I'm considering it, but won't really play games and definately don't need to have wifi. And since they sell these at a discount to what they cost, it seems like a decent way to go BD so that I can netflix additional movies.

But the 20gb ones do seem tough to find. Anyone see them around? Lots of 60gb ones, but it seems like the cheaper is the way to go. It still has HDMI, right?

I have the 20gig model and it's fine. Still has HDMI, just missing WiFi, larger hard drive, and the memory card reader. It works really well as a BD player. Considering what stand-alone players cost right now I think it's the best way to go. You may eventually find a game you want to play on it. Only problem is you can't use a universal remote to control it since they are bluetooth only.

20gb here as well. I have no need for the memory card reader or WiFi. You can still run FW updates via the USB anyway and install a larger HD later if you want.

IMO the all black PS3 looks nicer in the equipment rack without that chrome strip, but they should have used a different material for the case. This thing shows every mark.

the PS3 is probably the best BD player out right now. I have a 60gb but the 20 is fine.

I am not really a gamer but I do play a few games like NHL and other sports games.

The only downfall to the PS3 I can think of is that I dont know if I can play the new audio formats since my receiver is not HDMI 1.3. I could be wrong but from what I know you either will need analog connections or a receiver that can process the new audio formats after it is passed over hdmi.

the ps3 put me in a tough position with my receiver.

someone else may want to verify this so you dont base a decision on my misinformation.

I personally thought the 60GB worth the extra cost, but I only paid $530 for my PS3 and I really needed the wi-fi. I also think the black and chrome looks awesome in the AV rack. Very minor thing though.

The 20GB will definitely be fine if you can find one. That is the tough part. EB had them for awhile, but last time I checked they only had the 60Gb ones.

As long as your receiver is HDMI you will be fine. The PS3 will handle decoding the audio and will send it as PCM to your receiver even if its only HDMI 1.1. You really have no need for an HDMI 1.3 receiver with either the HD DVD players or PS3.

PS3 is a solid unit. It offers extra things like showing you what encode is used and how much the audio bitrate is. If you can actually find the 20gig, it should be fine. I like the built in wireless on the 60gig since I have too many cables as it is.

Really? I thought only 1.3 would pass uncompressed PMC and True-HD. I've been holding off buying a new receiver because of it.

1.3 can pass unprocessed PCM and TrueHD (that is, if your player doesn't decode it), but any HDMI can pass processed PCM.

You are right about TrueHD. Only 1.3 will pass it. However, as long as the PS3 can decode it to PCM it can pass it with no loss of quality. Uncompressed PCM can also be passed over HDMI 1.1 by the PS3 so no problem there. I haven't been able to test it yet, but I believe the PS3 can decode TrueHD. I don't remember if they have added the DTS-HD decoding yet, but I know they will if it doesn't have it already. As long as your player handles the decoding the PCM over HDMI 1.1 will be all you need.

The PS3 even decodes the DSD of SACDs and passes it as PCM over HDMI 1.1.

Okay, I'm convinced. Now to try to find one.

Does the PS3 play DVD's and CD's?

I know it plays DVDs, but last I heard it did not upconvert them, so you'll have to settle for 480p.

That should be a pretty easy task. I don't think the Target I frequent has been without them for the past month and a half.

Do they have the 20GB model? That's the hard part, finding one of those as opposed to the 60GB model.

I would also recommend the 20GB version. The decision on which one to get IMHO really comes down to whether you want/need wi-fi, and you don't. 60GB isn't really enough for serious media center usage, so if you do that you'll probably be replacing the hard drive anyway. If not, 20GB is more than enough space, as long as you delete demos to make room for new ones rather than "collect" them.

This site is helpful:

www.itrackr.com

Word is that they're working on an update that will add upscaling to the DVD player. I'm pretty certain it plays CDs, but I haven't tried it yet.

It not only plays CDs, it even plays SACDs (I don't have any to test out though).

I went with the 60GB just because I couldn't find a 20GB one anywhere. The wireless does come in handy though.

Oh, I already have my 20GB system. I was just asking Gdrlv if there were 20GB units out of what he saw at Target.

Look on eBay for 20GB PS3s. You can get them cheaper than in a store(especially when you factor in sales tax).

I love the PS3 as a player. It works better on SD dvd's then my current DVD player.

Only issue is the remote issue. Since the PS3 using blue tooth, your current universal remote will not work with it. I hate this. Using the controler is not bad, but again they should have included a IR sensor as well so that current universal remotes will work with it.

The PS3 can pass the TrueHD with no problem. I have the NIN blu-ray...it looks and sounds awesome

What about the standalone Sony BDP-S1 and the upcoming BDP-S300, do either of these internally handle the decoding of the new DD and DTS formats? And do any Toshiba HD-DVD models?

EB/Gamestops inside malls have the best chance of having a 20GB. When I got mine a couple months ago, those were the only places that had them.

dave: It's $100 off at www.sonystyle.com

I have no idea about the Sony players. The Toshiba HD DVD players all decode TrueHD and DDplus and output PCM, but do not at this time fully support DTS-HD.