blu ray players

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player

2011-06-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)
From Sony
Price: $289.99

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by amazing SuperSaver

Price:	$289.99

Product Description

Experience Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p quality with stunning HD sound that supports enhanced audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio. You can also play and upscale your DVDs to near high definition. Connect to the internet and instantly stream thousands of movies, videos, music and more from Netflix, YouTube, Slacker and other leading content providers with the Sony BDP-N460 Network Blu-ray Disc player.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #2313 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Sony
Model: BDP-N460
Dimensions: 2.20" h x 16.90" w x 8.10" l, 4.60 pounds

Features

Plays Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p
Instantly streams online entertainment from leading providers
Upscales DVDs to near high definition
BD-Live ready
Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding

Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

2011-06-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Samsung
Price: $299.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Price:	$299.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Product Description

Samsung BD-P3600 plays Blu-ray high-definition discs (selectable output resolution: 1080p signals available through HDMI output only; 720p/1080i signals available through HDMI or component video) with selectable 720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for DVD (upconverted video available through HDMI output only). There is built-in audio decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential--Netflix video and Pandora music streaming (subscriptions to these services required). Player has 2 USB ports (1 front, 1 rear) for storing downloaded BD-Live material.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #12223 in Television
Brand: Samsung
Model: BD-P3600
Released on: 2009-03-31
Dimensions: 2.20" h x 17.30" w x 9.90" l, 5.30 pounds

Features

Experience vivid, crystal-clear visuals that are more natural, more realistic and simply stunning with Blu-ray's full 1080p HD resolution
Stream Blockbuster, Netflix, YouTube & Pandora
Multi-format playback lets you enjoy Blu-ray Discs, DVD, CD, MP3/WMA, JPEG, AVCHD and more
DivX support allows you to enjoy downloaded DivX movies on the big screen
Connect wirelessly for BD-Live content or streaming services using the included USB Wi-Fi dongle

Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

2011-06-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Sony
Price: $210.00

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by amazing SuperSaver

Price:	$210.00

Product Description

The Sony BDP-S360 Blu-ray Disc player provides a movie experience worthy of your HDTV. Plays Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p quality and upscales the quality of your DVDs. Supports BD-Live technology to download bonus interactive entertainment on select movies. Supports Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD audio codecs for up to 7.1 channels of high-definition sound. With QuickStart Mode your movies will start approximately six seconds from the moment you turn on the player.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #3550 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Sony
Model: BDP-S360
Released on: 2009-11-07
Dimensions: 2.20" h x 16.90" w x 8.10" l, 4.60 pounds

Features

Blu-ray Disc player with Full HD 1080p output for Blu-ray Discs and upconversion of standard DVD video to 1080p
BD Live capable for accessing bonus content from BD-Live Blu-ray Discs via Ethernet port connected to your home network
24p True Cinema capable lets you watch films at their intended 24 fps (frames per second); Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD
Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 component, 1 composite, 1 analog audio (2-channel), 1 digital optical audio, 1 digital coaxial audio, 1 Ethernet
Includes remote control and composite AV cable; measures 16.9 x 8.1 x 2.2 inches (WxDxH)

OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD, DVD-Audio, and VRS Technology

2010-05-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD, DVD-Audio, and VRS Technology
From OPPO Digital, Inc.

Price:

$499.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
16 new or used available from $444.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

Complete Media Support: Blu-ray Disc; BD-Live; DVD Up-Conversion; DVD-Audio; SACD; Additional Media Formats - Additional disc and file formats, such as audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MKV, and other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs or USB drives can be played back on the BDP-83. Unparalleled Video Quality: VRS by Anchor Bay; Full HD 1080p Output ; True 24 Video ; Source Direct Mode; Multiple Zoom Modes; HDMI; High Fidelity Audio: Dolby TrueHD; DTS-HD; 7.1-Channel Analog Output; Dedicated Stereo Output; Digital Optical and Coaxial Outputs; Ultimate Convenience: Dual USB Ports ; PAL/NTSC Conversion ; Back-lit Remote Control; Universal Power Supply ; External IR ; RS232 Control (optional) ; HDMI CEC

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #452 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: OPPO
Model: BDP-83
Released on: 2009-07-06
Dimensions: 3.00" h x 13.30" w x 16.90" l, 11.20 pounds

Features

Universal Blu-ray disc player providing playback for a myriad of video formats
Supports Blu-ray, SACD, DVD-Audio, DVDs, and CDs
Two USB ports allow for playback of media stored on a flash drive
Uses award-winning video processing chip for a clear, true picture
Device measures 17.0 x 3.0 x 13.25 inches (WxHxD)

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer (June 29, 2009)The OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD and DVD-Audio combines several audio- and video-disc playing functions into one convenient system. This universal Blu-ray player operates not only Blu-ray, but also SACD, DVD-Audio, DVDs, and CDs. So you can put in any disc, sit back, and enjoy--all without the clutter of multiple players, remotes, and wires.

Replace all your other media players. View larger.

There are connections for all the latest home theater components. View larger.

The BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Playersupports the following formats:
Blu-ray Disc (Profile 2.0), DVD, SACD, DVD-Audio, CD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MKV.

and has these connections:
HDMI 1.3, component video, composite video, 7.1 analog audio, analog stereo, optical digital audio, coaxial digital audio, 2 x USB, Ethernet RJ-45, external IR, RS232.

One Player to Rule Them All
Instead of using separate players for your Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs, SACDs, and DVD-Audio discs, use the OPPO BDP-83 player to do the job in a single, handsome package. If you have videos, music, or photos on your computer, you can burn them to a CD or copy them to a USB flash drive, and the BDP-83 will play them without a hitch.
With a sleek, black design that features a brushed aluminum front, the OPPO BDP-83 will fit your home decor. And by replacing a myriad of other players, the OPPO BDP83 will save you space and will reduce clutter and cables.
Latest Blu-ray Specs for Outstanding Video Quality
The OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player incorporates an award-winning processing chip by Anchor Bay that provides outstanding picture quality that is clean and true to life. The player provides full 1080p HD output, and can also provide output at 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. It also supports Blu-ray discs that are recorded at 24 frames per second, so you can have a cinema-like experience anytime you want it.
The BDP-83 supports Blu-ray Profile 2.0, which means that it has special hardware, such as an audio/video decoder and one gigabyte of internal storage. This allows it to support BD-Live features such as Internet chats, scheduled chats with the director, Internet games, and more. Please note that BD-Live requires an Internet connection to work.
Up-converts DVDs for a Clearer Picture; Converts Between PAL and NTSC
The same Anchor Bay chip that provides the Blu-ray processing also provides up-converting of standard-definition DVDs. By de-interlacing and scaling, the chip will make your DVDs look great on your HDTV, giving your DVD library new life.
The BDP-83 supports both NTSC and PAL systems, providing disc playback and video output. It also allows you to watch the content of one system in the output of the other; for example, you can watch a PAL movie on an NTSC TV (please note that this is subject to DVD and BD region restrictions).

Award-winning VRS technology by Anchor Bay delivers outstanding picture quality. View logic board.

High-Fidelity Audio for a Cinema-Like Experience
It isn't just the BDP-83's visual quality that will thrill you; you'll also love the sound the BDP-83 creates. With support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, you'll experience loss-free sound that is studio-master quality. The player supports bit-stream output via HDMI 1.3, and it can decode TrueHD or DTS-HD audio into LPCM and yield sound via HDMI or 7.1-channel analog outputs.

Support for Audio-Only Formats Will Thrill Sound Lovers
Sound lovers will be elated by the BDP-83, thanks to its support for both DVD-Audio and SACD, two audio-only formats that provide stereo and multi-channel audio. These formats provide sound quality that is far superior to that of CDs, and they have greater sound depth and higher sound resolution. And with a dedicated two-channel analog audio output with optimized DACs and output driving stage, sound lovers will be sure they're getting the best audio they can.
Multiple Connections to Work With Your Home Theater
The BDP-83 has plenty of connections to interface with your home theater system. On the front of the player, there is a USB port that lets you quickly connect a flash drive to view movies, music, or photos. On the rear, there is another USB port, along with connections for HDMI, component video, composite video, 7.1 analog audio, analog stereo output, and optical and coaxial digital audio. Whether you have a state-of-the-art home theater system or one with legacy connections, the BDP-83 won't have any problems interfacing with your equipment. There is also an Ethernet jack for use with BD-Live, as well as a hardwired IR in-and-out jack.
Backlit Remote Control and Universal Power Supply
With clear labeling and an ergonomic layout, the included remote makes playback of all your audio and video discs easy. And because the remote control has a back light, you'll have no problems when using it in your dark home theater.
The BDP-83 has a universal power supply, making it compatible with the AC power of every region, so you won't have to worry about damaging your player with incorrect voltage.
The OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player measures 17.0 x 3.0 x 13.25 inches (WxHxD).

Review from Home Theater Magazine

Review from HomeTheaterMag.com: Oppo BDP-83SE

With all of the resources that are available to the Blu-ray Disc Association's major manufacturers, it's remarkable that the first company to cure the ills of standalone Blu-ray players was Oppo Digital with its $499 BDP-83 (HT, September 2009). Upon that player's release, many enthusiasts were using the PlayStation 3 for its speed and reliability. Standalone players were too slow and prone to disc incompatibility issues. They also had a hodgepodge of hardware profiles and decoding and interactivity features that bewildered consumers. When Oppo's BDP-83 came along, it did everything that a Blu-ray player should do, and it did it right and fast. In short, it was a next-gen Blu-ray player that acted like one. That player earned Home Theater's Top Pick of the Year in Source Components and overall Product of the Year for 2009 (HT, November 2009). Plus, it earned a check from me to Oppo. The BDP-83 I bought last year as a reference has been bulletproof during the time I've owned it. Compatibility issues have been few and far between. But when they've come up, Oppo has acted swiftly with hassle-free firmware updates from the Internet. It has been so bulletproof that it's difficult to imagine changing it out or upgrading it. Read the full review at HomeTheaterMag.com.

> Visit HomeTheaterMag.com for more product news and reviews

Customer Reviews

Awesome disc player
This is my second high definition player. I bought a Samsung BD-UP5000 when they were first released since it played both HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs. Poor support, lack-luster performance and the end of HD DVDs left me wanting something "better". I found what I was looking for in the Oppo BDP-83.

