Need Help choosing a Blu Ray Player....too many to know better...

[HDTVFREAK]

As most have read I am about finished with my HT room and now need to know which Blu Ray player out there is "worth the price". There are so many and so many different prices, specs, etc.

I have DEF Tech speakers, (Top of Line), Pioneer 1018 receiver, APC PC, and 1080p Projector. 150inch screen.

I know some Blu Ray's have access to Net Flix live. I am interested in that if it narrows it down.

I would also like another choice w/o the netflix live if it is "as good", but a better price.

Thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

I think there are only two on the market right now that have Netflix - an LG and a Samsung (two models?). So I would say that narrows down your selection pretty quickly.

I haven't seen the replacements for the Panasonic players as the current ones are discontinued, but they would be my first bet.

Oppo also has one coming, but it will be $499.

 

[mperfct]

As dismal as the selection is for netflix, and given the fact that they only have 2.0 stereo sound, I'd highly recommend looking at Vudu. Their set top box is only $150, and their HDX downloads are 95% of the quality of blu-ray (subjectively speaking, of course).

www.vudu.com

If streaming isn't that important to you, I'd look at either the new Pioneers when they come out or the Panny.

 

[itschris]

I'm really happy with my Sony 350. My neighbor got the Panny on a pretty good deal and we've swapped just to see if there was a difference. Granted, nothing scientific was done, but I could not see any PQ difference at all on several brays we tried out, but the consensus seems to be that the Panny does have the best PQ. I'd say go with either based on whatever best deal you can find. The Sony 550 is another fine choice if you need analog outs. I also think they're one of the better looking players out there.

 

[jcilforever]

Normally the best are Panasonic, Sony and OPPO. Just buy the Roku (Netflix $99) box that way if either dies you don't lose both.