Quote:
Originally Posted by
cR4p 
I was wondering what were the benefit(s) in getting a more expensive bluray compared to an entry level player like a PS3 for an example, I understand that some of the more expansive BD player offer 7.1 output with high quality DAC’s but in a situation where the audio will be bitstreamed to the receiver is there any impact on the quality of the video on 1080p material.
I have an a Lumagen Radiance scaler so better scaling is not really a driver since I will send everything in native resolution and let the radiance do the scaling if needed, so my question is when comparing bluray 1080p video, is there any noticeable difference between a cheap & expensive player.
My current setup is PS3-->Lumagen Radiance-->Sony VW-1000-->Screen Innovation Black Diamond Zero Edge 144’
If there’s any difference what are the current popular options?
Thanks
You have a very good projector. The differences that are present between bluray players are minimized with the smaller displays, but become more evident when using larger displays, especially projectors. I have an Oppo BDP-83 (for two years now), and use it on a comparatively small display (47"). Bluray content is displayed very well, DVD upscaling is stellar with it.
One of the discrepancies that was found was the improper mapping of the color palette on other bluray players, as opposed to the Oppo, which does it correctly. It is the squashing of the top and bottom colors of the color range for the top and bottom 5 or so values. The question is whether the improvement in true color display is worth it for you to spend $500 for. Not sure what other differences there may be, but my thoughts are that when possible, Oppo seems to take the right path.
There are many other benefits that I've found, like being able to use DLNA at least a year ago on a player that was already superseded by the BDP-93. The continual updates over the internet avoided having issues with not being able to play titles (for me). Oppo's service is outstanding, both in having real humans available at all hours for contact and the very fast repair service. The new development and strong support continue for my soon to be ancient player, despite the '93 being out a year or so ago.
If this is an HT only setup, the non-HT audio options may not appeal to you, but for me, the audio options of SACD, DVD-A, FLAC, etc, as well as being able to use a hard drive for media have been great. Most of those functions were also added after the sale, so I have felt throughout that I was not only buying a player with the features then, but a player that would grow in time because the company was committed to it.
There are many good bluray players, but in my view one company makes great players, and that is Oppo. The new Sony and Panasonic players are impressive, but they are where Oppo was a year ago and will be once again behind when the new players from Oppo come out. In my opinion, of course, but leavened with direct experience with Oppo. In your case, with the components you've chosen and paid for, an Oppo seems to fit.
. I currently use my PS3 as a Blu-ray player in my HT setup and think now is the perfect opportunity to purchase a dedicated blu-ray play capable of dual band wireless. I do a LOT of streaming from Netflix and Hulu Plus from the PS3 as well. Needless to say, I am trying to get all devices updated to 802.11n and I am trying to find a good Blu-ray player that will support dual band frequencies so that way I can double my network speeds. Netflix and Hulu plus is a must on the device as well due to the fact that I cut cable out and only stream and watch blu-rays.
