I need a new blu-ray player, recommendations?

Ron-P
Ron-P Posts: 8,520
edited August 2010 in Electronics
After 2.5 years my PS3 is dead. I'll call to see what the repair costs might be but mostly likely I won't bother.

I want a new machine, not a PS3 (I don't game) and I'd like to stick with Sony unless you guys know of other brands without playback issues. My PS3 never had an issue with a single disc. Oh, and don't bother recommending anything Samsung.

Oh, and I'd not like to spend more then $200.
If...
Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
Post edited by Ron-P on
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Comments

  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited August 2010
    My ps3 died a while back and I called Sony and they'll replace it with a new/refurb ps3 slim for $149.99
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  • GEBBY44
    GEBBY44 Posts: 939
    edited August 2010
    Give the Sony BDP-S570 a serious look. I'm using it currently and it really has a solid feature set for the price. Wi-fi, Pandora, slim design, and THE FASTEST LOAD TIMES OF ANY PLAYER ON THE MARKET. It loads blurays faster than any player I've ever seen. Reviews say it is faster than the Oppo, PS3, and Panasonics. I've had it for 4 months and haven't had any problems.

    http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BDP-S570-Blu-ray-Disc-Player/dp/B0036WS4D4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1281593089&sr=8-3
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited August 2010
    You need to read the other "BR Failure" thread where the poster says his $39 DVD player is better than a BR player. :rolleyes:
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited August 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    My ps3 died a while back and I called Sony and they'll replace it with a new/refurb ps3 slim for $149.99
    I will call tomorrow and see what they offer. But, not sure I want to spend $150 on another one when I can by a new player for that price. Remember I don't game, at all.

    I will look into the 570, I was looking at the 370 for $150 so I'll compare features.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • Dobermann
    Dobermann Posts: 84
    edited August 2010
    I got the BDP-S360 on closeout at my local Best Buy for like 80 bucks. They had a whole bunch of them....you might want to check it out.
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  • geebolt
    geebolt Posts: 215
    edited August 2010
    I have an almost new BDP-N460 for 85 bucks plus shipping...
    It fits in between the 360 and 560 and is network ready.
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    CD player:Emotiva ERC-1
    Blu-Ray: Oppo BDP-93
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited August 2010
    Spend a tad more for the Oppo BD80 and enjoy everything that it can play.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited August 2010
    I would say it depends on which situation you're in:

    If you're just concerned about Blu Ray playback and don't care about upconverting regular DVDs, then the Sony player you're looking at will work just fine.

    If you're also concerned about regular DVD playback then skip the Sony players and go for something with better upconversion. Along those lines I'd recommend the Oppo or one of the better Panasonic or Pioneer players.

    I've posted in a couple other threads, posts linked below. I think these may help you, so take a second and give them a read.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1309459&postcount=32
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1322778&postcount=13
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,392
    edited August 2010
    http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1C1_____enUS373US373&q=pioneer+elite+blu+ray+player&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=3663091642409579426&ei=OvxjTJDZK4WglAfI0ejuDA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEIQ8wIwAw#

    I would imagine this is a solid player?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited August 2010
    AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »
    I would say it depends on which situation you're in:

    If you're just concerned about Blu Ray playback and don't care about upconverting regular DVDs, then the Sony player you're looking at will work just fine.

    No upconverting needed, I'm 100% blu-ray playback.


    Sherardp wrote: »
    Spend a tad more for the Oppo BD80 and enjoy everything that it can play.
    I did, but at nearly twice the price it's not something I really want to consider at this point.


    What I'll do, if Sony offers me a refurb PS3 for $150 is but a new machine and get the PS3 swapped out. This was I have two machines for $300 instead of buying one new one for that price.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited August 2010
    So then I'd say just get the BDP-S370 and be done with it, I think it'll meet all your needs
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  • grif32
    grif32 Posts: 267
    edited August 2010
    If you can get a new PS3 slim upgrade for $150 then to me it's a no brainer regardless if you game or not.

    IMHO there are no Blu Ray players out the for $150 then can even come close to everything the PS3 offers.

    If not then look at the Pioneer or Panny BD players.
    (3) PS3's, Xbox 360, (2) Wii's and Nintendo NES
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited August 2010
    I picked up the 370, it was $149.99 + I added the black tie protection plan, bumper-to-bumper for 4 years, and it was only $24.99. I my case, a no brainer. I won't have to worry about this player at all for a long time.

    I "only" watch movies in my HT room so I don't need to spend money on a player for anything but playback, especially since I'm going to go ahead and get my PS3 repaired.

    I'll get it hooked up today and play Avatar, that blu-ray has been difficult to play on some machines so if the 370 plays it, I'll be happy.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited August 2010
    Ron, if you're not intending to keep it connected to your network, then I'd suggest hooling it up somewhere temporarily with an ethernet cable to grab the newest firmware, as it resolves a few issues that you're likely to come across.
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited August 2010
    The paperwork for the PS3 is done so now I just have to wait to receive the box for it.