Oppo is a customer-driven company and conducted an extended beta test to uncover bugs. The beta testers had to accept the state of the player before it could be released! I've emailed Oppo support a few times and they are prompt to respond with real answers not just an automated or canned response - usually the same day. I can't say enough good things about the company.

The '83 is rock solid. It has not frozen or even hiccuped once. It plays all the discs I've put in. (The 5000 had trouble with some and often required the discs to be fingerprint free and occationally locked up requiring restart to even eject a disc.)

To me, one of the important features of a disc player is SD DVD upscaling. Standard definition can look pretty bad on a HDTV. Even the networks and cable channels often do a marginal job up-converting. My 5000 had a very good upconverter (Reon) but the '83 is better - something you'd expect from a company that focused on SD DVD players long after the introduction of HD DVD and Blu-Ray. Sometimes I forget I'm watching SD material!

Most high def players are sluggish, acting more like underpowered computers than audio/video gear. Boot and disc load times often exceed 30 seconds. Not the '83 - it's responds more like a DVD player than a computer. The tray opens in under 3 seconds from pressing the eject button (with power off) and playback begins in under 10 seconds (for SD DVD). For Blu-Ray, play start does depend on what enhancements the content provider loads before playback can begin (custom menus, etc.). (Remember Blu-Ray discs allow the content provider lots of control over the player and playback of the content.)

The '83 decodes all advanced audio formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, etc. So the lossless audio is available via 7.1 analog outs as well as PCM over HDMI. You don't need an A/V receiver that includes decoders for these formats - the player does the work. Speaker management provided by the '83 makes the 7.1 analog outputs usable, but with some limitations: The bass management frequency is fixed at 80 Hz, and there are limitations to speaker distance delays.

The user manual explains things so that the user/installer can make important setup and usage decisions. For example, there is a section that explains the various output resolutions and which is best for various scenarios; and another that helps choose the correct "zoom" for various disc and TV aspect combinations.

So often, modern computer-based A/V gear is released without a complete set of features with the promise of adding them later. Again the '83 was released fully featured so there's little to wait for. But Oppo realizes there will be bugs to fix and new features to add as well as new disc behavior to support. They've provided THREE separate ways to upgrade firmware: via a network connection, via CD/DVD or USB memory.

I use a universal remote to control all my A/V gear and thanks to a document provided by Oppo, I was able to program my remote prior to receiving the unit. Most of the commands use the same data as their previous players so I was able to start with the configuration for an older mode. Oppo provided an Excel file with all the control codes in a format that can be imported into Universal Remote Control and Pronto remotes (maybe others). I've never seen this level of support from any other consumer electronics company and this material existed BEFORE product release. Where documentation was lacking, customer support provided the missing information.

There's been one (public beta) firmware update and a user manual update since the '83 was released at the beginning of June 2009. The firmware update was fast and painless (via USB memory).

My one compliant of the BDP-83 is it's power cord. It uses a 2-pin connector resembling an IEC connector found on many pro and prosumer equipment, however there is not sufficient holding tension and the cord has unplugged itself from the unit twice. I had to wrap the cord around one of the feet to prevent it from happening again.
best-in-class video and audio quality, with super-fast load speed at a very moderate price
From the moment you unpack the Oppo BDP-83 Universal Blu-Ray player you realize that this is going to be a truly unique experience. Wrapped in a reusable carrying bag, shipped in a double-thick cardboard box, the fit and finish of the Oppo BDP-83 matches the quality of the packaging. And the good thing is that unlike many Blu-Ray players, the best-in-class experience continues from the time you power it on to daily use.

I was lucky enough to get in on the Oppo pre-order in late May, after reading the early reviews of beta units, and knowing the reputation of Oppo's upscaling DVD players. For me, the Oppo BDP-83 offered the promise of super-fast load times, outstanding video quality, and the ability to play high-resolution audio (my SACD library).

A bit of background - I have a pretty high-end system configuration (Marantz SR-8002, KEF Reference speakers, Mitsubishi HDTV, Sony ES SACD player, Bang & Olfusen turntable). And I have pretty demanding standards especially for audio.

I waited to buy my first Blu-Ray Player (the very good Panasonic DMP-BD55K) until a standalone player offered quality and load times at least *close* to the PS3. And, although its load times and DVD playback are good, it still didn't quite meet my standards.

From the moment I connected the Oppo BDP-83 to my system, I was blown away by the experience. Extremely easy to setup (I literally unplugged my Panasonic and plugged in the BDP-83 using the same HDMI and component cables), very very easy on-screen instructions and setup. The remote is definitely much better than average with large backlit buttons of different sizes.

The speed of the Oppo BD-83 certainly grabs your attention:
- BluRay load times are about 2x faster than the Panasonic BD55K it replaced
- BluRay menu navigation, etc also very fast and responsive
- SACD and DVD (Audio/Video) load times are nearly instantaneous

The SACD load performance really stunned me. My high-end Sony ES SACD player (remember, Sony co-developed the standard) can take 1-2 minutes to load a hybrid SACD. On the Oppo any SACD (stereo, hybrid multichannel, etc) loads in under 2 seconds.

But it is the video and audio quality of the Oppo BD-83 that truly sets it apart:
- BluRay video performance is outstanding, but you come to expect that from the format. (I can't say I notice a difference here from my Panasonic which is also excellent.)
- DVD video performance is stunning - a noticeable upgrade in quality on your HD set. This is where you start to see the benefits of the embedded AnchorBay processor.
- High resolution audio quality will blow your socks off.

I personally didn't notice a difference in high-res BluRay formats such as DTS-Master and DolbyTrue HD, but to be fair my Panasonic player is also excellent in this area.

For SACD, the improvement offered by the Oppo BDP-83 is simply stunning! My Marantz receiver can decode DSD over HDMI, and the audio quality is dramatically better than the analog 5.1 output from my high-end Sony ES SACD player. I didn't think the standard could be elevated, but was pleasantly surprised by this.

DVD-Audio performance is also outstanding. I never had a DVD-Audio player, so I've used this opportunity of having a truly "Universal Player" to stock up on high-resolution multi-channel titles that were never released on SACD (eg. Crowded House, Seal, Queen, Yes...)

There are other very nice touches:
- BluRay Profile 2.0 with 1GB of onboard storage (my Panasonic made you buy an SD card for this)
- two USB 2.0 ports (one front covered by a flat rubber port, another in the rear), neither port is recessed, so you can use standard USB memory sticks/adapters
- analog 7.1 audio out
- supports simultaneous HDMI and component video output (eg. you can send high-res audio over HDMI and video over component)
- support for NTSC and PAL format DVDs, but they must be unlocked (this is a region-locked player, unfortunately)
- IR in and IR out ports
- optional RS-232C control port for professional installations
- very heavy-duty removable power cord; even heavier gauge than the one Marantz shipped with my $2000 receiver!
- nice onscreen menu system graphics and easy-to-use interface

What could be improved?
- well, first of all, Profile 2 support is only through hard-wired ethernet (no WiFi)
- speaking of Profile 2.0, the interactive services aren't particularly fast, but I have yet to find a BluRay title that actually has compelling Profile 2.0 content
- no support for streaming services like Netflix, although there are rumors that the hardware *might* have the capability to support through a firmware update - I wouldn't count on this though
- the BluRay and DVD player are region locked unfortunately. (CD, SACD, and DVD-Audio discs are by definition region-free)

I personally couldn't be happier with the BDP-83. Certainly the best $500 I spent! It not only compares but blows away high-end players costing 4-6x greater.
Simply the Best Stand-Alone Blu-Ray Player
A year in the making, OPPO has finally released the BDP-83 Blu-Ray Player - their first entry into the market. They have produced some of the finest upscaling standard DVD players, including the exceptional DV-983H. Thankfully, the BDP-83 uses the same Anchor Bay chip as the DV-983H, so your standard def DVDs will look as good as possible. On the Blu-Ray side of things, the audio and video quality are exceptional; on par with the best Blu-Ray players available. The BDP-83 also plays back DVD-Audio and SACD discs, making it a truly universal player. Anyone familiar with first-generation Blu-Ray players is all too familiar with their slow disc-loading times. Recent players have made great strides in this area, but the BDP-83's loading time is the fastest I have seen.

OPPO chose to forgo the trendy conveniences of YouTube, NetFlix, and Amazon Videos on Demand. I find these all to be quite convenient, but can't fault OPPO for sticking to their mission to create the best and most universal Blu-Ray player. Adding these features would have inevitably detracted from the performance of the machine.

OPPO has included all of the connections you may want. Along with the HDMI interface (which supports 1080p HD video output (with 24p), and TrueHD audio), the BDP-83 has 7.1 channel analog audio out, a dedicated stereo output, and both digital optical and coaxial outputs.

The BDP-83 also includes two USB ports (one in front, one on the back) to play back video and image files. It will even play PAL-formatted DVDs and convert them to NTSC on the fly. It also includes IR in and out ports to integrate into home theater control systems. Finally, the remote is a step up from previous OPPO models and easy to use with its back-lighting.

Bottom line: this is the best Blu-Ray player available. The image and sound quality is unparalled, the load times are fast, and it's ability to play any format of disc is a wonderful convenience. I can finally retire my dedicated SACD player!

Roku HD Player

2010-05-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Roku HD Player
From Roku, Inc.

Price:

$99.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
2 new or used available from $94.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

With Wi-Fi and High Definition playback capability built-in, Roku HD Player is the easiest way to stream top-quality instant movies and shows directly to your TV - over 50,000 and counting, from Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and more. The best-selling HD Player has everything you need to start enjoying endless entertainment from the comfort of your couch. No wonder it's Netflix members' top rated streaming player.

Product Details

Brand: Roku
Model: N1100
Dimensions: 1.75" h x 5.00" w x 5.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

Start watching movies on your TV in seconds using your high-speed Internet connection
Instantly plays the entire Netflix Instant Watch library with your Netflix membership - no additional subscription required, viewing is unlimited
Instantly plays over 45,000 movies and shows from Amazon Video On Demand
Built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) and wired internet connectivity
Plays High Definition as well as DVD-quality video; works with any TV

Editorial Reviews

Manufacturer's Description -- April 21, 2009
Manufacturer's Description -- The Roku player instantly delivers HD-quality movies and TV shows directly to your TV over the Internet. The affordable Roku player is compact, easy to set up and intuitive to use.

