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Official Sony BD Mega-Changer Thread: BDP-CX7000ES & BDP-CX960 - Page 106

post #3151 of 3240
10/20/12 at 7:19pm
Since in my case the chapter menu was popping up at the start of each chapter I decided to go with a movie only version when ripping to a BD-RDL. Figured I couldn't go wrong if there wasn't even a menu involved. I had tried playing the original disc in my PS3 as well. On my PS3 the chapter menu wasn't popping up at the start of each chapter like it was with my Sony changer, but the disc was unplayable. Kept freezing up constantly. That being said, now that I've created a clean copy I don't think I'll bother returning the original disc to Amazon for a replacement. Not interested in watching the bonus features and could care less about any of the other bells and whistles the disc may offer or even the pop up menu for that matter. Just interested in watching the actual film with the best audio/video quality possible.
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post #3152 of 3240
10/20/12 at 9:06pm
Actually, Amazon ships the new Bluray, before you return yours. It took 2 days to get the return. Just print the labels and go. I dropped mine off at the local ups store. Sounds like it is the copy protection.
It was rare that I have issues with bluray's I had a few issues, where the firmware on the receiver needed to be updated. Star Wars and Golden Compass..
Sometimes I do watch the bonus disc, because deleted scenes. The one movie that I want is The Abyss on Bluray. I had it on Laser Disc in the past, but if I recall it had additional scenes at the end of the movie.

I never bought a 3D TV, but with AnyDVD Speedmenu's you can make any bluray player play 3D. http://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2012/02/22/slysoft_introduces_speedmenus_for_anydvd

I was out of BD DL, there is a 25 pack on Amazon (Verbatim) for about $7.10 each. (178.95). Only 3 left now. Cheapest price that I bought them for is $6.50 on Black Friday. That is the best time to buy Bluray. Here is a good website that shows statistics on Bluray. http://blu-raystats.com/index.php Well, you need to know which movies are on single layer BD-R.
Edited by Nitro67 - 10/20/12 at 9:35pm
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post #3153 of 3240
10/20/12 at 10:44pm
I've been using Philips media which is far less expensive than most of the other offerings on Amazon. See below. Have gone through 3 reems of the BD-RDL's so far and a partial reem of the BD-R's. No coasters yet. :-) Can't beat the price.

PHILIPS BD-RDL 50GB 6X Double Layer 10 Pack Spindle
PHILIPS BD-R25GB 6X Blu-Ray SM Cake - 25 Pack
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post #3154 of 3240
10/20/12 at 11:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Low Profile View Post

I've been using Philips media which is far less expensive than most of the other offerings on Amazon. See below. Have gone through 3 reems of the BD-RDL's so far and a partial reem of the BD-R's. No coasters yet. :-) Can't beat the price.
PHILIPS BD-RDL 50GB 6X Double Layer 10 Pack Spindle
PHILIPS BD-R25GB 6X Blu-Ray SM Cake - 25 Pack

Yes, it is cheap. Philips is made by TDK/Imation. (There is only a few companies that have the capabilities to make BD-R's (MKM, TDK/Imation, Pansonic, Moser Baer, and Ritek )and I had issues with brands of media with DVD's So, I have been careful in choosing brands. Never had a quality issue with Verbatim. (MKM makes Verbatim) I had issues with TDK in the past on DVD, so I rather pay a few more dollars more. (I had to replace lot of DVD's, never again with TDK)

What happened with some brands of the DVD-r's in the past was they quit working in my Sony 777ES changers. I am not talking a coaster, but a year from now. You go back to play the disc and it doesn't work. BD uses a sputtering ion vapor deposition process. If you use a good quality burner like Pioneer, then you won't have issues with coasters. I use imgburn to do the burn, it is the best that I found. I had a Sony Bluray burner, and they last about a year. Sony never updates their firmware. I bought my first Sony 7000ES changer in December 2010, and started this process at that time. Now I have close to 1000 Blurays on 3 Sony 7000 ES Changers.
Edited by Nitro67 - 10/20/12 at 11:53pm
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post #3155 of 3240
10/21/12 at 6:04am
My experience with TDK has been the opposite. I used TDK DVD+R discs exclusively for backing up my DVD collection over the years which is extensive. Spans across 6 Sony DVP-CX985V DVD changers. To this day I have yet to ever have a disc go bad. That being said, your input is certainly appreciated where BD media is concerned.
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post #3156 of 3240
10/21/12 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Low Profile View Post

My experience with TDK has been the opposite. I used TDK DVD+R discs exclusively for backing up my DVD collection over the years which is extensive. Spans across 6 Sony DVP-CX985V DVD changers. To this day I have yet to ever have a disc go bad. That being said, your input is certainly appreciated where BD media is concerned.

