Blu Ray player features to look for?

[majax79]

I'm looking to purchase my 1st Blu-ray player and I'm looking for some advice. My budget is strictly set at $200.
The brands I'm currently looking at (in order of interest) are:

Samsung
Panasonic
LG
Sony

I've been researching for the last 2 days and I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out the features that distinguish one Blu Ray player from another. From what I can gather, 3D and WiFi (WiFi ready vs. WiFi built in) seem to be the two main differentiating features.

I have no interest in 3D and as long as it has a Ethernet port then WiFi isn't a requirement. I've gone to sites like Amazon, etc... and there's such mixed reviews on players that there wasn't much help there.

Are there any other distinguishing features I should be looking for?

[yoda313]

You might be able to save a bit if you don't need it to do netflix and those things. I'm sure that adds to the cost to be branded like that (affiliated that is).

I think the main feature you need to look for is bd live (the internet connection for movie content online - if you care about that). the other important thing is firmware updates but I don't know if that isn't a standard feature for all bluray players as I use my ps3 as my bluray player and they update that all the time.

All you probably need to look for is "networkable" bluray players for the ethernet port.

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One thing to consider is looking to get a ps3. Only downside is it doesn't have an infrared port built in so you have to get a nyko bluray remote with a usb dongle (I have one) or the adapter for logitech remotes.

You might look to see if you can get a ps3 used at gamestop for under or around 200.00. DOn't know what used ps3s are going for. THough I would certainly get a warranty to be sure.

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Other than that I can't say as I don't have a settop bluray player just the ps3. So take my advice however you want to.

Edit - you can do netflix (without a "control disc" now) and hulu on the ps3 - hulu plus that is the paid version. Plus you can buy and rent movies on the playstation network.

Its more than just a game system.

Oh and you can do VUDU on the ps3 as well.

[majax79]

Thanks for the advice. I'm specifically looking for a stand alone player.

Doing more research I was able to eliminate any players that have dual HDMI as that adds to the cost and is a feature I won't use.

I've eliminated Sony's models as well as I want to stick to Samsung, Panasonic, or LG.

As I've done more research it seems that 3D & WiFi really are the two differentiating features. I don't get the 3D craze and I'm not buying a 3D TV just to get 3D, not important to me at all.

I just tried my friends Samsung BD-D5300 and the Blu-ray loaded in like 4 seconds.Since that's the lowest end model I don't think I need to worry about loading time.

[majax79]

So, I went back through and recorded all that had built in WiFi as I've determined that is a must for me. Here is my current list:

  
Samsung
             
              BD-D5700 – Not 3D. Might be best of Samsung.
              BD-D6500 
              BD-D6700
              BD-D7500
  
Panasonic
              DMP-BDT210
              DMP-BDT310
  
Sony
              BDP-S580
              BDP-S780
  
LG
              BD670
              BD690

[jman98]

If you care anything about region free disc playback, and you may not care at all about it, none of the models you mentioned will do.

What exactly do YOU want to do with the unit? If you just want Netflix, Insignia makes some pretty decent budget priced models that can stream from Netflix. You want Wifi, ok, but WHY? Netflix? Something else? If it's something else, then what?

I'm pretty anti-Sony so in my opinion you've done well to eliminate them from consideration.

[majax79]

Thanks for your response.

I want the WiFi as a long term investment in case I ever do choose to stream Hulu or Netflix. I might never use it, or I might use it all the time, I just don't know. I won't be using BD Live though. I've eliminated LG & Sony models. The dream Blu Ray player would be Oppo but not a chance in the world I can afford that.

When I first get the Blu Ray player, I will only watch DVDs (DVDs I own and perhaps some burnt DVDs) & Blu Rays on it and that will be it. Based on everything I've read, all the players play video the same so that's not something I've focused on.

Load time and simple quality are the two key features I care about.

I'm upgrading my 32" LCD TV this month to a 40" TV and I'm probably going to go with Samsung because my Samsung TV has been amazing. So, I figure it might be best to keep the manufacturer the same? Probably stupid reasoning.

[edDV]

...So, I figure it might be best to keep the manufacturer the same?

They will work from the same remote.

Same manufacturer has more benefit for 3D.

[yoda313]

I'm specifically looking for a stand alone player.

Fyi the ps3 will work as a bluray player no matter what. Not sure what you mean by "standalone" as is a standalone player. You don't pay for the psn network connection like the xbox 360 does for premium xbox live services. You can get the ps3 firmware updates all the time without paying for them. THe only things you pay for are movies you buy on vudu or through the psn store.

It has a lan connection and built in wifi (as far as I know the ps3 fat is wifi g only - don't know if the ps3 slim models are n or not).

I understand if you don't want a ps3 just for movies but just thought I'd clarify what it can and can't do a little more.

[MOVIEGEEK]

I personally like Panasonic and Sony Blu-ray players because they load fast and have good support from the manufacturer, almost all 2011 Blu-ray players(except low end) have built-in Wi-Fi. Most 2011 players also support 3D which luckily can be turned off.

I would get the Panasonic BDT210 or the Sony S580.

[majax79]

Does anyone here use their blu ray player to stream content? I wonder if it's a useful feature that people actually use?

[MOVIEGEEK]

Does anyone here use their blu ray player to stream content? I wonder if it's a useful feature that people actually use?

I use my Sony S570 to stream media to my home theater, it's useful to me because I have a large collection of music and videos on my PC. If that's something you would use then look for a player that's DLNA compliant.

[ricoman]

If your willing to spend that kind of money, don't forget OPPO. Probably the best BD player made. But for around $100 or less I like Panasonic. They play just about everything. Make sure whatever you get, it plays AVCHD format. Ripped & burned bluray discs use that format as well as most HD camcorders. DON'T get Sony. I love their TVs (I have 2) but they are the champions of Cinavia protection. Backed-up bluray discs will not play if they are copied from a Cinavia (Sony studios) disc. Same with PS3's made by Sony. My Panny plays them all.

[majax79]

I'm down to two now: Samsung BD-D6500 or BD-D6700.

[MJA]

I cant recommend Samsung player,cameras to anyone

Panasonic or LG

[lepa71]

Is there any players that are region free and have USB?

[MOVIEGEEK]

Is there any players that are region free and have USB?

Google "region free OPPO".