10x price difference in Blu-ray models

[Quickley17]

My parents are looking to buy a Blu-Ray player when their DVD player goes to sleep forever, and are confused by the fact that there are units that cost 150 (Sony BDP-S360) and 1500 (Sony ES BDP-S5000ES). I have the Sony BDP-S350 which I am perfectly happy with, but other than internet connectivity and some somewhat (maybe a lot?) improved circuitry, I can't tell a difference between the two units as it would relate to actual image or sound quality.

I'm not convinced that the ES model will actually provide them with a better picture, and I'm inclined to tell them this, but I'm interested in hearing someone's defense of the more expensive units, even the 400 dollar ones like the Oppo, and why these should be considered.

 

[XEagleDriver]

No need for larger expenditure

My parents are looking to buy a Blu-Ray player when their DVD player goes to sleep forever, and are confused by the fact that there are units that cost 150 (Sony BDP-S360) and 1500 (Sony ES BDP-S5000ES). I have the Sony BDP-S350 which I am perfectly happy with, but other than internet connectivity and some somewhat (maybe a lot?) improved circuitry, I can't tell a difference between the two units as it would relate to actual image or sound quality.

I'm not convinced that the ES model will actually provide them with a better picture, and I'm inclined to tell them this, but I'm interested in hearing someone's defense of the more expensive units, even the 400 dollar ones like the Oppo, and why these should be considered.

Quickley,

Cool your parents are interested in better PQ and SQ, most are not (I classify mine humorously as "techo-peasants" )

I do not think they will gain anything from buying a more expensive BR player. Even the $110-$125 Panasonic DMP-BD60 has networking capability if they are so inclined.

The primary reason they would spend more for the Oppo BR is if they are interested in its universal ability (SACD, DVD-A, etc.) or wanted to downsize a few other source components into one all inclusive machine.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[PENG]

If your parents don't play games, why not give (or sell) them your S350 and buy yourself a PS3 slim? I have both and I find the PS3 produces better PQ playing DVDs. Among the 4 players I have, I like the PS3 most. You will find that all BD players can do a good job with BR movies and it will be hard to tell them apart regardless of their prices. The Oppo is a great deal if you need SACD and DVDA and/or speedy response is the most important thing for you, otherwise it is hard to justify paying $500 just for a BD player.

 

[j_garcia]

They aren't going to get big improvements in PQ across players when it comes to BD. It is in the upscaling where they might see the difference. I agree, the Oppo would be a good choice if it is audio they are after, but if PQ is the main concern, then I would still take the Oppo over any comparable Sony.

 

[sholling]

If they aren't A/V nuts think the main feature diffences between models that's going to interest them will be:

1. Load times - it can get frustrating waiting for a BD disk to load up.
2. Brand/model reliability
3. Possibly features like Netflix streaming.

I'm pretty happy with the LG BD370 (<$200) I put in my bedroom because it has speedy (for BD) load times and does Netflix streaming. The BD390 (~$250) would be a step up in installation convenience because it does 802.11n wireless.

 

[allargon]

If they aren't A/V nuts think the main feature diffences between models that's going to interest them will be:

1. Load times - it can get frustrating waiting for a BD disk to load up.
2. Brand/model reliability
3. Possibly features like Netflix streaming.

I'm pretty happy with the LG BD370 (<$200) I put in my bedroom because it has speedy (for BD) load times and does Netflix streaming. The BD390 (~$250) would be a step up in installation convenience because it does 802.11n wireless.

The BD390 does a lot more than wireless over the BD370. It doesn't have the de-interlacing issues of the 370. Moreover, it can play movie files over the network from DNLA or CIFS shares. The BD390 also upscales better than the BD370. The BD390 is the only mainstream Blu-Ray standalone arguably better than the PS3.

If I were recommending a player to someone in the $200-300 price range (out of the range of the Oppo), I would recommend the BD390. In the $100-200 range, I'm not sure I would recommend the BD370. I just got a BD370 for Christmas yesterday.

There's no way I would recommend any Sony players. They are overpriced for their lack of features.

 

[PENG]

They aren't going to get big improvements in PQ across players when it comes to BD. It is in the upscaling where they might see the difference. I agree, the Oppo would be a good choice if it is audio they are after, but if PQ is the main concern, then I would still take the Oppo over any comparable Sony.

I know it doesn't make sense but I accidentally found out the PS3 slim has now made my DVD collection highly enjoyable. Now I can use it along with the other players for use like a 'changer'. I have no idea when it started to do better; and FW3.15 apparently has nothing to do with upscaling enhancement. Since you have both FAT and SLIM (as well the reference class OPPO) and obviously you have discerning eyes, I am hoping you can shed some light on this. FYI, I am not easily affected by placebo, not even in audio let alone video.

Back to the OP's question, if I had the opportunity I would really give my parents the S350 so I could get my new and improved toy myself, i.e. an Oppo (if SACD/DVDA is needed) for stand alone or a PS3 slim for versatility.

 

[Quickley17]

If your parents don't play games, why not give (or sell) them your S350 and buy yourself a PS3 slim? I have both and I find the PS3 produces better PQ playing DVDs. Among the 4 players I have, I like the PS3 most. You will find that all BD players can do a good job with BR movies and it will be hard to tell them apart regardless of their prices. The Oppo is a great deal if you need SACD and DVDA and/or speedy response is the most important thing for you, otherwise it is hard to justify paying $500 just for a BD player.

I think this is the winner right here.

 

[darien87]

I just bought a Samsung BD-P1600 for $117 (Open-box) at Best Buy. I believe they are selling it normally for $149 now. So far I'm liking it. It's almost as fast as my PS 3. I didn't think I would care about the BB streaming and Pandora, but I'm going to check them out and see if I like them.

