I have an X1 and would like to also get a BR player. I do not have HD TV where I live and I'm just loving these HD DVD's. I like to buy DVD's and throw them on the shelf for future rainy days. My collection is around 600 DVD's and close to 50 HD DVD's now.

Unfortunately, this format split with the studios and not just being able to get the HD disk for the movie I'd like to buy has finally gotten the better of me. I've decided to go ahead buy another player so that I can buy the movie as it comes out and not worry if it's BR or HD.

All that being said, which BR player should I pick up? I freely admit that I have not read all the "official" player threads or have spent much time researching each player on these boards. I try to get through the strings, but inevitably, they turn into fifty pages of format war banter. I don't have the time nor inclination to get into or read a debate that I can do nothing about. I just want a great picture and sound from a player that won't give me troubles.

Audio is just as important to me as the video piece. LPCM in multi channel is quiet a treat and I would like the BR player to provide that function. I am not a gamer, but if this PS3 is truly the right player for me, then I am not opposed to buying one. It just seams a little weird, but I reckon I could always start playing games.

If it matters or complicates things, I run all my video sources through a DVDO VP 50 to my projector. I will also be upgrading my Panny 900 to a 1080P projector shortly.

thanks in advance.................mike

I have an X1 and would like to also get a BR player. I do not have HD TV where I live and I'm just loving these HD DVD's. I like to buy DVD's and throw them on the shelf for future rainy days. My collection is around 600 DVD's and close to 50 HD DVD's now.

Unfortunately, this format split with the studios and not just being able to get the HD disk for the movie I'd like to buy has finally gotten the better of me. I've decided to go ahead buy another player so that I can buy the movie as it comes out and not worry if it's BR or HD.

All that being said, which BR player should I pick up? I freely admit that I have not read all the "official" player threads or have spent much time researching each player on these boards. I try to get through the strings, but inevitably, they turn into fifty pages of format war banter. I don't have the time nor inclination to get into or read a debate that I can do nothing about. I just want a great picture and sound from a player that won't give me troubles.

Audio is just as important to me as the video piece. LPCM in multi channel is quiet a treat and I would like the BR player to provide that function. I am not a gamer, but if this PS3 is truly the right player for me, then I am not opposed to buying one. It just seams a little weird, but I reckon I could always start playing games.

If it matters or complicates things, I run all my video sources through a DVDO VP 50 to my projector. I will also be upgrading my Panny 900 to a 1080P projector shortly.

thanks in advance.................mike
Hi, Mike. You and I are in just about the same situation. I have researched players until I'm blue in the face :D . You will find many Blu-ray supporters telling you to buy anything now, and many telling you the Panasonic, Sony, Pioneer, or PS3 will be the best for your needs. I for one am waiting just a little bit longer. Just to see what the near future holds. I noticed you mentioned how important audio was to you. I agree. For me, audio is more important than video. However, I do want the best picture I can get as well. Otherwise, I wouldn't care about either of the new formats. Good luck on your decision.

P.S. I didn't mean for "blu-ray supporters" to sound so criminal.

Hi, Mike. You and I are in just about the same situation. I have researched players until I'm blue in the face :D . You will find many Blu-ray supporters telling you to buy anything now, and many telling you the Panasonic, Sony, Pioneer, or PS3 will be the best for your needs. I for one am waiting just a little bit longer. Just to see what the near future holds. I noticed you mentioned how important audio was to you. I agree. For me, audio is more important than video. However, I do want the best picture I can get as well. Otherwise, I wouldn't care about either of the new formats. Good luck on your decision.

P.S. I didn't mean for "blu-ray supporters" to sound so criminal.
Pretty good advice with CES 2007 right around the corner. So we would get a better idea soon.
I would say Sony, I don't like the PS3, or I would pick the Sammy which can be had for about $600 now.

If you have to buy now, the Sony PS3 and Panasonic BD player will be viable for the longest period of time, thanks to their [announced] support for the advanced audio codecs. The Samsung, Sony, and Pioneer BD players do not support these codecs, and as a result, they offer inferior audio output quality on many titles.

That said, if you haven't bought a BD player yet, I would second the above suggestion to see what is announced at CES in two weeks.

