Current Blu-Ray Player Specs and Comparisons

[jzoz01]

This HD-DVD owner is shopping for a blu-ray player. I looked around and although there is good information about each player in their respective threads, there is not a good place to go to quickly compare them all. I'd be happy to keep updating this original post if people would like to help me with this.

Information for each player should include Profile, Handled codecs (DTS-MA, TrueHD), Bitstream support, analog outs, other pros and cons...

Thanks,
-Joe


BD Player Audio Support Comparison
Master Blu-ray Player List
Special Deals / Street Prices
Blu-ray players (from blu-ray.com)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sony


BDP-S350 ($400 MSRP)
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.1 (2.0 ready)
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 5.1

+ external port for optional local storage
+ fast boot-up and load times
- no source direct mode like previous Sony models


BDP-S300
Discussion thread

Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.1
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: No
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: No
Bitstream DTS-MA: No
Analog Output: 5.1

+ Video output can be set to 'Source Direct' to by pass all upconversion
+ Relatively inexpensive, can be had for $299 on sale.
- Profile 1.0



BDP-S500
Discussion thread

Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.1
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: No
Analog Output: 5.1

+ Video output can be set to 'Source Direct' to by pass all upconversion
- Profile 1.0
+ Built-in decoders for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD (NOT DTS-MA)




*BDP-S1 (discontinued, can be found open box for $199 - $300 at BB and others)
Discussion thread

Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.2
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: No
Bitstream DTS-MA: No
Analog Output: 5.1


- Profile 1.0
+ Excellent player with solid heavy chassis.
+ Fantastic PQ
+ Much improved with new firmware
- Does not play CDs
- although much improved with firmware, slow boot-up



*PS3 ($399 40gb)
Discussion thread

Profile: 2.0 (via firmware 2.20)
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: Yes (via firmware release on 4/15/08)
Bitstream TrueHD: No
Bitstream DTS-MA: No
Analog Output: 2 Channel stereo


++ Most upgradeable player on the market
+ Profile 2.0 (via firmware update to version 2.20)
+ Fastest boot and load times of any player on market
+ Excellent PQ and AQ over HDMI
- No 5.1 analog outputs
- No front display
- No IR, remote (sold separately) is bluetooth and incompatible with Harmony and other IR universals (3rd party work around exists)(IRTBT IR to Bluetooth adapter)
+ Good DVD upscaling
- No support for DTS-MA (yet??)
+ plays MP4s and DivX/XviD AVI's, but it does not play HD versions of these formats. It can also play these files off removable media (USB HDs and flash memory).



*BDP-S2000ES

Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.1
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: No
Analog Output: 5.1

+ Video output can be set to 'Source Direct' to by pass all upconversion
- Profile 1.0
+ Built-in decoders for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD (NOT DTS-MA)


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panasonic

*BMP-BD30 ($400 - $500 street price.)
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.1
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: No
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 5.1


The Panasonic DMP-BD30 is often said to be the best stand-alone BD player out there at the moment for those that have receivers that accept the new codecs via bitstream.

+ Profile 1.1
+ bitstreams all of the latest audio formats (inlcuding TRUE HD and DTS MA) over HDMI to compatable recievers.
+ Excellent 1080P BD PQ
+/- DVD upsaling is competent - not the best upscaling BD on the market
+ Known issue with outputing PCM via HDMI (LFE issue) has been resolved via firmware 1.6



*BMP-BD50 (Not yet released)
Discussion thread

Profile: 2.0
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: Yes
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 5.1

+ Profile 2.0 (BD Live)
+ BD-30 LFE bug fixed via firmware, so BD50 should hopefully be LFE bug free
+ Internally decodes all audio formats

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharp

BD-HP20
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: No
Bitstream DTS-MA: No
Analog Output: 5.1

+Fast loading player


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer


*Elite BDP-95FD
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes (only for PCM over HDMI)
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 5.1 (DD+ and TrueHD output as DD over analog 5.1 [page44 of user manual] )

+ Home Media Gallery feature allows you to browse and play movies, music and photos stored on media servers connected on an identical Local Area Network (LAN) as the player.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Samsung


*BD-P1500
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.1 (BD-Live ready)
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No (Rumored to come as a firmware update in October)
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output:


+ USB port
+ Ethernet port
+ BD Live-ready
+ $399 MSRP



BD-P1400
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 5.1



BD-UP5000
Profile: 1.0
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: 2ch
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: No
Bitstream DTS-MA: No
Analog Output: 7.1

+Reon chip
+HD-DVD playback


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denon

*DVD2500BT
Discussion thread

Profile: 1.1
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: No
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: None

Blu-ray transport, single HDMI connection on the back.

