Not sure where to post this but this looked like the most logical place to start. I was in FutureShop 2 days ago, checking out standalone HD players, just to kill time. I tried out the A3, A30, a Samsung BD and a SonyBD. I have to say, they ALL SUCKED. Hard. I have been a dual HDM user strictly though an HTPC since day 1. It runs smooth as silk, boot-up of a movie from tray-load to menu takes about 5 seconds. Watching these clunky players in "action", it seems as though they put the BARE minimum processor and GPU power into them.

Startup took forever in all 4 players. When accessing the menu while in-movie, it came up SLOW and choppy, like I was totally taxing the system. Audio pops, toy-like remotes, I could go on and on.....

Honestly people, I have no idea how you guys deal with these players. Hundreds of movies at my fingertip, FAST-loading, silky smooth menus and options.....I don't think I coul ever go back to a standalone player (I owned a DVD player from 2003-2004).

End-of-rant.