Another cheaper option for Bluray. I never tried Ritek, but their DVD's are the best that I found. The problem is that Amazon doesn't always stock Ritek. Meritline stocks them. You will pay shipping, and get Ground shipping. It still takes about a week.
http://www.meritline.com/ridata-blu-ray-double-layer-4x-white-inkjet-hub-printable-discs---p-73064.aspx Meritline price is $4.33 a disc
Ground service will depend on your location. For me it is $4. So, the cost will be about $4.60. I heard good reports about Ritek BD-DL in videohelp.com, but never tried them.
Edited by Nitro67 - 10/21/12 at 1:34pm
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post #3157 of 3240
10/25/12 at 5:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeanGibson View Post

Can I post an ad for a personal sale of a CX960 or CX7000 here, or must it be posted in the forum classifieds??? I looked for a forum rule on this, but didn't find one.

Big no on that one. A while back ago I just briefly mentioned that I planned to sell my Sony BDP-CX960 and my post got removed and I received an infraction.
Edited by Low Profile - 10/25/12 at 6:59pm
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post #3158 of 3240
10/26/12 at 12:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kmoore88 View Post

Yes it does. Looks like it has to be bought and installed via a dealer. I'm guessing it costs several thousand $$$ though.

Quote:
Originally Posted by budeone View Post

I have been looking around and found this.
http://vidabox.com/products_rackclientv3.php
Looks cool


I am seriously considering this as a replacement for my CX960 (which is still working well) . This product is pretty darn expensive, but I am hooked on the ease of watching a movie from the CX960 and I know that it will not last forever,
. I spoke with the owner of vidabox and got some quotes and I'm close to throwing down. The install can be done over the phone and internet and it seems pretty plug and play (aside from having to transfer each disc one-at-a-time). I do not want to put in the time required to learn, setup or maintain an HTPC. Can anyone offer any advice regarding this device or some other solution to replacing the megachanger ?

Thanks
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post #3159 of 3240
10/26/12 at 3:18pm
On second thought, its going to cost close to $5K for that device with storage for 400 Blu Rays. No can do !
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post #3160 of 3240
10/27/12 at 8:31am
Has anyone tried to utilize a slingbox to remotely view and select discs via the 7000 or the 960? I happen to have each of these changers and I'm going to be deployed for 6 months and would love to be able to cue up and watch the movies on my iPad. Thanks for any insight.
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post #3161 of 3240
10/27/12 at 5:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mintakaX View Post

I am seriously considering this as a replacement for my CX960 (which is still working well) . This product is pretty darn expensive, but I am hooked on the ease of watching a movie from the CX960 and I know that it will not last forever,
. I spoke with the owner of vidabox and got some quotes and I'm close to throwing down. The install can be done over the phone and internet and it seems pretty plug and play (aside from having to transfer each disc one-at-a-time). I do not want to put in the time required to learn, setup or maintain an HTPC. Can anyone offer any advice regarding this device or some other solution to replacing the megachanger ?
Thanks

The Sony 7000ES changers were the cheapest option for 400 or more discs. I have 3 of them, but I bought them last year. Last year, the changers were going for as little as 199 scratch and dent to 700 Mail order for a new one. Just can't do that with any htpc or or that vidabox solution. I haven't looked much at the Vidabox, but it appears that it compresses video. You don't want that. So, the only solution is an HTPC or you could build a main server pc with a long HDMI cable. I have posted on the HTPC with the build specs, but it might be back a few pages. Oh, there is another option that just been released.

I thought this would be a good option for people. http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ There is a few software apps that run on mac ox now for bluray. This Mac Mini has Thunderbolt, so you can use this option to expand your storage. http://www.areca.com.tw/products/thunderbolt.htm Newegg has that box now. You still have to buy drives. Another option is look sans digital. Areca is high end solution, and has the best raid on the market with both windows and mac osx drivers. I recommend that people get the AMD video card option with mac mini. Each Sony 7000ES changer is about 20TB, but Thunderbolt allows you to expand your storage.
Also J River Media Center is schedule to come out with Mac OSX, by the end of the year. Audio right now, but in the future Video.
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post #3162 of 3240
10/28/12 at 12:11pm
Has any one ever cleaned the lens of one of these units?. I would imagine you just have to remove the rear most part of the changer where the actual dvd/br laser pickup mechanism is. One of my units, that has DVDs only, plays but on some of them, if there are not in perfect shape, it freezes and has a hard time playing through.

