Blu-Ray or Upconverter DVD.

coxmaster

Diamond Member
Dec 14, 2007
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Well, i just purchased a new TV. Its a 32" Vizio, supports up to 1080i. Good enough for the size, and the price was really good.

My basic question is, if im going to be watching lots of movies which should i go for? Blu-Ray is obviously better quality.. but its also MUCH more expensive. If you recommend Blu-Ray, what players are the best for the price.

Or, should i just get an upconverting DVD player. Cost is significantly less (which i like) but its also not the "newest technology" Again, if you recommend this, any particular players/brands/good deals?

Thanks for the suggestions!
 

JackBurton

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
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If you bought a Vizio, I'd put you in the "upconverting DVD player" camp. Especially with a 32" Vizio.
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
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With the Panasonic BD-35 going for about $200, this isn't much of a question.
 

Blayze

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Feb 22, 2000
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Blu-ray

Sam's Club and Costco have a Sony BDP-BX1 (their model of the BDP-S350. The only difference is the BX1 includes a HDMI cable, and the remote is different.) for less than $200. Our local Sam's actually has this player hooked up to a 32" Vizio and it looks great. I messed around with the setup yesterday, and for the money it was a good value.

If your a gamer the PS3 is also a excellent player for Blu-rays and DVDs.
 
Feb 10, 2000
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I really like the Samsung BD-P2500 and 2550 if you have Netflix, as they both include Netflix streaming (the 2550 adds Pandora, but it's a Best Buy-only model and is hard to get a deal on). They just today added HD Netflix streaming. The players also have ultra high-quality Reon upscaling that is of better quality than the overwhelming majority of upscaling DVD players. I have a 2550 and just bought my mom a 2500 from an authorized dealer on eBay with the live.com deal - it ends up being $235 shipped after rebate.
 

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
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Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Get a PS3. Gets you Blu Ray, and upconverting DVD player, and a game system.

Don't forget DivX, Xvid, MPEG2, MPEG4, MP3, Pandora radio, etc, all from USB flash or hard drives or the wireless connection. Using my PS3 to play back my downloaded Top Gear collection was a revelation.
 

SithSolo1

Diamond Member
Mar 19, 2001
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For TV that size Blu-ray probably isn't gonna pop like it would on a larger 40"+ screen. Also I'm gonna go out on a limb and assume you have DVDs already. As far as DVD up-conversion goes you probably aren't gonna see much difference between the DVD player and the Blu-ray player. Also keep in mind that the Blu-ray movies will run anywhere from $5-20 more than their DVD counter-parts so factor that into your costs.
 

Rio Rebel

Administrator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Blu-Ray players upconvert. They cost $200 now. What's to decide?
 

coxmaster

Diamond Member
Dec 14, 2007
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Not surprising, Blu Ray got major support here. I was honestly leaning toward Blu Ray anyway because i like to keep up with technology.


Originally posted by: cubby1223
Originally posted by: coxmaster
but its also MUCH more expensive.

MUCH cheaper than the tv you just bought. ;)

Actually no.. a Blu Ray player is going to cost about 1/2 of what i paid for the TV.

So basically the best thing i should do is just find a good deal and jump on it?
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
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If you can find the Panasonic BD-35 or Sony S350 for under $200, get it.

I wouldn't buy the cheap Samsung (the P2500 is another story) or the no-name stuff.
 

themisfit610

Golden Member
Apr 16, 2006
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Get a PS3.

Not only can you watch BluRay, upconvert DVD, watch lots of stuff off flash or USB, you can also install TVersity and stream Hulu and other popular video sites to your PS3. Oh yeah, you can also play games LOL

~MiSfit
 

coxmaster

Diamond Member
Dec 14, 2007
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So brandwise there is a difference? Are memorex Blu-Ray players any good? They appear to be the cheapest, which could be good/bad. How about Magnavox or Phillips? Those are the only brands im seeing under 200$ anywhere i looked..
 

themisfit610

Golden Member
Apr 16, 2006
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If you're connected via HDMI, they should all produce identical output. DVD upscaling is where you start to pay a premium.

Also, better players typically have quicker startup times, and better remotes / UIs, in addition to (possibly) Netflix streaming, and support for playing other media through USB.

PS3 is still tough to beat ;)

~MiSfit
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
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Don't screw around with no-name units. They may well simply not play certain discs, and firmware updates to fix that aren't going to be forthcoming with the same frequency or persistence as from Sony or Panasonic.
 

coxmaster

Diamond Member
Dec 14, 2007
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I keep hearing dont get the "no-name" units. Its really a personal decision on what is a "no-name" brand. I assume its safe as long as its not some cheapo- wtf is this- brand. And of course, i'll make sure to check reviews b4 buying.

Im reluctant to get a PS3 because 1- i would never game on it.. 2- It would make me want to game on it.. 3- It would eventually convince me to waste money on a game i wouldn't play. I would much rather stick with a true Blu-Ray player now that they are cheaper.
 

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
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Supposedly there is already supposed to be a firmware update for the Memorex coming out shortly. I guess we'll see, but it looks like they will be providing updates.