Blu-ray Disc Player Thread
08-09-08 | 04:53 PM
#276
NEC has announced that it has successfully fitted "analog-to-digital conversion, HDMI output, and sound encoding/decoding", all the major functions of Blu-ray, onto a new single chip dubbed the EMMA 3PF. The chip should being shipping in September and will help to reduce production costs of Blu-ray players and drives. NEC says the chip will "significantly" reduce the amount of physical space required for players so consumers hopefully will soon enjoy thinner, cheaper players. Notably, the new chip will also include a multicore CPU that should greatly improve start up time for Blu-ray players, an issue that has bugged many buyers since Blu-ray players began hitting the market. The new chip supports Profile 2.0 and NEC says "monthly production is expected to be 1,000,000 units from the fourth quarter of 2008."
08-10-08 | 02:52 AM
#278
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by GizmoDVD
Good, so no reason why players should be over $200 come the Holidays.
08-20-08 | 02:24 PM
#279
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From: Sacramento
Glad to read all the informative posts here. Gearing up to buy my first hi-def player. I think I'll wait for the holidays and see if there will be a price drop. I have a "60 Sony LCD 1080i, I assume the picture will still be impressive despite it being 'i' instead of 'p.' It's great having a resource like you guys on this board to get the most bang for my buck. Thanks!
08-20-08 | 03:28 PM
#280
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Glad to read all the informative posts here. Gearing up to buy my first hi-def player. I think I'll wait for the holidays and see if there will be a price drop. I have a "60 Sony LCD 1080i, I assume the picture will still be impressive despite it being 'i' instead of 'p.' It's great having a resource like you guys on this board to get the most bang for my buck. Thanks!
Because of the broadcast standards for HDTV, all HD displays must be able to accept 1080i and 720p inputs. Those are the ways HDTV is broadcast; there isn't enough bandwidth in over the air (OTA) broadcasting for 1080p. However, nearly all current HD displays are either 1080p, 720p or 768p. This includes LCD, plasma, and DLP displays, which are always progressive scan. To the best of my knowledge only CRT displays are truly 1080i and CRT RPTVs haven't been made for several years now, although smaller single tube type CRTs may still be available in 1080i.
None of this really matters because the display is capable of converting the input signal to its native resolution, whatever it is. But I often see people referring to "1080i" LCDs when no such thing exists. The 1080i just refers to fact that it can (and must, according to HDTV standards) accept a 1080i input signal. As to what your HD display's native resolution is, I couldn't say, but it should be in the specifications in the owner's manual.
It may be that your display doesn't have a 1080p input, like many current displays. In that case you will need to feed it 1080i from the blu-ray disc player (or 720/768p if that works better for your screen's native resolution). And, yes, the picture should be impressive!
Last edited by lizard; 08-20-08 at 03:33 PM.
08-20-08 | 10:06 PM
#281
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From: Sacramento
You say your LCD panel is "1080i". This is a common misconception so I'd like to explain what's going on:
Because of the broadcast standards for HDTV, all HD displays must be able to accept 1080i and 720p inputs. Those are the ways HDTV is broadcast; there isn't enough bandwidth in over the air (OTA) broadcasting for 1080p. However, nearly all current HD displays are either 1080p, 720p or 768p. This includes LCD, plasma, and DLP displays, which are always progressive scan. To the best of my knowledge only CRT displays are truly 1080i and CRT RPTVs haven't been made for several years now, although smaller single tube type CRTs may still be available in 1080i.
None of this really matters because the display is capable of converting the input signal to its native resolution, whatever it is. But I often see people referring to "1080i" LCDs when no such thing exists. The 1080i just refers to fact that it can (and must, according to HDTV standards) accept a 1080i input signal. As to what your HD display's native resolution is, I couldn't say, but it should be in the specifications in the owner's manual.
It may be that your display doesn't have a 1080p input, like many current displays. In that case you will need to feed it 1080i from the blu-ray disc player (or 720/768p if that works better for your screen's native resolution). And, yes, the picture should be impressive!
