I am looking to replace an old dvd player and have been seeing great deals on used OPPO and other quality players. Am I wasting my time in just buying an upconverting player or should I just leap in and buy a Blue-Ray player?

I am not looking to convert my current dvd collection to Blue-Ray, but is the future of dvd issuance all going to be on Blue-Ray? Will current players be able to play these dvd's? I imagine BR players will be able to play older format dvd's.
I guess I need a lesson in the Blue-Ray future of dvd's, any recommendations for an old 2 channel stereo guy as to what he should invest in? This player will be run through a stereo rig, not an A/V system, Thanks.

I'd buy the Blue Ray player. They play DVD's fine. They should still have the 2 channel audio output on them.

If you have an hdmi tv, id get a blu-ray. Mine was $128 from wal-mart and does a fine job of upscaling dvds as well.

So the BR player will be able to play my exisitng dvd's and it looks like the majority of new dvd's being issued will be in the Blue-Ray format, correct? Thanks again.

All blu-ray players will play dvd, and im sure they all upscale as well.

If you have an hdmi tv, go for a blu ray machine, even a cheap one like mine, then in a year or two, buy a nice machine for $200 :D

Like dvd players, the prices will plummet.

Prices of Blu-ray players are already where a typical DVD player was a couple of years ago. Panasonic and Samsung both have models that are selling in the $169-179 range, and they have most of the features you'd want.

Personally, I think disc-based video content is likely to go away within 3-5 years--on demand streaming media will take its place--but it's worth investing in a player for the near term.

Samsung BDP3600

Awesome machine, in line with the quality of the Sony PS3 in regards to speed. It runs in the $300 range but if you take some time on eBay you CAN get it for less. It comes with it's own WiFi dongle as well for connecting to wireless internet for BD Live and update purposes. It's up conversion for DVD really shines.

I LOVE mine.

:)

So the BR player will be able to play my exisitng dvd's and it looks like the majority of new dvd's being issued will be in the Blue-Ray format, correct? Thanks again.

Blu-Ray and DVD are totally different formats. Most new movies will be released on both formats. A Blu-Ray player can play DVDs, but a DVD player can't play Blu-Ray.

Usually, I recommend the BD player.

But, if you have no current or near-future plans to go with a high-def TV, there isn't really an outstanding reason to buy a BD player today.

If you already have a high-def TV, then what are you waiting for? ;)

Prices of Blu-ray players are already where a typical DVD player was a couple of years ago. Panasonic and Samsung both have models that are selling in the $169-179 range, and they have most of the features you'd want.

Personally, I think disc-based video content is likely to go away within 3-5 years--on demand streaming media will take its place--but it's worth investing in a player for the near term.

My thoughts exactly. BR discs, though, will remain expensive! Now, you may want to consider a PlayStation III @ $299 - a lot of bang for the buck, including the Blu-ray already built in. If you have kids, you will be a hero!

Usually, I recommend the BD player.

But, if you have no current or near-future plans to go with a high-def TV, there isn't really an outstanding reason to buy a BD player today.

Except that one should be buying favourite titles on Blu-ray now (it's NOT Blue-ray folks!) against the time when one DOES have a hi-def display. Any Blu-ray player will output SD.

If you already have a high-def TV, then what are you waiting for? ;)

Even if the format IS dead in five years (Unlikely) you will have had your $200's worth.

Samsung BDP3600

Awesome machine, in line with the quality of the Sony PS3 in regards to speed. It runs in the $300 range but if you take some time on eBay you CAN get it for less. It comes with it's own WiFi dongle as well for connecting to wireless internet for BD Live and update purposes. It's up conversion for DVD really shines.

I LOVE mine.

:)
A good friend of mine purchased one of these and raves about it. He has seen my setup with a bare bones basic Sony BR player and states that the Samsung produces a superior picture. :yes:

Except that one should be buying favourite titles on Blu-ray now (it's NOT Blue-ray folks!) against the time when one DOES have a hi-def display. Any Blu-ray player will output SD.

Of course, if you buy movies, but I don't generally speaking.


Even if the format IS dead in five years (Unlikely) you will have had your $200's worth.

Sure, but if you don't use high-res, then the same and even moreso is true of a $50 upconverting SD DVD player that just goes to the bedroom, basement, etc. at that time, and the BD players will likely be even cheaper so same net outlay with better cash flow. ;)

Its worth noting that with blu-ray, there will be less to notice between players if you use hdmi.

This is because blu-ray will mostly be recorded in one format, 1080p/24, and it will be decoded and sent to the tv entirely digitaly. This leave much less room for error than say dvd which had pulldown and interlacing issues, and you converted from analogue to digital.

Most of the decoding, and thus picture quality, will depend on the TV.