The Roku comes with everything you need to start watching within minutes of opening the box - the standard yellow, white and red cables, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet are built in, wireless remote and batteries. Start watching instantly anywhere you have a TV and a high-speed Internet connection.
More than 50,000 titles are currently available from Amazon Video On Demand and Netflix, with many available in HD.
The Wall Street Journal, CNET, WIRED, and other publications have given the Roku player overwhelmingly positive reviews.
For even better audio and video using the Roku player with your HDTV, home theater or A/V receiver, look for the Roku digital video player plus premium cable pack.

As Easy As 1 - 2 - 3

	1. Wired or Wireless, The Choice is Yours You can connect the Roku player to the Internet using most broadband providers (such as a cable modem or DSL connection.) You need at least 1.2 Mbps to watch movies instantly on the Roku digital video player with decent quality. The faster your connection, the better the quality (although this rule-of-thumb peaks out at about 5mbps). Use the built-in Wi-Fi capabilities to connect to your wireless network, or use the Ethernet port for a wired connection. It's easy either way.
	2. Connect to Virtually Any TV, New or OldThe player comes complete with everything you need to get connected right away. It even includes the standard yellow, white and red cables. Or use the HDMI or component connections with your new HDTV.
	3. Control is at your Fingertips and Easy to Understand The Roku player is easily controlled using the handy included remote. Choose the item you want to watch, play, fast-forward, rewind, pause and resume play later, just like watching a DVD.

Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand

With Amazon Video On Demand Roku customers can now instantly watch more than 50,000 commercial-free movies and television shows, including hit new releases and the latest episodes available in HD.

	Using an intuitive interface, customers can order movies right from their couch and enjoy instant playback without waiting for lengthy downloads or annoying commercials. Prices start as low as $.99 and no subscription fee is required
	Find Choose from thousands of movies and TV shows by browsing in the Amazon Video On Demand section on your Roku. Access and add to your virtual library of purchases via Amazon Video On Demand’s Your Video Library and re-watch anytime on the Roku Player, your PC or Mac and other compatible devices.
	Rent or Buy Renting and purchasing titles is a snap with the power of Amazon’s 1-click purchasing. Order new release movies and the latest TV shows right from your couch and you’re watching within seconds. Prices start as low as $.99.
	Watch Using your Roku Player, enjoy Amazon Video On Demand’s high quality video on any TV. Videos playback instantly, without waiting for a download. Purchases and rentals are added to Your Video Library and stored online by Amazon so you can conveniently watch them on your Roku Player, PC or Mac, and other compatible devices.

Customer Reviews

Amazing product and brilliant bang-for-your-buck
I purchased this in January, 2009 to add some additional value to my Netflix subscription. It has far surpassed my expectations, and has proven to be one of the best $100 I have spent in a long time. This is true especially in a down economy.

Here are the pluses, and the minuses, I have seen in the product after 2 months of daily use

Pluses:
1) Huge money saver: Having this box has allowed me to drop from 3 disks unlimited to 1 disk unlimited as well as drop cable entirely. The addition of Amazon on Demand is an even bigger value in that newly released movies will also be in abundant supply.
2) Ease of Set-up and use: I am a die hard apple fan because of their ease of use, and the set-up process was the easiest I have ever experienced. In less than 4 minutes I was watching a Netflix stream on my Sony HD TV. Also, the user interface is as straightforward as possible. A lot of thought went into it, and it shows. Bravo for one of the simplest interfaces I have ever utilized.
3) Clarity of picture: Unsrupassed and almost full HD. Often forget we are streaming over the internet.
4) It just works as advertised!
5) Customer Service: Video was skipping and contacted the customer service. You would never believe that a real live person answered the phone within 5 minutes on a Sunday night. Turns out it was a nework problem (see below). Amazing customer service!

Minuses:
1) The quality of your picture is tied to your internet speed. This has only been an issue once. My Charter Cable modem service averages above 4 meg downstream, but every once in a while the network performance drops. A call to charter fixed it. This is in no way an issue with the device, just something to be aware of. Check with your service provider on your speed before buying.
2) Direct Ethernet connection recommended for best picture: This is a limitation of my wireless network, but you may also have a similar set-up. My laptop has a G wireless card, and when it gets online the whole network slows down, and wireless video quality suffered. Solved it by using a direct ethernet connection, and recommend for everyone who is able to. Much more stable and very limited intereference.

That is my review to date. If you have Netflix and want to get Amazon on Demand there are few things that will be a pleasure to use and that will provide as much bang for your limited dollars. Thank you Roku, Netflix, and Amazon for such a wonderful product.
My best-spent entertainment dollar ever!
I was already a rent-by-mail convert -- switching between Blockbuster and Netflix for a couple of years. For an extra $99, this box has already piped in hundreds of hours of tv shows and movies, filling in the wait times between disks. The Netflix instant movie selection started out not great, but recently they have rotated in some big films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, pop hits like Superbad, the original "Grindhouse" double feature package, as well as lots of older and more obscure releases for adventurous cineastes like me, with NO extra charge to a regular Netflix membership. The addition of Amazon streams will soon make a good thing even better, and more providers should be coming into the mix soon (Netflix has mentioned adding an HBO-on-demand service soon). I've had the player since its introduction in summer 2008, and I've gotten enough milrage out of it that if it blew up today, I'd have gotten way more than my money's worth. I've heard a fair number of technical complaints from other owners, but mine hasn't even had a single glitch since purchase. With the exception of occasional problems at the Netflix servers, and rare errors in Netflix video encodes (for instance, they sometimes accidentally put the director's commentary track onto a video intead of the theatrical soundtrack, but I think they've tightened up the quality control recently in this respect), it JUST WORKS! In these economic times, there's a lotta bang for the buck in this tiny box!
Kill the cable
This little box rocks. I have killed of all but my local channels on cable. This may have been the best $99. I have spent in years. My sons and I use it everyday. At first I was concerned about content, but there are like 12000 things to choose from...We have watched season 1,2 and in the process of season 3 of Heroes. You have no idea how cool it is to see shows like this with no commercials. Tons of movies to choose from. I really like the fact that the company has more than delivered on what they promised. I bought the box to add to my Netflix and now I can get amazon video on demand as well, and it didn't cost anything for the upgrade. How often has that happened...I am getting a ton more than I paid for. LOVE IT.

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)

2010-05-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)
From Sony

List Price:	$249.99
Price:	$137.21

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Electronics Expo
35 new or used available from $119.00
Average customer review:

Product Description

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #28 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Sony
Model: BDP-N460
Dimensions: 2.20" h x 16.90" w x 8.10" l, 4.60 pounds

Features

Plays Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p
Instantly streams online entertainment from leading providers
Upscales DVDs to near high definition
BD-Live ready
Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
(October 13, 2009)
In addition to playing Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, the Sony BDP-N460 streams one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment from the BRAVIA Internet Video platform, including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from from over 25 leading content providers--including YouTube, Slacker, and Netflix. Simply connect the BDP-N460 to your existing Internet connection.

Stream video from one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment, including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.

The Sony BDP-N460 incorporates Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to near HD quality (see larger image).

The Quick Start Mode lets you begin operating this Blu-ray Disc player approximately six seconds from the time it's powered on.

Check out the latest previews, download special scenes and exclusive features, and participate in online communities or games with BD-Live.

Blu-ray Disc's Full HD 1080p resolution produces over 2 million pixels per frame to produce a razor-sharp picture with unmatched depth and clarity.
It supports Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD audio codecs for up to 7.1 channels of high-definition sound, and there's even quick start-up mode which begins operating your Blu-ray Disc player in approximately six seconds from the time it is powered on. You can also play and upscale your standard DVDs to near high definition. And navigation of the player's menus is a breeze thanks to the icon-based Xross Media Bar (XMB) menu system.

Key Features
Instantly stream thousands of movies, videos and music from an ever-growing list of over 25 content providers including Netflix, Slacker Radio, YouTube and more. (Learn more)
Full HD 1080p Output (Learn more)
DVD Upscaling via HDMI technology: DVD Upscaling via HDMI makes your existing standard DVDs look better on your HDTV by upscaling them to near HD quality.
Dolby TrueHD and dts HD- 7.1 Analog: In the past, most audio codecs used compression that actually removes some sound data to transmit audio from the disc to the audio circuitry. This means that what you hear is a subset of the original audio. However, newer formats allow the audio to be compressed but not discarded, allowing the original audio to come through once it's been decoded. This player allows you to stream the audio out via HDMI to a capable receiver or through analog 7.1 outputs for maximum compatibility with high end receivers. (Learn more)
BD-Live Technology allows you to download and stream bonus content such as additional scenes, shorts, trailers, movie-based games, and more. And with Bonus View, you can enjoy "picture-in-picture" capability with select Blu-ray titles. External memory (sold separately) is required.
Quick Start Mode: Quick Start Mode lets you begin operating your Sony Blu-ray Disc player approximately six seconds from the time it's powered on.
Ethernet port lets you connect the BDP-S360 to your home's existing broadband network to access bonus features on BD-Live enabled Blu-ray Disc movies.
Bonus View feature provides "picture-in-picture" capability with select Blu-ray Disc titles--useful for viewing director or actor commentary while the movie plays.
x.v.Color output plays AVCHD-format discs with support for the international xvYCC color standard, producing images with nearly twice as many viewable colors as the existing RGB color standard.
BRAVIA Sync technology lets you enjoy the convenience of one remote control to operate and control all your compatible home entertainment devices. It utilizes the HDMI CEC function to easily turn on and control your compatible HDMI-connected components without having to use multiple remote controls.
24p True Cinema technology lets you watch films at their intended 24 fps (frames per second)--the way movies are shot and mastered--so you can enjoy cinematic picture quality.
Precision Cinema HD Upscale circuitry delivers accurate and vivid images with clarity and detail that are faithful to the source--whether film or video (upscaled image quality will vary). This circuitry uses advanced conversion and processing to detect image changes at the pixel level, rather than at the level of whole scan lines. Additionally, separate algorithms are used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are free from motion artifacts.
Emmy-Award Winning Xross Media Bar Interface: Sony's exclusive xross media bar user interface makes it simple and intuitive to navigate television menus, controls, and user settings. (Learn more)
x.v.Color output plays AVCHD-format discs with support for the international xvYCC color standard, producing images with nearly twice as many viewable colors as the existing RGB color standard. (Learn more)
Easy Wi-Fi setup: In addition to a built-in Ethernet port, the BDP-N460 includes built-in software that makes it easy to connect this player to your existing wireless network by pairing the optional Linksys Wireless Ethernet Bridge (WET-610N) to connect to your home router (each sold separately). Or you can use the built-in Ethernet port to use a wired connection.
Convenience features include parental controls, child lock, and video bit rate indicator
Dimensions: 16.9 x 2.2 x 8.1 inches
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Connections
HDMI audio/video output: 1
Component video (Y/Pb/Pr) output: 1
Composite video output: 1
Optical digital audio output: 1
Coaxial digital audio output: 1
Analog audio output: 1 (2-channel)
Ethernet networking: 1
USB port: 1
Video Specifications
AVC-HD: Yes (8cm/12cm; DVD+R/RW/-R/-RW)
BD-R/RE Read Compatibility: Yes (BDMV & BDAV)
BD-ROM: Bonus View (Profile1.1); BD-Live (Profile2.0); BD-ROM (SL/DL)
CD (CD-DA): Yes
CD-R/RW: Yes (CD-DA & Data)
DVD Playback: Yes
DVD+R Read Compatibility: Yes (DL) (+VR)
DVD+RW Read Compatibility: Yes (+VR) (8cm)
DVD-R Read Compatibility: Yes (DL) (VR) (VR with CPRM) (8cm)
DVD-RW Read Compatibility: Yes (VR) (VR with CPRM) (8cm)
JPEG Playback: Yes (BD-R/REDVD+RW/+R/-RW/-R/CD-R,RW)
Noise Reduction: Yes
PhotoTV HD: Yes
x.v.Color Technology: Yes
Audio Specifications
Dolby: Yes & Dolby TrueHD bitstream out over HDMI (V1.3)
Dolby Digital plus Decoding: Yes
Dolby True HD bitstream output: Yes
Dolby TrueHD Decoding: Yes
LPCM: Yes (multi channel decoder): Yes (HDMI bitstream out)
MP3 Playback: Yes (BD-R/RE/DVD+RW/+R/-RW/-R/CD-R,RW)
dts Decoding: Yes
dts HD bitstream output: Yes
dts Output: Yes, & /DTS-HD bitstream out over HDMI (V1.3)
Customer Reviews
Very poor Netflix performance; overall disappointment so far.
I've had this player for several days now. Blu-Ray playback appears to be good, although I don't really have anything to compare it to. But so far its other attributes leave a great deal to be desired.