Because of the broadcast standards for HDTV, all HD displays must be able to accept 1080i and 720p inputs. Those are the ways HDTV is broadcast; there isn't enough bandwidth in over the air (OTA) broadcasting for 1080p. However, nearly all current HD displays are either 1080p, 720p or 768p. This includes LCD, plasma, and DLP displays, which are always progressive scan. To the best of my knowledge only CRT displays are truly 1080i and CRT RPTVs haven't been made for several years now, although smaller single tube type CRTs may still be available in 1080i.
None of this really matters because the display is capable of converting the input signal to its native resolution, whatever it is. But I often see people referring to "1080i" LCDs when no such thing exists. The 1080i just refers to fact that it can (and must, according to HDTV standards) accept a 1080i input signal. As to what your HD display's native resolution is, I couldn't say, but it should be in the specifications in the owner's manual.
It may be that your display doesn't have a 1080p input, like many current displays. In that case you will need to feed it 1080i from the blu-ray disc player (or 720/768p if that works better for your screen's native resolution). And, yes, the picture should be impressive!
08-21-08 | 08:59 AM
#282
Samsung BD-P2550 Available at Best Buy
"Apparently, Samsung has decided to sneak out their latest player, the BD-P2550, onto store shelves without the usual fanfare. It appears to be a variation on the previously announced BD-P2500, though its difficult to tell what, if any, the differences may be. Early reports on our forum indicate that it is a BonusView player that will receive a BD-Live update at a future date.
Other standout features include a HQV processor and 7.1 analog outs. Though early specs indicated support for decoding DTS-HD Master Audio, it appears that feature has been dropped from the final product. The player is available to ship today, from Best Buy, for $499."
source: blu-ray.com
"Apparently, Samsung has decided to sneak out their latest player, the BD-P2550, onto store shelves without the usual fanfare. It appears to be a variation on the previously announced BD-P2500, though its difficult to tell what, if any, the differences may be. Early reports on our forum indicate that it is a BonusView player that will receive a BD-Live update at a future date.
Other standout features include a HQV processor and 7.1 analog outs. Though early specs indicated support for decoding DTS-HD Master Audio, it appears that feature has been dropped from the final product. The player is available to ship today, from Best Buy, for $499."
source: blu-ray.com
08-21-08 | 09:00 PM
#283
Suspended
Saw about 8 units at my Best Buy.
Feels like this was the UP5500 that was canceled and they just dropped HD DVD support from it... No internal DTS MA decoding
Feels like this was the UP5500 that was canceled and they just dropped HD DVD support from it... No internal DTS MA decoding
08-23-08 | 09:25 PM
#285
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
HDGuru.com is reporting that Sony will drop it's players by $100, and other off-market brands will follow suit. Coupled with recent 360 drops, I'm very surprised there hasn't been any sort of PS3 price drop as well. Hopefully their argument won't be "we're giving you more for the same amount". While I think that's good, I feel they'd do better to offer a lower price point as well.
http://www.hdguru.com/
http://www.hdguru.com/
08-23-08 | 09:53 PM
#286
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From: Formerly known as "12thmonkey"/Frankfort, IL
HDGuru.com is reporting that Sony will drop it's players by $100, and other off-market brands will follow suit. Coupled with recent 360 drops, I'm very surprised there hasn't been any sort of PS3 price drop as well. Hopefully their argument won't be "we're giving you more for the same amount". While I think that's good, I feel they'd do better to offer a lower price point as well.
http://www.hdguru.com/
http://www.hdguru.com/
08-24-08 | 09:48 AM
#288
Suspended
This would be great, but this is the same guy that said HDTVs would drop $300-$400 in May and that never happened. I'd love to return my S350 for a S550 with no out of pocket expenses.
08-24-08 | 10:54 AM
#289
Suspended
Screw that.
Best Buy has the LG BH 200 (Blu-ray and HD DVD) for $339.99 online/in-store pick up!!!
