Standalone player vs PS3?

[Grimfate126]

I'm glad someone bumped this. I actually typed this up a couple of weeks ago and forgot about it.

Things standalones can do that the PS3 can't:

I've seen quite a few people promote the PS3. It's a media server, game console and a Blu-ray player. It's also the fastest, most responsive and most compatible Blu-ray player. Some models even play SACD's. I can totally understand wanting a PS3 as a primary Blu-Ray player. However, there are a few reasons why someone might prefer a standalone.

The facts:

#1) All current standalones use a IR remote out of the box without the need for a separate workaround.

- Whats better, a $500 player with a $10 attachment for bluetooth->IR, OR a $1000 player with no attachment.

#2) Most standalones have multichannel analog outs for AVR's and pre-pro's that don't do PCM audio over HDMI. (However, most standalones with multichannel analog outs don't decode all of the new high res audio formats! )

- You just contradicted yourself... nice.

#3) Some people want region free playback. The LG BH200 can be modified with a few simple remote codes plus a simple software hack (no opening the case necessary) to do region free SD DVD and Blu-Ray playback. For people who don't want to be fed just what their home country feeds them, this is a real alternative. The LG BH200 can also do PAL playback for displays that support it.

- Hacks? Most users who dont probably dont even game wont appreciate having to hack their $1000 players, especially when you can just buy the correct version for 50-60 bucks. Dont tell me its a waste. You'll do it once, and learn. Besides, if u can afford a 400-600 dollar CONSOLE, chances are you arent exactly living under a bridge.

#4) DVD-A support--the Panasonic DMP-BD10AK can play DVD-A's out of the box.

- Wtf? does this even count anymore? ps3 plays SACD's, which are MUCH better than DVD-A's. Look it up. Again, pay $1000 for DVD-A's, or buy SACD's for 20 bucks and buy a $500 player.

#5) The PS3 uses more electricity than a standalone.

- oh n0es! assuming u dont watch movies for more than 20 hours a day, this shouldnt make a bit mark on your bill.

The subjective stuff:

#1) The PS3 is loud. Many say the 40GB models are quiet.

- Unless you like watching movies with 0 volume, this is a non-issue. concentrating on the actual movie might also help.

#2) Many say standalones have better PQ when playing back Blu-rays.

- Most players dont. Unless you want to pay up anywhere from 800-2000 for a SLIGHTLY better picture.

#3) The PS3 is ugly.

- Meghan Fox is sexy.

#4) The PS3 runs hot.

- again, do you stroke your ps3 while watching movies? this is the stupidest point ever. as long as it doesnt overheat, WHICH IT DOESNT, all is fine.

#5) Some standalones arguably have better upconverting abilities.

- read number 2.

#6) The PS3 can't bitstream high res codecs for a receiver to decode. (IMHO, this one is a feature. But others want their receivers to light up. It's a fact, but I put it in subjective as it's not really a drawback.)

- the ps3 doesnt need to bitstream them, it internally decodes almost all high def. 7.1 formats. maybe all, but im too lazy to check.

#7) The PS3 has no front panel display. (Again, not really a drawback IMHO.)

- most standalones dont have "Playstation 3" written on them.
===============
Other sources:
CNet — http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9941740-1.html
Article by Josh Z. in Home Theater Magazine (not online yet)
http://forums.highdefdigest.com/showthread.php?t=59285

to all others, wow. have fun wasting 500 dollars.

 

[Seth=L]

to all others, wow. have fun wasting 500 dollars.

I agree with your points in regards to a superior performing product per dollar. Some people just don't want to have a PS3. Old folks don't want a PS3, and cool audio dudes don't want the eliptically shaped funny box sitting on their rack with all the other square gear. I understand the point behind stand alone players. However, I have a PS3 and would have a hard time deciding to get anything else when the PS3 offers such a value over the competition.

 

[Grimfate126]

I agree with your points in regards to a superior performing product per dollar. Some people just don't want to have a PS3. Old folks don't want a PS3, and cool audio dudes don't want the eliptically shaped funny box sitting on their rack with all the other square gear. I understand the point behind stand alone players. However, I have a PS3 and would have a hard time deciding to get anything else when the PS3 offers such a value over the competition.

yea, its actually sad how much people are hooked on asthetics. but hey, its their money wasted. we're just trying to help them see the light.

no ones gonna hate you for having a ps3 along with ur other av equipment, and like i said, unless you watch your equipment rather than the movie, it makes no difference.

im sticking with the ps3 till protein disks come out

 

[Grimfate126]

See that's the part I really don't understand. Why can Sony build that into the PS3 but not the BD350 or 550?

- Im pretty sure it has to do with better hardware (Cell and whatnot).