+Built like a tank, heavy duty chassis
-Based on BD-30 from Panasonic, same LFE bug
-Expensive
+ RS-232 port


*DVD3800BD
Discussion thread

Profile: 1.1
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: Yes
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 7.1

+ Built like a tank, big heavy chassis
+ Realta chip should provide Excellent SD DVD playback
- Expensive
+ RS-232 port
+ High quality analog outs (including BNC connectors on the component outputs)



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funai

*Magnavox, Sylvania NB500SL9, Philips BDP7200, Emerson, Insignia


Profile: 1.1
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: No
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: Magnavox. Sylvania and Insignia only have stereo analog outputs, Phillips has 5.1 output, but does not decode Dolby TrueHD nor DTS HD-MA.

+ All Funai made units use Panasonic UniPhier chipset for upconversion.

[jzoz01]

Coming Soon: (Confirmed only)


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sony


*BDP-S350 (Summer 2008 release, $400 MSRP)
Press Release
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.1 (2.0 ready)
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: No
Internally Decode DTS-MA: No
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 5.1

+ external port for optional local storage



*BDP-S550 (Fall 2008 release, $500 MSRP)
Press Release
Discussion Thread

Profile: 2.0
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes


Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: Yes
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 7.1

+ 1 GB of local storage included
+ external port for optional local storage



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer


*Elite BDP-05FD (2008 release ??)
Discussion Thread

Profile: 1.1
HDMI: 1.3
Ethernet: No

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: Yes
Internally Decode DTS-MA: Yes
Bitstream TrueHD: Yes
Bitstream DTS-MA: Yes
Analog Output: 7.1

- No ethernet port
+ 7.1 analog output and support for all new audio codecs


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[jzoz01]

Discontinued Players

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Samsung

*BDP1000
Discussion Thread

*BDP1200
Discussion Thread

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panasonic

*DMP-BD10
Discussion Thread

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer

*BDP-HD1
Discussion Thread

[jzoz01]

reserved_3

[jzoz01]

reserved_4

[PooperScooper]

Joe and I PM'd and he's going to try and make his thread more comprehensive and augment the other two. Some features that may be important aren't mentioned on the other links/posts. eg. SD-DVD resolutions and other things (pros/cons). So, I thought we could give it a chance.

Joe, please add links to the main discussions threads here at AVS for each player. They all should exist.

Also, adding links to the other 2 places:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980672
http://www.idoblu.co.uk/page2%20Blu-ray%20Players.html

can't hurt either for a tabular view.


Let's try to keep this thread for contributions/corrections only.

larry

[ADGrant]

A couple of corrections for the PS3.

1) "- No IR, remote is bluetooth and incompatible with Harmony and other IR universals (a workaround exists for everything but power)"

A workaround exists for everything INCLUDING power. I have the workaround installed on my PS3. It supports discrete IR codes for on and off (which many standalones do not support) and an excel spreadsheet of Pronto IR codes is available.

2) The Profile 2.0 functionality in future firmware is not just a rumor, it has been demonstrated at CES. Since the hardware specs of the PS# far exceed the requirements for 2.0 compliance, this should not come as a surprise. There is a rumor that BD publishers have already been given an unreleased version of the firmware which supports 2.0 and are using it for testing.

[HofstraJet]

Great thread - just what I needed now that BD has officially won.

One suggestion - a street price next to each item to make comparisons a little easier.

[PooperScooper]

We have a deals thread for current "street" prices. Too much of a moving target.

larry

[Donnie Eldridge]

Larry... perhaps the Blu-ray player deals thread can be provided as a link at the bottom of list.

[IVB]

Thanks for doing this. I'm going to do the donkey work to see which, if any of these, support RS232 control for integration into home automation & distribution systems. (ie, the Denon's do support RS232, even though they don't have ethernet).

Is that information you'd be interested in adding to your first post? If so, should I PM you or just reply here?

[Kilian.ca]

Originally Posted by jzoz01

Sony

BDP-S300
...

Audio-
Internally Decode TrueHD: PCM

So far there is no confirmation from users about full decoding - unless you know of some more evidence. Officially it is still only able to decode or stream the lossy DD track so it would be better to say that.

