Sony: BDP-S550 vs PS3

blake · 04-03-08, 11:46 PM

What do you guys think about the Sony BDP-S550 (coming out this fall) versus the Sony PS3 as a Blu-Ray player? Should I wait to get the BDP-S550, or just get a PS3 now?

It doesnt look like the BDP-S550 offers anything above and beyond what the PS3 with BD2.0 upgrade can do, but correct me if I'm wrong..

BenjaminG · 04-04-08, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blake

What do you guys think about the Sony BDP-S550 (coming out this fall) versus the Sony PS3 as a Blu-Ray player? Should I wait to get the BDP-S550, or just get a PS3 now?

It doesnt look like the BDP-S550 offers anything above and beyond what the PS3 with BD2.0 upgrade can do, but correct me if I'm wrong..

Bitstream audio output of next gen codecs (True HD, DTS HD MA), and decoding of DTS HD MA (which the PS3 probably will do... at some stage)

griz_fan · 04-04-08, 08:22 AM

I think a huge factor will by your AV receiver. The 550 has a TON of flexibility when it comes to handling TrueHD and DTS-MA audio; it can internally decode and send to your receiver, it can bitstream the audio data for your receiver to decode, or it can internally decode then send to your receiver through its 7.1 analog outputs. With the PS3, it can only decode internally and still doesn't support DTS-MA in any form. If the new generation of lossless audio formats is important to you, the BDP-550 gives you better support options than the PS3.

jzoz01 · 04-04-08, 06:38 PM

The S550 also has analog outputs, which the PS3 is lacking and you won't have to buy some goofy third party solution to make your Harmony work with the 550.

.

rombullterrier · 04-04-08, 11:49 PM

The PS3 is nice because it supports gaming, but for movies I would go with the 550. I have both a PS3 and a BDPS1 in my theater rack and use only the latter for movies. My PS3 puts out far more heat and fan noise.

jdryyz · 04-15-08, 04:56 PM

Another nice thing that will make the S550 an easier choice over the PS3 is the inclusion of a USB port for external storage. I just hope it supports more than FAT32 drives and is not limited to just storage for BD enhanced discs.

The BDP-S500 currently has the ability to play MPEG2 program stream files, but I'm limited to what I can fit on a DVD-R/RW. If I could slap an external hard drive to the player, that would open up things a bit.

giggle · 04-15-08, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rombullterrier

The PS3 is nice because it supports gaming, but for movies I would go with the 550. I have both a PS3 and a BDPS1 in my theater rack and use only the latter for movies. My PS3 puts out far more heat and fan noise.

Wow that is surprising, does the PS3 put out that much heat??? I had the BDPS1 but returned it as I thought it was a POS. What are you doing for the lossless codecs other than PCM???

steven975 · 04-15-08, 05:15 PM

yea, the PS3 uses almost 3 Amps. A standalone player probably uses 1/6 that.

wakashizuma · 04-15-08, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjaminG

Bitstream audio output of next gen codecs (True HD, DTS HD MA), and decoding of DTS HD MA (which the PS3 probably will do... at some stage)

S550 doesn't bitstream DTS-MA

Pens1566 · 04-15-08, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakashizuma

S550 doesn't bitstream DTS-MA

Yes it does, it bitstreams AND decodes both.

AaronS · 04-15-08, 09:02 PM

As of this last update, I'm certain I read the PS3 now supports DTS MA decoding. It will not bitstream it, but will decode it. I guess that is due out today, so maybe no one has confirmed this yet. But, it was announced by Sony.

AaronS

wakashizuma · 04-15-08, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pens1566

Yes it does, it bitstreams AND decodes both.

ّI stand corrected.
I was thinking of S500.

jdryyz · 04-22-08, 03:06 PM

Any speculation as to whether or not these new models will have faster load/play times? That's certainly an advantage that the PS3 has.

Chip E · 04-22-08, 10:46 PM

Per my Sony rep, it will have a redesigned processor much closer to the speed of the Cell processor in the PS3. In short, it's supposed to be faster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdryyz

Any speculation as to whether or not these new models will have faster load/play times? That's certainly an advantage that the PS3 has.

jdryyz · 04-23-08, 01:38 PM

Awesome! I'm really looking forward to the S550. I posted this before, but since you're speaking to a rep, do you have any info on the capabilities of the USB port? Will it only be for RAM expansion or will it also allow access to media on large USB storage devices?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip E

Per my Sony rep, it will have a redesigned processor much closer to the speed of the Cell processor in the PS3. In short, it's supposed to be faster.

