3D-BD, Netflix, Streaming movies - what device?

[dalessandro12]

I am looking for a single device that does all of the above. I believe most of the new internet Blu Ray players stream Netflix and DLNA content that I can link up to my server, but does anyone have one of these? Any recommendations?

I'd like to get something under $300 or $350 if possible. I don't "need" 3D but want to make everything 3D compatible to "future proof" me for the next few months - haha

Thanks

 

[dalessandro12]

It looks like this Sony is 3D, wifi enabled with Netflix app, and DLNA compliant. Looks like a pretty good deal from Costco for $229 with HDMI cable.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11529737&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|79|87120&N=4040224&Mo=6&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=87120&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

 

[j_garcia]

Right now it would be between the Panasonic BD65 or BD85(analog outs) or the Sony S570 for what you are looking for IMO.

 

[dalessandro12]

I was doing some research and it looks like the Costco player I liked is a rebranded S570 (so nobody to price match Costco's price).

I found a CNET youtube review of this and they said that the Netflix streaming wasn't great and that 3D and DLNA (and Pandora) support weren't available yet and awaiting firmware updates.

Are there any issues with enabling these types of features via firmware updates?

 

[j_garcia]

IMO, Netflix streaming isn't great period So, I would probalby not use that as a factor in buying a high def player.

I would honestly choose the Panasonics over the Sony anyway. You probably won't find many reviews of them yet, as they are pretty new.

As for 3D, the current players are mostly designed to support it, but it isn't available yet. AFAIK, there is only one 3D disc on the market right now anyway and it is $349 (starter kit, includes glasses)

 

[dalessandro12]

I actually like the Netflix streaming. I get that it isn't going to be 1080P, but for streaming old movies and TV shows (wife and I are watching the series Prison Break) it suits us fine.

I've also read the PS3 can do all of the above. My concern is streaming videos from my server but I've seen some forums where it can be set up using the PS3. I just get nervous spending money on a device assuming one of the features I want will work *sometime* in the future, and work correctly.

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, I was going to say the PS3 does all of this right now via wired or wifi with the exception of 3D BD. The PS3 does 3D for games but not movies yet; that will also be added at a later date via firmware. The PS3 can stream Netflix directly, you just need to have their disc inserted in the player for their Java app to run so you can browse and launch (and review) the movies right from there and that is something I don't think many other players can do. The downside is that control of the PS3 is via bluetooth and to switch to IR will cost you about an additional $40-50 for an adapter. It is a very good blu-ray player as well, but it does have fan noise that most stand alone players will not have.

 

[renegade87]

Yes, I was going to say the PS3 does all of this right now via wired or wifi with the exception of 3D BD. The PS3 does 3D for games but not movies yet; that will also be added at a later date via firmware. The PS3 can stream Netflix directly, you just need to have their disc inserted in the player for their Java app to run so you can browse and launch (and review) the movies right from there and that is something I don't think many other players can do. The downside is that control of the PS3 is via bluetooth and to switch to IR will cost you about an additional $40-50 for an adapter. It is a very good blu-ray player as well, but it does have fan noise that most stand alone players will not have.

As j_garcia points out, the PS3 does just about everything anyone could want (SACD & DVD A disks are not supported by most versions of the console). I have owned a PS3 for several years now. Very happy with it. The regular software and firmware updates (3D coming soon) and the inclusion of both WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet are class leading features.

Though in my experience, the fan noise has not been an issue (as the lamp cooling fan in my Sony SXRD rear projection set makes more noise than that of the fan in my PS3) and is usually inaudible, it may be a concern for some users. As you're definitely going to be playing the soundtrack of whatever you're watching/listening to/playing louder than the minor fan noise, you probably won't even notice it. Ever! Or maybe I've suffered hearing loss due to all those hard rock/heavy metal concerts I attended back in the '70s. Deep Purple and Black Sabbath really pushed some serious volume levels in those days.

Sorry, back on topic.

I think that the PS3 does so many things well, it's still ahead of it's time and basically a "no-brainer" for anyone looking for a cost effective future proof universal type player.

 

[j_garcia]

It should be noted also that the current Slim models are much quieter in terms of fan noise than the older "fat" versions.

 

[PENG]

It should be noted also that the current Slim models are much quieter in terms of fan noise than the older "fat" versions.

My slim is reasonably quiet until it warms up, then it gets louder but I suspect most people may still be able to tolerate it.