Pickin' out a blu-ray..help please.

[bkmerrill]

So, it's time that i upgrade to blu-ray to accompany my sony xbr4 tv and htib surround sound. I am having a WORLD of trouble determining which blu-ray player is best, so help me out. I would like audio decoding for every format, profile 2.0, and easy updates to firmware, as well as a player that will go well with a new receiver in a year or two (probably around $600 like the current Yammy 663 or something comparable). Finally it is very important that i find a unit that can upconvert my dvd's to a good picture quality!

Priorities: *HDMI 1.3
1) safe for future (firmware updates etc.) (profile 2.0)
2) picture quality for both bd and dvd (good upconversion, etc.)
3) audio decoding ability
4) compatibility with new reciever (ie yammy 663)
5) bitstreaming ability
6) wifi and IR ability, not a deal breaker either way...

Here are my options that Ive gathered so far and what I think of them:

1) PS3-seems to be the best bet. My cheap htib receiver doesnt do decoding for dts MA, so i dont need something that can bitstream YET, and even when i do upgrade my receiver in the next year or two, i have read that the sound doesnt differ if the ps3 decodes it, or the receiver, so (assuming the previous statement is correct) that feature doesnt matter if the blu-ray player can internally decode every format, as the PS3 can do. Also, I WILL be using the ps3 for games IF i get it, but i also have an xbox, which will most likely remain my primary gaming console, so im not dying for the gaming platform..but it could be fun.

2) Pioneer BDP-51fd-seems to be a great option, although slightly bulky. I like that it has the capability to decode and bitstream every format, and its price is down around $300 now i believe. also has a good selection of outputs (several are even gold plated ).

3) Sony BDP-s560-new updated version. same price as the ps3. has wifi!!! which is really cool, as well as the ability to decode and bitstream every format and upscale dvd's.

4) Denon 1800BD-a little more expensive, although i think it can be had under 400-500 these days. made by denon, which is good in itself. rated number 2 among all bd players by consumer reports..impressive!

5) Panasonic DMP-bd60 or bd80 (new)-dont know much about it, but the old bd35 and bd55 had GREAT reviews. the dmp-bd80 is supposed to decode dts MA.

What would you guys do?! right now im leaning towards just going ahead with the PS3, but would some of these others give huge advantages in blu-ray picture quality, or picture quality on regular DVD? lets hear what yall have to say!

Thanks.

 

[bkmerrill]

also, i have read some rumors of a new PS4 coming out in 2010 or 2011. a sony representative has guaranteed that there definitely will be another model, but not until 2010 at least. maybe i should get a low end standalone ($300 range) and pick up the ps4 right when it comes out...

decisions. decisions.

 

[j_garcia]

PS4? HIGHLY doubtful that it will be that soon.

My money is on the Panasonics or the forthcoming Oppo. (I am currently waiting for the Oppo to become available myself). The Oppo will be more than the Panasonics though.

 

[mperfct]

Here are my options that Ive gathered so far and what I think of them:

1) PS3-Can't argue against it really. It doesn't do any blu-ray playing features particularly well, but doesn't do anything that bad either. It is fast.

2) Pioneer BDP-51fd-Not Profile 2.0, doesn't decode DTS-MA, however will blow away every other player on here in PQ and SQ. Plus you can get it for ~$270 if you look around a bit. A bit slower player, but I don't think that really matters.

3) Sony BDP-s560-this wouldn't be a bad choice, but no one has seen one so I can't speak for SQ/PQ.

4) Denon 1800BD-pretty pricey, with the inclusion the Pio 51, I'd throw this one out.

5) Panasonic DMP-bd60 or bd80 (new)-Same as Sony, but given that the BD35/55 were held in a higher regard than the Sonys, I'd lean towards this choice.

My answers are above. That should help steer you in the right direction.