AVS › AVS Forum › Blu-ray & HD DVD › Blu-ray Players › OFFICIAL "HELP ME CHOOSE A PLAYER" THREAD: Can't decide? Start HERE.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

OFFICIAL "HELP ME CHOOSE A PLAYER" THREAD: Can't decide? Start HERE. - Page 493

post #14761 of 15133
2/10/13 at 9:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie310 View Post

I'm sorry, but like I said XBOX 360 HAS MORE STREAMING CONTENT. End of story. BTW, an xbox live gold subscription is only $3.33 a month if you get it on sale. I love how people with 42" HDTVs will ignorantly talk crap about 720p when they wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Hell, I have a hard time telling the difference on 55" plasmas.
I find that very hard to believe. Most people pay a lot more than $3 for xbox live gold, especially after new customer deals run out. And xbox only had around 35 video streaming services last time I checked. Sony has far more than that (at least 60), and they're free. And why would anyone pay for 720 content when they can get 1080 for free. It makes no sense. I have 3 xboxes and 3 sony BD players, and besides cable tv, I do all my streaming on my sony players. And streaming content aside, the IR response on xbox stinks, so navigating with a normal remote is a pain unless you're directly in front of it and fairly close.

Having said all that, I think counting who has the most content is useless. Most of it is complete crap. Whether I use sony, xbox or roku, I still use only the major 3 or 4 streaming apps that just about everybody has. If there's something special like MLB or HBO, then I agree that something like xbox is a better option, although an expensive one. Even $40/year is expensive compared to free. That's my entire annual disc rental budget.
Edited by mdavej - 2/10/13 at 12:05pm
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #14762 of 15133
2/11/13 at 8:58am
Looking for a player with 3D, USB input front panel that can play from a USB thumb drive and can read video format files XVID, MKV, MP4..., Wi-Fi capable

My hardware is a Panny Smart ST50 series TV, Denon 2113 A/V receiver with HDMI input for a player. I don't think any of the Panny players play DIVX and XVID i believe. My price range is up to $250 approx.
Edited by carl333 - 2/11/13 at 12:21pm
Reply
Reply
post #14763 of 15133
2/11/13 at 2:59pm
Well I think it's time to make the leap...
Going from SDVD to BR!

I'm in the market for a BDP, basic features, not really into streaming or internet junk or 3D.
Just a good BDP that needs no updates and has decent upconverting ability for the rest of my collection.
Fast load times would be nice too....


Whattya got?? cool.gif

I'd like to add - I have a Pioneer Elite SC27 running to a Samsung 52" LCD - hopefully there are players that have no connection issues with this set-up.
My current DVD player has no problems and plays great.
Edited by hifiHigh - 2/11/13 at 3:04pm
Reply
Reply
post #14764 of 15133
2/11/13 at 8:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by carl333 View Post

Looking for a player with 3D, USB input front panel that can play from a USB thumb drive and can read video format files XVID, MKV, MP4..., Wi-Fi capable

My hardware is a Panny Smart ST50 series TV, Denon 2113 A/V receiver with HDMI input for a player. I don't think any of the Panny players play DIVX and XVID i believe. My price range is up to $250 approx.

The Sony (BDP-S590,S790) and Panasonic (DMP-BDT220/330/500) are the highest rated players overall in this price range, but the US players from either manufacturer do not support DIVX.

The Sony players do support Xvid, so you could use a FourCC converter to make your Divx files compatible.

Unfortunately, the players in your price range that do support Divx are not highly recommended. In particular, I have had bad experiences with the LG brand players which outweigh the value of having a player which has a wider variety of supported files (buggy software, unreliable hardware). The Samsung players also do not have a great reputation.

