OFFICIAL "HELP ME CHOOSE A PLAYER" THREAD: Can't decide? Start HERE. - Page 68

Samjunk BD-P2550!!

Since your Samsung plasma has HDMI inputs, you don't need nor want to use the component video out from the BD player (it's limited to 1080i in any case). Connect the HDMI from the BD player directly to the display. You do need a player with 5.1 analog audio outputs to work with your older Denon AVR. Check THIS TREAD as a starting point for the audio capabilities of various BD players, but the table in Post #1 of that tread does not include some of the most recent BD players. The two key things you need is for the player to decode all of the audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and also DTS HD-Master Audio, and to also output the decoded audio via 5.1 or 7.1 analog. Some BD players, such as the Philips BDP7200 have 5.1 analog outputs, but can only bitstream out (via HDMI) the HD audio formats (no internal decoder for these). Models such as the Panasonic BD55 offer the features you need. As for the Sony S550 where did you hear that it doesn't decode all BD audio formats (from what I've seen it does)?

Ok. I'm a total Blu-ray newbie, but stuff like http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=996843, http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1050507, and http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=868226 really intimidated me.

(I hope this isn't a FAQ...)
Given all these complications, why shouldn't a buy a PS3 other than for cost reasons? If I do, I will try for that $100 off first purchase w/Sony credit card to get a PS3 for $299.

It'll be run into
- Yamaha RX-V1800 receiver (unless my order falls through) w/my existing 5.1 speaker setup thru HDMI
- Samsung HL61A750 61" DLP LED powered RPTV

I'm ok w/the limited analog outs, no front display, no IR, extra cost remote, and don't care about compatibility w/Harmony/universal remotes. I'm ok w/the higher power consumption and potentially higher fan noise.

Any other reason to not buy a PS3? I'm a little wary of some of the cheapo ($200) players that have come out anyhow...

Not that I can think of.

There are a large number of PS3 owners out there who can't understand why anyone needs a stand alone blu ray player. You can find this issue discussed repeatedly on various threads here. I do not own the PS3. I have heard others state that the PS3 is the professional reference Blu ray player. I don't know. However, there are other issues, such as audio to consider. And, from what I understand, the PS3 will not work with many universal remotes. Some have complained about fan noise. I'm sure I'm leaving things out, but the PS3, by reports posted here at AVS, is an excellent Blu ray player. Check out the threads. I believe there may be a sticky on it, too

I don't see a sticky, but here's a link devoted to the PS3 for Blu ray.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=650544

To give more of a complete answer, if you have at least an HDMI 1.1 AVR (yours is HDMI 1.3) then the ps3 will give you everything BD has to offer. Get it. You won't be sorry.

Is it me or is this format still plagued by a lot of basic issues? I really have tried to sort through the flood of info, but it seems I read an awful lot of "this doesn't play correctly" which takes all sorts of forms - funky video, sync, etc. I've been waiting for it to stabilize before buying anything, but my "feeling" is that it's a lot of early adopters R&D'ing for the manufacturers.

Set me straight.


_Mike

Thanks guys. I know about the 2nd thread already. There are only 22329 posts spanning 745 pages. :/

As for audio issues, I will be using a receiver w/HDMI 1.3 support, so it seems like I should be good to go. From the charts, it looks like the PS3 can decode all the current "advanced" audio formats and send everything I need as PCM over HDMI. It doesn't matter to me that there's only 2 channel analog audio out.

The product description at Sony Style has changed a couple of times recently. First, it added the parenthetical that dts-MA decoding would require a firmware update. Then, last week, the section on high res audio was re-written and seems to say the player will decode TrueHD and bitstream TrueHD and dts-MA. The parenthetical about the firmware update is gone. The syntax is a little convoluted in the write-up, but it appears to mean no dts-MA decoding. The S350/S550 thread has a lengthy discussion on the subject. Here's the current sonystyle description:

Dolby® TrueHD internal decoding
Dolby® TrueHD internal decoding and bitstream output via HDMI for the Dolby TrueHD and dts®-HD (Master Audio and High Resolution Audio) codes delivers studio quality audio designed specifically for high definition entertainment like Blu-ray Disc movies, with up to 7.1 channels of surround sound that is virtually indistinguishable from the original studio version.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...8407&langId=-1

So, the official word is that internal decoding is back to being supported then?

TrueHD definitely. Most read that new section to say dts-MA is only bitstreamed. But, the language is a little tortured.

The section title used to refer to both TrueHD and DTS-HD. Now it just says Dolby TrueHD internal decoding. I read the language that follows to make two separate statements about what the player does: (1) "Dolby TrueHD internal decoding" and (2) "bitstream output via HDMI for Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD". In other words, it decodes TrueHD and it bitstreams both TrueHD and dts-HD.

Thanks for the clarification. The heading says TrueHD, and then they talk about DTS-HD. This whole page is suspect. I just have a hard time understanding how Sony could not support decoding of DTS-HDMA. Amazon says that internal decoding is supported and I trust them more than Sony at this point

I'm still using an older receiver(B&K 505AVR) lacking in HDMI inputs. It does have 5.1 analog inputs. Is there a Blu-ray player currently on the market that will both decode and pass all hi-def(lossless) audio codecs thru my receiver? If so, can I use the Blu-ray player's HDMI output to my 1080p TV for video while sending the hi-def codecs via 5.1 analog to my receiver? Please advise.

Feel free to send the video (via hdmi) straight to your tv, and to use the analog outs on the blu ray to go straight to your receiver. You have a few options. You can buy the denon 3800, which absolutely sends all formats via analog. It is a bit pricey. The other options are questionable. for example, i believe the panny bd50 and the pioneer 71 will do it as well, at least with a firmware update (dts-ma). for whatever reason, it seems like all manufacturers have had a tough time implementing the dtsma via analog out. they all claim that with a firmware update, it will work. Only time will tell.

