Blu-ray players:
Panasonic DMP-BDT230
Cons:
No analogue 5.1/7.1 audio outputs
Drop down for SD card insert and USB
Pros:
Excellent DVD playback and BD playback
Wi-Fi built in for access BD Live, UTube, Pandora, Netflix etc
3D BD disc playback including 2D to 3D conversion
Good quality with high level of consumer satisfaction
Miracast for steaming content from smart phone or tablets to your bigger HDTV screen
Panasonic DMP-BDT330
Cons: No disc slot loading available vs. older model 320
Shiny appearance takes some getting used to.
Pros:
Dual HDMI output, one for 3D HDTV video, second for AVR lossless decoding for legacy AVRs with HDMI 1.3 or under
4K upscaling and 3D playback including upscaling to 3D
WiFi internal for access to Netflix and other services
Miracast for steaming content from smart phone or tablets to your bigger HDTV screen
Internet browser built in
Easy to use remote
Sony PS3 and "Slim"
Cons:
It is a game-player first, BD player second, may be different for HT folks not used to gaming consoles
Bluetooth remote optional, game controller maybe difficult for some to use to play BD discs
Bluetooth-only remote operation not usable for Universal remotes that use IR only
PS4 is coming
Pros:
Easy setup and fast response, 3D and other features constantly being added
Gaming as an added bonus
Sony BD-S5100
Cons:
No external 5.1 or 7.1 analogue audio output jacks
Pros:
Slim, lightweight design
WiFi built in
3D playback
Suggests new visual content
Allows streaming from smartphones and tablets
LG BP530
Cons:
No 5.1/7.1 analogue audio outputs
Pros:
3D playback
WiFi built in
Excellent DVD upscaling
Supports multiple playback formats
Has private sound mode for mobile phones
Samsung BD-F5900
No external 5.1 or 7.1 analogue audio output jacks
Pros:
3D playback
WiFi built in
S-Recommendation for suggesting new entertainment
Easy setup
Samsung BD-F7500
Cons:
Average build
No 7.1 audio outputs
Pros:
3D playback
WiFi built in
Bonus: Has two HDMI outputs, one for your 3D HDTV input, other for your AVR to decode the lossless formats
Access to Netflix, HuluPlus and most other services
4K video upscaling
Rips CD to MP3 files with a USB storage device
On board browser
Stuck!pyth No problemo!
Thank you!:wave:
Quote from: Gregg Lengling;37800Stuck!pyth No problemo!
AHA! A Monty Python fan!
Added several other models to the original listing, including the LG player Combo player, which has had mixed reviews in avsforum.
It is currently available at Best Buy and Circuit City, among others.:D
There's also the 360 HD DVD addon, which is the cheapest option if you own a 360.
Scott
And the Toshiba HD-XA1, which is discontinued, but can be found online for around $400.
Scott
Added the last two items, thank you SRW1000 :wave:
(If there is any other "Con" to the HD-DVD addon to XBOX, let me know.)
For the 360 add on some cons are:
Analog output only (1080p over VGA if your TV supports it); rumored 360 v2 has HDMI
All audio is downconverted to DD5.1 (could be a positive if that's all your receiver can handle)
Otherwise picture is excellent and load times are fast.
I have a pile of 1280 by 1520 CD JPEG digital photos..... (About 1 meg per pic)
On my PC, JPEGS look nice; on my SD DVD at 480i they look
pretty bad as a slide show.
Buy running this same CD JPEG slide show through an HDMI or DVI
HD DVD or BluRay, will the JPEG CDS reveal a high quality HD picture????
What's the cheapest way to upgrage the CD JPEG HD viewing??
The specs on the players do not reveal your format's playback, I could be wrong.
I would archive the data and transfer it to a HD-DVD recorder or Blu-ray burner, possibly on the new Sony VAIO computer if these are equipped that way by now.
Correction on my HDTV CD slide Show JPEG Format................
JPEG file size is ~ 1 MB JPEG format is 2048 by 1536
Question is how do I get HDTV picture Quality on this
slide show CD data via a HD OR BluRay or ? player, IF possible??
I will use DVI or HDMI cables.....
Added the new Toshiba HD-DVD player to list.
See: http://www.ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/0107toshhda20/
Quote from: gparris;37813Added the last two items, thank you SRW1000 :wave:
You're welcome. I'm glad to see this thread.
If anyone sees any local deals on high definition players, can they be posted here? I really want to get one, but my wife and I have settled on a limit of $250.
That only leaves the Xbox add on, but I'm not sure I'd be happy with the audio.
We're at the beginning of a very exciting time, especially since NetFlix and Blockbuster rent out high-def versions at no added cost.
