ekawaguchi
I need one that can play regular DVD's as well as Blu Ray / HD and one that has 1080 output. And preferably under $300. Any suggestions?
Answer
Google "best Blu-ray player" and you will find several comparative reviews (the 3rd link below is to one of the better ones).
But I want to focus on the results of my search for a player. While only recommended for those who value excellent video and audio performance over loading speed and "the latest" features, the best deal right now is, arguably, the Pioneer BDP51FD from 6th Avenue Electronics. This is the $600 MSRP model that is in all important ways is almost the same as the $800 MSRP Pioneer Elite BPD-05FD ... but is on sale for $284. (link 1). Most professional reviews were on players with early firmware. Since V1.17 (Current V1.25a) this player has really come into it's own.
The main pros are: excellent build quality and components; exemplary DVD scaling, CD audio quality (Audiophiles rate it as one of the best CD players available), and BD video quality; multichannel analog audio with built in support for Dolby TrueHD (and DTS HD master to follow via a firmware update); excellent "tweekability".
The main cons are: it is Profile 1.1 (and can't be updated to 2.0 ... which means no internet connectivity for updates or on-line extras ... but relative to audio and video quality this is relatively unimportant); relatively slow DVD layer change on some disks, limited bass management over analog audio outs, some reports of sensitivity to scratches on disks.
The second link is to an owners thread ... and many posts point out that this is one of the best Blu-ray players out there in terms of performance and quality. Overpriced at $600, but a steal at $284. Most of what you need to know is in the first few posts at the second link (e.g. #7).
Again .. this is a player for the videophile/audiophile ... not for those looking for glitz.
Other choices are summarized at the 3rd link.
Google "best Blu-ray player" and you will find several comparative reviews (the 3rd link below is to one of the better ones).
But I want to focus on the results of my search for a player. While only recommended for those who value excellent video and audio performance over loading speed and "the latest" features, the best deal right now is, arguably, the Pioneer BDP51FD from 6th Avenue Electronics. This is the $600 MSRP model that is in all important ways is almost the same as the $800 MSRP Pioneer Elite BPD-05FD ... but is on sale for $284. (link 1). Most professional reviews were on players with early firmware. Since V1.17 (Current V1.25a) this player has really come into it's own.
The main pros are: excellent build quality and components; exemplary DVD scaling, CD audio quality (Audiophiles rate it as one of the best CD players available), and BD video quality; multichannel analog audio with built in support for Dolby TrueHD (and DTS HD master to follow via a firmware update); excellent "tweekability".
The main cons are: it is Profile 1.1 (and can't be updated to 2.0 ... which means no internet connectivity for updates or on-line extras ... but relative to audio and video quality this is relatively unimportant); relatively slow DVD layer change on some disks, limited bass management over analog audio outs, some reports of sensitivity to scratches on disks.
The second link is to an owners thread ... and many posts point out that this is one of the best Blu-ray players out there in terms of performance and quality. Overpriced at $600, but a steal at $284. Most of what you need to know is in the first few posts at the second link (e.g. #7).
Again .. this is a player for the videophile/audiophile ... not for those looking for glitz.
Other choices are summarized at the 3rd link.
About Blu-Ray DVD Players?
~Ms. Q~
What makes them different from normal DVD players? Are they better?
Please help me, I am clueless :)
Answer
Blu-Ray is the evolution forwards of the DVD from a device that uses a RED laser and stores 4 or 8GB to one that uses a blue laser (the light is smaller wavelength than red light is so you can fit more information on a disc) and stores around 50 to 400GB.
the ordinary DVD can hold a 2 to 3 hour movie at 480 or 575 lines resolution with 5.1 sound using MPEG4 compression.
a blu-ray can hold a 3 hour movie at 1080 lines resolution with 7.1 or 9.2 sounds so both video and sound have MUCH M4UCH better quality using MPEG4 or newer compression plus can have interactive Java and web links embedded.
some 'upscaling DVD's can take the 480 lines and interpolate it to 1080 lines all this does is smooth edges and not add any detail. the difference between upscaled DVD and blu-ray is very noticeable (like reading with or without glasses you see so much more detail).
A DVD can play normal DVD's and CD's but NOT blu-ray disks
a Blu-Ray can play DVD's Cd's and blu-ray's
despite some people saying the blu-ray will be replaced this year by broadband its not happening as blu ray prices are coming down and sales shooting up. a HD movie on broadband can take 12 hours to download and take 2 months usage allowance and still not match the blu-ray quality.
Blu-Ray is the evolution forwards of the DVD from a device that uses a RED laser and stores 4 or 8GB to one that uses a blue laser (the light is smaller wavelength than red light is so you can fit more information on a disc) and stores around 50 to 400GB.
the ordinary DVD can hold a 2 to 3 hour movie at 480 or 575 lines resolution with 5.1 sound using MPEG4 compression.
a blu-ray can hold a 3 hour movie at 1080 lines resolution with 7.1 or 9.2 sounds so both video and sound have MUCH M4UCH better quality using MPEG4 or newer compression plus can have interactive Java and web links embedded.
some 'upscaling DVD's can take the 480 lines and interpolate it to 1080 lines all this does is smooth edges and not add any detail. the difference between upscaled DVD and blu-ray is very noticeable (like reading with or without glasses you see so much more detail).
A DVD can play normal DVD's and CD's but NOT blu-ray disks
a Blu-Ray can play DVD's Cd's and blu-ray's
despite some people saying the blu-ray will be replaced this year by broadband its not happening as blu ray prices are coming down and sales shooting up. a HD movie on broadband can take 12 hours to download and take 2 months usage allowance and still not match the blu-ray quality.
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Title Post: Can anyone recommend a Blu Ray Player?
Rating: 100% based on 998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Yukie
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
Rating: 100% based on 998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Yukie
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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