So far, the only thing I like better about the PS 3 is that you can fast forward while playing a BD and still hear the audio and read subtitles. I like to use this feature to get through movies faster.

 

[Rick T]

If they aren't A/V nuts think the main feature diffences between models that's going to interest them will be:

1. Load times - it can get frustrating waiting for a BD disk to load up.
2. Brand/model reliability
3. Possibly features like Netflix streaming.

I'm pretty happy with the LG BD370 (<$200) I put in my bedroom because it has speedy (for BD) load times and does Netflix streaming. The BD390 (~$250) would be a step up in installation convenience because it does 802.11n wireless.

Quickly17, hope you don't mind a new guy sticking his nose in here... my kids bought me the Sony 360 for Christmas and I can find no fault with either audio or video performance of the unit's play-back of CDs or DVDs. I do find it to have fairly long load times but I have nothing to gauge that against other than our previous DVD player. When operating the DVD player connected directly to the TV (Sony Bravia 1080P 42") via HDMI, or with audio routed to receiver (Marantz SR7000) via Toslink (optical.. using the player's DAC) seem perfectly fine. I haven't tried it yet using analogue feed and the receiver's DAC. Up-converting of standard DVDs is good.. considerably enhanced from the previous non-Blu-ray player.
Is it good value for $150? So far, I'm not disappointed. That isn't to say that an avid a/v-phile (new term?) mightent expect and more stringently test more of it's features, holding it to a higher standard, but for this $ what's not to like?
An additional factor that you might consider is the complexity of operating the different units you are considering. Personally, I prefer using devices that are intuitive, simple and straight forward and don't require a lot of fussing around to perform necessary routine functions. ..cabling, set-up, navigation, integration with other components, layout and functions of remote control and so forth.
Suggest you sit down with your parents, make out a list of which features they would like and use, and then match that list to your options.
That's my .02 cents FWIW.

 

[PENG]

Is it good value for $150?

As far as I know you can get it for between C$139.99 to C$149.99 depending on where you buy it from, i.e. FS, BB, 2001A&V, Walmart etc. FS has it listed for 149.99 but if you ask, you should be able to get it for 10 less, save you driving around. Yes it is a good price, too bad I have a few already otherwise I want one too for that kind of money, cheaping than buying a changer.

 

[Rick T]

As far as I know you can get it for between C$139.99 to C$149.99 depending on where you buy it from, i.e. FS, BB, 2001A&V, Walmart etc. FS has it listed for 149.99 but if you ask, you should be able to get it for 10 less, save you driving around. Yes it is a good price, too bad I have a few already otherwise I want one too for that kind of money, cheaping than buying a changer.

I think that included the extended warranty (on-the-spot replacement?).... from FS I think. I'm luke warm on ext warrantees for most things, but for these if it gets me thru 3 years or so problem free, that's cheap, and there will probably be new features available that I will want.
Both my kidos have PS3's and that was their initial target. Of course the special capabilities they considered essential were in fact essential to them, not me... LOL.
Where in Ontario?

 

[Quickley17]

I do find it to have fairly long load times but I have nothing to gauge that against other than our previous DVD player.

I have the same thing with my 350. I don't know how that compares with other brands, or if its something that will improve over time.

 

[Rick T]

I have the same thing with my 350. I don't know how that compares with other brands, or if its something that will improve over time.

Me neither.. duno. Can't imagine it changing over time. I think patience is a virtue few of us has.
I was quite surprised at how much improved the audio quality is over both my old Sony CD player and the old Toshiba DVD player. The example is an I-tunes downloaded album, John Mayer. You can actually here him breathing.. crystal clear. A bit like first time you watch a well filmed movie in BR that you've watched many times in normal DVD format... and notice the distinct individual hairs on an actors arm at a distance, or some such foolishness...LOL.

 

[Quickley17]

by over time i mean as technology changes/improves with newer models, not with my own.

 

[PENG]

Where in Ontario?

Walmart had it for 136.99 on boxing day. Even after that I have seen 139 on flyers, not sure if it was Zeller or Walmart. Again, if you offer FS 139.99 I am pretty sure you will get one. I am sure they are overstocked with this model. I won't be surprised to see further price drop to 119.99 or 99.99 (I've got my BX1=S350) for 99.99 a few months ago. I doubt it will happen until February, when the price protection period expires.

As to FS/BB extended warranty, I will never pay that kind of money for it. Most AV components last longer than a couple of years and if they are to fail they typically do so within a month.

 

[PENG]

by over time i mean as technology changes/improves with newer models, not with my own.

I am sure you know this already but if not, make sure you update the firmware. Quite often newer FW may improve response time. My Pioneer's response time improved by a few seconds after the last update. The same has supposedly happened with other models such as the Panny BD-60, PS3 etc.

If you have the S350 you definitely should update it because the out-of-the-box version do not support all the current features.

 

[Quickley17]

I hadn't thought about doing that, but I just did, I'll let you know if I notice a difference.

 

[The 7th Taylor]

My parents are looking to buy a Blu-Ray player when their DVD player goes to sleep forever, and are confused by the fact that there are units that cost 150 (Sony BDP-S360) and 1500 (Sony ES BDP-S5000ES).

Actually the price range extends much further: up to $6,000 (for the Marantz UD9004) but I guess if your parents are confused by this (and if they don't have any SACDs*) then anything of $500 or more, like the ones on this list, is wasted on them.

* If they do then a 60GB PS3 or the Oppo is your best deal.

 

[Quickley17]

I hadn't thought about doing that, but I just did, I'll let you know if I notice a difference.

Upon further review:

1. The player turns on faster.
2. The disc tray opens MUCH faster.
3. Read times are still very slow.