Scott
This thread was made a sticky, not a discussion thread, it is primarily as an information thread for high def players-only.
You can link back to this thread when shopping or comparing player types and availablity at your favourite stores.
Discussion about formats, discounts and the like should be in new thread(s), thank you.
Quote from: gparris;37813Added the last two items, thank you SRW1000 :wave:
(If there is any other "Con" to the HD-DVD addon to XBOX, let me know.)
It is not a PS3....lol
PS3's :rock:
Quote: "It is not a PS3....lol "
Gee, thanks for the constructive and helpful posting.:rolleyes:
The HD DVD add on continues with the newer version of the XBOX 360, though it is not available as a built-in HD DVD drive like the PS3.
Seems as though Microsoft does not want it that way, still.:confused:
(IMO, maybe if HD DVD does not survive, this could become a problem so it is still an addon device-just a possiblity.)
FYI, lets keep this thread to adding new product listings-only...thank you.
It should also be added that the Xbox 360 drive provides no digital video output - only component or VGA. (Until the new deluxe 360 is released.) Also, there's currently a bug where it kills the dynamic range on any Dolby Digital Plus track, leaving it sounding very flat. It converts all the other sound formats just fine, however. There's supposedly been an update on its way, but that's been claimed since last year, so I wouldn't count on it being too soon.
Thanks for the input, I will see if that can be edited in somehow.;)
The high-def disc format player listing has been updated today.
Though this thread is not a place for discussion, it is more of a place for updating the listings given and constructive suggestions.
If I have missed any currently-available products or have something that needs to be changed, any constructive comments will be appreciated...thank you.;)
Just added more high def DVD players to the list with updates on others.
Seems like high def players are here to stay with more features, more models and lower prices - check out the first page of listings!:wave:
Quote from: gparris;37797Sony PS3
Cons:
Bluetooth-only remote operation not usable for Universal remotes that use IR only
I picked up one of these (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/nyko-introduces-bluwave-ps3-remote-ships-ps3-charge-base/) and was able to get it to work with my Harmony remote; the codes were already in there, so there was no manual programming needed.
Pros:
You can now use your universal remote to playing DVDs with your PS3.
Can be had for $15.
Cons:
Takes up one of the USB ports with the dongle.
If plugged in when you start up the system, gets assigned as controller #1.
Quote from: Cheesehead Dave;40984I picked up one of these (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/nyko-introduces-bluwave-ps3-remote-ships-ps3-charge-base/) and was able to get it to work with my Harmony remote; the codes were already in there, so there was no manual programming needed.
Pros:
You can now use your universal remote to playing DVDs with your PS3.
Can be had for $15.
Cons:
Takes up one of the USB ports with the dongle.
If plugged in when you start up the system, gets assigned as controller #1.
Thanks, I did the update to this listing.:wave:
For tracking what releases are out, what their features are and stats as to what is offered on both, I have some links some might find useful:
http://www.blu-raystats.com/index.php?OrderBy=Audio for Blu-ray
AND
http://www.hddvdstats.com/index.php for HD DVD
Sometimes if you are about to get a player, you wonder as to which of its features are the most useful to have and based on the stats of the discs given in these links, you can decide for yourself.;)
Great info THANKS!!
I have a lot of PAL format dvd's. Does anyone know if any of the HD-DVD or Blu-Ray players can play both PAL and NTSC like alot of $35 SD dvd players now can?
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/25/wal-mart-selling-toshibas-a2-hd-dvd-player-for-199/ (http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/25/wal-mart-selling-toshibas-a2-hd-dvd-player-for-199/)
Quote from: bubbaridesfast;41715I have a lot of PAL format dvd's. Does anyone know if any of the HD-DVD or Blu-Ray players can play both PAL and NTSC like alot of $35 SD dvd players now can?
Tried checking, cannot locate any information.
- If that is all you're going to want to play are PAL DVDs, keep your old $35 DVD player hooked up.;)
HD DVD players are region free, unlike BDs from what I have read, so these can be a better bargain that way, besides the new pricing (see engadget link).:D
I wish it was that simple but you are familiar with the WAF right? I currently do not have a PAL capable player and only have room for 1 dvd player in this (small) old house.
I hope to be able to remedy all by getting a new player one day capable of everything. It makes no sense that all dvd players can't play both PAL and NTSC, in Europe it is a requirement I'm told which is partially why the really cheap players here do (simpler to just distribute 1 version of a product).
I currently edit the IFO files in PAL dvd's to "trick" my Sony into thinking the disc is NTSC. Of course this is only possible when burning a dvd. But I have to do this for dvd titles not available with an NTSC version.