    As with my PS3, about once every 2 weeks I'd connect it to the net just to check for updates, I'll do the same with this 370 as well.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • olilugo
    olilugo Posts: 405
    edited August 2010
    I currently own a panasonic DMP-BD85 and a sony BDP-350. I will not recomend the panasonic. This new players they seam to be all feature but the build and quality are way short of expectation.
    The panasonic sound is underpar compared to the sony, the picture is OK, and I don't really care for all the other features... including Wifi.
    In my opinion the panasonic which was highly regarded in most forum turn out to be a big desapointment. maybe the people that has bough this particular DBP did not compared them to the older player like the sony. the only problem with the older units is the load time... it takes for ever but the sound and picture are fantastic.
    If you notice even the specifications one the new players are all about features but they don't tell you the technical specks nor do they say what are the main chips driving them... 2 years ago it was all about the components, the specks clearly stated anchor bay or faruja now is 3D, wifi, DLNA, Ipod control... as I said just feature not what important, at least to me... sound and video.
    Current HT setup
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  • Trunkmonkee
    Trunkmonkee Posts: 15
    edited August 2010
    I would strongly recommend the Oppo BDP-83. It has an excellent set of features, includes SACD and a full set of quality 5.1 analog outs, among other things. Plus, a little googling will get you a region-free player if you plan on moving.
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  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited August 2010
    I second the Oppo BDP-83 or for a bit less BDP-80.
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
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  • greene1968
    greene1968 Posts: 126
    edited August 2010
    wow they are proud of that oppo bd 83..ive been thinking about upgrading my panasonic bd30, but dont really want to spend 500:D. I was thinking about the new pannys..but not all reviews are positive...and not a big sony fan
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited August 2010
    Hmmm, guess you guys missed my comments on a player under $200? Either way, I'm sure Oppo 83 is nice machine but I have no need for something with that much wizz-bang. Just want Blu-ray playback, nothing more.

    So far, for $149.99 the Sony s370 is a stellar machine. The wife even said it sounded and looked better then my PS3, but that, I find hard to believe. But, it was equal to it. Load time was super fast and she ran without issue. So far, so good.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited August 2010
    greene1968 wrote: »
    wow they are proud of that oppo bd 83..ive been thinking about upgrading my panasonic bd30, but dont really want to spend 500:D. I was thinking about the new pannys..but not all reviews are positive...and not a big sony fan


    I'm not a big sony fan either, but I very pleased with my BDP-S470 Blueray player. It loads very fast and looks great.
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited August 2010
    Some with Panasonic and other players are stating 10+ minute load times with the Blu-ray of "Kick-****" over at HTF. Hell, my new $150 Sony does it in less then a minute. Yet one more reason I won't buy anything other then Sony Blu-ray players.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • blockatvalpo
    blockatvalpo Posts: 87
    edited August 2010
    I was in Best Buy this past weekend and they had the Insignia NS-WBRDVD on sale for $129.99 so I picked it up. So far I like it and I haven't had any issues with it. It loads fairly fast and the picture is pretty good. My one complaint about it is, when it does a firmware update, I have to re-enter our network password. Not a deal breaker, but it sucks.
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  • nedh84
    nedh84 Posts: 143
    edited August 2010
    Don't forget that the PS3 makes a great media center.....

    You can use your computer to host tons of movies to your TV thru the network. PS3 is a pretty damn good cd player too with the recent firmware updates. For 150 you are getting a lot of value. Up to u
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited August 2010
    Yup that's what I do. I rip / encode blu-ray movies to 1080p x264 + dolby digital (.m2ts format ~ dual layer dvd size for potential AVCHD disc transfer later) and deposit them to my media server machine. Then the PS3 / AVR can play them over the gigabit LAN natively.

    A number of networked blu-ray players can play this format as well though - you just need to see what profiles they support (ie. level 4.1 high profile of h264).

    LG BD570 definitely supports level 4.1 (my sister's going to buy this one soon, and my LG LED TV can play most of the movies I encode over the lan)

    Sony BDP470 supports .m2ts and AVCHD - they don't specify profile levels, but I'd think it would be fine.
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited August 2010
    Well, I fed-ex'd out my PS3 yesterday, now will see just how long with will take and what I'll end up getting back.

    The 370 is running perfectly so far and she loads faster then my PS3. Nice thing too, no deal when hitting buttons on the Harmony unlike when using the PS3 and having to use that nyko device.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited August 2010
    Yeah I know what you mean - my blu-ray drive went out on my fat ps3 a year ago and they gave me a new thin 120gb PS3 under warranty. there's always remote lag if you haven't touched the remote in a while (w/ bluetooth and w/ the logitech IR receiver for PS3). Kinda annoying.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • Zion21
    Zion21 Posts: 25
    edited August 2010
    PrazVT wrote: »
    Yeah I know what you mean - my blu-ray drive went out on my fat ps3 a year ago and they gave me a new thin 120gb PS3 under warranty. there's always remote lag if you haven't touched the remote in a while (w/ bluetooth and w/ the logitech IR receiver for PS3). Kinda annoying.19.gif

    I experience the ps3 remote lag as well. Its something you get used to though. No biggie. :)
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