BH-200 good investment for blu-ray?

I've got two of 'em, had them for many months now and use them for all the formats. Aside from a few nits it is a great machine. I've watch many blu titles on it--no buyers remorse here.

Sounds like you got a good one, so stop ruining your enjoyment asking what-if questions! Much of the Profile 2.0 whining here is more "grass is greener" syndrome than anything. HD DVD had similiar functionality, but I bet you few of the people who are DYING to have Profile 2.0 on the BH200 used that...

BTW, the 200 is a very good upconverter too.

I personally don't see any AV equipment as an investment. I'm not doing this for a living, but rather for fun. I see them as a way to spend my disposable income. On the other hand, laying new tile and carpet in my home is an investment. I may not get all the money back out, but I will get enjoyment and some of the money back when I sell.

As for my BH200, I have played all of my HD DVD's (~60) and all of my Blu-rays (~25) without problems. (Still using April 2008 firmware -- if it ain't broke....) I have no interest in in BD 2.0 (I.e. telling my friends my favorite scenes, buying crap from the internet, etc) so I really didn't care about that.

If you got a working player (sans the remote) for $180, you got a great deal. A lot of us here paid 3-4x that amount and are very happy.

I have both players, BH200 and Pio 51FD. I have to say, the Pio is a very sweet player, especially given the current price. Some nice features like analog ports for audio if you don't have an HDMI receiver, source direct and excellent upscaling for DVD. I'm very pleased with my Profile 1.1 51FD.

That being said, I'm also pleased with my Profile 1.1 BH200. I originally had 4 of them, sold 2 and gave 1 to my son. As 360_4_EVER! mentioned, aside from a few minor nits, this is an excellent player and I have absolutely no buyer's remorse. I have had one HD that gave me trouble, (Shooter) which there's a workaround for and any Blu that I own or have rented has played using the most current fw from Dec '08. My son's player has been fine also and he only plays BR and DVD.

IMO, it's a pretty slick looking unit of good build quality, and the QDEO processor does a great job up upscaling DVD. Even without a remote, you paid a pretty decent price. In addition, if you request the $75 BD-Live inconvenience rebate from LG, you got a great player for $105 bucks.....not too shabby.

My only reservation is LG's reluctance to update fw on this player in a timely manner. But again, at $105 I think you've done well. Enjoy your 200.

Mike T

The 200 is a little slower than average, but still, you're about to sit on your butt for two hours. What's the rush?
Buy a few HD DVDs and the player will pay for itself.

Quite frankly, I don't pay attention to loading anymore but the 51 appears a bit sluggish at times before reaching that first actual splash screen. Once it does, I haven't noticed much if any difference between the 51, 200 or Sony 350. I think some of this also has to do with Java routines. The most current fw for the 51, (1.25a) has definitely improved overall access times. If you're used to PS3 loading times, the 51 will seem pretty slow, but for me it is not an issue at all.

As for the 200, I never felt it was actually that slow, just that it has to determine if it's a BD, HD, or DVD.

You really couldn't go wrong with either of these 1.1 players, but if you like the unique ability to play BD, HD and DVD in one standalone player, the 200 is your answer.

Mike T

One answer.

Love my Bh200 and Bh100 best image i have seen from a BD next to the Pionner elite 5fd or what ever it is. Saw the samsung BD5000... I took it back.

Athanasios

Ahh Vinnie, Vinnie.

Since the OP was asking for a comparison between the Pio 51/LG BH200, and no mention whatsoever of the Sammy 5000, yes, there is only one answer. Unless he needs the specific features of the Pio 51, of course.

Also, with the net cost of $105 bucks after the LG rebate, it is truly a no brainer. Wouldn't you agree, Vinnie?

Mike T

No need to condescend. Sue me for missing context.

A little touchy, are we? I'll call my lawyer in the morning.

Mike T

A little

No need Vinnie, I get a kick out of reading your posts. I also think you'll see that my posts are far, far from inflammatory.

On another note, I love Blu and all things hi-def.......I still wonder how HD would've evolved if it didn't lose?

Mike T

Well, I think they would've managed to overcome the space limitations (the bandwidth limitations would be less likely) as compared to BD. I wouldn't have minded at all if Toshiba had somehow managed to achieve the impossible. I'm not sure how soon Sony would have folded but it would likely have been no sooner than Q4 of 2008.

I also have the 51 and the bh200, comparing these machines is apples and oranges for me the later stuff is always going to be better/faster.
Im in Australia and have the bh200 for my region a and hd-dvd, the Pioneer is a speed machine in comparison and much more pleasure to use but I still wouldnt sell the bh200 as once she fires up its all good.