[mbrennan61]

Hey,

I was wondering if you guys could help answer a question I have; I tried scouring the forums for an answer but couldn't find one. I want to get a Bluray player once one comes out that can internally decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master because I don't want to have to get a new receiver (my current one will be able to accept the new codecs via 5.1 analog audio inputs). Since I will be upgrading from my DVD player, and since some other stuff I have hooked up can now be connected to the TV via HDMI, I'm
going to have some component cables hanging around. These are pretty good cables (that I probably paid too much for) and I would hate to see them go to waste. Currently I have all my audio via optical & coaxial going into my receiver and don't have the 5.1 analog audio cables. I was wondering if I would be able to use the component cables for the analog audio. I figured that both send an analog signals so it might work, and it could save me some money as well as putting some cables I've already bought to good use. Does anyone know if this is possible? If so, will it make a difference that the componentcables were made for video? Will there be any noticable signal/sound degradation? Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[DCIFRTHS]

Great info! Thanks.

[GATER]

Nice thread. Thanks for the details. I have been tempted to get the BD-30, but I am really trying to hold out for the Panny BD-50.

[Donnie Eldridge]

Originally Posted by mbrennan61

Hey,

I was wondering if you guys could help answer a question I have; I tried scouring the forums for an answer but couldn't find one. I want to get a Bluray player once one comes out that can internally decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master because I don't want to have to get a new receiver (my current one will be able to accept the new codecs via 5.1 analog audio inputs). Since I will be upgrading from my DVD player, and since some other stuff I have hooked up can now be connected to the TV via HDMI, I'm
going to have some component cables hanging around. These are pretty good cables (that I probably paid too much for) and I would hate to see them go to waste. Currently I have all my audio via optical & coaxial going into my receiver and don't have the 5.1 analog audio cables. I was wondering if I would be able to use the component cables for the analog audio. I figured that both send an analog signals so it might work, and it could save me some money as well as putting some cables I've already bought to good use. Does anyone know if this is possible? If so, will it make a difference that the componentcables were made for video? Will there be any noticable signal/sound degradation? Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike,

This is the wrong thread for this kind of post. Try this one instead. LINK

[ericlhyman]

Would it be possible to add whether the player is capable of "deep color". Also, for players that do not currently have DTS-MA, have there been any announcements as to whether this will be upgraded through firmware? Brief definitions of the differences between profiles 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 would also be useful and any other known issues like fan noise, chroma bug etc.

[NMJack]

I like this thread. Like the OP, I'm also an HD-DVD owner, always expecting to go neutral, but now finding no reason to wait any longer. Having an Onkyo 705, the BD30 seems to be the "obvious" choice, but I also want to fully understand the other options. I wish there were more BD players with the ability to bitstream both lossless codecs over HDMI 1.3. That, and profile 1.1, seem to be a big discriminators now. I'm sure that 12 months from now everything will do both, but hopefully more such players will hit the market sooner.

[Visioneer]

Originally Posted by ADGrant

A couple of corrections for the PS3.

1) "- No IR, remote is bluetooth and incompatible with Harmony and other IR universals (a workaround exists for everything but power)"

A workaround exists for everything INCLUDING power. I have the workaround installed on my PS3. It supports discrete IR codes for on and off (which many standalones do not support) and an excel spreadsheet of Pronto IR codes is available.

2) The Profile 2.0 functionality in future firmware is not just a rumor, it has been demonstrated at CES. Since the hardware specs of the PS# far exceed the requirements for 2.0 compliance, this should not come as a surprise. There is a rumor that BD publishers have already been given an unreleased version of the firmware which supports 2.0 and are using it for testing.

I just bought a PS3 and would like to know where to find the workarounds? Thanks in advance.

[Jano18]

Originally Posted by NMJack

I like this thread. Like the OP, I'm also an HD-DVD owner, always expecting to go neutral, but now finding no reason to wait any longer. Having an Onkyo 705, the BD30 seems to be the "obvious" choice, but I also want to fully understand the other options. I wish there were more BD players with the ability to bitstream both lossless codecs over HDMI 1.3. That, and profile 1.1, seem to be a big discriminators now. I'm sure that 12 months from now everything will do both, but hopefully more such players will hit the market sooner.

I also have an Onkyo 705, I am neutral with the BD30 & A35. I think the 705 & BD30 is a great combo, awesome PQ & AQ. You will be happy with it. I am curious to hear about the BD50 when someone gets their hands on one.

