Blue ray player or PS3

somuj

Whats better value, to buy a Blu ray player or Playstation 3. I really want to start watching High defination films. From looking in catalogues a decent player is similar in price to a PS3. If I buy the PS3 I would have the added advantage of console. I'm so confused. Wouldnt be the biggest game player. But still it would be nice to have the option

Idleater

The only downside (IMO) from using the PS3 as a BR player is the limited remote control support.

I.e. you have to use the controller or you use the sony BR remote control, or you get an IR/BD dongle and add it to your universal remote control (if you have one).

I have the latter, and the only thing is you can't turn the thing on with it. Now, obviously you have to walk over to put the disc in the machine but that's not the point.

+'s for the PS3 as a BR player are that it is extremely quick at loading discs, provides every BR piece of functionality, and if you go for the new Slim one, allegedly it will allow bit-streaming HD audio for all those who like to see the DTS-MA light shine on their AVR's.

As far as playing SD DVD content it is not bad either, as it provides all the up-scaling you would require.

somuj

nereid wrote: »

Got a PS3 today, tis outstanding. Can't believe I've denied myself this technology for so long.

These long recession days will be that much sweeter with it

Idleater

best of luck with it.

the games aren't too bad either which is a nice bonus.

and if you get into using it as a media player then you will find even more uses.

T-Square

Hi

I'm looking for a BlueRay player,
seems like it's either a PS3 or a dedicated player.

If I get the PS3, it comes with a nice remote, and not a gaming controller to control the movie, right?
I have a Bravia TV, will the TV's remote be able to control the PS3, perhaps by using Bravia "sync"?

Please help
IS

ScrubsfanChris

I've got a Sony BDP-S350 and my brother has a PS3, so I think I can put a bit of a comparison together:

- The disc loading times are about the same, with the S350 taking a little longer to power on if not already in standby.
- The PS3 has a wifi reciever built in so you can access BD Live content (and software updates) straight out of the box, where as the S350 needs a LAN conection or a wireless adapter.
- The noise level from the S350 is less than the PS3 during playback.
- You do get a proper remote control with the S350, using the PS3 controller is crap for movies.
- Price difference: The new replacement for the S350 is the Sony BDP-S360 and its about E174,49. A PS3 is around E299.
- The user interface (Home Screen) on both machines a virtually the same, so a draw here.
- With a PS3 you have the added bonus of it also being a games console obviously.

That makes it: PS3 - 3 / Sony BDP-S350 - 3
All ready comes down to what you want, if you wanna save money than get the Stand alone player, if you also wanna play games get the PS3.

Hope that helps.

T-Square

Thanks for that ScrubsfanChris
I appreciate the breakdown.

cubix

The brother has a ps3 and has put alot of his BR's onto an external HDD. I am not a big game player and wonder if any of the stand alone players mentioned have the option to plug in an external usb HDD?

Thanks

andy1249

I am not a big game player and wonder if any of the stand alone players mentioned have the option to plug in an external usb HDD?

Quite a few do , most of the LG players have this function.

Picture quality and sound quality wise , there is little to no difference among players , the great equaliser here is the HDMI interface and the tight specs. So for 1080p 24 ( most titles ) from blu ray theres nothing to be had by spending more money.

The PS3 is unique in the market because it would normally cost a hell of a lot more than its asking price if it wasnt a games machine and sold as a loss leader for software titles.

Its upscaling really is something and will give most other players a run for their money when comparing upscaled SD content.
Its also a pretty good media player , though to play MKV's you need to do some re-encoding via a computer.

The only downside to the PS3 is the extra cost of the console and the remote , as the controller is rubbish for watching movies.

The fan noise can be an issue as well , though the new slim is allegedly a lot quieter than my original 60GB.

If your just going to watch blu rays , there are some great bargains to be had on standalone players at the moment , and as already said , for playing blu rays , theres no picture or sound improvement to be had by spending more money.