I do get what you're saying on the other stuff though. I'm probably a bit more to side of buying things that make me fill whatever internal perception I'm trying to statisfy at any given time. Once I determine that it performs and is a quality piece, my only concern then becomes "will I smile as I fall asleep knowing I own this?"

- Youd rather spend 500 extra dollars to get a good nights sleep? Not even, since you dont care about anything when youre sleeping. I could recommend excellent sleeping pills for about 20 dollars.

Kinda lame and childish, but it makes me feel good... in a shallow and non-important way.

This is why Bose is still in business, the "feel good" factor they generate. get over it people.

lol, im an enthusiast

 

[itschris]

yea, its actually sad how much people are hooked on asthetics. but hey, its their money wasted. we're just trying to help them see the light.

no ones gonna hate you for having a ps3 along with ur other av equipment, and like i said, unless you watch your equipment rather than the movie, it makes no difference.

im sticking with the ps3 till protein disks come out

When did it become "wasting money" to get what you want vs just what you need? I don't care what anyone thinks of my system... beyond just what it does, no else cares about any of my equipment or what it looks like besides myself. I'm quite sure you take great satisfaction in the components that you do have or else you would not have bought them. It's not about watching your equipment instead of your movie, its about having the stuff YOU want in YOUR rack. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[BMXTRIX]

When did it become "wasting money" to get what you want vs just what you need? I don't care what anyone thinks of my system... beyond just what it does, no else cares about any of my equipment or what it looks like besides myself. I'm quite sure you take great satisfaction in the components that you do have or else you would not have bought them. It's not about watching your equipment instead of your movie, its about having the stuff YOU want in YOUR rack. Nothing more, nothing less.

This is only true to an extent...

If someone is thrilled with a Bose surround system, it's still garbage, still wasted their money, and still doesn't sound as good as most other systems on the market.

The point is not that you are wrong, but that 'what I want is all that matters' is just like saying 'what sounds best is all that matters'. Neither statement is really true. There has to be a balance between looks and functionality, and almost every single person who actually owns a PS3 has been very happy with the performance they have received for playback. They get both functionality, and the cost savings they desire. Perhaps at what some may consider a performance or aesthetical appeal hit. Yet, aesthetics really fall off the charts for being able to be evaluated.

If I love my Yugo and it saved me so much money, who is to tell me it sucks? ANSWER: Everyone! Everyone has that right because despite my cost savings I have a vehicle that is a POS.

Likewise, if you choose to spend more money, or the same money on a player which is slower to respond, isn't as fully featured, and isn't as easily upgradable, then the numbers are realistically going to show that as accurate.

Perhaps that's a price you are willing to pay for something to look better, but in this world of A/V that boils CDs and uses cable risers, don't think that it will go without at least a bit of heckling. Hopefully good natured of course.

I really am just waiting for 2.0 to come at PS3 speeds for about $300 - then I'm likely to abandon my PS3. That, and a 400 disc BD changer.

 

[Grimfate126]

When did it become "wasting money" to get what you want vs just what you need?

- So buying a Ferrari for 100k just for everyday commuting is not a waste of money? Maybe not to you, but id rather get a nice, decent car, and do more important things with the HUGE leftover, like donation, saving, etc. (im sounding like my mom :O). This type of thinking is what gets most people into debt as well. Also, this isnt even like the Ferrari. The ps3 is likely BETTER than a more expensive standalone, so basically, youre going back to asthetics, which is just plain senseless.

I don't care what anyone thinks of my system... beyond just what it does, no else cares about any of my equipment or what it looks like besides myself.

- Good for you. But, think about it. Do you really pay attention to looks after a couple days? Most likely not. This is a good example: (i like to call it the "new-car-smell" fallacy ) My sister was looking at cars, a Nissan Versa to be exact. She found 2, a new one, for around 18k, and a used version, (which was recertified, and re-polished, and was indistinguishable from a new one) for 14k. She bought the 18k model. When i asked her why, she simply said "because its new" I hope you see what im pointing to here. All she did was pay 4k for the "new car smell".

I'm quite sure you take great satisfaction in the components that you do have or else you would not have bought them. It's not about watching your equipment instead of your movie, its about having the stuff YOU want in YOUR rack. Nothing more, nothing less.

- Of course i take great satisfaction is everything i own, as all of us do. However, obviously, i would be more satisfied with an Onkyo-805. After that, i would only be satisfied by an extremely high-end brand. This continues and ultimately leaves you with absolutely no satisfaction, and probably no money either. I take more pride in knowing i made a good decision, and didnt waste hundreds of dollars on something for stupid reasons. Just because you want it, doesnt mean its worth it.

im not saying dont go for a standalone (or any other equipment), im simply saying make a wise decision. I assume you (as well as most of us) arent a billionaire, so money does count.