If you think you can live without divx, go for one of the Sony players. If Divx is really important to you, you might look at getting a separate streaming device such as a WD Live TV along with a BD player.
Reply
Reply
post #14765 of 15133
2/11/13 at 8:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdavej View Post

I find that very hard to believe. Most people pay a lot more than $3 for xbox live gold, especially after new customer deals run out. And xbox only had around 35 video streaming services last time I checked. Sony has far more than that (at least 60), and they're free. And why would anyone pay for 720 content when they can get 1080 for free. It makes no sense. I have 3 xboxes and 3 sony BD players, and besides cable tv, I do all my streaming on my sony players. And streaming content aside, the IR response on xbox stinks, so navigating with a normal remote is a pain unless you're directly in front of it and fairly close.

Having said all that, I think counting who has the most content is useless. Most of it is complete crap. Whether I use sony, xbox or roku, I still use only the major 3 or 4 streaming apps that just about everybody has. If there's something special like MLB or HBO, then I agree that something like xbox is a better option, although an expensive one. Even $40/year is expensive compared to free. That's my entire annual disc rental budget.
Wow! That's alot of typing. lol. 3 xbox 360s AND 3 PS3s, but you can't afford $3.33/month for xbox live gold? Makes perfect sense. I'll "one-up" you: I have 4 xbox 360s & 4 PS3s, and i prefer to stream from my 360. LMAO!

Let's just agree to disagree. I like streaming via xbox360 cuz it's faster (loading & searching w/remote & keyboard) and has more content. Sorry buddy, but the only thing i'll be D/L on my sony 590 is firmware updates. LOL. And yes, it's really $3.33/month (frequent sale). If you're patient, you can actually get it for $2.92/month (uncommon sale).
Reply
Reply
post #14766 of 15133
2/12/13 at 7:04am
How do the latest Pioneers compare with other models these days?

I have a Kuro and have been running the fantastic 51FD on it until it started to fail loading discs last week.
Dead laser I think.
I would like to stick with Pioneer- but I have heard their machines are no longer what they once were....true?

I found the 150 model for only $129....but I'm used to paying much more for quality.
Are those days over?



Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #14767 of 15133
2/12/13 at 7:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojogypson View Post

How do the latest Pioneers compare with other models these days?

I have a Kuro and have been running the fantastic 51FD on it until it started to fail loading discs last week.
Dead laser I think.
I would like to stick with Pioneer- but I have heard their machines are no longer what they once were....true?

I found the 150 model for only $129....but I'm used to paying much more for quality.
Are those days over?



Thanks

Not sure about Pioneer models.
I have a SDVD Pioneer and I love it but now in the market for my first BDP.
I've been considering the Panasonic 220 from all the posts I've read around here.
Not a lot of input from here yet though....
Reply
Reply
post #14768 of 15133
2/12/13 at 8:14am
Modern Pioneer players are rebadged Sharp players. Their user interfaces are rather crude, and they don't support as many computer-based formats as do Sony and Panasonic frown.gif

The Sharp and Pioneer players sold in the U.S. market do have the advantage that they can play All-region PAL (50Hz) discs (but not region-locked discs, of course), while Sony and Panasonic players sold in the U.S. market refuse to play any PAL (50Hz) discs.
Reply
Reply
post #14769 of 15133
2/12/13 at 9:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojogypson View Post

How do the latest Pioneers compare with other models these days?

I have a Kuro and have been running the fantastic 51FD on it until it started to fail loading discs last week.
Dead laser I think.
I would like to stick with Pioneer- but I have heard their machines are no longer what they once were....true?

I found the 150 model for only $129....but I'm used to paying much more for quality.
Are those days over?



Thanks

If you want the same or better quality output, with updated features, check out the Oppo 103 / 105.
Reply
Reply
post #14770 of 15133
2/12/13 at 2:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie310 View Post

Let's just agree to disagree. I like streaming via xbox360 cuz it's faster (loading & searching w/remote & keyboard) and has more content. Sorry buddy, but the only thing i'll be D/L on my sony 590 is firmware updates. LOL. And yes, it's really $3.33/month (frequent sale). If you're patient, you can actually get it for $2.92/month (uncommon sale).
Agreed. You haven't convinced me to pay for 720 streaming content when I can get 1080 for free. And I haven't convinced you of anything either. While searching on the sony is clunky, searching on the xbox was pretty clunky too, as I recall, but I didn't have a proper keyboard for it, so I'll give you that one. And the xbox is indeed much faster at processing, but it takes some time to power up and to navigate to the app you want. Sony and other players have a netflix button to take you straight into it. At the end of the day, I still think it's a wash. Don't get me wrong, I use xbox for most of my TV viewing. I just don't use it for netflix.

