Blu-ray player that can stream Netflix

[Squidmaster]

I am looking into buying a gift for someone that fits the title description. If I want to search for a blu-ray player that is Netflix capable, do I just need to look for wi-fi or is there more to it?

Do you recommend any reasonably priced blu-ray players with good ability to play normal DVDs well and Netflix capability?

Thanks!

 

[GTaudiophile]

I would recommend either the Panny DMP-BD65 or BD85K.

 

[mmntech]

The PS3 is a good choice too. Depends what your budget it though.

 

[MadScientist]

You can buy blu ray dvd players that are Netflix capable with just a RJ-45 LAN port + wifi capable or that have wireless connectivity + a RJ-45 LAN port, i.e. the LG BD550 and BD570; and the Sony BDP-S470 and BD-S570.

Comparison:
http://admin.pis.lge.com/PDFServlet.pds?docID=lge20_xml2fo2pdf&keys=BD570,BD550&localeCode=us

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SYCompareProducts?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10551&compareUser=SonyDVD-SS&compareSKUList=8198552921666104167|8198552921666077660&categoryId=27898

 

[Squidmaster]

The Panasonic BD85K is extremely well reviewed it seems so I may go that route. Am I correct that you may as well get a player that has wireless access built in than to buy one without and then add the additional parts needed to make it so?

 

[MadScientist]

The Panasonic BD85K is extremely well reviewed it seems so I may go that route. Am I correct that you may as well get a player that has wireless access built in than to buy one without and then add the additional parts needed to make it so?

I'd go with the player that has wifi connectivity built in. Newegg has the LG BD570 currently on sale for $127. shipped.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882005049&cm_mmc=CM2010-_-531-_-N82E16882005049&nm_mc=CM2010

Edit: Sold Out!

LG BD570
Crutchfield is OOS but still taking orders, will ship when it comes in. $117.99 shipped
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-8WPA6CbmGGR/p_689BD570/LG-BD570.html?tp=171

 

[s44]

Panasonic players are well-built and do the job, but the interface with Netflix is pretty primitive: instant queue only. All Samsung and LG players, along with some others, let you browse through the instant play catalogue on the player itself.

 

[Squidmaster]

Ah, that is great to know. Do you happen to know how it handles the multiple user names on one account element?

 

[GTaudiophile]

Panasonic players are well-built and do the job, but the interface with Netflix is pretty primitive: instant queue only. All Samsung and LG players, along with some others, let you browse through the instant play catalogue on the player itself.

What? That sucks!

Wonder if a firmware update will fix?

 

[GTaudiophile]

What do people think of the Sony Sony BDP-S570?

 

[GTaudiophile]

So I guess the three I am considering are as follows.

For me, overall video quality and player speed is most important (includes upscaling quality) followed by ability to browse and stream Netflix.

Panasonic DMP-BD85K
LG BD570
Sony BDP-S570

Edit: After reading reviews, the Sony is just as "bad" as the Panasonic when it comes to Netflix. LG wins that department is seems.

 

[s44]

What? That sucks!

Wonder if a firmware update will fix?

Very much doubt it: Panasonic isn't one to add features with firmware.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

What? That sucks!

Wonder if a firmware update will fix?

I have the DMP-BD65, and what s44 said is correct -- Netflix is pretty primitive on it and only features the Instant Queue. My Panasonic G25 TV, however, has Netflix as well and it is pretty nice and has the categories, recently watched, etc. It has its own issues, however, and I'm debating just going with a Roku XD or XDS at some point.

 

[SolidSnake42]

PS3 is my choice.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Since I am getting the Panny P50G25 and don't need WiFi, I think I will save $80 and go with the Panny BD65 instead of the 85K.

 

[Glayde]

Do people using a ps3 to stream the 1080p have any issues if they choose to connect their ps3 via wireless?

 

[Chapbass]

Do people using a ps3 to stream the 1080p have any issues if they choose to connect their ps3 via wireless?

Haven't tried using wireless with netflix, but ill tell you that 1080p content from PS3 Media Server totally dogs on wireless. Flawless over a gigabit ethernet connection (100mb works perfect too).

 

[nickbits]

I have a Sony BDP-N460 which has a similar UI to the PS3. No complaints.

 

[s44]

Simultaneous dual-band (2.4 and 5ghz) *might* be sufficient for 1080p. I doubt single-band will cut it in real world situations.

 

[Zhaoan]

I heard that the PS3 is the best blu-ray player out there since it has a gaming processor that allows for quicker loading times. Is this still true?

 

[s44]

No, lots of other machines are faster than the PS3 now. It is, however, arguably the best player because it will never go obsolete and because new features (3D, new streaming services, etc.) will keep being added -- often first on the platform.

Once you cross the $200 barrier, the PS3 starts to make a lot of sense, esp. if you're keeping it wired or already have a wifi bridge. However, sub-$100 players are pretty good now, and Christmas sales have had some pretty high-end current stuff (Panny 85, Sony/LG 570) around $130. Keep your eye on this AVS thread.

 

[Crow550]

The PS3 isn't really slow either. It was 5 seconds slower than the Sony Blu-Ray player I returned. However the PS3 was a much better choice IMO.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I ended up buying the Panasonic DMP-BD85K from Panasonic.com for $145 shipped.

The $125+Taxes deal no longer seems to be valid, but I got it for $137+Taxes.

 

[Eug]

The problem with the PS3 as a BD player IMO is:

1) It has no native infrared support. That's a deal killer IMO.
2) You can't stack anything on top of it.
3) It's expensive for a BD player.

P.S. Warning about the "recommended" LG BD570. It's a piece of crap. MKV and sometimes even Blu-ray playback is buggy as hell. Why buy a streaming player that can't even play Blu-ray or streamed content properly?

I now have the Sony BDP-S570. It is a much superior Blu-ray (and MKV) player, but has very limited streaming capabilities. As for Netflix, I can't comment on it since the Canadian version doesn't support Netflix.

 

[Crow550]

The problem with the PS3 as a BD player IMO is:

1) It has no native infrared support. That's a deal killer IMO.
2) You can't stack anything on top of it.
3) It's expensive for a BD player.

P.S. Warning about the "recommended" LG BD570. It's a piece of crap. MKV and sometimes even Blu-ray playback is buggy as hell. Why buy a streaming player that can't even play Blu-ray or streamed content properly?

I now have the Sony BDP-S570. It is a much superior Blu-ray (and MKV) player, but has very limited streaming capabilities. As for Netflix, I can't comment on it since the Canadian version doesn't support Netflix.

Agree.

1-Infrared can't be that expensive to add.

2-Consoles should be designed to have things stacked on them. I luckily found a spot where it gets plenty of ventilation and room. However if I put something on top, it would slide off.

3-While the other two have went down the PS3 does remain at $300. However at least for me I got it with some games as a bundle on Black Friday so at least I got some savings. If the 360 had Blu-Ray I think I would have gotten that.