Blu-ray player

[Muse]

I just ordered a 1080p projector, so I need a blu-ray player, both to play the disks when I get my hands on some and also to test the projector (a refurbished Epson 8700ub).

Currently I have a Momitsu V880 upscaling DVD deck, also a test/analyze DVD, Digital Video Essentials ("Optimize Your Home Entertainment System"), hundreds of DVDs.

I've noticed the prices coming down in the newspaper, but I don't know the first thing about what I want or need in a blu-ray player. What are the priorities? Suggestions for what to get and where/how appreciated. I'm in Berkeley, CA.

Also, I'd appreciate recommendations for how to test my projector, including disks, software, etc. Thanks!

 

[fralexandr]

do you have or want a PS3? if yes, use a PS3 (the PS3's bluray drives tend to be a bit iffy if you plan on renting blurays/dvds though)
if you have an extra computer that can decode hd, just add a bluray player + software (cyberlink powerdvd 9+)

if you have any subscription based streaming services, primarily amazon instant, hulu plus, or netflix, you'll probably want a player that supports those

other than that i can't help much, i'd go with any relatively new (2011-2012, or if the firmware's been updated lately that should be fine too) bluray player from a reputable brand (oppo, panasonic, pioneer, etc)

 

[SithSolo1]

$129 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00752R4PK

or

$159 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00752R5Z4

Main differences between the two are the 320's slot-load drive and touchpad remote.
Both are well reviewed.

 

[queequeg99]

I have the Panny 220 model linked to in SithSolo's post above as well as its predecessor (the 210). I love them both. Very fast loading and upscaled picture quality on DVDs is very good (picture quality most BD players is very similar for BD disks). I haven't used the various internet streaming features as my internet connection is little better than tin cans and string.

 

[Muse]

Ah. I don't have a PS3, PlayStation, I take it. Not playing games, no plans to but who knows. Anyway, not now.

I do have an HTPC, but prefer to not have to use it to watch movies. Generates heat, uses energy, makes noise (it's pretty quiet as midtower systems go, but it's not silent). Not a big issue, but the heat and energy are, especially in warmer weather. I want a stand alone deck.

I don't have any kind of subscription service, including disk rental, but may get into that or even streaming. I have about a 5 mbps DSL service.

I suppose a player that supports streaming isn't a bad idea. I encountered that idea today doing some searching online. I will have to see what kind of premium that puts on the box. Someone said "get yourself an $80 blu-ray machine." Didn't elaborate, that's why I'm asking. Maybe I'll see what Costco is offering (go over there), I'll look in the newspaper, search online.

I have so many DVD's I don't want to start over and start collecting Blu-ray disks. Room is an issue, of course, money too. So, a monthly subscription where I can get blu-ray disks (and/or DVDs) in the mail at a reasonable rate would seem to make sense. And I guess I'll have to look into the streaming scene.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Muse]

I have the Panny 220 model linked to in SithSolo's post above as well as its predecessor (the 210). I love them both. Very fast loading and upscaled picture quality on DVDs is very good (picture quality most BD players is very similar for BD disks). I haven't used the various internet streaming features as my internet connection is little better than tin cans and string.

What's the advantage of the Panny 220 over an $80 BD player? The streaming capability? It does 3D, but the PJ I just ordered doesn't support 3D.

Edit: I am wondering if the Panny 220 supports resume from where you stop a movie?

Edit: The manual on page 16 says this,

Press [∫STOP].
The stopped position is memorized.
Resume play function
Press [1PLAY] to restart from this position.
≥ The position is cleared if the tray is opened or
you press [∫STOP] several times to display
“STOP” on the unit’s display.
≥ On BD-Video discs including BD-J, the
resume play function does not work.
- - - -
So I guess you can't stop/resume on Blu-ray disks?

 

[SithSolo1]

The main things a unit has over an $80 unit will be vastly reduced load times, overall higher picture quality(including upscaled DVDs), and possibly the wi-fi/streaming.

At this point 3D is standard on most new players.

Most streamed content, outside of Youtube, will probably be 720p or less. You can get Blu-rays from Netflix for an extra $2 a month(total, not per disc).

Average load time on my older player from power on to play of a disc is probably in the 2-2.5 minute range, its not instant like DVD. Load time on that 220 is in the 30-45sec range with Quick Start enabled.

Lack of resume is common to blu-ray players.

As I transitioned from DVDs to Blu-ray:
I kept my DVD movies.
I only re-bought Blu-ray versions of those DVDs if: the DVD was scratched/lost, I really really liked the movie, or I found it on blu-ray super cheap(<$10).
If I really enjoy a movie in the theater/at someone's house I'll buy the Blu-ray out-right, otherwise I rent first(netflix) and then decide.
I buy bundled sets/trilogies/quadrilogies that are on sale instead of the individual discs(especially around the holidays).

Keep your eyes peeled on slickdeals.net, techbargains.com, and fatwallet.com for blu-ray deals(A lot of my movies have been purchased from Amazon.co.uk Even after shipping it was cheaper than buying here in the US).