But in the spirit of the "help me choose a player" here in the blu-ray forum, the xbox is not an option since it can't play blu-rays. Of the blu-ray player options, if someone wants something close to the speed of a gaming console, then the PS3 and sony 790 are good options.
Reply
Reply
post #14771 of 15133
2/12/13 at 7:53pm
I just bought a Panasonic 65" VT50 and I'm looking for a new bluray player that can play 3D. I'd prefer to pay under $250. I don't need Wifi or any other extra features. I just want a 3D Bluray player with the best possible PQ in that price range. I also prefer one that has quick load times (not sure if that's still a problem, but was an issue the last time I bought a new player). Thanks for the help! Just haven't had time lately to look through these threads.
Reply
Reply
post #14772 of 15133
2/12/13 at 8:32pm
The Sony BDP-S590 tends to be the favorite cost-effective 3D player here. It can be had for just slightly over $100.
Some people prefer the Panasonic DMP BDT220, which is somewhat more expensive.
BD quality is identical for both. You'll need to pay closer to $250 for a player with extensive DVD upscaling options (e.g. Sony's BDP-S790)

Startup times of both are reasonable, normally a few tens of seconds at most.

(I usually start my 590 by pressing the "open tray" button. It opens the tray before it starts to boot the player's operating system. By the time I've opened the BD case, placed the disc in the tray, closed the tray by gently pressing on it, and gotten back to my seat, it usually has started reading the disc.)
Reply
Reply
post #14773 of 15133
2/13/13 at 6:44am
Huh? Panasonic 220 and Sony 590 have the exact same MSRP. The 220 can be had for $5 cheaper on Amazon.

S~
Reply
Reply
post #14774 of 15133
2/13/13 at 6:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by frenchmr View Post

I just bought a Panasonic 65" VT50 and I'm looking for a new bluray player that can play 3D. I'd prefer to pay under $250. I don't need Wifi or any other extra features. I just want a 3D Bluray player with the best possible PQ in that price range. I also prefer one that has quick load times (not sure if that's still a problem, but was an issue the last time I bought a new player). Thanks for the help! Just haven't had time lately to look through these threads.
You won't go wrong with either the Panasonic 220 or Sony 590. I have the Sony, Panasonic, and Oppo. Each player has its advantages and disadvantages. Taking the Oppo out of the equation, my favorite all-around BD player for disc playback is the Panasonic 220. Load times are slightly faster than the Sony. I also prefer the DVD scaling of the Panasonic over the Sony. For streaming apps (NF, Amazon, etc.) I do prefer the Sony.

S~
Reply
Reply
post #14775 of 15133
2/13/13 at 7:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by teachsac View Post

Huh? Panasonic 220 and Sony 590 have the exact same MSRP. The 220 can be had for $5 cheaper on Amazon.

S~

Prices fluctuate. As Selden Ball noted, I have often seen the 220 selling at street prices higher than the 590, but it could be different at any given moment at one retailer or another. Also, these models are both being phased out, so inventory may impact pricing as well.
Reply
Reply
post #14776 of 15133
2/13/13 at 8:45am
Thanks for the suggestions. I decided to go with the Sony 590. Not too concerned with DVD upscaling and it's nice to have a few extra features available. I picked up Under the Sea IMAX 3D movie too because I hear it's a great one to show off the 3D. Any other recommendations to show off the 3D?
Reply
Reply
post #14777 of 15133
2/13/13 at 8:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by frenchmr View Post

Thanks for the suggestions. I decided to go with the Sony 590. Not too concerned with DVD upscaling and it's nice to have a few extra features available. I picked up Under the Sea IMAX 3D movie too because I hear it's a great one to show off the 3D. Any other recommendations to show off the 3D?