At this point and time the PS3 is a no-brainer. All players have their issues, (read other threads to find out about them) but at the $600 price point not only are you getting a Blu-ray player but a gaming system as well. Personally I do not like to have any component on my rack that multi-tasks, but until the companies iron out their issues I will stick with the PS3.

Note: I purchased my PS3 for home theater viewing, all of the home theater publications I have read recommend this player for movie watching.

Thanks for your input. I was not aware that the Sony did not support HD audio. That's a shame.

I'll take a closer look at that PS3.

I just bought the Sammy, $569.99 to my door step. That's a great price and half or more of some of the other models. It doesn't support advanced audio codecs but I don't care at that price, it's got the uncompressed PCM outs via the analog connection and that's good enough . I figure I'll save some money now and then buy a second or third gen player with all the bells and whistles in a year or two. Plus, in a year or two those players will be about the same price or less then the price of the Sammy today.

PS3 will not put out uncompressed audio unless you have a HDMI capable receiver. Otherwise, I have no other problems with using PS3 as a BD player. I also do not game and using the optional BD remote makes it seem less like a game system and more like your traditional HT component. I also like the fact that PS3 is more likely to be less obsolete even as a BD player due to it's upgradability.

PS3 will not put out uncompressed audio unless you have a HDMI capable receiver.
Exactly why I will not buy a PS3, I want the analog outs as I have no plans to upgrade my pre/pro to HDMI within the next couple of years.

Samsung BDP-1000 just dropped by another $30 to $569.99 at Amazon.

The Samsung may not have advanced codecs, but last night on Pat Metheny Way Up Live, I chose DTS-MA and it gave me multi-channel PCM to my AVR via the HDMI cable and I will be darned if it was not some of the best audio I have heard. :)

I have an HDMI AVR, unfortunately, it has a bug with the lossless PCM stream. But I'm hopeful this bug will get squished before long with a firmware upgrade.

Can you lay the PS3 on its side in a rack?

Does anyone know why the manufacturers, especially Sony and Pioneer with their $1,000+ players, will not support the HD audio codecs out of the box. Seems mighty arrogant and consumer unfriendly to me.

Deleted - asked question in separate thread.

Can you lay the PS3 on its side in a rack?A stand will be released next week which allows that. Look for it at Walmart, EBGames, Best Buy, etc within two weeks.

Does anyone know why the manufacturers, especially Sony and Pioneer with their $1,000+ players, will not support the HD audio codecs out of the box. Seems mighty arrogant and consumer unfriendly to me.
The rest of us wonder the same thing. That is the only thing keeping me from buying the pioneer right now. If they anounce this update at ces I will buy one immediately.

I say wait a few days to see what happens at CES, then decide.

My vote is either for the Panny or the Pioneer! ;)

I ended up buying a 20Gig PS3 at Best Buy the other day. I'm going to set it up today, or tomorrow. I haven't even opened the box, so I don't know what I'm getting into yet.

I failed to think about user interface. I understand for user comments on another thread that this thing doesn't come with a remote? Or if it does, it's not an IR remote? Reason I ask is that I use a URC MX850 as my equipment rack it at the back of my HT. How can I make this thing work with RF/IR remote? The MX base station utilizes stick on remote flashers that you just stick to the IR window of the devise you wish to control. If this thing doesn't have an IR remote, the flashers obviousely will not work.....My system is way too complicated for anyone but me to use without the macros I have set up for everything.

Also, where can I find one of these racks for laying this thing on its side? Vertical orientation isn't going to work for me even if I have to make something to hold it horizontal.

I ended up buying a 20Gig PS3 at Best Buy the other day. I'm going to set it up today, or tomorrow. I haven't even opened the box, so I don't know what I'm getting into yet.

I failed to think about user interface. I understand for user comments on another thread that this thing doesn't come with a remote? Or if it does, it's not an IR remote? Reason I ask is that I use a URC MX850 as my equipment rack it at the back of my HT. How can I make this thing work with RF/IR remote? The MX base station utilizes stick on remote flashers that you just stick to the IR window of the devise you wish to control. If this thing doesn't have an IR remote, the flashers obviousely will not work.....My system is way too complicated for anyone but me to use without the macros I have set up for everything.

Also, where can I find one of these racks for laying this thing on its side? Vertical orientation isn't going to work for me even if I have to make something to hold it horizontal.

