Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

[daflyboys]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

Its a great player. Netflix streaming. Great upconversion on DVDs.

Good to know...probably gonna pull it..... now hopefully this dude will buy my table tennis outfit so I can get it!! heh

[jeremym480]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

I picked up an extra Blu-Ray player at Wal Mart on BF FOR $78. It's a Magnavox. I think it normally sells for $130-150 but, I'm not 100% certain.

Also, I have a PS3 in my "Man Cave" as my primary BR player. I would recommed that because of the gaming and NetFlix deal.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

If you have an HDTV, then you owe to yourself to have a blu ray player. Especially since they can be had for less than $100 now. Also, movies are as cheap (if not cheaper) as DVDs if you know where to look. Haven't paid more than $16 for a movie (avg. price about $12) that wasn't a boxset and I've owned more than 175 blus. Even if you don't want to buy movies you can rent them for $11 a month from netflix.

If you're into gaming (or need a gaming system), then the PS3 is the no-brainer choice for blu ray player. It is always going to be up-to-date, can serve as a media hub and now streams netflix. It's on the expensive side if you don't need a gaming system.

I'd recommend the LG BD370. A solid blu ray player that can decode the lossless audio AND streams netflix, youtube, cinema now (via ethernet cord). The BD390 is about $100 more and is wireless streaming.

Like someone else mentioned, the audio is probably the biggest improvement if you have the equipment (HDMI receiver, decent speakers, powered subwoofer) to take advantage of lossless audio.

[ODogg]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

Why do you guys act as if you have to buy blu-ray movies? You can rent them as well you know. Blockbuster has a huge amount of blu-rays for rent.

[AUChase]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

I wouldn't sell myself short.. I'd go with the playstation 3...

For what you pay, you get an awesome BR player + a **** ton of other awesome features... including the addition of netflix

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

I wouldn't sell myself short.. I'd go with the playstation 3...

For what you pay, you get an awesome BR player + a **** ton of other awesome features... including the addition of netflix

Unless you don't need those extra features or don't want a gaming system as your blu ray player.

You can get a Profile 2.0 blu ray player that can handle lossless audio and stream netflix for half the price of the PS3.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

I'm wondering what the major differences are between 1 bluray player to another? I have one as gift from last Christmas and it has been great. I check out other's blurays and even ps3's but don't really see a difference in quality.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

I'm wondering what the major differences are between 1 bluray player to another? I have one as gift from last Christmas and it has been great. I check out other's blurays and even ps3's but don't really see a difference in quality.

Differences aren't really in the picture quality of blu rays, though some are slightly better.

Different profiles (1.0, 1.1, 2.0)
1.0 can't do any online extras, 1.1 can do some

Load times (PS3 is near the top here)

how well it upconverts standard DVDs

can it decode lossless audio codecs

so if you just need it to play blu rays, the $78 Magnavox is all you really need

[Bellsprout]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

The picture is the most obvious improvement, but if you have a surround sound system the sound quality is the most noticeable upgrade, to me. Watch Transformers on Blu with the surround really loud. If your house is really old, it may fall over from the sound.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

The picture is the most obvious improvement, but if you have a surround sound system the sound quality is the most noticeable upgrade, to me. Watch Transformers on Blu with the surround really loud. If your house is really old, it may fall over from the sound.

Other fun times in surround sound:
Black Hawk Down
Band of Brothers
Mr and Mrs Smith
F and F: Tokyo Drift
Death Race
the airplane crash in Cast Away

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

I agree, sound is a major part of bluray. Hearing movies in DTS -HD is whole other experience. As to why I hardly ever go to the movies. War movies are the best.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

I agree, sound is a major part of bluray. Hearing movies in DTS -HD is whole other experience. As to why I hardly ever go to the movies. War movies are the best.

Which is why I rarely ever advise someone to get a HTIB. Those rarely have a powered subwoofer and decent front speakers. To get the full experience you want the right audio equipment for the job.

[Tommyklaid]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

OMG, just go out and get a Playstation 3...seriously, it's made my movie-watching experience (Blu-Ray) with Netflix UNBELIEVABLY night & day....

...it is in comparison to the level of VHS to regular DVD...THAT'S how dramatic-difference it is! Everything just P-O-P-S!!!!

[ODogg]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

Blackhawk Down has some of the best surround sound in a Blu-Ray no question!! It's insane!!

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Blu-ray players --- are they really worth it?

Blackhawk Down has some of the best surround sound in a Blu-Ray no question!! It's insane!!

Of all blurays, this is not in my collection. It's on the wish list.