[Jano18]

Originally Posted by NMJack

I like this thread. Like the OP, I'm also an HD-DVD owner, always expecting to go neutral, but now finding no reason to wait any longer. Having an Onkyo 705, the BD30 seems to be the "obvious" choice, but I also want to fully understand the other options. I wish there were more BD players with the ability to bitstream both lossless codecs over HDMI 1.3. That, and profile 1.1, seem to be a big discriminators now. I'm sure that 12 months from now everything will do both, but hopefully more such players will hit the market sooner.

Originally Posted by Visioneer

I just bought a PS3 and would like to know where to find the workarounds? Thanks in advance.

Here is a link to the website to purchase the workaround. I had a PS3 with this & a Harmony 670 & it worked perfect.

http://www.schmartz.com/main.sc

[wyliec2]

Is there enough info available to begin listing the Pioneer BDP-05FD???

Also - great thread - I'll be watching closely....I opted for a refurbed Samsung BD-P1400 until the Panny BD-50 and Pioneer are available.....

[markrdee]

Originally Posted by ericlhyman

Would it be possible to add whether the player is capable of "deep color". Also, for players that do not currently have DTS-MA, have there been any announcements as to whether this will be upgraded through firmware? Brief definitions of the differences between profiles 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 would also be useful and any other known issues like fan noise, chroma bug etc.

Deep Color is a Myth.....
Please read here for Info...

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh..._Necessary/853

[HofstraJet]

Originally Posted by PooperScooper

We have a deals thread for current "street" prices. Too much of a moving target.

larry

OK, then how about MSRP (some already have it)? Just something so I know whether I am reading about a average $500 player or a high-end $2500 player before I get too into the description. Thanks for listening.

[wimploki]

Wow, Blu-ray is really something when it comes to price! It's freakin' ridiculous. Should we be happy about Toshiba's HD demise? Now, Sony will surely screw us over now. No competition means bad for consumers.

Good luck finding a descent Blu-ray player under $200. Maybe in about 2 years. If you do find one, it would be a gimped out edition. I'm guessing that the lowest would be $300 dollars sometime in the near future. Sony, will reap royalties in the billions.

$400 plus dollars for a half-baked technology is not easy to swallow. Don't take me the wrong way, I too am a Blu-ray fan. It's just that Toshiba is more consumer friendly. Plus, there's really no difference when it comes to picture quality.

Anyhow, i hope we don't get screwed over when it comes to price once Sony starts to build its empire.

[NMJack]

Originally Posted by wimploki

Wow, Blu-ray is really something when it comes to price! It's freakin' ridiculous.

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest thay you're probably relatively young. If not, you would remember $1000 "stereo" VCRs, then $800 "hi-fi" VCRs, then $500 SD-DVD players, etc. Adjusting for inflation, that $1000 stereo VCR from 25+ years ago is probably closer to two large. I swear, sometimes you kids don't realize how good you have it.

[Beerstalker]

Originally Posted by NMJack

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest thay you're probably relatively young. If not, you would remember $1000 "stereo" VCRs, then $800 "hi-fi" VCRs, then $500 SD-DVD players, etc. Adjusting for inflation, that $1000 stereo VCR from 25+ years ago is probably closer to two large. I swear, sometimes you kids don't realize how good you have it.

I paid $500 for my first DVD player back in 99 I think, and that was with a Circuit City employee discount. I agree some of the people here just don't wan to accept the fact that Blu Ray prices are dropping like a normal electronic device, as compared to HD DVD that had to keep cutting it's prices to even have a chance of surviving (and it still didn't work).

[IBNobody]

You need to mention that the PS3 plays MP4s and DivX/XviD AVI's, but it does not play HD versions of these formats. It can also play these files off removable media (USB HDs and flash memory).

I point this out because when I'm not watching Blu-Ray movies, I'm watching DivX files.

[Health Nut]

Yea, I'm kinda sick of this free music, crap MP3 quality generation...

Anyway, Are there any 2.0 profile players coming out in the near future or announced? True 2.0 players? (I'm skeptical of 2.0 profile *ready*--- reminds me of bullcrap HDTV *ready* TV's from a while back)...

I love my PS3, however, one would think that the picture quality, although very, very good, could be bested by an upcoming dedicated Blu Ray player... I just don't see any reason to buy a Blu Ray player until it is full featured and rock solid... Would be happy dropping $1K+ no problem if the player was 2.0 and very well built...

[tn001d]

Sony BDP-S500 ??