It it Profile 1.1 and can almost everything (except DTS MA) but can bitstream everything!
Just ordered one!
Best Buy has the LG BH 200 (Blu-ray and HD DVD) for $339.99 online/in-store pick up!!!
It it Profile 1.1 and can almost everything (except DTS MA) but can bitstream everything!
Just ordered one!
08-25-08 | 04:01 AM
#290
DVD Talk Limited Edition
How good is this HD-DVD/Blu-ray player? I think I have a buyer for my A35 which has been sitting in my closet. I am using a Panny BD-30 for playing blu-rays.
08-25-08 | 09:37 AM
#291
DVD Talk Legend
The upside is BD and HD DVD in one player along with very good DVD upconverting with the Qdeo chip. LG is also staying pretty steady with firmware updates though no one knows for sure if it will get an upgrade to BD Profile 2.0. I use it most of the time as my main BD, HD DVD and DVD player.
It has a few flaws though. It doesn't pillarbox 4X3 content on DVDs. Not the end of the world since you can just make the adjustment on your TV, but with my HDTV you have to change the output to 480p before you can squeeze the 4X3 DVDs. It also doesn't decode DTS Master Audio, but it will bitstream it if you have a receiver that can decode. I don't so I use my PS3 for BD discs with DTS MA. It also has a few discs mostly HD DVDs that it is not compatible with. However, most are European discs. The only US HD DVDs I have had issues with are the special features on Superman Returns (though the most recent firmware fixed it for many), Shooter which simply doesn't start and some versions of Clerks II won't show menus though for some weird reason I have a pressing that does. Outside of that every BD and HD DVD I have thrown at it have worked fine.
Some nice things about the BH200 I love include how easy it is to hack for region free DVD playback and even the ability to change the region for Blu-ray discs. It doesn't covert PAL to NTSC for DVDs so your HDTV has to be able to handle PAL signals. Thankfully, my Aquos does. It also has a fairly decent boot time and can handle all the new java stuff in BD Profile 1.1 without being sluggish. It also has internal memory or you can expand it with a USB stick so if it gets the rumored profile 2.0 update you can download without space concerns.
Under $400 I would recommend the BH200. It is better than any other HD DVD or BD player I have owned with the exception of the PS3.
08-25-08 | 10:10 AM
#292
Suspended
Darkside nailed it.
My Clerks II works just fine as well. First thing I did was test it. I bought it (Clersk II) on release day...so maybe thats way.
My Clerks II works just fine as well. First thing I did was test it. I bought it (Clersk II) on release day...so maybe thats way.
08-25-08 | 10:53 AM
#293
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It isn't flawless, but I'm really liking it after using it for a few months. Just use it a lot when you first get it. My first BH200 was broken out of the box, but I'm happy with the second one once I exchanged it.
The upside is BD and HD DVD in one player along with very good DVD upconverting with the Qdeo chip. LG is also staying pretty steady with firmware updates though no one knows for sure if it will get an upgrade to BD Profile 2.0. I use it most of the time as my main BD, HD DVD and DVD player.
It has a few flaws though. It doesn't pillarbox 4X3 content on DVDs. Not the end of the world since you can just make the adjustment on your TV, but with my HDTV you have to change the output to 480p before you can squeeze the 4X3 DVDs. It also doesn't decode DTS Master Audio, but it will bitstream it if you have a receiver that can decode. I don't so I use my PS3 for BD discs with DTS MA. It also has a few discs mostly HD DVDs that it is not compatible with. However, most are European discs. The only US HD DVDs I have had issues with are the special features on Superman Returns (though the most recent firmware fixed it for many), Shooter which simply doesn't start and some versions of Clerks II won't show menus though for some weird reason I have a pressing that does. Outside of that every BD and HD DVD I have thrown at it have worked fine.
