Blu-ray Question

[David Rees]

Am thinking of getting a Blu-ray dvd player, don't want to buy a PS3 as my son already has an x-box360 and dont want another games console.
I have heard that there may be compatability problems with some older Blu-ray players.
Does anybody know about this and tell me what to look for?
Also will there be a multi region player available soon?.
Found these listed on Ebay but a bit confused...
BLU-RAY DVD PLAYERS (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?type=4&campid=5335831579&toolid=10001&customid=kf+forum&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Felectronics.search.ebay.co.uk%2F blu-ray_DVD-Players_W0QQcatrefZC11QQfromZR34QQsacatZ15077QQsat itleZbluQ2dray)

[Markgway]

Very complicated. You've got to concern yourself with --

Region Coding -- UK is 'B' - which means you can't play coded imports from the USA or HK (thankfully the majority aren't coded but anything from Fox can be ruled out). If you import an American machine (beware the voltage conversion) the reverse is true. At present there aren't any Region Free machine due to the complexity of the coding compared ot DVD. However, there is a Dutch company who apparently chip machines for a hefty price tag.

Profiles -- from 1.0 to 2.0 - 1.0 is basic, 1.1 allows for most extras and menus to play to their full capacity, and 2.0 allows for 'BD Live' interactive content. It depends on if that sort of thing interests you. For basic film playback 1.0 would do, but I guess 1.1 would be recommended.

Audio Decoding -- does it handle HD audio? Dolby True HD, DTS HD-MA, etc... Not all players decode these, so you might end up still with regular Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1. If this is important check the specs, and make sure your Receiver/Amp is compatible with HD audio (I think most aren't).

Some food for thought....

[David Rees]

Hmm....thanks Mark, will have to read up a bit more i think.....maybe will wait for more machines to come out without these problems, im sure all region cant be too far way..

[DrunkenMantis13]

Strangely enough (or not...) the PS3 is among the best Blu-Ray players, especially when taking into account Profiles and Audio Decoding, even moreso with the latest updates. The PS3 is the easiest updated Blu players,a nd one of theo nly that can be updated at all...Plus it's a killer DVD upconverter and PS1/PS2 upconverter. Oh, it also play awesome PS3 games like MGS4 too...

[Tigerstyles]

im afraid the PS3 is the best player out at the mo

[Markgway]

The PS3 has been surpassed now by Panasonic.

[thekfc]

Its the Panasonic DMP-BD50
But it is priced @ $699. :(

Here is more info on the Panasoni Blu-ray player.

http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/panasonic-dmp-bd50/1995-6463_7-32815617.html

A co-worker was at CES 2008 and told me about it.

I got me a PS3 for a little over $200 about 2 weeks ago during the Walmart PS3 sale. I wanted to buy 2 but I was short on cash. :)
I use it primarily for Blu-ray & PS3 games.

[TheGrimReaper]

The PS3 greatest advantage over the majority of Blu-Ray players is that the loading time for Blu-Ray disc is around 45 seconds, while most of the players are getting it there for about 2 minutes or so. Well it all depends on one's personal taste and requirements - if you dont need another game console, get a decent Blu-Ray player or even a Blu-Ray Home cinema (I think Samsung & Pioneer have such models).

[thekfc]

For those interested on getting a Blu-ray player - this is a good deal:

$100 off any Blu-ray player - Too bad the PS3 is not included - Valid Sunday & Monday only.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=category&id=pcmcat154700050027

Good deal on the Insignia: $299 - $100 (gift card) & also get $100 worth of coupons for Blue-ray DVDs.

Or get the Panny for #349 or Sony/Samsung for $299.

I am happy with my PS3 - but this may be valuable to someone.