

[GMichael]

Yeah, I've been giving it some thought. If I do, I'm gonna invite Pixel, Mel, and PS over for a party. I was going to invite you, but then I remembered I was married. Your such a playa, I didn't want to go to the trouble of hiding my wife.

Is she hot?

[Groundbeef]

Is she hot?

Sure is!

[GMichael]

Sure is!

What's her number?

[Groundbeef]

What's her number?

She has a special # for you. She said to tell you to call 1-800-URA-DORK. Let me know how it works out for ya! :ihih:

[GMichael]

She has a special # for you. She said to tell you to call 1-800-URA-DORK. Let me know how it works out for ya! :ihih:

Oh my God! She has the sexiest voice I've ever heard. Not sure why she needed my CC number though.

[Groundbeef]

Oh my God! She has the sexiest voice I've ever heard. Not sure why she needed my CC number though.

How do you think I'm paying for my room addition so I can get my f*cking speakers 12' apart?

[GMichael]

How do you think I'm paying for my room addition so I can get my f*cking speakers 12' apart?

Wonder if my wife would be willing to start her own company.

[Groundbeef]

Wonder if my wife would be willing to start her own company.

Its always best to get on top of these opportunities...

[GMichael]

Its always best to get on top of these opportunities...

I like a little variety myself. Nothing wrong with getting to the bottom of things.

[johnny p]

I keep one speaker on the front porch so they remain 12' apart. If you open the windows, it's not so bad, and DEFINITELY better than the alternative of of having them only 10' apart...... at least I don't have to resort that barbarism....... (Don King moment>???? you decide)