Which Blu-Ray player to buy?

[ascender]

With the way some releases are now being delayed following the recent announcement about Warner, I think its time to look at a Blu Ray player. Having not really paid much attention to the format as I had a cheap way in to HD-DVD, I'm a bit unsure about what's going on.

So basically, should I be looking at a standalone player or just go for a PS3? I've noticed mention of the different versions of Blu Ray, so am I right in thinking that by going for a PS3, that its an upgradable platform which is more future proof than some of the standalone players?

I think I'd buy a PS3 at some point in the future anyway, but at the moment there's very little that appeals to me from a games point of view. But if the PS3 is as good as a Blu Ray player can be, then its a no-brainer and I might as well get that?

Of course, I've no idea about which version of the PS3 to try and find, so that's another question!

[RLench]

The PS3 is the best player. There are only three reasons to buy a standalone rather than a PS3

1, you have an old amplifier that doesn't accept HDMI audio ie you need analogue 7.1 outputs for PCM audio. Irrelevant for most people who wouldn't care about this anyway

2. you want a machine with an IR remote control. This is a ridiculous reason but so many people on AVS Forum refuse to buy one for this reason

3, you hate Sony or think a games console isn't capable of being a serious AV device (in which case, you're wrong and you're an elitist snob)

The first is a valid reason, IMO...the other two are pathetic but, sadly, true In every possible way, the PS3 is more reliable, dependable, efficient, better, faster, and more compatible with current and future discs

[paulus]

I agree get a PS3

I reckon the best PS3 for Blu Ray watching / Games is a 60GB Region A i.e. US or HK machine. Theres a much bigger range of films from Region A & they are much cheaper to buy than UK disks? It will also play imported PS2 games & their online shop is better too!

BTW - If you want infa red control just get a PS2 USB dongle & Remote !

Enjoy!

[ChrisF]

2. you want a machine with an IR remote control. This is a ridiculous reason but so many people on AVS Forum refuse to buy one for this reason

I find this annoying as it means I can't control my PS3 with my Logitech Harmony. I see you can get IR remote kits for the PS3, but they involve ugly things plugged into the USB slot.

I'd say you're right though and it is a pathetic reason not to get a PS3 as a blu ray player.

edit: There you go, as pointed out above, about the USB IR controller doodad.

[Salsa Party Animal]

Also PS3 is easy to upgrade Java support while blu ray players might not work with future blu ray as java support can't be upgraded on that model.

If you want a blu ray player, wait for 2 years and use PS3 instead.

[charlesr]

If you want a "cheap" one, Richersounds are doing one for £199 if you are a VIP member (free to signup). No idea if it's any cop though.

[nonny]

I think if your a gamer & an avid film buff you really cant go past the PS3.

I dont own a PS3 yet and I probably wont for a while either but if Blu-Ray does start to push HD DVD even further into the mud it would be stupid not to consider owning one. That said you're probably better off going for a Region A one and importing films from Amazon in the US etc...

I'll most likely pick one up in the next 6 months if/when they start bundling them with a Dual Shock 3 as standard.

[ascender]

Thanks for all the advice. The lack of IR support is a bit annoying as I'd be wanting to use it with my Logitech remote and it seems nothing short of mind-boggling that Sony wouldn't build that functionality in. Not a show stopper though.

You've answered all my questions, so it looks like an American PS3.

Cheers!

[huxley]

The only downside with bluray is the region codes on some discs.
Bluray pc drives are falling all the time, a lot of the current ones also play hd discs as well. Unless you want to go the htpc route (consider the price of codecs as well as gfx cards) it may be time to hold on for a bit as decent priced multi format stand alone players are just around the corner.

A bit off topic but the other thing to consider is the 360 hddvd drive as a lot of remastered disc prices are going to fall big time as the hd battle draws to its painfull end (and about time too). Lob one of these bad boys on your pc and get fantastic quality at reasonable price - you can also use it with your 360 if you have one (results wont be as good)