 

[Seth=L]

im not saying dont go for a standalone (or any other equipment), im simply saying make a wise decision. I assume you (as well as most of us) arent a billionaire, so money does count.

Indeed, for example....

If you buy this Blu-ray player when it comes out, you've been either dooped or you're just a persistant fool.

 

[Grimfate126]

Indeed, for example....

If you buy this Blu-ray player when it comes out, you've been either dooped or you're just a persistant fool.

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

whats the expected price for it?

 

[Adam]

I'll preface this by saying that I'm not trying to advocate a stand-alone player over a PS3. Some things just caught my attention.

Do you really pay attention to looks after a couple days?

Oh, hells ya. I certainly do. Every day. I try to never choose form above function, but function ain't everything. I don't judge people who choose things solely for their function - well done and kudos. Very enlightened of you. I'm not that way. I don't think that looks are everything, but neither is personality. I figure that I look at my receiver, my amps, and everything else on a daily basis - and I want to be pleased with what I see.

So buying a Ferrari for 100k just for everyday commuting is not a waste of money?

Ummm, what? Outside of the extra cost of Scotch-guarding the seats because I'd literally wet myself every time I went to work, I'd love to have one. How can you even compare a Ferrari to something like a Civic? Again, you must be far more enlightened than I, because I would looooove to have a Ferrari. They are beautiful and very nice machines. Plus, if I could get a new one for only $100k, I'd jump at it. [Keep in mind that I drive 75+ miles a day, so it's not like I'm just going down the block.]


BTW, Grimfate, I've got to thank you. Honestly. I laughed for a while when I read "lol, im an enthusiast ". Good stuff!

 

[Grimfate126]

I'll preface this by saying that I'm not trying to advocate a stand-alone player over a PS3. Some things just caught my attention.

- Protecting yourself from my wrath are we ;)

Oh, hells ya. I certainly do. Every day. I try to never choose form above function, but function ain't everything. I don't judge people who choose things solely for their function - well done and kudos. I don't think that looks are everything, but neither is personality. I figure that I look at my receiver, my amps, and everything else on a daily basis - and I want to be pleased with what I see.

- People i can understand. I dont want to marry Monica Lewinsky, thats for sure. But, equipment, in my POV, is a different story. Its not like the PS3 is super-ugly. Its actually very sleek. In this case, its a win-win. If we were dealing with the player that Seth=L mentioned, then it would be a different story.

Ummm, what? Outside of the extra cost of Scotch-guarding the seats because I'd literally wet myself every time I went to work, I'd love to have one. How can you even compare a Ferrari to something like a Civic? Again, you must be far more enlightened than I, because I would looooove to have a Ferrari. They are beautiful and very nice machines. Plus, if I could get a new one for only $100k, I'd jump at it. [Keep in mind that I drive 75+ miles a day, so it's not like I'm just going down the block.]

-ok, so it wasnt the best analogy But, hopefully, you get my point.

BTW, Grimfate, I've got to thank you. Honestly. I laughed for a while when I read "lol, im an enthusiast ". Good stuff!

-

Me? Enlightened?

apparently my boss doesnt think so.

 

[Seth=L]

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

whats the expected price for it?

$750 I believe. It's a rebadged Funai (the same as the Magnavox sold at Wal-Mart and the Insignia at Best Buy) if my eyes don't decieve me. Funai has OEM'd many of Denon's DVD players as well.

 

[Grimfate126]

$750 I believe. It's a rebadged Funai (the same as the Magnavox sold at Wal-Mart and the Insignia at Best Buy) if my eyes don't decieve me. Funai has OEM'd many of Denon's DVD players as well.

wow. $750.

and ill bet people will still get this just because its a box.

 

[Adam]

Me? Enlightened?

apparently my boss doesnt think so.

Pesky bosses. They just don't get it, do they?

I totally understand what your saying, but I also understand Chris. Some people can deal with function alone, others like the aesthetics. I like the aesthetics. I can't always afford it, but I like it. Some people pay a lot of money for a painting that will hang on the wall. Functional? No. Pleasing? To them, yes. I see some electrical equipment the same way. There's really no right or wrong in it. It's just personal preference.

As for the PS3 - if I were to buy a BR player, I'd probably get a PS3 because it also plays games.

 

[Seth=L]

wow. $750.

and ill bet people will still get this just because its a box.

They'll get it because it says Denon on it, even though you can get the same thing for probably under $300 by the time it does finally roll out.

 

[Grimfate126]

Pesky bosses. They just don't get it, do they?