Of course, dvd playback, extra features like bd live, wifi card etc vary greatly. Also HD audio decoding, and 5,1 analogue outputs if you dont have a reciver with hdmi.

Personally, I think disc-based video content is likely to go away within 3-5 years--on demand streaming media will take its place--
I think it's going to take a LOT longer than that. Too many people still live in the country, and don't have cable or dsl even available to them. Streaming isn't going to work at all with dial-up. Look how long broadband has been around, and most of the population still doesn't have it. Streaming may be available in places like Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago, etc., but it will be many years before it takes the place of discs..........

If you already have a high-def TV, then what are you waiting for? ;)


Ben Hur. There are only a couple of pictures currently available on blu-ray that I'm interested in, not enough to get me over to Best Buy to get even a cheap blu-ray player.

I have a first-generation PS3 (I wanted the full PS2 compatibility and SACD capability), and the picture quality is fantastic. Same thing for a Philips unit that I bought for my parents last year.

I think it's going to take a LOT longer than that. Too many people still live in the country, and don't have cable or dsl even available to them. Streaming isn't going to work at all with dial-up. Look how long broadband has been around, and most of the population still doesn't have it. Streaming may be available in places like Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago, etc., but it will be many years before it takes the place of discs..........

Agreed. Until our country is wired for cheap high-bandwidth broadband access at high speeds like Europe, Japan, South Korea, etc., downloads are going to be a very niche market.

Thanks for the advice, folks. It looks like I'll wait until I can find a good deal on a package offering and update my dvd and tv at the same time. Starting to see Blu-Rays around the $200 mark on a routine basis. Exact same point that I bought my first dvd player as well.

Get a PS3, $299 now for an excellent BR player, plays DVD's, CD's, MP3's and you can stream you're movies to it. Another option would be a used Oppo, my 980 had 9/10th's the quiality of a BR deck.

So if I go with the PS3, which the wife is on board with, I would need to buy a router to enable Internet connectivity for the PS3, correct? Our internet connection is in the kitchen, Earthlink w/ modem, and the PS3 would be in the living room connected to our TV and 2 channel stereo.
I realize I need to upgrade the tv to an HDTV w/ HDMI connectivity to operate the PS3. I think I can connect the output from the tv to my McIntosh pre-amp's line level inputs, correct? I currently run multiple sets of speakers via a Niles speaker selector to approximate multi-channel sound on dvd's, More of a music than video guy.
Anything else that I need to be aware of? Thanks guys.

Yes, I would go with a router. Besides splitting your internet connection, it provides some additional protection to your computer from hackers.

Except that one should be buying favourite titles on Blu-ray now (it's NOT Blue-ray folks!) against the time when one DOES have a hi-def display. Any Blu-ray player will output SD.

Even if the format IS dead in five years (Unlikely) you will have had your $200's worth.

No kidding, I've told my SO to stop buying dvds entirely. I suspect that 720 is a stopgap that will vanish pretty quickly, all tvs will be 1080p, so why waste $ on 8 tracks, er, DVDs? :)

I noticed a 42" 1080p Panny (the same as mine) INCLUDING a BD player for $800 at HH Gregg a couple of weeks ago, that's pretty cheap. It's actually less than I paid for just the tv 9 months ago. I'd watch the ads carefully.

Pete

I realize I need to upgrade the tv to an HDTV w/ HDMI connectivity to operate the PS3. I think I can connect the output from the tv to my McIntosh pre-amp's line level inputs, correct? I currently run multiple sets of speakers via a Niles speaker selector to approximate multi-channel sound on dvd's, More of a music than video guy.
Anything else that I need to be aware of? Thanks guys.

Regarding the connection of the TV outputs to your audio system - many TVs do not have variable audio output - so you change channels with the TV remote but cannot control the volume to the stereo. It is fixed, so you have to use the stereo remote to control volume.... PITA.

Some of the Sony TV models do offer variable audio output - much easier especially if you have no remote on your Mac. You may find that you will be thrown off by the delay between visible lips and the audio output - and it varies from channel to channel it seems. I finally gave up and got a Yamaha AV receiver for the TV audio, with adjustable delay. Still hard to figure out whether it needs to go up or down..... At least the remote can be programmed to handle the TV volume, channel change, etc. It does not handle the DVD player though, cannot find a code. It all makes it a complicated mess, but we have learned how to make it work.

Oh and TV may very well not output audio from DVD playback, that has to go to your audio system separately. Read the TV manual carefully.

