Blu-Ray Players

Jaynestown · February 23, 2010, 11:41:48 AM

Does anyone know anything about Blu-Ray players? I'm thinking of getting one with some birthday money I have coming but don't have a clue about them!

And before anyone says anything, no, I don't want a PS3 instead!!!

RedMaster11 · February 23, 2010, 11:50:21 AM

My knowledge is limited, I've watched a few on the PS3 and the picture quality is amazing. However there are significant loading times before you can watch your film, which annoyed me a tad. Also, if I stop mid film, there is no memory of where I stopped so I can't just continue. Not sure if this is standard for all Blu-Ray players or just the PS3, or if I'm doing something wrong?

Jaynestown · February 23, 2010, 11:55:38 AM

Oh, I just assumed they were like DVD players but better! $:-\$

nCogNeato · February 23, 2010, 02:28:17 PM

Quote from: RedMaster11 on February 23, 2010, 11:50:21 AM
My knowledge is limited, I've watched a few on the PS3 and the picture quality is amazing. However there are significant loading times before you can watch your film, which annoyed me a tad. Also, if I stop mid film, there is no memory of where I stopped so I can't just continue. Not sure if this is standard for all Blu-Ray players or just the PS3, or if I'm doing something wrong?

Blu-rays do have annoying loadtimes. I also don't like that most of the Blu-ray discs I've watched don't have a standard picture format across all on-disc titles (ie. The picture jumps from 16:9 to 4:3 between various movie trailers and promos).

I use my PS3 for Blu-ray, but I haven't noticed the lack of 'bookmarking' Red has. If I turn my PS3 off in the middle of watching a movie, the movie will continue at that point when I begin playing it again. I use a launch 60GB model.

For JT, while the PS3 is commonly recommended for new Blu-ray users because of its overall value, there are plenty of decent Blu-ray players at lower cost, but beware of older models. Blu-ray is still a new technology, and many core features needed today may not be available on Blu-ray players manufactured 2 years ago. Here are a couple helpful links that offer some advice on what to look for.

Digital Trends Buyer's Guide 2010

Consumer Reports Buyer's Guide

CNET Best Blu-ray Players

nCogNeato · February 23, 2010, 02:33:05 PM

Quote from: Jaynestown on February 23, 2010, 11:55:38 AM
Oh, I just assumed they were like DVD players but better! $:-\$

I would say Blu-ray players have more in common with a PC than with a standard DVD player. They are much more advanced and offer many more features.

Jaynestown · February 23, 2010, 02:53:12 PM

Cheers Neato, I'll have a look at those over the next few days.

Failed · February 23, 2010, 06:35:45 PM

If you get an older Blu-Ray player you can update the firmware. HMV have a sony model in store for £110. The same model is on play.com for £100 too.

I was also thinking of purchasing a Blu-Ray player. Wouldi notice the quality difference on a 32" TV though?

GamerMan316 · February 23, 2010, 06:52:32 PM

Quote from: Failed on February 23, 2010, 06:35:45 PM
If you get an older Blu-Ray player you can update the firmware. HMV have a sony model in store for £110. The same model is on play.com for £100 too.

I was also thinking of purchasing a Blu-Ray player. Wouldi notice the quality difference on a 32" TV though?

You will notice the difference, i've got a 32" TV and currently have The Dark Knight, Iron Man & The Incredible Hulk on blu-ray and they look fantastic, depends on the HD transfer to be fair though, big budget movies will look great while some studios will just pump out blu-rays regardless of quality, i've also got The Rock and for a 15 year old film, the transfer is superb & gives the film a new lease of life, very impressive.

Quintillus · February 24, 2010, 03:05:12 AM

Its not worth it , all I have watch so far on the blu ray is Ice Age 3 , Star Trek The New Flim and some sci-documentary that my sister got free from work.

I say if you have a tight budget , stick to DVD for now because Blu-Ray is just a overpriced pierce of plastic with extra space compare to a DVD.But yes it is awesome to view..

Failed · February 24, 2010, 09:51:38 PM

i might be murdering my gf soon ... (and getting away with it) ... so i'll have LOTS of moneyz

CRracer_912 · February 24, 2010, 10:07:20 PM

Some of the older Sony blu ray's, such as the 300 and subsequent 350 model, has long load times, at least compared to the PS3. You can shorten the load time on the PS3 if you don't allow it to go 'online' prior to entering the movie.

I don't do the blu-ray extras, so I may not get what all that interactive crap is about.

Kudos to the Dark Knight and Iron Man, fantastic movies on Blu Ray indeed.

Jaynestown · February 26, 2010, 05:13:04 PM

Well, I've got my Blu-Ray player (a Panasonic for only £120 (after I used some vouchers)) and am watching my first blu-ray disc

nCogNeato · February 26, 2010, 06:24:46 PM

Quote from: Jaynestown on February 26, 2010, 05:13:04 PM
Well, I've got my Blu-Ray player (a Panasonic for only £120 (after I used some vouchers)) and am watching my first blu-ray disc

Congrats.

Jaynestown · February 26, 2010, 06:52:41 PM

Cheers Neato, but something tells me I won't be watching that any time soon! Just watched Life of Brian, brilliant

TaraJayne · February 26, 2010, 07:06:43 PM

Quote from: Jaynestown on February 26, 2010, 06:52:41 PM
Cheers Neato, but something tells me I won't be watching that any time soon! Just watched Life of Brian, brilliant

He can borrow it off Failed