Considering one of these two BR players from Pioneer.

[imola ghost]

Elite BDP-05FD
BDP-51FD


Which one would you choose? I have a Elite 1150 Kuro plasma and a
Elite SC-05 receiver. I like the Elite line but I don't know much about the difference in these two other than the price and 1 year vs. 2 year warranty and I believer gold plated connections rather than what ever the non-elite model has.

Are they the same other than that?

 

[jostenmeat]

DL test results from my thread:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47892

I understand the desire to match brands, and even more so when you have a nice of a pic as you probably do. The PS3 is generally considered the best value since its a gaming machine and media center, and otherwise I heartily recommend Panasonic products. I'd take a hard look at the upcoming BD-35 and BD-55.

The BD-50 from the tested players above was the only player to pass all tests. I would predict that the 55 would do as well, if not better. Maybe even the 35 will be as good...

cheers and good luck

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Hey, tell me what you think of the SC-05.

 

[imola ghost]

Hey, tell me what you think of the SC-05.

I like it. I had the VSX-94TXH but since I only had it like 2 months the place I bought it let me trade it in for the 05 for full refund.

I don't think it's much different than the 94 other than the "so called" nicer menu. I don't have it hooked up to some nice speakers so I can't say anything about the ICE amps. They are Definitive Technology speakers but they are so small that they aren't producing a good full range. I have it in my Family Room but I will eventually move it to the dedicated home theater upstairs when I get it finished.

 

[imola ghost]

DL test results from my thread:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47892

I understand the desire to match brands, and even more so when you have a nice of a pic as you probably do. The PS3 is generally considered the best value since its a gaming machine and media center, and otherwise I heartily recommend Panasonic products. I'd take a hard look at the upcoming BD-35 and BD-55.

The BD-50 from the tested players above was the only player to pass all tests. I would predict that the 55 would do as well, if not better. Maybe even the 35 will be as good...

cheers and good luck

I actually read that as I came here to post this. I like Panasonic equipment and have definitely considered one of their BR players. Like you mention in your post, I do desire to match brands.

Now getting to your test results. I must commend you and say that you have gone above and beyond doing some tests for us common folks. So in real world life do you think most people would notice the difference from the Panasonic and the Pioneer?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Cool, I looked at it but we couldn't decide if it would overlay 1080p via HDMI and that was important to me (nobody would take it out of a box and hook it up). I am certain the ICE amps will treat you well.

 

[jostenmeat]

I actually read that as I came here to post this. I like Panasonic equipment and have definitely considered one of their BR players. Like you mention in your post, I do desire to match brands.

Now getting to your test results. I must commend you and say that you have gone above and beyond doing some tests for us common folks. So in real world life do you think most people would notice the difference from the Panasonic and the Pioneer?

Um, I didn't do the test! Just here to share my discovery of it. Man, the BD threads at AVS are overwhelming . . .

As for most people being able to discern the differences, I could not say. However, there isn't any need to match brands outside of pure loyalty. Are you going to get a Pioneer receiver? Doesn't Pioneer make speakers? Also, Panasonic seems to be very on the ball with FW. Happy hunting!

 

[The Dukester]

If you like the Pioneers, go with which one you like. That's what I did. I bought the 05. I liked the slick front with the touch capacitance buttons, the two year warranty, and superior analog section. If you are using HDMI, the two will perform the same. If you use the analog, the 05 will outperform the 51. I use the analog for CD playback, so it's a small advantage.

If you shop around, you can get a deal on the 05 that makes it a little more attractive. If you are just looking for a good BD player, as mentioned, the Pannys are a good bang for the buck. If you can wait a couple or three months, the OPPO unit will be out, as well. I can't stand the PS3, but that's me. I don't game, so it's of no advantage to me plus I just really don't like the way it looks. Yes, I had one and sold it about 1-2 weeks after buying it.

I have the Pio 1150, also. It is a fantastic display, even if they are "only" 768p. Pioneer is a great company and supports it's products well. They keep up with firmware upgrades, so don't worry. One other thing to keep in mind is that both of the Pio units are profile 1.1. If you value 2.0 (BD live capability) then buy something else. I couldn't care less, so 1.1 is fine by me.

Good luck with your purchase and enjoy HD!

 

[billy p]

How are these units with SD discs. I know on the audio side their DAC's are excellent but how good do they upconvert on the video side.

Thanks, Bill

 

[The Dukester]

I think they do very well with upconversion. I have an XA2 and the Samsung duo player which have the Reon processor as well as an Oppo. To my eyes, the Pioneer 05 is very close. If you were to rate the Oppo as a 10 and the Reons as say a 9.5, then I would rate the Pio as probably an 8.5-9. They look better than any of the other BDs I have seen, but the only other one I have had at home is the PS3, so I'm comparing to what I see at the stores.

I don't think you will be disappointed if you buy one and are not interested in BD live, especially if you use if for CD playback or have a display that can take advantage of the deep color trick the Pios have.

 

[raypal45]

Pioneer BDP

Have had the 05 for the last three weeks and it is awesome. It interacts very well with the 94TXH receiver and I am very pleased. Should have no problems with the SC05. I need the 140 watts to drive the Polks.
Samsung A6750 DLP
POlk LSI 15 with matching surrounds and center. Mirage sub.
Good Luck

 

[imola ghost]

Well I ended up getting the BDP-51FD because I've heard that since I'll be using HDMI connection that it will do identically just like the Elite 05 Bluray player.

I really wanted the Elite line since every thing I own would have been Pioneer Elite. I got a very good deal on it since Microsoft Live.com was having a 30% off of buy it now products.

 

[billy p]

Elite BDP-05FD
BDP-51FD


Which one would you choose? I have a Elite 1150 Kuro plasma and a
Elite SC-05 receiver. I like the Elite line but I don't know much about the difference in these two other than the price and 1 year vs. 2 year warranty and I believer gold plated connections rather than what ever the non-elite model has.

Are they the same other than that?

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/pioneer_elite_bdp-05fd_blu-ray_player/

I've followed the Pioneer thread over at AVS in regards to these two players and its becoming apparent for the money they're not great SD players which will be key for me.