Good luck

No kidding, I've told my SO to stop buying dvds entirely. I suspect that 720 is a stopgap that will vanish pretty quickly, all tvs will be 1080p, so why waste $ on 8 tracks, er, DVDs? :)

Pete

Well for one thing, not all movies on DVD will end up on Blu-Ray. While I do enjoy BD, the title selection is extremely limited. I have roughly 1,000 DVDs, and probably half of them will never make it to BD. Hell, 20-25% of them are imports, that never even made it to US production. The vast majority of my watching is still DVD.
Jack

Well for one thing, not all movies on DVD will end up on Blu-Ray. While I do enjoy BD, the title selection is extremely limited. I have roughly 1,000 DVDs, and probably half of them will never make it to BD. Hell, 20-25% of them are imports, that never even made it to US production. The vast majority of my watching is still DVD.
Jack


Indeed, and there are many pictures that never made it from laserdisc to DVD which is why I still keep the old Pioneer CLD-D704 around, so I can watch The Lighthorsemen and Young Man with a Horn.

It has been my experience that DVD playback looked SIGNIFICANTLY better using blu-ray than a standard upconverting dvd player. Note: I was comparing a 2007 sony upconverting dvd player ($150) over hdmi to a 2008 panasonic blu-ray player ($200) over hdmi, both were played on my LG 720p plasma. Not all titles fare as well, and blu-ray will show up some imperfections in your dvd, but other titles (Once Upon a Time in the West dvd is spectacular) really shine on the blu-ray player. Maybe the upconversion software was simply superior in the panny vs the sony, I don't know....but for $50 dollars more I got better picture quality and the ability to play a superior format with highly superior audio.

It has been my experience that DVD playback looked SIGNIFICANTLY better using blu-ray than a standard upconverting dvd player. Note: I was comparing a 2007 sony upconverting dvd player ($150) over hdmi to a 2008 panasonic blu-ray player ($200) over hdmi, both were played on my LG 720p plasma. Not all titles fare as well, and blu-ray will show up some imperfections in your dvd, but other titles (Once Upon a Time in the West dvd is spectacular) really shine on the blu-ray player. Maybe the upconversion software was simply superior in the panny vs the sony, I don't know....but for $50 dollars more I got better picture quality and the ability to play a superior format with highly superior audio.

Agreed. Even my iffy Sharp BD player was better with DVDs than my Opp DVD player (original model). That said, the Oppo BD player is SO MUCH better with DVDs than the Sharp ever was.
Jack

Yes, I would go with a router. Besides splitting your internet connection, it provides some additional protection to your computer from hackers.

Not really, adding a wireless component to your network raises security issues dramatically. </rant>

Anyway:

Grab a solid G router and stuff it somewhere. I recommend this (http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WRT54GL). It is a beast, grab it from newegg for 50-60 bucks. Make sure you set up some security. This will also allow you to run around with a laptop if you want.

I love my PS3, it rarely gets used for games. I use it to stream HD movies, music, pictures, and the internet; all to my TV through my home network. Watching blu-rays is faster then any other standalone player. You can even rent movies on demand if that floats your boat.

It has been my experience that DVD playback looked SIGNIFICANTLY better using blu-ray than a standard upconverting dvd player. Note: I was comparing a 2007 sony upconverting dvd player ($150) over hdmi to a 2008 panasonic blu-ray player ($200) over hdmi, both were played on my LG 720p plasma.

You think that has anything to do with Panasonic's being a blu-ray machine? More likely it's just a better DVD player despite being a blu ray machine not because of it

In any event upscaling DVD players seem less important than a few years ago with the better new TVs doing the job in the TV at least as well as the players do. One can output 480 P from the component outputs of a DVD player into a new TV and it can look as good as upscaling in the player.

You think that has anything to do with Panasonic's being a blu-ray machine? More likely it's just a better DVD player despite being a blu ray machine not because of it


While I will agree that the dvd playback has nothing to do with blu-ray playback, it doesn't discount the fact that most blu-ray players I've seen are better with dvd than most dvd players. What ever the reason for this, even if it happens despite being a BDP as you suggest, it doesn't change the fact that it happens, and happens frequently. The post just below my last states that IHO, his sharp BDP was better than his oppo dvd player, which is no slouch. My feeling is that, if you are already going to spend $100+ on a dvd player, spending $50 dollars more to get a BDP will net a significant increase in functionality and playback quality. For the most part, all BDP's are going to have a terrific picture, what you get as you move up the food-chain is faster load times, more features, upgrade-ability, and better build quality, plus the ability to play a better format should you ever decide to go that direction.

To be honest, I'm not certain what our disagreement is about. If a person was looking to buy a new player, and has around $200 to spend, would you still advise them against a BDP, in favor of a DVD-only player? If so, why? Honest questions, not trying to bait or anything like that....just trying to get where you are coming from.