ComputerCowboy · 04-29-08, 01:15 PM

I just bought an Outlaw 990 but I do want to get in on that HD audio soon. I have a PS3 now but when the BDP-550 comes out for $500 I am going to be all over it. I will just patch the analog out right over to the 990 and get all the goods without having to buy another stupid finicky HDMI product (receiver that is). I also like the idea of having a player that is just a player. I didn't even want a PS3 but after buying that stupid Samsung BD-P1000 the PS3 was like a dream come true for performance and compatibility.

I am so excited to finnaly hear this HD audio everyone is raving about. Just the fact that the HD DVD and Blu-Ray are putting out 1.5Mbps over TosLink is a big improvement. I can't wait

Chip E · 04-30-08, 11:02 AM

I'll see what i can dig up for ya. He was actually in again a couple days ago but i was with a client. I didn't get a chance to wrap with him about anything since i was busy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdryyz

Awesome! I'm really looking forward to the S550. I posted this before, but since you're speaking to a rep, do you have any info on the capabilities of the USB port? Will it only be for RAM expansion or will it also allow access to media on large USB storage devices?

Thanks.

rfisher · 04-30-08, 12:31 PM

Quote:

yea, the PS3 uses almost 3 Amps. A standalone player probably uses 1/6 that.

The PS3 consumes almost 200 watts peak (older non 40 gig units) which is about 1.6 amps @ 120volts. My entire rack with PS3, receiver and (3) outboard amps only draws 4 amps typically, with higher peaks during really loud scenes. The 40 gig units consume even less.

jdryyz · 05-01-08, 04:39 PM

Thanks!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip E

I'll see what i can dig up for ya. He was actually in again a couple days ago but i was with a client. I didn't get a chance to wrap with him about anything since i was busy.

miata · 05-02-08, 01:47 AM

The PS3 requires too many trade-offs if your main interest is just to play Blu-ray movies. You have to deal with the IR remote challenge, more power consumption, noise and an slightly foreign user interface if you are not familiar with game consoles. If none of those bother you then the PS3 is hard to beat -- especially since it is available now

Scott Burns · 05-03-08, 09:44 AM

Will the Sony 550 play SACD's?

grey9hound · 06-02-08, 08:26 PM

Here is a link that gives a lot of Specs on S550

Decodes and bitstreams both HD Master Audio and True HD
I just wonder how well it upconverts SD DVDs

http://www.blu-ray.com/players/playe...=63&show=specs

wse · 06-30-08, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Burns

Will the Sony 550 play SACD's?

I wish it does but I am not holding my breath

Zues · 07-01-08, 02:04 AM

Does the s550 have Brightness-picture-sharpness-color-hue-Noise reduction-white level- controls? Anyone?

jdmac29 · 07-01-08, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zues

Does the s550 have Brightness-picture-sharpness-color-hue-Noise reduction-white level- controls? Anyone?

I think when the manaul comes out for the 350 we will know a little bit more about the things you asked for now it is all speculation.
I think the 350/550 are about the same machine except for the analog outs, internal audio decoding of dts hd/ma, and bd live ready are the main differences.

jwas1 · 07-15-08, 03:43 PM

I talked to a rep in the Sony Style store in Manhattan two weeks ago. He said the 550 should load way faster than the 500. I don't remember the exact number of seconds but definitely less than a minute.

D_B_0673 · 07-15-08, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ComputerCowboy

I
I am so excited to finnaly hear this HD audio everyone is raving about. Just the fact that the HD DVD and Blu-Ray are putting out 1.5Mbps over TosLink is a big improvement. I can't wait

Is that 1.5Mbps over toslink or coaxial?

Is that the legacy Dolby Digital and DTS that are at higher bit rates on BluRay than they would be on a Standard Def DVD?

I am constanly confused by the discussions on these audio codecs on Blu Ray.
Thanks

stingray_on · 07-16-08, 12:03 AM

Any specific dates besides Fall for the release of this bad boy.

Bob Saylor · 07-16-08, 10:00 AM

I heard Oct 1. I'm also seeing reports that the list is going to be $599.95. I don't know why it went up $100.

Ovation · 07-16-08, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Saylor

I heard Oct 1. I'm also seeing reports that the list is going to be $599.95. I don't know why it went up $100.

For the same reason the Panny BD50 went up from its initially announced MSRP. The US dollar has plummeted in value in the last 8-12 months and will likely drop further.

04-03-08, 11:46 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
blake Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 58	Sony: BDP-S550 vs PS3 What do you guys think about the Sony BDP-S550 (coming out this fall) versus the Sony PS3 as a Blu-Ray player? Should I wait to get the BDP-S550, or just get a PS3 now? It doesnt look like the BDP-S550 offers anything above and beyond what the PS3 with BD2.0 upgrade can do, but correct me if I'm wrong..