It does not natively support IR or RF, there are some work arounds with the PS2 IR remote sensor but I don't think you get all the functionality.

The bluetooth remote is about $25 and it works just fine with no line of site issues. My equipment is in a closet and I use the hot-link-pro for my IR, the PS3 bluetooth just works with no worries about relaying the signal. Downside of this is the extra remote.

You don't need a stand for the ps3, it will stand vertically or lay horizontally, just try to make sure it is well ventilated and only leave it on when you are using it, it boots quickly so there should be no problem with that.

PS. - The PS3 is my only active dvd player now and I love it, while I do miss the upconvert of my htpc the PS3 works very very well. The upconvert issue should be taken care of in the 'march update'.

PPS. - Do you have wired ethernet in your rack? The movie trailer piece works very well with the supplied 1080p content, even if you aren't going to game with the PS3 I highly recommend this part. I just watched the 1080p trailers for 300 and the next Harry Potter last night.

I ended up buying a 20Gig PS3 at Best Buy the other day. I'm going to set it up today, or tomorrow. I haven't even opened the box, so I don't know what I'm getting into yet.

I failed to think about user interface. I understand for user comments on another thread that this thing doesn't come with a remote? Or if it does, it's not an IR remote? Reason I ask is that I use a URC MX850 as my equipment rack it at the back of my HT. How can I make this thing work with RF/IR remote? The MX base station utilizes stick on remote flashers that you just stick to the IR window of the devise you wish to control. If this thing doesn't have an IR remote, the flashers obviousely will not work.....My system is way too complicated for anyone but me to use without the macros I have set up for everything.

Also, where can I find one of these racks for laying this thing on its side? Vertical orientation isn't going to work for me even if I have to make something to hold it horizontal.


I will be anxious to see what you do here. I ruled it out for many of the same reasons your finding with it. The Samsung DB-P1000 is just so sleek, almost elegant even, and programs right up on existing remotes. slides in any place in yoru system you have 3" to spare for it.

It does not natively support IR or RF, there are some work arounds with the PS2 IR remote sensor but I don't think you get all the functionality.

The bluetooth remote is about $25 and it works just fine with no line of site issues. My equipment is in a closet and I use the hot-link-pro for my IR, the PS3 bluetooth just works with no worries about relaying the signal. Downside of this is the extra remote.

You don't need a stand for the ps3, it will stand vertically or lay horizontally, just try to make sure it is well ventilated and only leave it on when you are using it, it boots quickly so there should be no problem with that.

PS. - The PS3 is my only active dvd player now and I love it, while I do miss the upconvert of my htpc the PS3 works very very well. The upconvert issue should be taken care of in the 'march update'.

PPS. - Do you have wired ethernet in your rack? The movie trailer piece works very well with the supplied 1080p content, even if you aren't going to game with the PS3 I highly recommend this part. I just watched the 1080p trailers for 300 and the next Harry Potter last night.

Thanks for the reply. Too bad about the remote. I was hoping I was wrong. I hate multipal remotes, hense the $500 MX setup. I've got to figure out something to get the MX to control the PS3.

I've also got a HD X1 and an Oppo 970 that run into my VP50. Having around 700 SD DVD's, the VP is a must now that I've got HD content. I doubt I'll ever get down to one player, no matter what hit's the market in the future.

I've got a new AVR in the mail to me (Marantz SR 8001) and I was waiting for it before I re-route cables. Hopefully is shows up today so I can get this all figured out. I'm quite curious how well BR compares to HD.

I can run Ethernet to my equipment, I just haven't bothered doing it. I don't get along with computors so I've been avoiding one more PC interface.

I will be anxious to see what you do here. I ruled it out for many of the same reasons your finding with it. The Samsung DB-P1000 is just so sleek, almost elegant even, and programs right up on existing remotes. slides in any place in yoru system you have 3" to spare for it.

I went with PS3 because of the audio capabilities. Plus I was feeling impulsive at about the same time I happened to be wandering through Best Buy. I'll post back when I figure this out.

Maybe a picture of it integrated with your system and a little talk about how you delt with the remote issue in detail.

Nice AVR there!!!! I use the SR7001 as a pre/pro only. :) Your music performance is going to go through the roof with your new AVR. Enjoy!!!

