Holy Moly Blu-Ray Disc Players below $300

I'd rather they improve the quality than lower the price, but that's just me I guess. Increase the computer chips memory or whatever it takes. These machines are worse than cheap computers, functionally.

I think Blu-Ray is over rated. Sure the picture looks nice....when it feels like working. I've had a couple Blu-Ray players, Samsung and Sony, both played regular DVD's with no problems. Both had problems playing Blu-Ray dvd's. Pixilating, freezing, shutting off, and just not playing the movie at all. I was told by Netflix that some of the copyguard is so sophisticated some machines just can't read them.

The picture isn't that much better that it's worth the hassle. Now my family asks me if the movie we are going to watch is on Blu-Ray or regular dvd. If I answer Blu-Ray, they usually leave the room. I guess you can only watch the first hour of a movie so many times before you learn your lesson.

Happy Holidays,
John

I would agree with Jkalman's first line: "I'd be careful what you listen to in this thread.". That includes his post, Rysa4's post and what I have to say.

That being said, it has been mentioned by many that the PS 3 is the best Blu-Ray player. I have not seen it because I am very hesitant to put a gaming system on my main TV. I learned this lesson many years ago thanks to my children. They all have gaming systems in their rooms now, but not on the 'family' TV. As they are older now, maybe I will investigate this possibility. Though yes, I have had problems mechanically with first generation Samsung and Sony Blu-Ray players. Hopefully these companies are ironing the bugs out of this new technology.

Jkalman has a valid point that the Blu-Ray is the superior format as far as technology goes. Rysa4 also has a valid point about HD-DVD being cheaper. As VHS demonstarted years ago in it's victory over Beta (also Sony), cheaper generally trumps superior technology. Though this format war could easily turn into a SACD/ DVD-A war too, where both superior sides lose to an even lower technology (MP-3's).

So what's it all mean? Nothing really. There will always be new electronic gadgets and toys for folks to argue over.
IMHO the reason the prices on the hardware is dropping so low is because, not unlike computers, the folks in this industry realize the real $$$ is made in the software.

Cheers,
John

Cruz123 meet Jkalman. Beware, he doesn't play well with others. Don't argue with him, just walk away. There is no winning any discussion with Jkalman, for he is the Alpha Dog, his opinions are never wrong. Just smile and walk away........slowly.......goooood Jkalman......that's a good boy......