Avatar of course! The scene with the "seeds" floating down around Jake's avatar is particularly memorable to me for some reason.

p.s. however, questions about appropriate BD software would be better asked (and responded to) in the BD software forum at http://www.avsforum.com/f/150/blu-ray-software
Reply
Reply
post #14778 of 15133
2/14/13 at 9:34am
I have a Panasonic TC-60PU54 60" Plasma (Sams Club version of the TC-60PU50)
Need help deciding between the Sony BDP-S590 and Panasonic DMP-BDT220 3D WiFi Blu-Ray players.

Am I correct that the Sony works a bit better for Wireless access and the Panasonic up-scales DVD's a bit better?
The Panasonic loads a bit quicker but the Sony supports more file types?

Panasonic.com shows my Panny set supports "Viera Link" but I program a Home Theater Master MX-500 remote for all my devices.
Will the Panasonic DMP-BDT220 integrate better with my TV or should I care?

Looks like the 2013 version of the Panny player "DMP-BDT230" adds the ability to send pics to the player via an Android phone (if its on v4.2)
Is there any other reasons to wait for the 2013 versions of the Sony or Panny players?

Any other advice to help me decide on one of these or another player?
Reply
Reply
post #14779 of 15133
2/14/13 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stonypass View Post

I have a Panasonic TC-60PU54 60" Plasma (Sams Club version of the TC-60PU50)
Need help deciding between the Sony BDP-S590 and Panasonic DMP-BDT220 3D WiFi Blu-Ray players.

Am I correct that the Sony works a bit better for Wireless access and the Panasonic up-scales DVD's a bit better?
Yes
Quote:
The Panasonic loads a bit quicker but the Sony supports more file types?
Yes
Quote:
Panasonic.com shows my Panny set supports "Viera Link" but I program a Home Theater Master MX-500 remote for all my devices.
Will the Panasonic DMP-BDT220 integrate better with my TV or should I care?
Not really. You can use Viera Link or Bravia Sync to simplify your macros if you want. Otherwise there is really no need for it.
Quote:
Looks like the 2013 version of the Panny player "DMP-BDT230" adds the ability to send pics to the player via an Android phone (if its on v4.2)
Is there any other reasons to wait for the 2013 versions of the Sony or Panny players?
I heard panny adds a web browser as well. IMO, web surfing on a blu-ray player is a very unpleasant experience.
Reply
Reply
post #14780 of 15133
2/16/13 at 10:05am
I am looking for a solid Blu-Ray player that can handle the following tasks:

1 - Playback full 1080p lossless MKV files. I want to rip my small Blu-Ray/DVD collection to a 2-4TB USB hard drive in full lossless format including HD audio. I know that these files will be 25-35 gig each in size. I am fine with that.

2 - Has a SOLID Netflix interface including queue/recently watched/search. My current Sony player's Netflix interface SUCKS.

3 - Semi solid/solid Pandora interface


Is there a player out there below $200 that can do this? Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Looks like most players, including the Sony s590 can do Netflix/Pandora solid but the question is the lossless MKV files...

http://store.sony.com/p/3D-Blu-ray-D...specifications
Reply
Reply
post #14781 of 15133
2/16/13 at 10:20am
Anyone know if the new Panasonic blu-ray players will stream DD for Amazon and not stereo thanks.
Reply
Reply
post #14782 of 15133
2/16/13 at 11:31am
Question about Sony S790: Does it down convert Netflix and Amazon Instant Video to Stereo from 5.1? Looking for decent player for ~$250 which would not down convert 5.1 streaming content to Stereo? Any recommendation?
Reply
Reply
post #14783 of 15133
2/16/13 at 11:47am
The S790 supports 5.1audio on NF and Amazon when available.

