bd player choice

as you can imagine most ppl go through the same process. So I went through the search engine and found these threads for you:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=760518

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=741439

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=739710

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=738761

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768087

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=741439

PS3 is the best all around high definition player around.

I just got a PS3 for $350 after the Sony Credit card deal. I also have the Toshiba HD-A1 which I use to upconvert regular DVD's, and of course watch HD-DVD. I'm very happy with the PS3 so far. I don't see the problem with it not being a "stand alone" player. It is pretty small, and looks nice. It boots up very fast. The blue tooth controller is actually great because you don't have to point it at the unit like you would have to with a regular DVD player. Hopefully, since it is a gaming system, I won't loose too much money if Blu-ray looses the war. The only down side is no analog audio out if you don't have a HDMI receiver and want the best audio.

Really?!!! No analog audio output on the PS3? Not even with Component vidio cable with the analog audio connector?

He meant no 5.1 analog output on the PS3. Hence, there's no way to experience the higher-fidelity, lossless and uncompressed audio Blu-ray titles without a HDMI receiver.

If you have a video monitor/display device that can accept 1920 X 1080/24 (23.98)/P as an input then I would consider the Pioneer, Sony or PS3*. The Panasonic seems to be a good choice if lossless audio with analog audio outputs is important to you.

If bottom line $$ is the most important factor then the PS3 20GB or the Samsung move to the front of the line. Happy hunting and let us know your choice!!

*With future firmware update(s).