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  1. #1
    Hal
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    Blue-Ray DVD or Sony Play Station 3?

    I am trying to build up a modest inexpensive HT system. I was going to buy a basic Blue-Ray player but then learned that if I stepped up a level or two in price I could get a BRDVD that also had wifi so that I could stream movies and not have to go to the video store.

    Now I am told that a Sony Play Station 3 has a built in BRDVD player and wifi capability to do all that I would like.

    I do not play video games. Is there any other reason to consider buying a Play Station 3 rather than a BRDVD with wifi?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Class of the clown GMichael's Avatar
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    It has a hard drive that lets you store music, pictures, movies etc. You can get previews of movies or download them. You get updates now and then that keep it at the front edge of what's available.
    The drawback is that it doesn't have analong 7.1 out. You'll have to use an HDMI cable to get the high res 7.1 music. You can still use the 2.0 analog out for high res 2 channel music or you could use a optical cable for 5.1 normal res sound.
    WARNING! - The Surgeon General has determined that, time spent listening to music is not deducted from one's lifespan.

  3. #3
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    I'm extremely happy with my PS3 and I'm not a gamer either. An added benifit that hasn't been mentioned is the automatic update system via the internet...keeps you "in the loop" without any effort at all. Great, great machine.

    If you find one of the older 60gb models it will play full-rez SACD too.
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  4. #4
    Class of the clown GMichael's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobsticks
    I'm extremely happy with my PS3 and I'm not a gamer either. An added benifit that hasn't been mentioned is the automatic update system via the internet...keeps you "in the loop" without any effort at all. Great, great machine.

    If you find one of the older 60gb models it will play full-rez SACD too.
    This is true for the 20GB, 60GB and the first 80GB units (not sure of the newer 80GB), but with BR discs also having high res music capabilities, it almost doesn't matter. Unless you have a SACD collection.
    WARNING! - The Surgeon General has determined that, time spent listening to music is not deducted from one's lifespan.

  5. #5
    Hal
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    So if I have HDMI connections and buy the PS3 I should have all the bells and whistles of a Blue-Ray DVD player? Are there any drawbacks to PS3?

    How do the streaming movies work? With Netflix you have to pay a monthly fee. But can't you just rent and download a film from Amazon or Blockbuster or via iTunes?

    That raises another question. If I buy a file via iTunes will the wifi in a Blue-Ray player or the PS3 let me stream from my laptop to the BRplayer or PS3?

    Doesn't Apple make some sort of device that goes with HT and let's you stream films? Would that be better or worse than the PS3?

    Sorry for all the varied questions. As you can see I am a novice to all this!

    Thank you!

  6. #6
    Class of the clown GMichael's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hal
    So if I have HDMI connections and buy the PS3 I should have all the bells and whistles of a Blue-Ray DVD player? Are there any drawbacks to PS3?
    You could end up playing a video game and get addicted. Not that I'm admitting to anything.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hal
    How do the streaming movies work? With Netflix you have to pay a monthly fee. But can't you just rent and download a film from Amazon or Blockbuster or via iTunes?
    Not sure. Sorry. Others may know.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hal
    That raises another question. If I buy a file via iTunes will the wifi in a Blue-Ray player or the PS3 let me stream from my laptop to the BRplayer or PS3?
    Probably, but I don't know first hand.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hal
    Doesn't Apple make some sort of device that goes with HT and let's you stream films? Would that be better or worse than the PS3?
    I'm no help again.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hal
    Sorry for all the varied questions. As you can see I am a novice to all this!

    Thank you!
    You've been here longer than I have. I'm always glad to help one of the old timers. (even if I didn't help much).
    WARNING! - The Surgeon General has determined that, time spent listening to music is not deducted from one's lifespan.

  7. #7
    Forum Regular BadAssJazz's Avatar
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    Hal,

    I suggest heavily researching streaming, if that is a feature that you want.

    You should first peruse Netflix and other sites to see which movies are actually available for streaming. Not all of them are. especially the new releases. In the future, or so I've read, more and more new movies will be available for streaming at release, but the libraries are presently severely limited.

    Another drawback to streaming is that some rental companies only stream in stereo, not in any of the multi-surround formats. Your receiver may be able to provide a sound field that mimics 5.1 or better, but that's not quite the same thing as having the BR disc.

    As for the PS3 vs. the stand alone BD player, my brother has both a Panasonic BD player and the PS3. He almost exclusively uses the PS3. It's simply a matter of personal preference, since performance-wise, they both play Blu Ray movies well.

    I, on the other hand, have never owned a PS3 and would never buy one. I like the aesthetics of a stand alone unit as opposed to the crappy techno-geek look of a PS3. Plus, I never wanted my dates (at the time) to think that I was some aging college boy who never grew up and played video games around the clock.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.
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  8. #8
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    The PS3 is a much better player than even the current generation of Blu-ray players. The only drawback I've experienced is noise. There have been times where the noise from my PS3 was easily noticeable while watching a movie. It didn't stop me from watching, or was continuously annoying, but it has been noticeable. However, the noise doesn't affect my recommendation.