Netflix playback is especially poor. I waited to buy this unit for its Netflix capability to kick in, and was using the Roku HD player in the meantime. Even with a wired connection, the Sony's Netflix HD content playback is noticeably sluggish and jerky, almost to the point of being unwatchable, compared to the Roku player connected wirelessly to the same router. I watched parts of the same video on each player and the difference is not subtle; it is pronounced.

Also, the upscaled DVD picture on this player is very, VERY soft, almost to the point of looking out of focus, even with the TV's Sharpness setting turned up to maximum. This is in comparison to the Sony DVP-NS700H upscaling DVD player I had been using previously, which appears to have a sharper, crisper image; again, the difference is noticeable.

I'm going to try a few more DVDs and see if Sony and/or Netflix tech support can address the streaming problem, before I give up and return the unit. I had hoped this player would be a nice addition to my BRAVIA setup (46" Z4100 LCD TV), but so far it's let me down.

UPDATE: I called Sony and went through three levels of support. They agreed with my description and assessment of the Netflix HD picture quality and told me there was nothing that could be done about it. I also called Netflix and they couldn't help either; none of their suggestions worked. If I can't resolve this myself I'm going to have to return the player.

UPDATE 2: Amazon on Demand HD video looks fine; very good, actually. Looks like this is a Netflix issue (probably the onboard software, not the stream, since Netflix still looks fine on the Roku) that will have to be fixed with a firmware update sometime in the future.

UPDATE 3: CNET has now reviewed this product. From their review of the player's Netflix performance: "We also noticed that the overall streaming video quality seemed to be slightly worse than we're used to seeing. We saw more "jerky" playback than we're used to seeing on other players".

UPDATE 4: The Sony firmware update issued on December 22 has had no effect on the Netflix HD streaming quality. It looks the same as it did before.

UPDATE 5: For reasons unrelated to this issue, I upgraded my cable internet service to Cablevision's "Optimum Boost," which among other things is supposed to more than double Internet speed. Indeed, I'm now seeing over 20 Mbps on [...]. Nevertheless, the problem remains; the Netflix HD video is still "jerky". Apparently the problem is not the network. I think it may be that the Sony does a poor job handling the Netflix stream compared to the Amazon stream, such as, e.g., upconverting from 720p to 1080p.

UPDATE 6: I did some more experimenting with the player, this time removing the HDMI connection and using component instead, setting the player's component output to 720p. This did not correct the jerky motion problem; it looked essentially the same.
Love it
I wanted a Blu-ray player for two main reasons, 1) to watch Netflix on my TV, and 2) to watch Star Trek: The Original Series (Enhanced) on Blu-ray. I returned an LG BD 390 because a stupid icon kept popping up every time an "alternate angle"/enhanced scene appeared during an episode. This was many times during each episode. It's only on the screen for a few seconds, but you can't turn it off. Contacted LG and they said you can't turn it off and they weren't planning a firmware update to fix it - unacceptable. So now I have the Sony and I am thrilled. No more icon, and I like the option of turning off other icons like "play" and "pause". I think the load time is fine - fast enough for me. I'm anxious to get the Netflix firmware update to try that out. I don't need a wireless Blu-ray as I have wired my basement to get more reliable video streaming. I am very satisfied with this player.

Update as of 11/11/09 - Netflix enabled! Works beautifully so far. Watched a bit of "The Office". Video quality very good. My TV says it was 1080p - cool. I'm guessing that most of the Netflix content will be standard def., though. I watched a few minutes of Enemy Mine and the quality was OK - about like Netflix is on my computer. I'm getting pretty spoiled by hi-def. video after watching Blu-ray movies. Anyway, Netflix is easy to do. Just add movies to your Watch Instantly queue (on your PC), and they're there on TV. Brilliant.
Sony BDP-N460: The PS3 Replacement
This player is everything the PS3 should be, just without the games. The PS3 was a constant annoyance with the Bluetooth remote, poor game choice, and the lack of any service such as Netflix (the PS Network seemed to have a rather limited selection)... So I decided to liquidate the system and get back in the blu-ray player market.

When this unit loads up, you might think that it is a PS3--the menu is almost exactly the same. The relevant difference is the video options. This is where that laundry list of online video service providers is found. What a list! If all this player could do was play Netflix, it might not be such a compelling player--but it does a lot more than that. What convinced me to buy this unit was it's ability to play Amazon On Demand. It seemed ironic to me that this was not originally an advertised feature on Amazon's website. I had to do some research to verify this capability. In fact, it was a deal-maker for me.

If the PS3 did everything this player does, then I would say to pay a little more and enjoy the near-zero load times and wireless--but it doesn't. Not even close. The PS3 is currently locked into Sony's limited first-party services. This player hopefully signals the future for players, by adding every provider available.

Pros:
- Bravia sync (if you have a compatible Sony television)
- TONS of providers
- Load times are nominal
- Firmware updates were quick out of the box
- Excellent up-conversion of DVD titles
- Lights on player are not at all distracting (and can be adjusted)

Cons:
- Even though I am 1080p resolution, the xcross (system) menu looks low-res.
- Netflix is "coming fall 2009", so there will be a wait on that for now

So far this player highly recommended!

UPDATE: As of 11/11/2009, Netflix is now available. Works flawlessly!

Panasonic DMP-BD70V Blu-ray Disc/VHS Multimedia Player

2010-05-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Panasonic DMP-BD70V Blu-ray Disc/VHS Multimedia Player
From Panasonic

List Price:	$399.95
Price:	$197.50

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Electronica Direct
21 new or used available from $121.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

Does it feel like technology is moving too fast, and your barely keeping up? Blu-ray Disc/VHS Combination Player gives you both the technology of yesterday and today, wherein you don't have to send your precious VHS cassettes to storage just yet in that the unique feature about this player compared to a regular VHS player is the fact that it provides up-conversion so it will enhance your viewing experience, like watching a remastered copy, but instead of doing the tedious task of improving video and audio quality yourself, the player does it for you. It even features an SD memory card slot and USB terminal so you don't have to unload your digital media for it to be viewed, wherein simply insert an SD memory card filled with joyous memories into your player, and let the good times begin, there is even the possibility for JPEG slideshow with music and transition effect, so not only will you dazzle your audience with you family photos, but also the innovative features of your Blu-ray Disc/VHS Combination Player. VHS Playback and 1080p HDMI Out Deep Color and x.v.Color 148.5MHz/12bit Video D/A Converter Digital Noise Reduction (3D-NR/ Integrated NR) Picture Mode (Normal, Soft, Fine, Cinema, User) Picture Adjustment (Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, Color, Gamma Correction) Audio Features - Built-in Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Decoder 192kHz/24bit Audio D/A Converter 96kHz Surround Re-master for All Formats (BD, DVD, CD and MP3) Output - HDMI AV Output Component Video Output Video Output 2ch Audio Output Digital Audio Output (1 Optical) Ethernet for BD-Live, VIERA CAST and Firmware Update Convenience Features - Compatible with VIERA CAST (YouTube, Picasa, etc) Compatible with BD-Live and BONUSVIEW VIERA Link or Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Product Line-up Movie (AVCHD, MPEG2) & JPEG View with SD Memory Card Slot Music (MP3) & Photos (JPEG) Playback on US

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #244 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Panasonic
Model: DMP-BD70V
Dimensions: 3.75" h x 17.00" w x 13.00" l, 5.70 pounds

Features

Blu-ray Disc/VHS combination player with SD memory card slot and USB
Multi-media capability allows for convenient playback and up-conversion of content from any media storage format--VHS, DVD, CD and more
7.1-channel lossless audio decode and bit-stream output for exceptional sound
VIERA Cast internet functionality for enjoying online entertainment from YouTube, Amazon VOD, and more
Intelligent auto standby for more efficient power usage

Editorial Reviews

mazon.com Product Description
Panasonic's DMP-BD70V combines a high quality image with enhanced networking functions, including Panasonic's VIERA Cast internet functionality for enjoying online entertainment from YouTube, Amazon VOD, and more. Play back your favorite Blu-ray discs, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs and more, and enjoy up-conversion to 1080p with formats of lower resolutions. The DMP-BD70V also lets you take advantage of 7.1 channel Blu-ray surround sound, and enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources.