I am thinking that a lens cleaning might help. Any thought/advice...
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post #3163 of 3240
10/28/12 at 3:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by superleo View Post

Has any one ever cleaned the lens of one of these units?. I would imagine you just have to remove the rear most part of the changer where the actual dvd/br laser pickup mechanism is. One of my units, that has DVDs only, plays but on some of them, if there are not in perfect shape, it freezes and has a hard time playing through.
I am thinking that a lens cleaning might help. Any thought/advice...

You have to contact Sony, but I never cleaned mine. It could need serviced, but I would used for DVD only. A Sony 777ES changer or just put on hard disc. Make sure the DVD's are clean. DVD's can go bad too.
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post #3164 of 3240
10/29/12 at 12:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nitro67 View Post

The Sony 7000ES changers were the cheapest option for 400 or more discs. I have 3 of them, but I bought them last year. Last year, the changers were going for as little as 199 scratch and dent to 700 Mail order for a new one. Just can't do that with any htpc or or that vidabox solution. I haven't looked much at the Vidabox, but it appears that it compresses video. You don't want that. So, the only solution is an HTPC or you could build a main server pc with a long HDMI cable. I have posted on the HTPC with the build specs, but it might be back a few pages. Oh, there is another option that just been released.
I thought this would be a good option for people. http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ There is a few software apps that run on mac ox now for bluray. This Mac Mini has Thunderbolt, so you can use this option to expand your storage. http://www.areca.com.tw/products/thunderbolt.htm Newegg has that box now. You still have to buy drives. Another option is look sans digital. Areca is high end solution, and has the best raid on the market with both windows and mac osx drivers. I recommend that people get the AMD video card option with mac mini. Each Sony 7000ES changer is about 20TB, but Thunderbolt allows you to expand your storage.
Also J River Media Center is schedule to come out with Mac OSX, by the end of the year. Audio right now, but in the future Video.

The Vidabox does not compress the video at least if "Lossless, Zero Compression Playback" means what I think it does. That comes from the website.

Would the Macmini option require an Apple TV ? Because I was told the Apple TV wont stream ISOs ?

I absolutely dread the thought of setting up an HTPC, Mac or PC. I work in scientific software development and couldn't stand the thought of doing computer stuff on my time off.

I wonder if a WD Live TV device in combo with a NAS might work ?

I really like what the Vidabox does as it is pretty much one stop shopping for putting your discs to media. Its just too expensive, especially if you add any kind of redundancy (adds an extra $5K for RAID option for 480 Blu-rays).. thats almost $10K just to replace the functionality of my changer.
I guess I'll just hope my CX90 keeps working until something easier or cheaper comes along.
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post #3165 of 3240
10/29/12 at 2:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mintakaX View Post

I guess I'll just hope my CX90 keeps working until something easier or cheaper comes along.

+2
I am also the type that dreads going to a HTPC solution for a Blu-Ray collection. For me; the ripping and storage would be another hobby I just don't want (too much PC in my day already). So far I'm at 18 mo's on my CX960 with no hiccups, fingers crossed smile.gif
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post #3166 of 3240
10/29/12 at 6:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mintakaX View Post

Would the Macmini option require an Apple TV ? Because I was told the Apple TV wont stream ISOs ?
It is computer, but you it depend on the Software in Mac OSX. It has hdmi, so it can be plugged into the TV. Also, mentions that it will be able plugged into a Thunderbolt Display.
You can use XBMC now, but I personally don't like XBMC.(XBMC is open source, but free) J River Media Center is developing it for audio by the end of the year. Eventually, you see video next. The easy way to get around an ISO is to take extract it folders.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mintakaX View Post

I absolutely dread the thought of setting up an HTPC, Mac or PC. I work in scientific software development and couldn't stand the thought of doing computer stuff on my time off.
Rather easy now. I can put one together in less than an hour. Software takes time, but the SSD drives make it a breeze. Static electricity can be bad, so you spend $5 on wrist strap. Easy and saves you money. Here is a company that will put one together.
http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/hfx_classic_fanless_pc.html