04-04-08, 06:38 PM	#4 \| Link
jzoz01 Advanced Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 549	The S550 also has analog outputs, which the PS3 is lacking and you won't have to buy some goofy third party solution to make your Harmony work with the 550.. __________________ Joe Zoz Sales and Marketing; Leon Speakers

04-04-08, 11:49 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
rombullterrier Advanced Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 537	The PS3 is nice because it supports gaming, but for movies I would go with the 550. I have both a PS3 and a BDPS1 in my theater rack and use only the latter for movies. My PS3 puts out far more heat and fan noise.

04-15-08, 09:02 PM	#11 \| Link
AaronS Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 53	PS3 already decodes DTS MA As of this last update, I'm certain I read the PS3 now supports DTS MA decoding. It will not bitstream it, but will decode it. I guess that is due out today, so maybe no one has confirmed this yet. But, it was announced by Sony. AaronS

04-29-08, 01:15 PM	#16 \| Link
ComputerCowboy HDMI makes me angry Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 300	The perfect solution I just bought an Outlaw 990 but I do want to get in on that HD audio soon. I have a PS3 now but when the BDP-550 comes out for $500 I am going to be all over it. I will just patch the analog out right over to the 990 and get all the goods without having to buy another stupid finicky HDMI product (receiver that is). I also like the idea of having a player that is just a player. I didn't even want a PS3 but after buying that stupid Samsung BD-P1000 the PS3 was like a dream come true for performance and compatibility. I am so excited to finnaly hear this HD audio everyone is raving about. Just the fact that the HD DVD and Blu-Ray are putting out 1.5Mbps over TosLink is a big improvement. I can't wait

04-04-08, 08:22 AM	#3 \| Link
griz_fan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Meridian, ID USA Posts: 476	I think a huge factor will by your AV receiver. The 550 has a TON of flexibility when it comes to handling TrueHD and DTS-MA audio; it can internally decode and send to your receiver, it can bitstream the audio data for your receiver to decode, or it can internally decode then send to your receiver through its 7.1 analog outputs. With the PS3, it can only decode internally and still doesn't support DTS-MA in any form. If the new generation of lossless audio formats is important to you, the BDP-550 gives you better support options than the PS3.

04-15-08, 04:56 PM	#6 \| Link
jdryyz Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 369	Another nice thing that will make the S550 an easier choice over the PS3 is the inclusion of a USB port for external storage. I just hope it supports more than FAT32 drives and is not limited to just storage for BD enhanced discs. The BDP-S500 currently has the ability to play MPEG2 program stream files, but I'm limited to what I can fit on a DVD-R/RW. If I could slap an external hard drive to the player, that would open up things a bit.

04-15-08, 05:15 PM	#8 \| Link
steven975 AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,047	yea, the PS3 uses almost 3 Amps. A standalone player probably uses 1/6 that.

04-22-08, 03:06 PM	#13 \| Link
jdryyz Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 369	Any speculation as to whether or not these new models will have faster load/play times? That's certainly an advantage that the PS3 has.

05-02-08, 01:47 AM	#20 \| Link
miata AVS Special Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Earth Posts: 2,923	The PS3 requires too many trade-offs if your main interest is just to play Blu-ray movies. You have to deal with the IR remote challenge, more power consumption, noise and an slightly foreign user interface if you are not familiar with game consoles. If none of those bother you then the PS3 is hard to beat -- especially since it is available now

05-03-08, 09:44 AM	#21 \| Link
Scott Burns Advanced Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Florence Sc Posts: 685	Will the Sony 550 play SACD's?

06-02-08, 08:26 PM	#22 \| Link
grey9hound AV Enthusiast Join Date: May 2007 Location: Knoxville,TN Posts: 283	Here is a link that gives a lot of Specs on S550 Decodes and bitstreams both HD Master Audio and True HD I just wonder how well it upconverts SD DVDs http://www.blu-ray.com/players/playe...=63&show=specs

07-01-08, 02:04 AM	#24 \| Link
Zues AVS Special Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,766	Does the s550 have Brightness-picture-sharpness-color-hue-Noise reduction-white level- controls? Anyone?

07-15-08, 03:43 PM	#26 \| Link
jwas1 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 41	I talked to a rep in the Sony Style store in Manhattan two weeks ago. He said the 550 should load way faster than the 500. I don't remember the exact number of seconds but definitely less than a minute.

07-16-08, 12:03 AM	#28 \| Link
stingray_on Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 200	Any specific dates besides Fall for the release of this bad boy.

07-16-08, 10:00 AM	#29 \| Link
Bob Saylor Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Hazel Green, Wisconsin Posts: 284	I heard Oct 1. I'm also seeing reports that the list is going to be $599.95. I don't know why it went up $100.