  9. #9
    M.P.S.E /AES/SMPTE member Sir Terrence the Terrible's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hal
    So if I have HDMI connections and buy the PS3 I should have all the bells and whistles of a Blue-Ray DVD player? Are there any drawbacks to PS3?
    I can't think of any drawbacks.

    How do the streaming movies work? With Netflix you have to pay a monthly fee. But can't you just rent and download a film from Amazon or Blockbuster or via iTunes?
    With a small investment of $40, a program called playon gives you access to Amazon, Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, CBS, and a host of other online content. I access my Itunes via the PS3 server, which is software that allows you to stream music from you computer to your PS3. You add to your itunes, and the PS3 server makes it available to stream to the PS3

    That raises another question. If I buy a file via iTunes will the wifi in a Blue-Ray player or the PS3 let me stream from my laptop to the BRplayer or PS3?
    Absolutely

    Doesn't Apple make some sort of device that goes with HT and let's you stream films? Would that be better or worse than the PS3?
    Not better or worse. The PS3 just gives you a one box solution to everything, mitigating the need for a whole bunch of external boxes that do the same thing.

    Sorry for all the varied questions. As you can see I am a novice to all this!

    Thank you!
    We all had to start somewhere.
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  10. #10
    Musicaholic Forums Moderator ForeverAutumn's Avatar
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    WHOA! Hang on here. Now I'm thinking that I should buy a PS3 instead of the BD Player that I just bought. That never even occured to me. How come no one mentioned this option when I was asking questions?

  11. #11
    Loving This kexodusc's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ForeverAutumn
    WHOA! Hang on here. Now I'm thinking that I should buy a PS3 instead of the BD Player that I just bought. That never even occured to me. How come no one mentioned this option when I was asking questions?
    PS3 is 299...but yeah, way cooler machine.

    You have an xbox 360 don't you? Does most of the non-bluRay stuff....if you never use it, then you probably won't use the PS3's added features either..

  12. #12
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    The PS3 is a great machine. It was my first and so far only Blu-Ray player. I am thinking of getting a second one eventually (the new "slim" PS3) and moving the existing one to our bed room. I don't see the point of buying a standaone player unless you absolutely don't care about playing video games at all and don't want the advanced features of the PS3.

    The only small (almost insignificant) drawback of the older model PS3 is that it does not bitstream uncompressed audio. You have to use PCM output. This is not a big deal at all and does not affect sound quality at all, as far as I know. The new "slim" PS3 has taken care of this issue, though.

    As far as Netflix, you can stream if you have a Netflix account, but you have to use a disc loaded in the PS3. At least that is my understanding...I am not a Netflix subscriber currently.

  13. #13
    Forum Regular BadAssJazz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ForeverAutumn
    WHOA! Hang on here. How come no one mentioned this option when I was asking questions?
    Funny! If someone asked me, I'd probably suggest everything but a PS3. It's just not in my AV lexicon.
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  14. #14
    Da Dragonball Kid L.J.'s Avatar
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    PS3 = One of my best HT purchases.....EZ

  15. #15
    Hal
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    Thanks to everyone for the wonderful and informative replies. I will admit that my brain is overloaded since much of this is new to me.

    Let me try to organize this logically.

    What functions are we talking about on this thread? I'd say:

    (1) playing Blue-Ray DVDs,

    (2) downloading and playing films,

    (3) streaming films without downloading, and

    (4) gaming.

    Have I covered them all?

    The Play Station 3 does all of the above. The 120GB model sells for $299.99 on Amazon at least.

    The Samsung BD-P3600 Blue Ray player does not have gaming ability and cannot store downloaded films but does play BRDVDs and permit streaming films. It sells for $219 at Amazon.

    So, if I am not interested in games or downloading films I should probably go with a lesser expensive BRDVD player with wifi capability rather than the PS3. Is that the logical conclusion?

    (NOTE: I chose Amazon and this Samsung player purely at random. Some of its reviews are not great so I don't know if I'd purchase this model or brand.)

  16. #16
    Musicaholic Forums Moderator ForeverAutumn's Avatar
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    Hey Hal. You and I are in similar boats, but I'm about a week ahead of you. Please read this thread, Question about Blu-ray technology, before you consider a Samsung BD player.

    I bought the Sony BPD-S560 and paid $219 CDN for it, on sale.

  17. #17
    M.P.S.E /AES/SMPTE member Sir Terrence the Terrible's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hal
    Thanks to everyone for the wonderful and informative replies. I will admit that my brain is overloaded since much of this is new to me.

    Let me try to organize this logically.

    What functions are we talking about on this thread? I'd say:

    (1) playing Blue-Ray DVDs,

    (2) downloading and playing films,

    (3) streaming films without downloading, and

    (4) gaming.

    Have I covered them all?

    The Play Station 3 does all of the above. The 120GB model sells for $299.99 on Amazon at least.
    You covered it all!


