Hi All,
I work for Sony in their DVD plant in Terre Huate IN. We have a Media Test Center which is used primarily to test the quality of production discs and also for player compatibility testing for ARccOS copy protection. Testing is performed with over 80 different players with high market shares including HD-DVD and Blu-ray players. We have the Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and PS3 HD players. The Samsung is by far the lesser player. Since I work in another dept. I don't use the players on a daily basis, but have observed all on occasions. The dept. head says the PS3 is the best all-round player for ease of use and PQ. But the others don't fall far behind. I won't run out and buy any first generation player. The technology is too new, cost too much and my TV not to large to enjoy what I have until the price comes down and the bugs are worked out. I don't think there will be a clear "winner" any time soon, if ever at all. I understand the advantages and disadvantages of both and would be happy if universal players were available.