S~
Reply
Reply
post #14784 of 15133
2/16/13 at 7:25pm
Any other recommendation in ~$250 range besides Sony BDP-S790? My understanding is that pure BD playback should be identical among most players in their respective price range so it comes down to streaming features. DVD upscaling quality is not a factor. Don't have anything to stream from local network/home PC either so really Netflix, Amazon and other subscription based audio and video streaming content...
Reply
Reply
post #14785 of 15133
2/16/13 at 7:37pm
When it comes to streaming apps, Sony is the best. I have Oppo, Panasonic, and Samsung.

S~
Reply
Reply
post #14786 of 15133
2/16/13 at 10:08pm
Hi teachsac, you say that your favorite all-around BD player for disc playback is the Panasonic 220 why?. If playback and streaming where important which one would you take Panasonic 220 or Sony S790.
Reply
Reply
post #14787 of 15133
2/17/13 at 8:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsil View Post

Hi teachsac, you say that your favorite all-around BD player for disc playback is the Panasonic 220 why?. If playback and streaming where important which one would you take Panasonic 220 or Sony S790.
The thing with the Panasonic 220 is it doesn't support 5.1 audio on Amazon Prime. If it did, it would definitely be my favorite all-around everyday player. I'm looking at the BDT330 when it comes out later this month. Hopefully it will support it then. I prefer Panasonic's scaling over the Sony. I also prefer its 3D and 2D ->3D conversion over the Sony. The Sony does quite nicely, and I am very happy with it, too. It streams better than the Panasonic, both for apps and DLNA.

S~
Reply
Reply
post #14788 of 15133
2/18/13 at 7:36pm
My friend's father is looking to make the leap into blu ray. He just wants a BD player that has solid video quality and can upconvert his standard DVD's. He has a ton of them. Built-in wifi is a plus but I think that's pretty standard right now. I know that this might be a reach but under $200 is good, under $150 is very good, and under $100 is great.biggrin.gif
Reply
Reply
post #14789 of 15133
2/18/13 at 10:16pm
This one is for teachsac, why do you put the oppo 3rd? I am looking at the 103. I have an LG BD-590 and it streams fine, plays dvd fine, but the player is flaky with BR- hit and miss when it want's to work, been that way since it was new, so I am looking to replace it. I will not buy any LG product or Onkyo products- they simply stink with customer support. I would like really good 2 channel audio as well- my present 2 channel players are Integra Research RDV 1.1 and a YBA, I prefer the Integra for every format save video (now a days).

I guess my wish list would be: full analog outputs (2 and 7 channel) a digital out and hdmi 1.3 or 1.4 (maybe 2 hdmi ports?), wireless for netflix (we use this a lot) very high quality sound and video that upscales as well. I have completed the rest of my system so I can spend what I want up to say 500 or so. Btw, I have a NAD T785 receiver I use as a pre-amp/control center.

thank you
Reply
Reply
post #14790 of 15133
2/19/13 at 5:19am
I am currently looking for a good bluray player. I just bought a 55inch Sony HX-950 full led. and a Onkyo 515 receiver.
I am currently able to get a ps3 ultra slim and the sony BDP-S790 both for around 200 euro's here in the Netherlands.

A friend of mine recommended the PS3, mainly because I would enjoy the idea to get the bonus of trying out some ps3 exclusives (I am a pc gamer smile.gif ). but I am still doubting because I noticed that some forums tell about a picture quality difference.

The most important thing for me is the best 2d and 3d picture quality. and that its good enough to get the best sound preformance out of my receiver.
I dont really care about DVD upscaling or any services that dont add any value when watching a blu ray.

My budget is about 250 euro. (334.45 US Dollars)

Thank you biggrin.gif
Edited by Robert Popijus - 2/19/13 at 5:28am
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Blu-ray Players

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Blu-ray & HD DVD › Blu-ray Players › OFFICIAL "HELP ME CHOOSE A PLAYER" THREAD: Can't decide? Start HERE.