Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

[TheMatrix31]

Kind of a stupid question, I know, but you don't NEED to have a 1080p TV to play Blu-Ray discs, do you?

My bro's TV is 1080p and he uses his laptop as a Blu-Ray player so that's what I've been looking at. My TV is 720p.

I figure instead of getting a laptop with a Blu-Ray player (gets a bit more expensive), might as well get a stand-alone Blu-Ray player.

I found this one, is it any good?

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=SAMBDP1500

Thanks!

[mgoblue]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

Correct, you don't need a 1080p tv to take advantage of blu-ray...my tv's 720p/1080i and it's just fine with it.

I don't know anything about the standalones, but I'd check for reviews and stuff carefully...I'm more a fan of the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player, because I also can use it to stream media (avi files) on my computer through the PS3 to my tv. Plus being a gamer you'd have it for games too...just a thought.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

Well, the thing is, I was looking to buy a new laptop because this one is starting to die on me. I figure since I can't seem to get exactly the configuration I want from Dell (lots of RAM, plus a dedicated video card, an HD TV Tuner, AND a Blu-Ray player), I might as well just get a standalone player for my TV and get a kick-*** non-Blu laptop.

I don't wanna get a PS3. To be honest, there's not much room in my room for it anyway, and I won't get any real video game use out of it (my video gaming has dwindled significantly, unfortunately).

[bergie56]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

Well, the thing is, I was looking to buy a new laptop because this one is starting to die on me. I figure since I can't seem to get exactly the configuration I want from Dell (lots of RAM, plus a dedicated video card, an HD TV Tuner, AND a Blu-Ray player), I might as well just get a standalone player for my TV and get a kick-*** non-Blu laptop.

I don't wanna get a PS3. To be honest, there's not much room in my room for it anyway, and I won't get any real video game use out of it (my video gaming has dwindled significantly, unfortunately).

No idea about the quality of the stand alone players either, but here is another website with great prices. I would also echo the idea of getting a PS3, even if only used to watch Blu Rays.

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/DVD+Players+and+Recorders/Samsung/BDP1400+REF/41240668.aspx?navid=155438235

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

I wonder what the difference between the 1500 and 1400 is.

[JayBee74]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

Just got a brand new Panosonic TV (720P) and a brand new Blu-Ray player yesterday and it looks fantastic. Don't know how much the HDMI cable helped.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

Cool guys, thanks. Looks like I'm just going to get a nice laptop and a blu-ray player later.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

The best value on a blu ray player is the PS3. I've heard a lot of negatives on Samsung blu ray players on the few hidef forums i visit. Mainly due to very few firmware updates and horrible customer service.
You will probably be able to find a cheap blu ray player this black friday. Rumor is it that one should be $199. I'd look for one that is at least Profile 1.1 compliant....

[CaptainZombie]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

I wonder what the difference between the 1500 and 1400 is.

My advice DO NOT GO WITH A SAMSUNG BLU-RAY PLAYER. They have been problematic and Samsung doesn't stand behind their firmware updates.

Ok, now that I said that, look for the Panasonic BD35 or Sony S350 if you want a good stand alone player that could be had for $299 or less if you find it at the right place.

[Heelfan71]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

just get a ps3. best blu ray there is.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

My advice DO NOT GO WITH A SAMSUNG BLU-RAY PLAYER. They have been problematic and Samsung doesn't stand behind their firmware updates.

Ok, now that I said that, look for the Panasonic BD35 or Sony S350 if you want a good stand alone player that could be had for $299 or less if you find it at the right place.

I was looking for something around the price of what it would cost me to configure a laptop with a Blu-Ray player. Might just bite the bullet and order the one package from HP that comes with everything I want, even if it IS around 1300 or so.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

I was looking for something around the price of what it would cost me to configure a laptop with a Blu-Ray player. Might just bite the bullet and order the one package from HP that comes with everything I want, even if it IS around 1300 or so.

I understand having space limitations, but just seems like you'd be paying a lot to have blu ray on a "tiny" screen. Can't really see you getting all of what blu ray has to offer (hidef video and hidef audio) on a laptop.

Edit: Just noticed you're gonna hook it up to a tv. I'd invest in getting a laptop that has an HDMI input, in that case.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

Yeah, definitely. I would venture to say that all laptops with Blu-Ray have HDMI outputs. Could be wrong, but at least the ones I'm looking at do.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: Quick Question re. Blu-Ray;

Go with the Sony 350, most are reporting it to be the nicest BD player on the market right now. I picked it up, like the picture better than my PS3 was. Check Sam's Club/BJ's/Costco, they sell the BDP-BX1, it's exactly the same as the 350, just with a backlit remote. It's rebanded for wholesale clubs, and runs about $230 or so.