A high quality image with enhanced networking functions
Click to enlarge

PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus
Developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, this high image processing technology reproduces clear, vivid colors that are faithful to the original film.
High-Def Audio
Recognizing that audio is important to the overall entertainment experience, Panasonic's three 2009 Blu-ray Disc players feature a high definition audio decoder (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) to take advantage of the exceptionally high quality 7.1 channel surround sound now integrated in Blu-ray Discs.
96kHz Surround Re-Master
This function enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even improves the quality of the multi-channel audio data on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.

View rear connections
Click to enlarge

Full-function remote included
Click to enlarge

Format-Friendly
The DMP-BD70V distinguishes itself as the world's first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player, providing the consumer with a video product that features multi-format playback allowing the user to play VHS, CD, DVD and 1080p high definition Blu-ray Discs. The BD70V allows for premium 1080p up-conversion for all video formats.
VIERA CAST
VIERA CAST technology is now available in Panasonic's 2009 Blu-ray players. The internet enabled technology lets the consumer access the internet without the need of either an external box or a PC and enjoy entertainment from sites like Amazon VOD, YouTube, Google's Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg and more. The DMP-BD70V also includes an SD Memory card slot and USB slot, so you can view and share both digital still images and HD video recorded with an HD camcorder in the AVCHD format.
4:4:4 Technology
In order to produce the ultimate picture quality, Panasonic's Blu-ray players employ high precision 4:4:4 signal technology, which working in tandem with PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the horizontal direction, to compliment vertical direction processing. P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD) is another technology that contributes to the superior picture quality of the Blu-ray players. P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel. Panasonic's Blu-ray players further utilize 16-level motion detection to categorize the image motion of each pixel into one of 16 levels; diagonal processing to detect diagonals and correct the pixels accordingly; 1080p up-conversion to up-convert content recorded in the 480i/p or 720p format to 1080p. The Blu-ray players also provide 1080/24p output, thereby reproducing cinema images from a Blu-ray Disc and DVD in their original 24p form with no need for conversion. This allows the user to enjoy cinema images in the same format used in cinema with a 1080/24p compatible TV.
Lower Power Consumption
Panasonic's 2009 Blu-ray players use Auto Power Stand-By, a function that automatically turns off the player when you return to TV operation using the VIERA Link menu. In addition, the Stand-by Power Save automatically turns off the player's Quick Start function. When VIERA is turned on, Quick Start also turns on. In addition, the development of the UniPhier single chip LSI makes it possible to pack an entire video signal processing circuit onto a single chip. This helps lower power consumption, reduces the number of parts needed and allows for a more compact design.
What's in the Box
Panasonic DMP-BD70V, Remote control (batteries included), A/V cable, Power supply cord

Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand

Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand With Amazon Video On Demand (available only in the U.S.) , Panasonic customers can now instantly watch more than 50,000 commercial-free movies and television shows, including hit new releases and the latest episodes available in HD.

	Using an intuitive interface, order movies right from their couch and enjoy instant playback without waiting for lengthy downloads or annoying commercials. Prices start as low as $.99 and no subscription fee is required
	Find Choose from thousands of movies and TV shows by browsing the Amazon Video On Demand store (U.S. only) on your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player or TV. Access and add to your virtual collection of purchases via Amazon Video On Demand’s Your Video Library and re-watch anytime on your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player, TV, your PC or Mac and other compatible devices.
	Rent or Buy Renting and purchasing titles is a snap with the power of Amazon’s 1-click purchasing. Order new release movies and the latest TV shows right from your couch and you’re watching within seconds. Prices start as low as $.99.
	Watch Enjoy Amazon Video On Demand’s high quality video right from your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player or TV. Videos playback instantly, without waiting for a download. Purchases and rentals are added to Your Video Library and stored online by Amazon so you can conveniently watch them again on your Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player, TV, PC or Mac, and other compatible devices.

Customer Reviews

Yes, I still have VHS movies to watch
Why would someone want to buy a video player that accepts both the latest Blu-Ray format and the perhaps obsolete VHS formats? Well, as someone who has their foot in both the past and the future, let me tell you why I love this player.

Yes, I can definitely appreciate the crispness and clarity of the high definition Blu-Ray format, and I wish to experience that format. But Blu-Ray discs are pricey, so I will likely choose to purchase only a few new select and favorite films in that format. I feel no need, and don't have the wallet, to replace my entire film library in a Blu-Ray format.

I also have a collection of nearly 500 VHS tapes, most of them unwatched, which I mostly purchased in thrift stores. (current standard price for VHS tape in a thrift - $1) I also have a fair number of films that have not yet been released on DVD yet.

It is nice to have a player that will accept both VHS and Blu-Ray, along with standard DVD formats. No switching back and forth of cables, etc.

The DMP-BD70V upconversion of the VHS to 1080p is really quite amazing. My current television is a 42" HDTV (one year ago it was a 19 inch color set) When I connected my previous standard VHS player to the HDTV, the picture quality, as expected, was quite poor, with much of the image being rather pixelated - it was quite painful and distracting to watch.

Then I hooked up the DMP-BD70V, and lone behold, the picture quality was much, much better - and very watchable. At first I almost thought that the VHS tape had been replaced by a DVD - the improvement was that great. There was no pixelation at all, and the colors were quite bright. The overall quality of the picture was much better than the picture obtained with my old 19" color TV and VHS player. The upscaling features of the DMP-BD70V is almost as if a magician had waved his wand over your entire library of VHS tapes, and suddenly replaced them, Cinderella-like, with a much higher quality product.

There are some things you cannot do with a VHS tape. The picture size remains at the older 4:3 format - meaning there is considerable empty space at the left and right sides of the HDTV screen. You also won't get the added commentary tracks that appear on DVD and Blu-Ray discs, but sometimes all one really wants to do is simply watch a movie, with no other frills involved.

For a few years, I will have several options for my home movie viewing. On one end, the $1 VHS tapes (upgraded to 1080p), in the middle the standard DVD format, and on the high side, the Blu-Ray format. This DMP-BD70V allows me to watch all three formats, and allows me to choose whether I want to pay $1, $15, or $30 for each movie format. That is what I call flexibility.

I did a comparison price check for the DMP-BD70V model, versus a similar model without the VHS tape compatibility - the difference was about $50 more. For me, it was well worth it.

Obviously those without VHS tapes do not need this DMP-BD70V model. But those who do have some older VHS tapes, and wish to still view them, will love this model.

Okay for a Second or Back-up Player
If you want a combination blu ray/vhs player, then this is the only game in town so you are kind of stuck right now. However, I must point out a number of limitations:

1.) As many pointed out (some of which are poor souls who didn't read carefully and bought without knowing this), there is no ability to record material on this. So if you record a weekly/daily program, you will still have to have a vhs or dvd recorder to do that.

2.) The component connection from this player to an HDTV did not work well with VHS tapes as the picture appeared all smudged. The tapes looked fine with an HDMI connection.

3.) I have trouble getting my remote sometimes to recognize I have a VHS tape in the player and often have to manually start the play. I have not had this problem when I want to play a disc, only VHS.

4.) This is not wireless, so to take advantage of the VIERA Cast if you are not close to your router, you must use an Ethernet adapter/access point (somewhere between $35 and $60 or more). I used an Asus WL-330gE purchased on sale at another site and chose the Ethernet adapater setting when configuring. I found this product worked perfectly with this blu ray player as it came with both the Ethernet cable as well either a plug-in power cord or a USB power cord. I used the USB power cord to plug into the USB slot on this blu ray player. Not only does using the USB power cord eliminate you having to plug another item into a power strip, but when you turn the player off, the USB power cord turns off as well, so you are not wasting electricity.

5.) Now, this is my biggest problem with this player. VIERA Cast. I specifically bought this player as a secondary blu ray for my bedroom (my primary player is in my family room), for two reasons-- the vhs component (I record off my primary player, so didn`t need to record on this one) and the announcement last year that VIERA Cast would have Netflix. I currently stream Netflix through my other player and was looking forward to streaming in my bedroom with this one as Netflix lets you stream on a number of devices with the same account. I now read (which was NOT in the announcement I read last year), that Netflix will be on Panasonic Blu Rays ONLY built in 2010 or later. Why? Because they completely re-built the technical infrastructure within the blu rays and only those with the new infrastructure will host Netflix. I guess they used up their "old parts" making this player figuring the VHS crowd wouldn't be interested in the newest technology.

I don't quite get the "usefulness" of VIERA Cast. The weather and stock parts are next to useless--if I really wanted to know the weather, I'd simply click to one of numerous weather stations that I get over the air. With regards to the stock market updates--I'd go to something on the internet as I would want to track my specific holding not just look at a generic stock market update. With NetCast (on the LG BD 90 blu ray player I have) I get YouTube, Netflix streaming (obviously have to have a Netflix account to take advantage of), as well as Vudu and CinemaNow that have pay per view rentals (most with option to buy). You do not get Amazon Video on Demand on the LG player as you do this player, but I would wonder how many movies Amazon might have that the other movie rental view options would not.

So, my best take on this player is if you need to record programs, or want to stream Netflix, do NOT buy this player. If you need to connect wirelessly, you must factor into the cost of this player an Ethernet adapter.

Am I keeping mine? Yes, because I bought at super sale price (around 165 dollars), so the cost of adding an Ethernet adapter was not prohibitive. It does eliminate the need for a vhs in my bedroom, and since I record through a dvd/vhs recorder in my family room, the lack of recording in this player does not affect me. However, I must now either choose not to stream Netflix to my bedroom, or buy a Roku.