I totally understand what your saying, but I also understand Chris. Some people can deal with function alone, others like the aesthetics. I like the aesthetics. I can't always afford it, but I like it. Some people pay a lot of money for a painting that will hang on the wall. Functional? No. Pleasing? To them, yes. I see some electrical equipment the same way. There's really no right or wrong in it. It's just personal preference.

As for the PS3 - if I were to buy a BR player, I'd probably get a PS3 because it also plays games.

sigh. i hate it when people are nice to me. i cant legally get angry

yea, that may explain why i have only 2 paintings in my house, both coming from my parents

you have to admit though. people who are aesthetically based tend to spend much more money. but its for their happiness, so i guess its good.

 

[Grimfate126]

They'll get it because it says Denon on it, even though you can get the same thing for probably under $300 by the time it does finally roll out.

Same with Bose.

I swear, Americans are starting to piss me off with sheer stupidity (yes, i am, to an extent, american). Obviously, not anyone on this forum, since you actually need brains to post. I just saw 2 couples purchase a 1200 Bose cube system at Fry's.

I cried in the car.

 

[BMXTRIX]

How can you even compare a Ferrari to something like a Civic? Again, you must be far more enlightened than I, because I would looooove to have a Ferrari. They are beautiful and very nice machines. Plus, if I could get a new one for only $100k, I'd jump at it.

I think this is a real crux comparison because it is so inaccurate.

What if you can get an 'ugly' Ferrari for $10K, but it is truly a fully well built Ferrari under the looks, but you have to pay $20K, or more for a Civic? Or about the same price ($10K) for a Pinto?

This is the current state of the PS3 comparison. It literally outperforms the competition by a fairly wide margin. The only Ferrari on the market IS the PS3 at this time. I've played with the $2,000 Denon and the PS3 outperforms it easily.

So, until such time as we see a real player that is a PS3 in performance, and has the sexy lines of a great piece of A/V gear, I will continue to recommend the PS3, and continue to use my PS3. Seriously, I have no issues with people spending twice as much for the SAME level of performance to get the aesthetics. But, spending the same or more on far less performance is an atrocity in the world of A/V.

 

[itschris]

I think saying anything is a "waste of money" is relative and up to the individual. I promise you, the people that bought that cube system will spend years marveling at the angelic-like sound they hear from the cubes. Fine... we know otherwise, but they're happy and know no different and probably would not be easily convinced of the mistake they made ... if you could do it at all. Waste of money, to me and you? Yeah, of course. To them? I doubt you could convince them of that. Perception is 95% of reality... and don't kid yourself... all of us fall for it to some degree or another. We've all argued that this was a better choice, better sounding, better buy, whatever, then the next thing when test after test has shown that there is very little audible differences between comprable equipment. That being said, we still convince ourselves otherwise and choose the one we want.

No one "needs" a Ferrari. No one needs an Astin Martin, but I tell you what, when my boss and go to lunch or dinner in his Vanquish, it sure makes me smile. Overkill? You bet, but it's still fun.

I too am waiting for a standalone player that works as well as the PS3. I'm hoping Sony's Electronics group has spent a lot of time talking with their gaming group and have made the new 350 and 550 work as well as the PS3. We'll see.

 

[Grimfate126]

I think saying anything is a "waste of money" is relative and up to the individual. I promise you, the people that bought that cube system will spend years marveling at the angelic-like sound they hear from the cubes. Fine... we know otherwise, but they're happy and know no different and probably would not be easily convinced of the mistake they made ... if you could do it at all. Waste of money, to me and you? Yeah, of course. To them? I doubt you could convince them of that. Perception is 95% of reality... and don't kid yourself... all of us fall for it to some degree or another. We've all argued that this was a better choice, better sounding, better buy, whatever, then the next thing when test after test has shown that there is very little audible differences between comprable equipment. That being said, we still convince ourselves otherwise and choose the one we want.

- This isnt like Bose. The people in this thread completely know that they are making a bad decision, and they still choose the bad choice. That's what confuses me. Not knowing and doing is fine, but knowing and doing is stupid.

No one "needs" a Ferrari. No one needs an Astin Martin, but I tell you what, when my boss and go to lunch or dinner in his Vanquish, it sure makes me smile. Overkill? You bet, but it's still fun.

- This isnt like that either. Your boss is most likely very well off, which isnt the case for most of us middle-classers. I would love it if i could watch my blu-rays on the latest high end $ 50000 player that my friend has, but that doesnt mean i should buy it.

I too am waiting for a standalone player that works as well as the PS3. I'm hoping Sony's Electronics group has spent a lot of time talking with their gaming group and have made the new 350 and 550 work as well as the PS3. We'll see.

Btw, Nadal is owning federer.