Thanks for the engadget link, nice to see price drops but I'll still be on the format fence unless the combo players really drop. I was burned once on a $1100 Beta machine.:mad:
I was reading the owners manual online for that Toshiba HD-DVD player and it shows it is NTSC only on page 69:mad: :mad:
Note: I have updated the listings again for the high def disc players.
IF there is anything to add or any constructive comments, please post...thank you!:wave:
Quote from: gparris;37797HD-DVD players:
Toshiba HD-XA2]
Cons:
More costly than the list price of HD-A2
NOW DISCONTINUED - See A35 model
Pros:
Offers 1080p output
HDMI 1.3 support
Backlit remote
Better DVD upconverting ability than the HD-A2
Analogue 5.1 outputs for AVRs without HDMI inputs
The XA2 does offer Bitstream audio via its latest firmware update.
Today I added and changed the high-def disc player listings, bringing the BD players list to the top, adding and deleting as I felt was necessary.
If anyone wants me to add a BD player I missed to the list of the BD players or offer any constructive additions to the current listings, please reply...thank you!:wave:
Best Buy offering $50 gift cards for anyone that purchased a HD-DVD player from them. Only certain models apply, see link.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=STXP05M4GB15XKC4D3HFAHI?id=pcmcat147600050717&type=category
To add to that Best Buy info, I can also confirm if you bought a player via the Best Buy For Business website, you will get the $50 rebate. I called BBFB to ask that question yesterday and they assured me that they were covering both sites.
Mike
I read that BB will give you credit for ALL HD DVD equipment and movies. They would not disclose how much they will credit but something is better than nothing. From what I read, they aren't even asking people to return the players!
.......now if Wally World would do the same thing...... at least I was able to get a great up converting player for $95.
UPDATE: The Sony BDP-S300 offers Dolby TRUEHD internal decoding, finally, as promised with a software update.
A bit late, but for those who have the player already and didn't buy the 350 model, you are set, at least for Dolby TRUEHD.
See:http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/02/bdp-s300-firmware-4-20-adds-dolby-truehd-support-finally/
BTW, I was a a Wal-Mart recently and saw the price of $249 for this model, similar to the SONY Outlet in Pleasant Prairie, too, along with BD's priced at $19.94.:D
-I just did an update of the Blu-ray players as newer models are coming in the next month of so, but only for the newly-added models that are $399 and below.
The trend in the newer models is internal DTS-HD MA decoding vs. just bitsteam output to newer AVRs, WiFi connectivity, Profile 2.0, better DVD upscaling, slimmer profiles and faster load times.
As for the DTS-HD MA internal decoding in the newest BD players, this is long overdue, as many of the newer BD releases are in DTS-HD MA than ever before.
Another update of the current "crop" of Blu-ray players as found in many stores done today.
While there are some not included (Sharp, Insignia), I tried to list the best or better models within a comparable price range.
I did another update on the newer BD players out there on store shelves that are in the $250-or less price range.
While there are cheaper ones out there, many may not offer what is now considered more mainstream, like internal decoding of Dolby TRUEHD and DTS HD Master Audio and BD profile 2.0.
The "new rage" is 3D capabilty, but you can pay a lot more for this feature.
Other trends are:
- 7.1 analogue outputs are available on fewer BD models.
-Wi-Fi capable or built in Wi-Fi for internet access and features like Pandora and Netflix are becoming standard.
-1 GB internal memory standard, important when you are playing more recent Blu-ray Discs and the disc takes what seems to be forever to load (or never does), without it.
Sorry that I have not updated this area for some time, but my system consistantly denied me access to this site for months until I figured it out.:bang:
Most Blu-ray models are relatively inexpensive, offer built-in WiFi for internet access, are 3D playback capable, as well as lightweight and small in size. While I know there are many Blu-ray Disc players out there, this is sampling of what one might find in a local store.
I have suggested some newer blu-ray players with some descriptions to update this site, these are mostly lower priced models of major brands. The newest models not only offer built in Wi Fi and 3D playback including 3D upconversion, but now offer streaming to your HDTV from your phone or tablets. Other higher-end models may offer a better build set, but that is strictly up to the consumer as to importance. Some newer models from Panasonic and Samsung offer 2 HDMI outputs for those with legacy AVRs, HDMI 1.3 or older so you can enjoy 3D to your HDTV set (if 3D capable) and the other to your AVR if your setup has one for lossless surround sound. Most Blu-ray players eliminate the need for the HDTV to be the source for access to Netflix (you can buy a "dumb set") among other services and are constantly being updated with newer software to enhance the experience. So the blu-ray player is no longer just for disc playback, it is more of an entertainment hub.