To be honest, I'm not certain what our disagreement is about. If a person was looking to buy a new player, and has around $200 to spend, would you still advise them against a BDP, in favor of a DVD-only player? If so, why? Honest questions, not trying to bait or anything like that....just trying to get where you are coming from.


I'm unaware we're in a state of disagreement.

There aren't enough interesting pictures out on blu-ray to make me run out and buy a blu-ray player. However were I in the market for a new DVD player I'd just as soon buy a blu-ray machine. But note that blu ray machines still run about $100 more than a simple DVD machine; that can make a difference. But with a budget of $200, sure, a blu ray machine makes perfect sense.

I'm unaware we're in a state of disagreement.



My fault. I missunderstood your intent when you said "despite being a blu-ray player" in your 2nd to last post. I've said it a thousand times, but once more won't hurt: the lack of nonverbal cues in online communitcation leads to more misunderstandings than almost anything else.

i just ordered a Denon DBP-1610 Blu-ray/DVD/CD player. I choose this model because it will hook up to my AV reciever through HDMI and connect to my music rig through a seperate set of analog 2 channel outputs (one player, two systems). Many players i have looked at do not have analog outputs specific to 2 channel stereo, just food for thought.

Personally, I think disc-based video content is likely to go away within 3-5 years--on demand streaming media will take its place--but it's worth investing in a player for the near term.

Too many people assume that streaming is an option for everyone when it isn't. I live in the country and the only means I have of receiving hi-speed internet is a dish, and its streaming capabilities are pretty crummy, plus there is a cap on how much I'm allowed to download each day.

For the money, DVD or Blu-Ray is a good bargain. People like physically OWNING their movies and music, and I don't that's going to change anytime soon.

I am one of the people who like to own my movies and music. I also do not frequent movie theaters much if any. I am on the 6 month later plan. BD is by far better than DVD but as was said above some will not be available on BD but some will. I always look for BD first. Another point in I have kids and we really enjoy going to the movies on our time. We are in a time where video is at an all time high for quality as well as the high bandwidth audio is really superb.

I would recommend as other have that if you are in the market may as well get a blu ray instead of a DVD. I was at a BestBuy yesterday and there was a Toshiba BD player for $119. I do not know the quality but it wont be that bad :no:

There have been some very good replies to the question and I really hope that what ever the choice you make you are happy because that is what matters most in the end.

Hmmm....... There's a song in there somewhere:D

Its better to go for a blu-ray now.... move ahead with the times....

I own two blue-ray players and love them both. in the living room I have a Samsung setup, and in the bedroom I have a Sony setup. picture is fantastic on both. my vote is for the upgrade, you don't want to get something outdated(DVD Player) and regret not getting the newer technology(BD-Player).

I have a first-generation PS3 (I wanted the full PS2 compatibility and SACD capability), and the picture quality is fantastic. Same thing for a Philips unit that I bought for my parents last year.



Agreed. Until our country is wired for cheap high-bandwidth broadband access at high speeds like Europe, Japan, South Korea, etc., downloads are going to be a very niche market.


LOL Japan and Europe do not have towns 50 miles a part or homes strung along roads for 20 miles up in the sticks.

Just look at a map of England or France in most places 2-3 good rock throws and you would be at the next town. Oregon has towns 130+ miles a part in places with only speed bumps in between. It took the US government and the REA (Rural Electrification Administration)to get electricity to all the places in the US. And you think someone is going to run 20 miles of cable so a couple houses can have Broad band.

Here in our area just 12 miles from the State capital in Salem. Once you are a couple miles out of town NO CABLE. My dads house is just 3 miles from Town here and it's over 2.5 miles from the closest cable. Unless every home along the route went with cable the company won't bring it out. And even if they did the roads that parallel the Main Hwy between Silverton and Salem Dads house is on just a Mile north or South wouldn't have it.

Same with DSL. They just won't service MOST of the country if they have to pay for it not enough customers to justify it.

deleedabul

Here in our area just 12 miles from the State capital in Salem. Once you are a couple miles out of town NO CABLE. My dads house is just 3 miles from Town here and it's over 2.5 miles from the closest cable. Unless every home along the route went with cable the company won't bring it out. And even if they did the roads that parallel the Main Hwy between Silverton and Salem Dads house is on just a Mile north or South wouldn't have it.

Same with DSL. They just won't service MOST of the country if they have to pay for it not enough customers to justify it.
Same thing here.
I've said it before......... A huge part of our population doesn't even have a possibility of broadband, much less actually have it. Exceptions like L.A., NYC, Chicago, etc., where there's several million people with access to broadband, may get into streaming their entertainment. But, there's a lot more small towns and county residences, than there are big cities. So, streaming as the main way of getting your movies, is still a very long way off. That's what I believe anyway.