I don't know what kind of movies you enjoy but some of the better sets I have to show off Blu-ray are:
Band of Brothers
BBC Planet Earth (David Attenborough narrated version)
BBC Life (David Attenborough narrated version)
The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition only, the Theatrical version has much lower PQ)
Harry Potter: The Complete 8 Film Collection (I still need to buy the last 2)

 

[Muse]

Thanks for that rundown, SithSolo1, that's very helpful. I've got the Panasonic DMP-BDT220 Integrated Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray DVD Player in my cart. At the moment there's no other deck I'm considering. I'm definitely not going cheap if it means I have to wait an extra minute for a movie to load. The higher quality is an even better reason to go with this deck. I wouldn't be at all surprised if I utilize the wifi capability. I have a wireless network in the house and several computers on it including a server with an attached 2TB USB hard drive. My DSL isn't very fast (5 mbps), but not snail slow either. I don't know how capable it is for streaming video, just no clue.

 

[fralexandr]

as long as you're getting good signal, 5Mbps will be fine for HD streaming, used to have 6Mbps DSL and had no problems with netflix HD (netflix states 3Mbps is required)

the quality of netflix HD is pretty close to DVD (for video; higher res, more lossy compression; pretty dependent on what content you're watching also) the audio seems to be better quality (it's been a while since i watched a DVD)

also it's crazy how much cheaper amazon.co.uk is for boxed sets >.< <3
i would definitely recommend band of brothers in bluray (i bought it from amazon.co.uk and it works fine)
http://slickdeals.net/f/3865386-Band-of-Brothers-Blu-Ray-27-95-Shipped-from-Amazon-co-uk
it comes in a tin with cardboard sleeves. based on google, it's currently ~$25 shipped

 

[jhansman]

One feature to look for is DLNA. My Sony BDP-BX58 has it, and it lets me stream content from my media server. One day I'm gonna cut the cord, and when I do, I will have a HD library to fall back on.

 

[Muse]

as long as you're getting good signal, 5Mbps will be fine for HD streaming, used to have 6Mbps DSL and had no problems with netflix HD (netflix states 3Mbps is required)

the quality of netflix HD is pretty close to DVD (for video; higher res, more lossy compression; pretty dependent on what content you're watching also) the audio seems to be better quality (it's been a while since i watched a DVD)

also it's crazy how much cheaper amazon.co.uk is for boxed sets >.< <3
i would definitely recommend band of brothers in bluray (i bought it from amazon.co.uk and it works fine)
http://slickdeals.net/f/3865386-Band-of-Brothers-Blu-Ray-27-95-Shipped-from-Amazon-co-uk
it comes in a tin with cardboard sleeves. based on google, it's currently ~$25 shipped

Thanks for the tips. I just ordered Band of Brothers in Blu-ray from Amazon UK, never ordered from them before. :thumbsup: It's going to be my first Blu-ray experience ever, will start watching it by next weekend, likely! My PJ shipped today, hope it's OK.

 

[Muse]

One feature to look for is DLNA. My Sony BDP-BX58 has it, and it lets me stream content from my media server. One day I'm gonna cut the cord, and when I do, I will have a HD library to fall back on.

The Panasonic 220 has it. Here's the full spec sheet:

Panasonic's spec page for the 220

Edit 5.2.12: I heard that the DLNA support of the 220 isn't so hot.

 

[Muse]

Pulled the trigger on the Panny 220 at Amazon. No other player even got my attention, TBH. Thanks everyone for the help! :thumbsup:

 

[glen]

Check the streaming suport the player has.
I use mine all the time to do Netflix steaming, which is a standard feature now; however, I would also like it to support Hulu, which mine does not.

 

[Muse]

Check the streaming suport the player has.
I use mine all the time to do Netflix steaming, which is a standard feature now; however, I would also like it to support Hulu, which mine does not.

It does netflix streaming, also Hulu, I think.

Edit: I think they call it Hulu Plus, what it supports.

 

[Muse]

A guy at AVS Forums contends that the Panny 220 (actually he didn't specify that, he said all the Panasonic BD players) are "terrible file streamers." Can anyone respond to that, he didn't elaborate.

 

[fralexandr]

if file streaming eventually does become a big deal for you, you can always use your htpc or build a new quieter one off an AMD E, or low power sandy/ivybridge/trinity or something

the user experience will likely be a lot smoother (and maybe more familiar) than on somewhat underpowered standalone bluray players

 

[Muse]

Check the streaming suport the player has.
I use mine all the time to do Netflix steaming, which is a standard feature now; however, I would also like it to support Hulu, which mine does not.

The Official Panasonic DMP-BDT 220/320/500 Owners Thread at AVS Forums has some discussion of a sometimes issue with the 220 (maybe the others too, but I'm getting the 220) desk having audio/video synch issues with Netflix 1080p streaming. It seems to be a confusing issue because people report that they don't have issues until they play a certain BD, and thereafter they have issues. Similar strange cause and effect scenarios are described. Most people report good results streaming Netflix, but a bad synch of up to 3 seconds is obviously impossible to tolerate. Hopefully to be fixed in future firmware? Apparently, most 220 owners who stream 1080p Netflix don't experience the problem. At this point I don't know if or when I will subscribe to Netflix.

 

[Muse]

if file streaming eventually does become a big deal for you, you can always use your htpc or build a new quieter one off an AMD E, or low power sandy/ivybridge/trinity or something

the user experience will likely be a lot smoother (and maybe more familiar) than on somewhat underpowered standalone bluray players

My HTPC isn't low powered (maybe 140 watts with its monitor off), but it's pretty quiet as midtower systems go. I might build a new system with a low power CPU to accommodate my HDTV card or a new one, presumably I could use it for file streaming directly to the projector, bypassing the blue-ray player entirely.