Hey everyone. I'm looking at purchasing a BD player sometime in the next month or so. Anywho, currently, BB has a $400 BD player with 5 free movies in-store. Now, it seems like a good deal and I was going to do it. But the 40g PS3 is also $400 w/out the 5 in-store movies (but Spiderman 3 BD).

Now, looking at some specs on the PS3, and hearing the faster load times, I'm leaning towards it. I know I don't get the 5 movies, but I think the ability to play games (which I don't do often, but would like to have the option) plus the wifi, firmware update ease, etc. may have me leaning towards it.

At any rate, which do you prefer/recommend? A BD standalone w/5 movies, or the PS3?

The PS3, definitely. But if you're wanting to have the ability to play PS2 games, you need to get the 80 GB PS3.

The 60GB one works as well, thats what I have

I agree PS3 is the way to go. I am not a huge gamer, but I do like to play once in a while, and why not have the best of both worlds, a great BD player, and a gaming system. Win win for me.

60GB is the one I have, but finding one now is pretty hard unless you get one used. For a BD player you can't go wrong with the PS3. Definitely grab an 80GB is you want to play PS2 games. It plays most of them.

I'm leaning towards a ps3 instead of standalone

the 40 GB PS3 and the other versions are still eligible for 5 free discs by mail for purchases till 1/31 of this month (and I'm sure a new offer will be extended at the end of the current one)

http://bluraysavings.com/bluraysavings_usa.pdf

I highly recommend the PS3

If you want a bluray player get a ps3. Bluray was released too early. Too many features arent finished example most standalone bluray players wont do Picture in Picture bonus features. PS3 is able to update easier for newer features.

Okay, so it looks like a PS3. How are the load times on them?

Also, anyone with a link to a site listing all of the features of the PS3? (for example, I didnt know it had wifi until today).

Toys R Us has a free bluray bluetooth remote for the PS3 when you buy it, is this necessary or will my harmony 550 work the BD player, too?

The Harmony won't work with it, but the PS3 game controller will, obviously.

the load times are considered the best of the Blu players on the market

here is a breakdown of 40 GB vs 80 GB
http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/Comparison
the 40 GB doesn't list PS1 compatibility but it is there

not sure about your remote question ... the PS3 doesn't have IR only Bluetooth but there may be a workaround ... the Sony bluetooth remote works great or the sixaxis controler can be used for playback if you don't mind some additional navigation

Thanks for the link. The inability to use the harmony isn't a dealbreaker for me. But if that sony remote at TRU is any decent, is it best to buy the PS3 there and just forfeit the 400 reward zone points as opposed to buying it at Best Buy? I'm assuming that thge $25 remote is probably worth the loss of RZ points. I was also going to pick up Cars and Ratatouille there, too.

what's more important to you is ultimately your call
I don't know the cash value of 400 RZ points
I only got the Sony remote because I had a $15 off $25 coupon from a previous deal as well as a $10 gift card as part of that deal (all from K-Mart)
in effect I got the remote for free... I would have been just as happy to use my controller (though some dislike that option in favor of ease of use) but I decided on the remote over any other merch at K-Mart.

One thing not mentioned though I doubt it matters. The 40GB does not support SACDs and the 80GB does. There are probably only a dozen SACD owners left out there, but I thought I would mention it.

Is ps3 the best bluray player out there? I have been looking and I have seen negative reviews for every stand alone blu ray player that I have been remotely interested in.

This may not be the place to post this question, but does anyone know where I would go to see what ps2 games don't work on ps3?

http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleStatus

Just type in the games in question and check the box for the 80GB if that is the one you are considering. No PS2 games work on the 40GB.

Thank you very much!

400 RZ points = 8 dollars in certificates. The rate is 250 points per 5 dollar certificate. You're better off going with a better deal than worrying about the points.

Harmony will work. ANY universal remote will work on the PS3 INCLUDING power on/off!

http://www.schmartz.com/main.sc

I found this link on DVDTalk lol.

Tripple points if you have the right coupon

Provided you have a HDMI receiver, the PS3 is a great Blu-ray player. It still needs a firmware upgrade for decoding DTS HD-MA tracks, but otherwise it performs flawlessly.

Cheaper solution for IR so you can use the Harmony is the NYKO IR remote. It's only about $15 and does everything EXCEPT power on/off and the PS3 button. I bought one, mapped the buttons to my Harmony 890 and it works great!

Nyko IR Remote at Amazon

Honestly, the only reason I've not bought a PS3 to use as a Blu-Ray player is due to the fact that it is slot-loading and (many have reported that it) scratches discs. Otherwise, if Sony were to introduce a top-loading PS3 re-design (similar to the slim PS2) I might buy one.

So I vote for stand-alone player. Also, I have a little more faith in a standalone player not dying on me than a video game console.

I have yet to see one scratch on any of my media - DVD, Blu-Ray, games, SACD, CD, etc. I do keep my PS3 "flat" - the slot runs horizontal, not vertical. I've had my PS3 for almost a year with no issues.

I've never heard of any type of disc scratching with PS3 either. It's been my main DVD player since I bought it over a year ago and it's never scratched any media (DVD, BD, PS3/PS2/PS1 games).