See if you have a Microcenter near you. It is large computer store. I leave the specs for people, but just go ask them to put one together. I think they charge $80 to $100 for labor. plus the cost of the parts. Most local computer stores still do this, but Microcenter allows you to pick out the parts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mintakaX View Post

I wonder if a WD Live TV device in combo with a NAS might work ?
Never heard of it, but seems limited.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mintakaX View Post

I really like what the Vidabox does as it is pretty much one stop shopping for putting your discs to media. Its just too expensive, especially if you add any kind of redundancy (adds an extra $5K for RAID option for 480 Blu-rays).. thats almost $10K just to replace the functionality of my changer.
I guess I'll just hope my CX90 keeps working until something easier or cheaper comes along. /quote]
Well, the changer is the best option, but now they are rather expensive. There is people that will charge you lot for alternative solution.The problem with Bluray is that you need an HTPC that will expand, so that setup will do it for you.
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post #3167 of 3240
11/2/12 at 12:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cuzed2 View Post

+2
I am also the type that dreads going to a HTPC solution for a Blu-Ray collection. For me; the ripping and storage would be another hobby I just don't want (too much PC in my day already). So far I'm at 18 mo's on my CX960 with no hiccups, fingers crossed smile.gif

Well my mega changer experiment has come to an end. Sonys repair center informed me ( I called them after two weeks of no word on my 7000es) that a needed part is no longer available and my only option was a refund. To get a refund, I needed to submit another copy of my original purchase receipt or they would buy me out for $800 if no receipt was sent.

Looks like an HTPC is in my immediate future and after the bad taste this and aother Sony debacle of a few years ago, they have perminately lost my business.

I am now an anything but Sony CE customer ... Well done Sony rolleyes.gifmad.gif
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post #3168 of 3240
11/2/12 at 1:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RMK! View Post

Well my mega changer experiment has come to an end. Sonys repair center informed me ( I called them after two weeks of no word on my 7000es) that a needed part is no longer available and my only option was a refund. To get a refund, I needed to submit another copy of my original purchase receipt or they would buy me out for $800 if no receipt was sent.
Looks like an HTPC is in my immediate future and after the bad taste this and aother Sony debacle of a few years ago, they have perminately lost my business.
I am now an anything but Sony CE customer ... Well done Sony rolleyes.gifmad.gif

Interesting...I literally dropped mine off at UPS to send back to Laredo today for the Invalid Disc error..,

Was the part the laser element?
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post #3169 of 3240
11/2/12 at 2:36pm
YIkes - This is sad and scary !!
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post #3170 of 3240
11/2/12 at 5:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by thrang View Post

Interesting...I literally dropped mine off at UPS to send back to Laredo today for the Invalid Disc error..,
Was the part the laser element?
Quote:
Originally Posted by cuzed2 View Post

YIkes - This is sad and scary !!

They did not say and I didn't talk to the service technician. After 3 attempts at repair I was ready to fold on this one anyway. It was a good concept poorly executed.

Sony's CS (or lack there of) attitude, general mishandling and essentially bailing out on this product is sad. I wish OPPO would take a shot at making one of these units. That is something that I would invest in.
Edited by RMK! - 11/2/12 at 10:04pm
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post #3171 of 3240
11/2/12 at 11:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RMK! View Post

Sony's CS (or lack there of) attitude, general mishandling and essentially bailing out on this product is sad. I wish OPPO would take a shot at making one of these units. That is something that I would invest in.

I heard that the Sony Changers are hand built. The best company to build the changer would be Pioneer. Just have it as Pioneer elite model. I never owned the Pioneer DVD changers, but I still own a Pioneer Elite Bluray player. Still works like new.
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post #3172 of 3240
11/3/12 at 12:39am
Well if my 7000ES takes a dump and they can't fix it, I'll conveniently say I lost my receipt if they offered a $800 buyout for it without a receipt. $800 is almost $200 more than I paid for it new from a authorized dealer.
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post #3173 of 3240
11/4/12 at 8:54am
RMK: Sad to hear your experience with Sony. Unfortunately there are no real techs anymore. The reason they said they can't fix it due to lack of spares is because the only way they fix any device these days is by replacing boards, laser assemblies, carousels, etc. until it works. They no longer actually troubleshoot and isolate the real cause of the problem. I fixed several of the 7000's and the latest I bought on eBay for $300 that was a basket case that UPS decided to use for a 50 yard punt. I fixed that one too and now it's my 2nd unit (on the left side of my avatar picture. The right side is the original I bought).