If I do read that Panasonic has decided to add Netflix to the players with the "old" infrastructure (they are receiving some complaints obviously), I will update my review. If someone else reads such an announcement, please post a comment to my review with the source of the announcement.
Thank you, Panasonic
As far as I know this is the only combo of this kind on the market, and I couldn't be happier. Despite the outdated format and my dwindling videotape collection, I wanted to replace my old Magnavox VCR instead of abandoning VHS altogether. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I not only could still do that, I could additionally upgrade to Blu without having to find more shelf space or another power outlet. Since it isn't really all that versatile otherwise, this player is a snap to hook up. There are no inputs (except LAN) and the outputs consist of HDMI, component and composite video, with analog and digital audio (fiber optic only). It only comes with a set of RCA analog audio/video cables, so plan ahead. I am only using the HDMI video and optical audio and it plays discs flawlessly. Pop in a videotape and it automatically switches to VHS mode and reformats itself to 4:3, while still outputting only through the digital ports. Yes, this is only a player--I prefer DVD-RAM for recording these days, anyway--but if you want the ultimate in all-in-one playback, including USB devices and SD cards, this device is for you.

Samsung BD-C5500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

2010-05-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

Samsung BD-C5500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Samsung

List Price:	$179.99
Price:	$141.00

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Vanns
26 new or used available from $127.49
Average customer review:

Product Description

The Samsung BD-C5500 Blu-ray Player offers Internet@TV, which delivers the best of the web, straight to your HDTV, with downloadable widgets and apps like Blockbuster, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, Pandora and more. You can shop online, share pictures, catch up with friends and connect to a wide range of streaming digital content at the touch of a button. It also has wireless LAN built-in. Add to that AllShare, which enables content to be seamlessly streamed between DLNA devices, allowing you to play files stored on your PC or even to use your telephone through your TV.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #253 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Samsung
Model: BD-C5500
Released on: 2010-02-10
Dimensions: 4.00" h x 20.00" w x 11.00" l, 4.00 pounds

Features

Slim Design (39mm)
WiFi Ready(Wireless LAN Adapter not included)
Internet@TV
1 HDMI , 2 USB
BD-Live (Profile 2.0)

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
The Samsung BD-C5500 Blu-ray Player offers Internet@TV, which delivers the best of the web, straight to your HDTV, with downloadable widgets and apps like BLOCKBUSTER, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, Pandora and more. You can shop online, share pictures, catch up with friends and connect to a wide range of streaming digital content at the touch of a button. It also has wireless LAN built-in. Add to that AllShare, which enables content to be seamlessly streamed between DLNA devices, allowing you to play files stored on your PC or even to use your telephone through your TV.

Key Features

Internet@TV: Connect to an ever-expanding portal of your favorite digital content. Customizable widgets give you access toBLOCKBUSTER, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and more – all on your HDTV.
BD-Live ready: Get more out of a Blu-ray Disc than what's on it. BD-Live 2.0 lets studios future-proof their Blu-ray titles, so they can add content to BD-Live Ready discs even after they have been shipped. Simply connect your Blu-ray player to the Internet (through the included Ethernet port or using an optional Link Stick USB wireless dongle) to download images, subtitles and more. Text-chat with friends during a movie, or play against others in online trivia games to unlock exclusive video content and earn discounts on other products.
AllShare: Sync up your entire household. A wired or wireless DLNA connection lets you stream your PC audio and video files to your HDTV using your remote.
Wireless LAN-ready (Wireless LAN adaptor not included, to learn more or to purchase: Click Here)
Screen fit, ultra fast play
Full 1080p Picture Quality
Sleek, slim design (39mm)

Connections

1 HDMI
2 USB

Audio

Advanced HD audio (Dolby Digital TruHD, DTS-HD Master Audio)
2 channel audio out

Customer Reviews

Excellent Feature-Set for the Price
I have had the Samsung BD-C5500 Blu-ray player for about a week now and I absolutely love it. It was very easy to setup and worked perfectly right out of the box. It's smaller in size than the DVD player it is replacing but noticeably heavier. It starts up quickly and loads Blu-ray discs quickly too. The buttons on the front of the player are touch sensitive and don't give the user any tactile feedback so sometimes it's hard to tell if you have pushed them or not but at the same time they are cool and have a cutting-edge appeal. Some people have mentioned that they don't care for the remote but I find it to be very adequate and easy to use. I like the larger size of the buttons since I have big hands. The remote seems to work well at different angles and distances as well. When I first hooked up the player it did a firmware update and about a week later it notified me that there was a newer firmware and again did an update. It's comforting to see that Samsung is actively working to improve the device's firmware by releasing updates frequently if needed. I didn't know what issues/features the firmware updates were addressing because the UI on the player doesn't really tell you but Samsung does list what the firmware updates change/fix on their website. The device didn't have any problems connecting to my home network using a CAT-5 cable. It doesn't bother me a bit that this player doesn't support wi-fi out of the box. In my experience wi-fi is very susceptible to interference from other devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, and other wi-fi routers so using it to stream a high-definition movie could be problematic when you decide to pop some popcorn during the show or if someone calls you on your cordless phone. You'll always get better streaming performance from CAT-5. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than the players that do have wi-fi built in.

I have used this player to stream Netflix content from my Netflix instant queue. Before having this player we watched a lot of Netflix streaming content on our computer but watching it on the HDTV using this player has been a lot more convenient and sounds better on the home audio system than on the computer speakers. Streaming works very well and I haven't seen it skip frames or stop to re-buffer the stream. It takes a little longer to buffer the stream at the beginning of playback than my computer does but after a 15-20 second wait it's good to go so it's not a big deal. I have spoken with people who stream Netflix through the PS3 or XBOX and they have told me it takes about the same amount of time to buffer on those systems and I would imagine other Blu-ray players that stream Netflix would have similar performance. Some of the Netflix streaming content will stream in 720p resolution which looks and sounds great. One thing to note is that this player will only see titles you have added to your Instant Queue on the Netflix website. You cannot use the player to browse for different content and add it to your queue. This has not been very bothersome to me but it might bother some people. I actually like the fact that I can put titles in the Instant Queue for my children to watch and they can't browse around Netflix on the player and find adult content accidentally in the process.

Streaming music through Pandora has been great too. The Pandora app works well and has a good interface. You can give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down but only while the song is playing. It would be great if you could go back through the list of songs that have recently played and give them the thumbs up or thumbs down after they have played like you can on the Pandora website but that's not the way it works sadly. The quality of the audio seems very good and the time it takes to buffer the music is not even noticeable. We have really enjoyed having a device capable of using Pandora connected to the home audio/theater system.

I used the Blockbuster service to rent a movie for my kids. The video/audio quality was excellent and I had no streaming problems but the price was a little absurd. The movies cost about $4 to rent and you only have access to watch the movie for 24 hours from the time you first start playing it. At that price I would expect that you would get to watch the title as much as you want for 5 days just like you would do if you physically rented a movie from a Blockbuster location. I don't think I will be using the Blockbuster service very much unless there is a movie I really want to watch and I'm too tired/lazy to physically go to a Blockbuster and rent it.

Overall I feel like the device does a lot for how much I paid for it and is definitely worth the money. I have already recommended it to numerous friends and co-workers who have been looking to get a Blu-ray player. This is the first Blu-ray player I have owned and might possibly be the last since it's so feature-rich and works so well.

Update 4/14/2010:

I have had this player for over a month now and I have received 4 firmware updates I think. With the firmware updates the device has only gotten better. The updates didn't appear to add any new features but they have made the player more stable so it is less likely to freeze-up or stop working in other ways. Everything has been working flawlessly for me.

There is a new service called Vudu now that this player supports. I have not tried to use it yet but it appears to give you one free HD rental so that you can try the service. It looks similar to the Blockbuster streaming app. Most movies appear to have options to rent/buy the title in 3 different formats. HDX (1080p 5.1 Surround), HD (720p 5.1 Surround?), and SD (Standard Definition 480p and I'm not sure on the audio). I have watched a few trailers on Vudu and they stream fine but I haven't tried actually streaming a movie from Vudu yet.
Excellent entry level Blu-Ray player
This is my first stand alone Blu-Ray player purchase. I also have a Playstation 3. Setup on the Samsung was fast and easy. Blu-Ray discs load up fast. I didn't notice any difference in load speeds between this player and the Playstation 3. The quality of upconverting regular DVD's to 1080p was decent. To access the internet features, I'm using an ethernet cable connected to an Actiontec Powerline Adapter. So far, I have streamed HD Netflix movies and checked out a few videos on Youtube. Both worked flawlessly. As another reviewer mentioned a bug regarding sound, I haven't had that issue at all.

As of now, there aren't many internet apps available. That's not a big issue to me since the only ones I will use are Netlfix and Youtube. One issue I did have was using the AccuWeather App. Every time I went into the setup area to input my current location, the app would freeze (New York City weather is the default location). I tried this at least 5 plus times and the freezing issue didn't go away. I had to power down the player and turn it back on every time the app would freeze.

Overall, I'm really happy with the Samsung BD-C5500. I would recommend this to anyone looking to purchase a Blu-Ray player. Besides the issue with the one application, everything has worked fine.
Has a Bug
I am just a common consumer so I can't really compare this to other Blu-Ray players. However, the C5500 starts up and loads fairly quickly. Setup was simple and the GUI is fairly easy. The blu-ray discs I played produced an excellent quality image on my TV. DVDs upscaling to 1080P was okay, about as good as you can hope for. Online features were sort of hit or miss. It was easy enough to setup Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, and Blockbuster. However, I could not get audio to work. Audio from Blu-ray, DVDs, and even from HD Netflix videos was fine, everything else was mute. I tried calling Samsung, but this is such a new product that the customer support can't support it yet. They could only suggest waiting for a new firmware to come out.
I would strongly suggest for people considering this product to wait a month or two for Samsung to begin supporting this device properly. It looks like it will be an excellent product for the price... once the bugs are fixed in subsequent firmware updates.

What is blu ray format

2010-03-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

In the present age of technological advancements, a lot of innovative electronics products have been introduced. Blu-ray is a third generation technology that gives a lot of facilities to the users. The Blu-ray discs are gaining popularity these days and they are able to compete with the other optical media storage devices. These discs have much more storage capacities than the traditional CDs and DVDs. The leading consumer electronics group, Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has developed these storage media.

Blu-ray discs are popular because one can store a huge amount of data in them. The storage capacity of a single-layer disc is up to 25 GB where as a dual-layer product can hold up to 50 GB of memory space. The high definition movies can be saved in these discs and one can watch them with great ease. In fact, a Blu-ray storage product is able to hold around six times more information than any other media. Blu-ray movies have an edge over the HD DVD films. These can store and play the movies of up to 1080 pixels resolution.

