With HD DVD seemingly on its last legs, it feels like a pretty good time to do a round up of some of the best and most interesting Blu-ray players on the market. Of course, it's not all a bed of roses for Blu-ray. Despite having a lot of studio support, the players come in a variety of capabilities and not one of them supports the same specification.
For example, Sony's own BDP-S1E doesn't support Profile 1.1, which means that if you buy it, you won't be able to enjoy enhanced interactivity and picture-in-picture support. Look instead to its new sibling, the Sony BDPS500B which is available for around AU$1,000 -- but that's still more expensive than Sony's own PlayStation 3.
The good news is that if you want a PS3, it's a good Blu-ray player. Some say it's the best -- and they might be right -- because it's upgradable, has all the features of Profile 2 and Profile 1.1, and can also play PS3 games. You can pick one up for about AU$680 these days, which means it's one of the better valued high-end players on the market. Of course, this is because the PS3 is being subsidised by Sony. So if 20 million people bought one and never bought any games, Sony would go bust in three minutes flat.
If you don't want a Sony player, then how about going for either the high end or the low end? At the bottom of the range, there is the Sharp BD-HP20X, which at just AU$750 is relatively cheap for a standalone. It doesn't support Profile 1.1, but then again neither does the Pioneer BDP-LX70 and it costs quite a lot more.
Sony PlayStation 3
Sony's built the PlayStation 3 with a definite eye on the future. Can it maintain its lead in the gaming arena with its new console?
Pioneer BDP-LX70
The Pioneer BDP-LX70 player is a very good Blu-ray player and media streaming device, but it's not as successful with DVD playback.
Sharp BDHP20X
The Sharp BDHP20X is a fine HD performer for its money, but it lacks a few too many features for comfort.
Sony BDPS500B
The Sony BDPS500B is an excellent sonic performer and will upscale your DVD collection — but it's outshone by cheaper players for Blu-ray playback.
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Boost-Juice
23/01/2008 06:22 PM
I don't know how accurate a strategy it is that Sony is making a loss. I wouldn't believe that one unless Sony went broke. You know manufacturing costs come down, and a certain hype (or sympathy) is needed to compete with other brands, but also to reach out to loyalists, like me. Just not that sill though, eh? Capiche?
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wend
25/01/2008 07:39 AM
now check out the reviews for standalone hd dvd players and it beats blu ray hands down,consumer chose my arse
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Your-Master
25/01/2008 09:44 PM
Oh STFU wend. Nobody give a toss about your standalone hd-fud players. That's all you have to boast about. Blu-ray is selling more movies, it's selling more players. PS3 is a great Blu-ray player and that's why people are buying it. Accept defeat graciously and get your wallet ready to join the Blu side.
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boatsmart519
25/02/2008 04:46 PM
Ive just been screwed by hddvd i am looking top of the line blue ray can you help
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