    The Samsung BD-P3600 Blue Ray player does not have gaming ability and cannot store downloaded films but does play BRDVDs and permit streaming films. It sells for $219 at Amazon.
    Mr Peabody won't agree with me, but I wouldn't touch any Samsung Blu ray player. If I wasn't going to buy a PS3 (or Oppo for that matter) I would stay with Panasonic, Sony, or Pioneer.

    So, if I am not interested in games or downloading films I should probably go with a lesser expensive BRDVD player with wifi capability rather than the PS3. Is that the logical conclusion?
    One of the greatest benefits that the PS3 enjoys over all other players is its ability to be upgraded. With all other Blu ray players what you see is all you get. With the PS3, algorythms can be tweaked and improved via firmware upgrades. For example, 3D is the next biggest push, and with a simple firmware upgrade, you know have a 3D player without spending a dime on the player itself (you will need another television). The upscaling algorythms have been vastly improved from when it was first included. The PS3 is all software based, and is not limited to more permament SOC solutions. That means as long as there is enough processing power to handle a application, the PS3 can continue improving its algorythms.

    (NOTE: I chose Amazon and this Samsung player purely at random. Some of its reviews are not great so I don't know if I'd purchase this model or brand.)
    Unfortunately Samsung has the worst programmers that program their chips, so they are always having disc compatibility problems even in their newer models.
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  18. #18
    LMB
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    Take a look at the Oppo 83
    I have PS3 and just got the Oppo for Christmas picture quality much better
    Discs are always better than streaming video.
    The up conversion of regular dvd's on the Oppo is GREAT

  19. #19
    M.P.S.E /AES/SMPTE member Sir Terrence the Terrible's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LMB
    Take a look at the Oppo 83
    I have PS3 and just got the Oppo for Christmas picture quality much better
    Discs are always better than streaming video.
    The up conversion of regular dvd's on the Oppo is GREAT
    I also have both, and to describe the PQ as "much better" would be a bit of a stretch. Slightly better might be more appropriate, but not $200 better.

    Also you have to consider that he wants to build a inexpensive HT system, and that would pretty much sideline the Oppo at $499 dollars.
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  20. #20
    LMB
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sir Terrence the Terrible
    I also have both, and to describe the PQ as "much better" would be a bit of a stretch. Slightly better might be more appropriate, but not $200 better.

    Also you have to consider that he wants to build a inexpensive HT system, and that would pretty much sideline the Oppo at $499 dollars.

    Agree for Blu Ray dvd's
    However, the upconversion I feel is better

  21. #21
    M.P.S.E /AES/SMPTE member Sir Terrence the Terrible's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LMB
    Agree for Blu Ray dvd's
    However, the upconversion I feel is better
    You are correct at least for now. I was told by a very reliable source inside SCE that the PS3 was going to get a firmware upgrade this year that will give the PS3 upscaling algorythms a very big upgrade. They say it will be comparable to what you get from a tricked out PC based player. So there is a great possibility that the PS3 will be just as good or better at upscaling DVD's than all of the other players out there. The ability to tweak and upgrade is the beauty of the PS3
    Sir Terrence

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  22. #22
    LMB
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sir Terrence the Terrible
    You are correct at least for now. I was told by a very reliable source inside SCE that the PS3 was going to get a firmware upgrade this year that will give the PS3 upscaling algorythms a very big upgrade. They say it will be comparable to what you get from a tricked out PC based player. So there is a great possibility that the PS3 will be just as good or better at upscaling DVD's than all of the other players out there. The ability to tweak and upgrade is the beauty of the PS3
    Thanks for the info
    You can download upgrades to the Oppo via computer or USB

  23. #23
    M.P.S.E /AES/SMPTE member Sir Terrence the Terrible's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LMB
    Thanks for the info
    You can download upgrades to the Oppo via computer or USB
    True, but you cannot improve anything related to video side because it is based on a SOC solution. What you see is what you get. I have the Oppo and completely understand how it works. It uses the VRS chip by Anchor Bay, and that chip cannot be improved upon via firmware upgrades. The PS3 does not use chips, it uses software which can be upgraded.
    Sir Terrence

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  24. #24
    LMB
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sir Terrence the Terrible
    True, but you cannot improve anything related to video side because it is based on a SOC solution. What you see is what you get. I have the Oppo and completely understand how it works. It uses the VRS chip by Anchor Bay, and that chip cannot be improved upon via firmware upgrades. The PS3 does not use chips, it uses software which can be upgraded.
    Thanks for the info
    Still prefer the Oppo

  25. #25
    Forum Regular pixelthis's Avatar
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    Cool

    But the basic question is, do you want to play games enough to put up with the drawbacks of using a gaming console day in and out(well, a computer disguised as
    a gaming console)?
    THE PLAYSTATION IS VERSATILE, but a lot of standalone players these days can sream video, so it boils down to, are you a gamer?
    Thats really all it amounts to.
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