Blue Ray Movies feature high quality videos and therefore provide an exciting experience to the users. The DVDs which are available today do not support the high definition video files. One can not store more than 2 -3 movies in them. Therefore, the Blu-ray discs have an edge over the DVDs because of their value-added features. Moreover, these are more resistant to scratches and dust particles. Such movies can be encoded with a number of codecs. A separate codec is used for each movie. The type of codec is decided by the studio or the company that has developed the film.

The video formats which are supported by Blu-ray discs are MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, SMPTE VC-1, etc. The HD audio formats are supported by these devices. However, it depends on the movie studios to decide the audio formats that has to be used in the film. Some of the popular formats are LPCM, DD, DTS-HD, etc. The large storage capacity gives the choice of including a lot of special features in the discs. Some of the features are menus, video graphics, summary, etc. These value-added benefits bring lot of enjoyment to the viewers. One can directly go to the menu system without stopping the movie. Also, the viewers can see the director of the film discussing the scene when it is being played in the background. They can also update the contents given in the movie through internet and download extras from different websites that provide such facility.

The latest Blu-ray movies can be found from many places. These include movie stores, super markets, CDs/DVDs shops and many others. The online websites also provide the Blu-ray films to the viewers. One can find all the hit movies on these portals at reasonable prices. Many innovative schemes and deals are also offered on these portals that makes shopping much more cost-effective for the users. Some of the latest Blu-ray films are "The Orphanage", "Predator", "Juno", "One Missed Call", etc. The viewers can watch them on their DVD players sitting in the home. These movies can be downloaded from a number of websites like Torrentfreak.com, Blu-ray.com, Amazon.co.uk, etc. One has to get himself registered with any of these sites before downloading the movie.

The latest Blu-ray movies discs have got huge response from the viewers worldwide. Some of them have become so popular that they were out of stock within few days of their launch. For example, "Mission Impossible" was a movie that did not have very good sales before the release of its Blu-ray disc version. The new version saw a record sale and became more popular with passage of time. Overall, it is quite clear that the future of Blue-ray movies is very bright and promising. These have brought a new revolution in the entertainment industry and people wait for the arrival of such products.

400 GB of data on a Single Blu-ray Disc

2010-03-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

400 GB of data on a single disc. Seems to be quite amusing for some while some would say that it will take time to achieve it. But Japanese electronics giant Pioneer has made it possible. Pioneer has developed world's first 16-layer blu-ray disc, squeezing 25 GB of data on each layer thus totalling to an amazing figure of 400GB.

The currently commercially available blu-ray discs have the storage capacity of 25 GB. Those having two layers can store 50 GB of data. The problem in developing multiple layers disc have been to obtain a clear and stable signal from each recording layer. The frequently visited problems were crosstalk from adjacent layers and transmission loss. Pioneer managed to overcome these issues and developed a disc structure that reduces crosstalk from adjacent layers. Finally it came with a 16-layer optical disc that can play back high-quality signals from each layer.

The good news is that these high capacity discs are backward-compatible and will play on blu-ray disc players. These discs can be read using the same objective lens in current Blu-ray drives. Video game publishers and movie studios can use these discs to take more content on a single disc.

With the development of this technology, Pioneer is putting a green spin on the development. Discs with such enormous capacities mean fewer resources are consumed to deliver the same data or movies on Blu-ray media. For consumers, the main advantage of this technology is the chances of renting an entire season of a television show or collection of movies on a single disc. No need of disc-swapping.

What is blu ray format

2010-03-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

Market and studio support of both formats grows more exclusive

Compelled to make a choice between the two formats, movie studios and other publishers of video content have found themselves with the unenviable position of choosing a winner in a dead heat. Nevertheless, Blu-Ray appears to be gaining ground in seeking exclusive home video distribution rights from major film studios. As of January 2008, 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, MGM, Buena Vista and Miramax pictures all released their titles exclusively on Blu-ray. Warner Brothers and New Line, currently releasing titles in both formats, will cease HD DVD title distribution in June 2008. The New York Times has predicted Warner Brothers’ defection will effectively end the commercial viability of HD DVD. Toshiba executives meanwhile have vowed to fight on despite the bad news. Paramount, Focus Features, and Universal continue their exclusivity with HD DVD. In September of 2007, Blu-ray was named the format of choice by the Home Theatre Specialists of America, a group that includes some 62 merchants and 800 home theatre installers nationwide.

The winning format will drop in price

It’s important to remember that prices of both formats have been kept somewhat inflated as result of the struggle for market dominance. As one side emerges as the designated industry choice, promotion and advertising incentives will bring the cost of the technology down among its several manufacturers. The product released for the winning format will decrease in price as well, much as DVD costs began to sharply drop following the widespread dissemination of DVD players that began roughly seven years ago. In fact, the home video industry needs prices of high definition video titles to come down as soon as possible. DVD sales, once celebrated as the savior of a film industry facing declining revenue, saw its sales peak last year. Many industry employees look to sales of high definition home videos will bolster that market. However, with many families shifting towards downloading movies from the Internet, the dispute may rapidly become irrelevant.

Shopping for the format of your choice

Buying the high definition player of your choice presents several opportunities to strategically shop for the best bargain. Don’t underestimate the value of a "wait and see" attitude, either: the nonprofit product evaluation group Consumer Reports recommends waiting to see which format comes out on top before making a final decision. When it’s time to shop, though, they also recommend finding the best picture quality for your money. High definition players should all qualify for the technical specifications of high definition picture quality. In addition, most high definition players should be able to convert regular DVD’s into high definition resolution but not HD picture quality.

Taking advantage of sales and discounts

Shopping smart means taking your time and finding the best value for the money you’re prepared to spend. It’s best not to exceed your spending limit, however, as with any family purchase. The electronics superstores are less likely to negotiate a price, but they do frequently offer sales with steep discounts on discontinued models. They may also offer significant savings on floor demonstration units. Shopping online may promise significant savings, but it’s also important to buy safely from a reputable Web site with proven customer service satisfaction commitments. You should also be prepared for the reasonably unlikely chance that the product can become damaged during shipping. DVD players of all kinds are delicate instruments, not entirely well-suited to transit.

Extra warranties and service contracts provide additional peace of mind.

Additional service warranties extend the manufacturer’s warranty and provide the buyer with increased protection in the event of defect or accident. Most electronics superstores offer extended coverage for a small fee atop the actual sales price, betting the consumer won’t need it: modern electronics boast durable construction as a matter of course, making them at least partially correct. But the extended coverage is well worth the peace of mind.

Buy name brand and buy quality merchandise.

There’s an old saying among electronics aficionados: "buy cheap, pay twice." When you shop, you’ll sometimes see obscure brand names on some products that offer a reduced cost. These brands may not meet the rough and tumble standards suitable for an entire family.

Renting and buying titles

Home video title providers like Netflix and Blockbuster have been quick to capitalize on the new high definition market. Netflix, the largest online movie rental service, offers both Blu-Ray and HD DVD titles as part of its monthly service plans. Blockbuster carries Blu-ray in over 1100 stores and also stocks both formats online and in its 250 stores that already rent both high-definition formats. Several national retail superstores carry titles in both formats online and in their stores, including Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy.

Finally, many of the major film studios have implemented release schedules that allow high definition titles to accompany their standard DVD new releases to stores on a same-day basis. As one format gradually assumes dominance over the other, this trend will likely become regular practice.

How To Make the Best Choice When Buying HD DVD or Blu-Ray

2010-03-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

The technology is brand new, even if the economics driving their sales and selection are strikingly familiar. The so-called "format war" between High Definition DVD (HD DVD) and Blu-Ray players for market dominance harkens many analysts and home video collectors back to the 1980s, when VHS and Betamax vied for ultimate consumer loyalty. In time, prices and entertainment options pushed VHS to dominate, driving the Betamax format into obsolescence and obscurity. Now that same choice and fear of getting stuck with obsolete or market forsaken technology face modern families confused about which player represents the more sensible investment. However, certain emerging trends indicate the Blu-ray format may have turned the corner on its competitor.

Blu-ray and HD DVD use similar lasers to read information.

For as much as they're different in format and market support, HD DVD and Blu-Ray players are surprisingly simple in one basic functioning principle. Both use a blue laser with a much shorter wavelength than the traditional red-hued laser found on standard DVD players. This shorter-wavelength beam allows the players to interpret and understand many more times the amount of information stored on a disc. For example, the typical Blu-ray disc has roughly five times the storage capacity as a standard DVD player, while HD DVD has storage space three times that of standard DVD. That extra storage capacity is used to compile and render more detailed video images and more intricate and robust audio – there's enough capacity, in fact, to keep pace with High Definition Television's (HDTV) massive data requirements.

From that one common feature, the two formats diverged.

Blu-ray and HD DVD use differing formats to process the video and sound information recorded on the laser disc. The reasons for the differences are embedded deep with the formats' research and development over the past ten years. The Blu-ray format and player was designed by a consortium of entertainment companies known as the Blue-ray Disc Corporation. HD DVD was developed through an agreement with the Toshiba and Microsoft corporations, after Microsoft head Bill Gates determined Blu-Ray's Java-based software engine would not work as well as with personal computers as Microsoft's own technology.

Repeated attempts at negotiating a compromise between the BDA and the DVD Forum (The Toshiba-led consortium promoting HD DVD format) failed. By the middle of 2006, both formats had entered the marketplace, with a steady stream of movie titles becoming available for each format in the following months. Consumer experts began warning a format war could prove long and costly to manufacturers and customers alike. They were right.

Public reception of both formats was mixed, uncertain.

Far from a warm welcome, both Blu-Ray and HD DVD players and titles received a mixed reception from the DVD marketplace. Some statistics show only 750,000 of each player were sold in the United States in 2007.

Blu-Ray enjoyed a noteworthy advantage in that Sony's new Playstation 3 gaming console includes Blu-ray player capability. In fact, some statistics show that 74 percent of all Blu-ray players sold last year came bundled inside the Playstation 3. As a result, Blu-ray disc sales continue to outsell HD DVD discs by a sizeable margin. Not to be outdone, Microsoft has released an upgrade kit for its Xbox 360 gaming platform to play HD DVDs. Currently only Toshiba markets stand-alone HD DVD players. Blu-Ray enjoys more widespread support from Sony, Panasonic, Dell, LG Electronics, and several others.