This is the only item I've ever seen where the longer you wait to buy it, the higher the price. The 1st one I bought on eBay cost me $800, about 1yr. ago. The cheapest 7000 I've seen on eBay now is around $1,500.

Personally as soon as I transfer all my BR discs to my media server (my computer), I will be selling the two 7000's on eBay.
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post #3174 of 3240
11/4/12 at 1:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by notbananas View Post

RMK: Sad to hear your experience with Sony. Unfortunately there are no real techs anymore. The reason they said they can't fix it due to lack of spares is because the only way they fix any device these days is by replacing boards, laser assemblies, carousels, etc. until it works. They no longer actually troubleshoot and isolate the real cause of the problem. I fixed several of the 7000's and the latest I bought on eBay for $300 that was a basket case that UPS decided to use for a 50 yard punt. I fixed that one too and now it's my 2nd unit (on the left side of my avatar picture. The right side is the original I bought).
This is the only item I've ever seen where the longer you wait to buy it, the higher the price. The 1st one I bought on eBay cost me $800, about 1yr. ago. The cheapest 7000 I've seen on eBay now is around $1,500.
Personally as soon as I transfer all my BR discs to my media server (my computer), I will be selling the two 7000's on eBay.

It was obvious to me that Sony just wants to cut their losses with the BDP jukeboxes. My hand has been forced and I'm going to build a HTPC for my movies and music (hardware first then software). Just can't go back to manual loading of media ... well, except for the one big loading project I'm going to have to face this winter. smile.gif
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post #3175 of 3240
11/4/12 at 2:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnla View Post

Well if my 7000ES takes a dump and they can't fix it, I'll conveniently say I lost my receipt if they offered a $800 buyout for it without a receipt. $800 is almost $200 more than I paid for it new from a authorized dealer.

I paid more than double that new, but fortunately I have my receipt if they're going to buy my repair out...
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post #3176 of 3240
11/4/12 at 8:34pm
That is just sad, why is it so hard to just make something that works correctly? Or heck keep repair parts in the supply chain considering the 7000 has a 5 year warranty.

I really dont want to mess with moving a few hundred BluRays to HD or god forbid the 1600+ dvds

-R
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post #3177 of 3240
11/4/12 at 11:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RMK! View Post

It was obvious to me that Sony just wants to cut their losses with the BDP jukeboxes. My hand has been forced and I'm going to build a HTPC for my movies and music (hardware first then software). Just can't go back to manual loading of media ... well, except for the one big loading project I'm going to have to face this winter. smile.gif

Get a Nimbie.. http://www.acronova.com/product/nimbie-usb-auto-loader-publisher-ripper-nb11/2/review.html These are great to use as backup too. I used one for CD and DVD collections. Changers still work for Bluray. Just keep feeding it. Does about 100 discs a time, but takes awhile.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobAGD View Post

That is just sad, why is it so hard to just make something that works correctly? Or heck keep repair parts in the supply chain considering the 7000 has a 5 year warranty.
I really dont want to mess with moving a few hundred BluRays to HD or god forbid the 1600+ dvds
-R

Only 1600, that is easy with Nimbie. Takes awhile, but it just load and let it rip
Edited by Nitro67 - 11/4/12 at 11:23pm
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post #3178 of 3240
11/7/12 at 9:31am

Help with sony 7000

When I try to play a disc the changer loads then when I press play it powers off . I have a control4 system and I noticed on my ipad that the cover art for the movie disappears. I have tried several movies with the same results. Is this the invalid disc problem or could it be in the control4 program. Thanks
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post #3179 of 3240
11/7/12 at 9:35am
When I try to play a disc the changer loads then when I press play it powers off . I have a control4 system and I noticed on my ipad that the cover art for the movie disappears. I have tried several movies with the same results. Is this the invalid disc problem or could it be in the control4 program. Thanks
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post #3180 of 3240
11/7/12 at 5:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RMK! View Post

So I can rip Bluray disks withthe Nimbie? Seems like the standard disk player in the Nimbie is a CD/DVD player ... ???

I have the cd/DVD version, but they offer a bluray drive. Uses pioneer drives, but it is like your computer with auto load feature. The nimble is great for. Home user. There is another type that is about $3500. Mostly for commercial.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Blu-ray & HD DVD › Blu-ray Players › Official Sony BD Mega-Changer Thread: BDP-CX7000ES & BDP-CX960