Blu-ray player for my mom

[NoPulp]

She doesn't need any apps besides Netflix which is available on her ST30.
The question is would the Panasonic DMP-BDT220's (or any midrange players)picture quality be any better then a $50 player?
I understand the load times will be long but unlike me she has more patience.

 

[Grador]

Per my current understanding there should be no quality difference between the bluray players as long as they are not performing any upscaling. That said I've seen enough bargain bin DVD players die to make me avoid buying the lowest end thing I can find.

 

[NoPulp]

I wouldn't buy an off brand one,just looking for one with out the extra frills.(apps).

 

[markw]

I wouldn't buy an off brand one,just looking for one with out the extra frills.(apps).

Apps aren't delete options. They include them to appeal to buyers. You get all of 'em, and you pay for all of 'em.

 

[j_garcia]

Apps aren't delete options. They include them to appeal to buyers. You get all of 'em, and you pay for all of 'em.

And pretty much all of them have them at this point.

She doesn't need any apps besides Netflix which is available on her ST30.
The question is would the Panasonic DMP-BDT220's (or any midrange players)picture quality be any better then a $50 player?
I understand the load times will be long but unlike me she has more patience.

I bought my dad a $100 Funai BD player years ago for a second system and it works fine. PQ isn't going to be dramatically different on most players for BD. It is on the upscaling of DVDs where you might notice it, as the nicer players do a better job. For an average, casual viewer on a normal size display (42" and under), this won't be a huge difference either. PQ will not be improved for Netflix. If that's all she wants and doesn't need disc, then get her a Roku or other streaming device for about half the price of a player.

 

[BMXTRIX]

There is certainly some quality differences in the product itself as Panasonic tends to be one of the class leaders for reliability in the industry. Now, discs offer some online content, which is often not necessary, but moreso, the players need (MUST HAVE!) firmware updates to be fully compatible with the latest Blu-ray Discs which are coming to market.

This is something which other manufacturers may or may not properly support, while Panasonic will generally support very well for years to come.

We aren't talking about a $500 Oppo, but a $170 player vs. a $50 player, and the small difference of $120, IMO, is really worth it to get the quality and reliability which Panasonic delivers. Really, the DMP-BD75 is what I would get from Panasonic if I wanted 'cheap'. Get cheap AND stick with Panasonic for $80. Makes a ton of sense.

Now, when the cheaper player works, it should deliver very close to the same quality as the Panasonic player to most people's eyes. That's not to say it will, but it will be close. But, stick with Panasonic.

You DO want the player online for firmware, so if you must have wi-fi, the 220 is the one with it built in.

 

[j_garcia]

I am surprised there are still new BD75s on the market. That player is a few years old and at a decent price on Amazon. I have owned the 60 and still own and use the BD65 and I also recommend Panasonic players for the same reasons.

 

[NoPulp]

Got it about the app's,pay for them even if they aren't needed.

DMP-BD75 at $80 sounds really good but it's an older model with no 3D capability,which is fun once in a while.
I think I'll just wait a few weeks and get the BDT220 for $130,unless I find a new less expensive Panny without Wi-Fi.

As far as Netflix streaming at 1080p seems to be only available through Apple tv,so we'll stick with mail order or Redbox BD.
She has the P55ST30 and I just can't allow 720p content near it even if she won't notice the difference.

 

[markw]

I dropped streamig netflix because it has nothing worth watching, but YMMV

Vudu has no signing fee nor any monthly charges. You only pay for the movies you rent, which is about $5 for a HD movie with 5.1 sound. $4 for SD.

Netflix through the mail is still a valid option, though.

The Sony 390 sells for about $130 and does everything you need, and more, plus wireless.

 

[j_garcia]

Netflix is $8/month and has a fair amount of HD content, so I can't see paying $5 for one movie even if it is a "new" release. "Nothing to watch" definitely depends on the person, because I've found a LOT of stuff on there to watch. Obviously the OP's mom has found things to watch also. I bought my parents a year's subscription to it also because they like to watch a lot of the older stuff that is on there too.

Redbox has no sign up fee and is $1/DVD $1.50/Blu-ray and has current releases.

 

[lsiberian]

Netflix is $8/month and has a fair amount of HD content, so I can't see paying $5 for one movie even if it is a "new" release. "Nothing to watch" definitely depends on the person, because I've found a LOT of stuff on there to watch. Obviously the OP's mom has found things to watch also. I bought my parents a year's subscription to it also because they like to watch a lot of the older stuff that is on there too.

Redbox has no sign up fee and is $1/DVD $1.50/Blu-ray and has current releases.

I watch all the old tv shows I love which can be streamed. I'm not sure what is meant by there being nothing to watch. It certainly has more to watch than cable.

 

[NoPulp]

At $5.00 per movie you're definitely paying for convenience.
She has Direct tv for her regular shows and older movies,once a week she likes to catch a new release and since there is a Redbox at the gas station it's pretty convenient at $1.50.
Netflix has a pretty good selection and Blockbuster is trying to rise up again.
Prices for streaming HD content are very high right now so I don't see Netfilx or Redbox going out of business any time soon.