During the ongoing struggle, some market analysts questioned the need for either format, let alone two separate yet ostensibly similar technologies that seemingly fueled consumer confusion. Some commentators have even questioned the necessity of high definition home video until such time as High Definition Television (HDTV) more firmly establishes itself in the American home. They point to sluggish sales of either player as proof of the public's disinterest in any form of high definition home video.

In Part Two we'll look at shopping tips for buying the best player and also how the major film studios and rental companies are meeting the demand for HD DVD and Blu-ray entertainment. We'll also show how one format is quickly pulling ahead of the other.

Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and baby resources at cornerstork.

What is the Difference between HD DVD and Blu Ray

2010-03-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

HD DVD and Blu-ray are two competing disc technologies. They are high-definition optical disc formats, which are incompatible with each other. They were developed with intent to replace the existing DVD format that is widely used by the computer users across the globe. Will the technologies replace the DVD format? Which technology will dominate the computer market in the coming years? Let time decide that, while we turn to understanding the differences between the HD DVD and Blu-ray technologies.

What is Blu-ray Technology?

Blu-ray is an optical disc format of the forthcoming generations. The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of prominent consumer electronics and personal computer manufacturers, develops this disc format. Blu-ray discs are optical disc storage media that can be used for the storage of high-definition video and data. A blue or violet colored laser beam of a short wavelength is used to read and write in this disc. Owing to the short wavelength of the laser beam, more data can be stored on a relatively lesser space. In spite of the physical dimensions similar to a DVD, a Blu-ray disc can store a greater amount of data. A single layer Blu-ray disc stores as much as 25 GB data while a dual-layer disc can store up to 50 GB of data.

What is HD DVD?

HD DVD is short for High-Definition/Density Digital Versatile Disc. It is an optical disc format used for storing high-definition video. Toshiba, a multinational manufacturing company, leading in the field of infrastructure, consumer products and electronic devices, developed HD DVD. However, lately, Toshiba has declared that it has stopped developing HD DVD drives or players. Like Blu-ray discs, HD DVDs are available in readable as well as rewritable formats.

What is the difference between HD DVD and Blu-ray?

Both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs were designed to compete with the existing DVD format. They offer greater storage capacities and the encoding methods they use endow them with a higher quality of audio and video playback. The two formats differ in many ways.

Firstly, a single-layer HD DVD can store 15 GB data while a single-layer Blu-ray disc is capable of storing 25 GB data. Secondly, the maximum bit rate for raw data transfer that is offered by HD DVDs is 36.5 Mbits/s while that offered by Blu-ray discs is as high as 53.9 Mbits/s. The wavelength of the laser used to write on both HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs is 405 nanometers. The numerical aperture of the lens that is used to focus the laser beam on the disk is different for HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs. For HD DVDs, it is 0.65 nanometers while it is 0.85 nanometers for Blu-ray discs. Frame rates refer to the frequencies at which the storage devices produce consecutive images. The frame rate offered by HD DVDs is 25-30 frames per second while that offered by Blu-ray discs is 24 frames per second. Hardcoating is mandatory for Blu-ray discs while this is not the case with HD DVDs. Blu-ray discs employ three region codes while HD DVDs are region-free.

Although HD DVDs and Blu-ray disc technologies seem to be similar, they exhibit some major differences. Wondering which one’s better? That, you are to decide.

Metropolis Director's Cut in UK Theaters Before Blu-ray

2010-02-24T01:18:00.000-08:00

Eureka Entertainment has announced the continuation of its long association with Fritz Lang's 1927 cinema classic Metropolis, a restored and reconstructed “Director's Cut” of which received its highly anticipated world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 12. UK audiences will get their first glimpse of the film returned to its original glory (for the first time in 83 years, after materials were cut and lost after its 1927 premiere) when the film is re-released theatrically nationwide later in the year, followed by a new Blu-ray edition in The Masters of Cinema Series.

Monsters vs Aliens 3D Blu-ray Exclusive with Samsung TVs

2010-02-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

During the unveiling of its product lineup, the European branch of consumer-electronics company Samsung announced that, in order to get customers started with stereoscopic home cinema, the 3D version of the 2009 Dreamworks Animation blockbuster Monsters vs. Aliens will be available exclusively bundled with Samsung Full HD 3D televisions, expected to launch in March.

At the moment, there is no information regarding the duration of that exclusivity deal, or whether it will also apply to the US.

Blu ray players compared

2010-02-24T01:01:00.000-08:00

Murphy's Law seemed to be the theme for Blu-ray in 2006. In addition to firmware foul-ups and component shortages, a lackluster slate of early Blu-ray movies let underdog HD-DVD steal the show. But a new year means new opportunity: the number of available Blu-ray titles is soon expected to surpass that of HD-DVD, and there are actually some players you can buy. So far, the PlayStation 3 is the runaway winner, offering excellent Blu-ray playback in addition to its HD gaming and multimedia capabilities--all for hundreds less than the price of competing players. Moreover, the PS3 is the only player that boasts bleeding-edge HDMI 1.3 compatibility, and it's going to remain in the line-up for years to come. Meanwhile, the other first-generation players shown here will be soon overshadowed by their inevitable successors, certain to be on display at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show. In other words: Blu-ray fans who can't get their hands on a PS3 should wait to see what the second-generation players will offer later in 2007 before taking the plunge.

Blu Ray Facts

2010-02-24T00:57:00.000-08:00

Blu-Ray technology is the next generation of optical disc format developed by the Blu-Ray Disc Association(BDA) and major developers of consumer electronics, computers, and media manufacturers around the globe. The technology will enable consumers to store large amount of data (5 to 6 times more than DVD), record/rewrite digital content, and watch high definition videos via Blu-Ray devices. The Blu-Ray disc comes in two types: Single layer disc which will be introduced first in the market and dual layer disc which will follow near future. The single layer can hold up to 25 GB of data which equates to about 2 hours of recording/playing time of digital content on HDTV and 13 hours of non-digital content from a regular television. The dual layer disc will hold data up to 50 GB and it will be mainly utilized for gaming (PS3) and entertainment purpose.

The current optical disc technology such as DVD utilizes red laser to read and write data. However, the Blu-Ray technology uses blue- violet laser to read and write. There are several differences between the red laser and blue laser. First, the wavelength of a blue-violet laser is shorter (405nm) than the red laser (650nm). Second, the numerical aperture has been improved to 0.85 from .60. The shorter wavelength of a blue-violet laser leads to more accurate focus on the laser spot, which makes it possible to pack more data onto a DVD sized disc. The numerical aperture measures the ability of a lens to gather and focus light. The aperture number 1 represents the greatest focusing power and smallest laser spot. The DVD?s numerical aperture ranges from .50 to .65 compared to the Blu-Ray?s numerical aperture of .85, making it a big improvement over the existing optical disc technology.

The technology industry has seen an explosive demand for the HDTV and consumer’s desire to record high definition content. Fueling the demand is the U.S government’s mandate to shut off analog broadcast by February 17th of 2009 and replace it with digital broadcast. The Blu-Ray technology was created out of necessity to meet the new demand and to set a new standard in the field of optical disc. This technology supports direct recording of the MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream) which is used by many digital broadcasters globally. In other words, digital content from HDTV can be recorded directly to the disc without compromising quality and extraneous processing power. Also, Blu-ray will support MPEG-4 in H.264, and SMPTE, Microsoft’s Windows Media Video. The Blu-Ray’s 1x speed is rated at 36Mbps which is less than the required 54Mbps for movies and games. Movies and game discs will utilize at least 2x speed, which is 72Mbps data transfer rate, to complement the large amount of data required for high definition content. This fast rate is more than sufficient to record and playback HDTV while maintaining the original picture quality. It is very possible to watch playback video and record HD video at the same time through the use of random access feature offered by the Blu-ray technology.

Blu-ray Players

2010-02-24T00:55:00.001-08:00

In the Blu-ray player section you will always find up-to-date information about new and upcoming Blu-ray players, Blu-ray player reviews, photos and product images, detailed specifications about Blu-ray players including release dates, media, audio- and video playback, connections, features etc. You can also search for players and features, and easily compare Blu-ray players using our comparison functions.

blu ray players

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)From SonyPrice:$289.99Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business daysShips from and sold by amazing SuperSaver

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)From Sony

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Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc PlayerFrom SamsungPrice:$299.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc PlayerFrom Samsung

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Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc PlayerFrom SonyPrice:$210.00Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business daysShips from and sold by amazing SuperSaver

Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc PlayerFrom Sony

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OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD, DVD-Audio, and VRS Technology

OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD, DVD-Audio, and VRS TechnologyFrom OPPO Digital, Inc.

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Editorial Reviews

Review from HomeTheaterMag.com: Oppo BDP-83SE

Customer Reviews

Roku HD Player

Roku HD PlayerFrom Roku, Inc.

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Editorial Reviews

As Easy As 1 - 2 - 3

Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand

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Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)From Sony

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Key Features

Customer Reviews

Panasonic DMP-BD70V Blu-ray Disc/VHS Multimedia Player

Panasonic DMP-BD70V Blu-ray Disc/VHS Multimedia PlayerFrom Panasonic

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Editorial Reviews

Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand

Customer Reviews

Samsung BD-C5500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

Samsung BD-C5500 1080p Blu-ray Disc PlayerFrom Samsung

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Editorial Reviews

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Customer Reviews

What is blu ray format

400 GB of data on a Single Blu-ray Disc

What is blu ray format

How To Make the Best Choice When Buying HD DVD or Blu-Ray

What is the Difference between HD DVD and Blu Ray

Metropolis Director's Cut in UK Theaters Before Blu-ray

Monsters vs Aliens 3D Blu-ray Exclusive with Samsung TVs

Blu ray players compared

Blu Ray Facts

Blu-ray Players

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)
From Sony
Price: $289.99

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by amazing SuperSaver

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)
From Sony

Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Samsung
Price: $299.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Samsung

Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Sony
Price: $210.00

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by amazing SuperSaver

Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Sony

OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD, DVD-Audio, and VRS Technology
From OPPO Digital, Inc.

Roku HD Player
From Roku, Inc.

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)
From Sony

Panasonic DMP-BD70V Blu-ray Disc/VHS Multimedia Player
From Panasonic

Samsung BD-C5500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Samsung