Some nice things about the BH200 I love include how easy it is to hack for region free DVD playback and even the ability to change the region for Blu-ray discs. It doesn't covert PAL to NTSC for DVDs so your HDTV has to be able to handle PAL signals. Thankfully, my Aquos does. It also has a fairly decent boot time and can handle all the new java stuff in BD Profile 1.1 without being sluggish. It also has internal memory or you can expand it with a USB stick so if it gets the rumored profile 2.0 update you can download without space concerns.
Under $400 I would recommend the BH200. It is better than any other HD DVD or BD player I have owned with the exception of the PS3.
The upside is BD and HD DVD in one player along with very good DVD upconverting with the Qdeo chip. LG is also staying pretty steady with firmware updates though no one knows for sure if it will get an upgrade to BD Profile 2.0. I use it most of the time as my main BD, HD DVD and DVD player.
It has a few flaws though. It doesn't pillarbox 4X3 content on DVDs. Not the end of the world since you can just make the adjustment on your TV, but with my HDTV you have to change the output to 480p before you can squeeze the 4X3 DVDs. It also doesn't decode DTS Master Audio, but it will bitstream it if you have a receiver that can decode. I don't so I use my PS3 for BD discs with DTS MA. It also has a few discs mostly HD DVDs that it is not compatible with. However, most are European discs. The only US HD DVDs I have had issues with are the special features on Superman Returns (though the most recent firmware fixed it for many), Shooter which simply doesn't start and some versions of Clerks II won't show menus though for some weird reason I have a pressing that does. Outside of that every BD and HD DVD I have thrown at it have worked fine.
Some nice things about the BH200 I love include how easy it is to hack for region free DVD playback and even the ability to change the region for Blu-ray discs. It doesn't covert PAL to NTSC for DVDs so your HDTV has to be able to handle PAL signals. Thankfully, my Aquos does. It also has a fairly decent boot time and can handle all the new java stuff in BD Profile 1.1 without being sluggish. It also has internal memory or you can expand it with a USB stick so if it gets the rumored profile 2.0 update you can download without space concerns.
Under $400 I would recommend the BH200. It is better than any other HD DVD or BD player I have owned with the exception of the PS3.
08-25-08 | 03:20 PM
#294
DVD Talk Limited Edition
It isn't flawless, but I'm really liking it after using it for a few months. Just use it a lot when you first get it. My first BH200 was broken out of the box, but I'm happy with the second one once I exchanged it.
The upside is BD and HD DVD in one player along with very good DVD upconverting with the Qdeo chip. LG is also staying pretty steady with firmware updates though no one knows for sure if it will get an upgrade to BD Profile 2.0. I use it most of the time as my main BD, HD DVD and DVD player.
It has a few flaws though. It doesn't pillarbox 4X3 content on DVDs. Not the end of the world since you can just make the adjustment on your TV, but with my HDTV you have to change the output to 480p before you can squeeze the 4X3 DVDs. It also doesn't decode DTS Master Audio, but it will bitstream it if you have a receiver that can decode. I don't so I use my PS3 for BD discs with DTS MA. It also has a few discs mostly HD DVDs that it is not compatible with. However, most are European discs. The only US HD DVDs I have had issues with are the special features on Superman Returns (though the most recent firmware fixed it for many), Shooter which simply doesn't start and some versions of Clerks II won't show menus though for some weird reason I have a pressing that does. Outside of that every BD and HD DVD I have thrown at it have worked fine.
Some nice things about the BH200 I love include how easy it is to hack for region free DVD playback and even the ability to change the region for Blu-ray discs. It doesn't covert PAL to NTSC for DVDs so your HDTV has to be able to handle PAL signals. Thankfully, my Aquos does. It also has a fairly decent boot time and can handle all the new java stuff in BD Profile 1.1 without being sluggish. It also has internal memory or you can expand it with a USB stick so if it gets the rumored profile 2.0 update you can download without space concerns.
Under $400 I would recommend the BH200. It is better than any other HD DVD or BD player I have owned with the exception of the PS3.
The upside is BD and HD DVD in one player along with very good DVD upconverting with the Qdeo chip. LG is also staying pretty steady with firmware updates though no one knows for sure if it will get an upgrade to BD Profile 2.0. I use it most of the time as my main BD, HD DVD and DVD player.