Well I found a work around. It's a bit cumbersome, but supposed to work. Check out this article at Remote Central.
http://www.remotecentral.com/wn061223.htm

I had contemplated going with the 7001 as a pre / pro and picking up a three channel Emotiva but decided against it for two reasons. 1) I'm out of shelf space on my AV rack and really don't want to buy another one cause I've already got a few spares around the house. 2) I plan to use both HDMI outputs of the 8001 into the VP 50 so that I can configure SD dvd and the two HD dvd players differently.

I'm pretty bummed about it not processing 7.1 PCM or PLIIx, but hopefully Marantz will come out with a firmware fix for that. In the meantime, there's always 48/24. It's been good enough for me the past several years.

I have an X1 and would like to also get a BR player. I do not have HD TV where I live and I'm just loving these HD DVD's. I like to buy DVD's and throw them on the shelf for future rainy days. My collection is around 600 DVD's and close to 50 HD DVD's now.

Unfortunately, this format split with the studios and not just being able to get the HD disk for the movie I'd like to buy has finally gotten the better of me. I've decided to go ahead buy another player so that I can buy the movie as it comes out and not worry if it's BR or HD.

All that being said, which BR player should I pick up? I freely admit that I have not read all the "official" player threads or have spent much time researching each player on these boards. I try to get through the strings, but inevitably, they turn into fifty pages of format war banter. I don't have the time nor inclination to get into or read a debate that I can do nothing about. I just want a great picture and sound from a player that won't give me troubles.

Audio is just as important to me as the video piece. LPCM in multi channel is quiet a treat and I would like the BR player to provide that function. I am not a gamer, but if this PS3 is truly the right player for me, then I am not opposed to buying one. It just seams a little weird, but I reckon I could always start playing games.

If it matters or complicates things, I run all my video sources through a DVDO VP 50 to my projector. I will also be upgrading my Panny 900 to a 1080P projector shortly.

thanks in advance.................mike


Yes, it feels weird getting a PS3 as a blu player but believe me when you do (60 gb version) with the wireless for updating and slap a blu ray movie in there, the fast load time and the quality image and sound you'll wonder why you thought about it. I would wait until there is a cost effective, advanced codec supporting blu ray player before making a move to a standalone. With the PS3 you have support for the advanced codecs and one heck of a fast player.

I purchased the remote at the same time and makes it much easier to operate.

I've also been reading and researching BR players for several months while I enjoyed my HD-A1. I decided to go with the PS3 60GB almost exclusively for movie playback. Watching HD trailers is also cool and I'm sure I'll load some pics and videos onto the hard drive since I doubt I'll ever use it for gaming. I have the Harmony 880, so having to add an extra remote sucks (but I'll only use it when watching BR movies).

One critical thing to mention; Oh my Lord does that thing get hot! I'm leaving this message and then starting research on what I can add to my rack to help protect my other componenets from this Chernobyl-like device. :confused:

P.S. I returned the XBOX 360 to get the PS3. The XBOX 360 sounded like the leeward side of an arriving hurricane (i.e. VERY LOUD fan noise). The PS3 is so quiet that I can hear a mouse p*ss on cotton while it's running.

I have A1 and A2 and just added philips blu ray dvd player.

I've also been reading and researching BR players for several months while I enjoyed my HD-A1. I decided to go with the PS3 60GB almost exclusively for movie playback. Watching HD trailers is also cool and I'm sure I'll load some pics and videos onto the hard drive since I doubt I'll ever use it for gaming. I have the Harmony 880, so having to add an extra remote sucks (but I'll only use it when watching BR movies).

One critical thing to mention; Oh my Lord does that thing get hot! I'm leaving this message and then starting research on what I can add to my rack to help protect my other componenets from this Chernobyl-like device. :confused:

P.S. I returned the XBOX 360 to get the PS3. The XBOX 360 sounded like the leeward side of an arriving hurricane (i.e. VERY LOUD fan noise). The PS3 is so quiet that I can hear a mouse p*ss on cotton while it's running.
Curious, I've heard others mention the heat coming of the PS3. I wonder, is this with movie playback or gaming. I use mine strictly for BD playback, and it only gets semi-warm.