I am using a panasonic bd50 hdmi to the projector and 5.1 analog to the B&K Reference 50. I have had to set up a preset to boost the Sub +10 to equalize the LFE. The panasonic supports all new codecs now and no waiting. I find that they are a great match. I have postponed upgraded the Ref 50 for now.

Similar approach here too. I have a Pioneer BDP-51FD connected via HDMI directly to the TV and via 5.1 analogs to a B&K Ref50. As noted, you'll have to bump the sub up +10 or +15db depending on whether you set the speakers to small or large in the player. Other than that, you should be just fine (as long as the BD player has the ability to decode all the codecs).

BTW, there have been rumors that B&K MIGHT offer some sort of add-on to older gen Reference/AVR users that would add HDMI functionality without having to trade up to the Ref70 (or comparable AVR).


Scott

It's nice to see other B&K Ref 50 users out there using this option instead of dumping and going to the competition.

For those that have had Sony 350s or Sammy 1500s or better yet both, which one did you like better, and why did you pick one over the other. And has Panasonic gotten over the hump with lasers going bad???

Right now the Panasonic 35 is my front runner, with the other two close.

I had a Sammy 1400, and didn't have any problems except one Netflix disc that was messed up, although I did get it to finally play, after a bath and a soft guitar polishing cloth was taken to it.

I just picked up a panasonic bd50 player and like bachelor above hooked it up to my b&k ref 30 its an older model than the 50 same preset options as the 50 and that works great to boost the lfe.

I have had a very difficult time determining which player I should target for the following parameters.

1) MUST have top notch component 1080i output
2) Need a very reliable player with a minimum of wife irritating issues (ie disk doesn't play, lip sync, etc)
3) Audio details relatively unimportant
4) SD-DVD needs to work properly but I don't care how good it looks. I will be using a different player for this.

Is anyone using the B&K with 5.1 analog ins and using 7.1 speakers? I am and am using the DVD-A 7 setting and letting the B&K process for surround backs. When I change to DVD-A 5 some bass material sounds better than with DVD-A 7 but then I loose the surround backs... That's my dilemma and yet figured what to do...

I don't like Sony. Its personal. I will admit it.

I have a lite-on bluray player as well as an xbox addon for HTPC. Own 2 other HD DVD players. A Wii. And 7 MS PCs.

I used to like Sony when I had my PS1, but I, like so many others lost my faith in them. Trying to force a $600 console on everyone back in 2006 didn't help either. And they helped kill my HD DVD.

Well, I am in the process of either downscaling my HTPC or getting rid of it entirely.

It pains me to say this, but the PS3 seems to be a descent replacement.

Reasons for:

• It is a bluray player. Has optical out now for my Onkyo 304 receiver and I can bitstream the audio out to the 606 that I am upgrading to a year from now. And it seems to be the most reliable.
• It can play back audio. The software on the site seems decent although it is hard to really see how it works (I hate their website).
• It can play back Photos. It supports flash cards. I take alot of photos
• It can surf the web.
• The hard drive is easily upgradeable.
• It supports external hard drives.
• It can stream off of a PC for some content

Reasons against:

• It is a Sony.
• No analog out to my onkyo (minor - my DVHD805 is using them anyway)
• Can't play back studio website shows on NBC.com or ABC.com (big)
• I think it is kinda ugly and doesn't look good in my rack
• The kids will bother me wanting to play games. (big)
• Not easily compatible with a Harmony remote. Yes, I know there is a workaround.

The original option is keep the HTPC, but strip it down and just get a SA BD player like the BD-P1400.

I don't want to game on it. I am a PC gamer... so is the family. And we have a Wii as well.

LOL! I posted almost the same set of concerns on another board.

I have decided to either go with an HTPC + BluRay player combo or see if I can better integrate my media server with one of the newer AV receivers (still with a BluRay player).

Either way, I will need a dedicated player and the PS3 is certainly close to or at the price I am looking for.

I say "go for it".

I have a 1080p/24fps TV and a Denon 3808.
I'd like to be able to bitstream all of the audio codecs via HDMI.
I don't want the analog inputs, so is the Panasonic BD55K (vs BD35K) overkill for me? Are analog outputs the only difference between the 55K and the 35K?

I have a PS3 but I'd like better IR integration (i know there are workarounds, i have one), and mine is in a Home theater cabinet, so it gets hot (and thus noisy).

Another question...
I have 3 HDMI inputs on my Denon receiver.
My current components via HDMI are DirecTV HR21, PS3, and HD DVD A35. Which would be best for me to change to component (and optical) - the HR21 or the A35? I only have 10 HD DVDs and I rarely watch them, but I'm not sure HDMI has any advantages for the DirecTV DVR.

I greatly appreciate any advice.

HDMI is beneficial for high res audio from all of your components except for DirecTV, which maxes out at DD. So, the satellite box is the logical one to exclude. You can always use HDMI from the satellite box to your display if that improves the picture.

Have you considered a splitter?

Do you mean a switch that would allow two of his devices - say the DirecTV box and the A35 - to share a single HDMI input on his receiver? A splitter is designed to feed one inout to two outputs, which doesn't seem to be the issue here. A switch would certainly work. I have one from monoprice that cost $30 and works perfectly everytime.

Are these switches automatic (able to determine which component is active and switch to it), or would this need to be programmed into my Harmony remote?

The oppo hm-31 prioritizes its inputs.
So if the device in input one is turned on, it will override 2 & 3.
2 will override 3.
But you must remember that devices like cable boxes are always on... so they should be set to input 1.
It also comes w/ a remote.
Its a real nice pc of hardware, but not cheap.