Time to pull the trigger on BluRay?


I am woefully ignorant about where we are with bluray. Is it time to buy? If so what are the SOTA players? I assume these players will play DVD and perhaps some other formats. I vaguely remember hearing that there are some features/quality issues still being worked out. Please educate the ignorant.
Thanks.
bflowers

Showing 1 response by bookner

Panasonic has a good one, rated about as good as the PS3 and for less money. The Panasonic DMP-BD 35 and DMP-BD 55 are their latest versions. Don't buy earlier blu-ray players since they have issues, including long load times and lesser quality and/or features. The only difference between the BD 35 and 55 is the audio outputs. If your receiver or av processor can receive auido via HDMI inputs then the 35 fits the bill. Prices should be no more tha $300. The 55 has analogue audio outputs (5.1) and sells for about $100 more. Comparable latest offerings from Sony don't have still frame by frame advance, and may or may not be as good in video quality, depending on the reviews you read.

Oppo is also supposed to be coming out with one that will no doubt best the current Panasonic and Sony offerings, and likely for $500 or $600.