It has a few flaws though. It doesn't pillarbox 4X3 content on DVDs. Not the end of the world since you can just make the adjustment on your TV, but with my HDTV you have to change the output to 480p before you can squeeze the 4X3 DVDs. It also doesn't decode DTS Master Audio, but it will bitstream it if you have a receiver that can decode. I don't so I use my PS3 for BD discs with DTS MA. It also has a few discs mostly HD DVDs that it is not compatible with. However, most are European discs. The only US HD DVDs I have had issues with are the special features on Superman Returns (though the most recent firmware fixed it for many), Shooter which simply doesn't start and some versions of Clerks II won't show menus though for some weird reason I have a pressing that does. Outside of that every BD and HD DVD I have thrown at it have worked fine.
Some nice things about the BH200 I love include how easy it is to hack for region free DVD playback and even the ability to change the region for Blu-ray discs. It doesn't covert PAL to NTSC for DVDs so your HDTV has to be able to handle PAL signals. Thankfully, my Aquos does. It also has a fairly decent boot time and can handle all the new java stuff in BD Profile 1.1 without being sluggish. It also has internal memory or you can expand it with a USB stick so if it gets the rumored profile 2.0 update you can download without space concerns.
Under $400 I would recommend the BH200. It is better than any other HD DVD or BD player I have owned with the exception of the PS3.
08-26-08 | 03:10 PM
#296
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Added the LG BH200 combo player to the list in the first post, since it is now reportedly Profile 1.1.
I wonder if the fairly extreme discounts from list price are a sign that the player is about to be discontinued?
Player prices do seem to be coming down a bit. The Sylvania/Funai is $270 shipped from JR.com:
http://www.jr.com/sylvania/pe/SVV_NB501SL9/
The Sony S350 is $354.75 from Amazon.
Still no players with decent analog output and proper speaker management, save for the $2000 Denon 3800. I may have to give up on lossless audio and just use legacy S/PDIF. Analog output without good speaker management is useless.
I wonder if the fairly extreme discounts from list price are a sign that the player is about to be discontinued?
Player prices do seem to be coming down a bit. The Sylvania/Funai is $270 shipped from JR.com:
http://www.jr.com/sylvania/pe/SVV_NB501SL9/
The Sony S350 is $354.75 from Amazon.
Still no players with decent analog output and proper speaker management, save for the $2000 Denon 3800. I may have to give up on lossless audio and just use legacy S/PDIF. Analog output without good speaker management is useless.
08-26-08 | 04:51 PM
#297
DVD Talk Legend
I thought I read somewhere the BH200 can be hacked to be able to change the region at will. Not sure if that was for DVD playback or Blu-Ray. If true, that would be well worth it for around $300.
EDIT: More info here -
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...&postcount=109
EDIT: More info here -
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...&postcount=109
Last edited by bunkaroo; 08-26-08 at 04:54 PM.
08-26-08 | 05:00 PM
#298
DVD Talk Legend
I have a question about the Panasonic BD30, which I like so far. There is no subtitle button on the remote, but will the player accept a code for that? Sometimes there are hidden functions that aren't accessible with the standard remote.
08-26-08 | 06:01 PM
#299
DVD Talk Legend
I thought I read somewhere the BH200 can be hacked to be able to change the region at will. Not sure if that was for DVD playback or Blu-Ray. If true, that would be well worth it for around $300.
EDIT: More info here -
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...&postcount=109
EDIT: More info here -
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...&postcount=109
08-30-08 | 10:40 AM
#300
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Some information on the coming Pioneer BDP-09FD Blu-ray Disc player:
http://gizmodo.com/5040707/pioneer-s...rushes-the-ps3
This appears to be the first BD player to do it all, albeit at a price: $2200 MSRP.
http://gizmodo.com/5040707/pioneer-s...rushes-the-ps3
This appears to be the first BD player to do it all, albeit at a price: $2200 MSRP.