What is a network Blu-ray disc player anyway?

I will tell you a funny story.  My friend Shirley wanted to get a Blu-ray disc player because she had seen the improved video quality at her friends house.  She visited Amazon.com and simply bought the best selling Blu-ray disc player, the LG BD 390.

I asked her, “Have you been downloading movies from Netflix?”

She looked at me oddly and said:  “Richard, this is a Blu-ray player.  I can’t watch movies from the Internet!”

We had a good laugh as I said, “Shirley, this is a networked Blu-ray disc that you have.  Not only can you download movies from Netflix and many other sources, you can also view the media from your computer!”

Shirley was dumbfounded as she did not realize the capabilities that her LG BD 390 Blu-ray disc offered.

If you are looking to buy a Blu-ray disc player this holiday season, you definitely want to consider this model.  Why?  Because it is much more that just a Blu-ray disc player.

The LG BD 390 Blu-ray disc player is a networked device.  This means that the player can connect wirelessly to both the Internet and your home network.  What does this offer you?  Much more than a traditional Blu-ray player at about the same price.

Let’s have a quick look at the features of this LG device.  If you have ever wondered how to watch downloaded movies on your top rated LCD TV, this is the way to go.  Of course, you could learn how to connect your computer to your TV, but this involves a bunch of wires and moving your computer.   This player connects directly to several movie download sources including Netflix, Vudu, and Netcast to let you watch virtually anything instantly on your TV without the computer as a middle man.

Additionally, this device allows you to connect to your computer wirelessly and display all of your computer media files including videos, photos, and music on your television.

On top of all of these features, it is also an outstanding Blu-ray player.  So, if you are thinking of getting Blu-ray this Christmas, get the one Blu-ray player that does much more, the LG BD 390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player.

Many blu ray players offer “BD Live” which is a connection to the internet to allow for an interactive experience – the blu ray you are watching must also have “BD Live”

Another feature is the ability to receive “streaming” movies from Netflix. If you are limited on budget and you are looking to choose features that are not necessary, the ability to stream movies from Netflix is one of them. Currently, Netflix is not streaming movies to your blu-ray player in high definition. This means that the quality of the movie you will be watching is DVD or even lower. The point of having a blu-ray player is to watch movies in full high definition so why someone would get one in order to stream movies from Netflix that are lower quality doesn’t make sense. It is possible that Netflix will eventually stream movies to your blu-ray player in high definition, but this will also depend on your internet connection and if you have download limitations as far as whether this is a good option for you.

Bottom line, blu-ray players offer an excellent movie experience. If you like “gadgets” and have the budget to pay for them, then go with the blu-ray player that has all the bells and whistles. If you are simply looking to have the blu-ray experience without the price tag, then you can skip some of the “fancier” features without losing quality.  <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.youronestopgiftshop.net/blog>Blu ray disc player reviews</a> of the top brands can help you decide which one is best for you and your family.

Beside the 3D capability, the BDP-S470 is able to connect to the internet and provide online media such as movies, music videos, music. From online sources Netflix, Amazon-On-Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Pandora(coming soon) NPR, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and over 25 more via the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video platform.

Something unique Sony is adding to these newer models, including the BDP-S470, owners can use their Blu-ray Players with their iPhone or Ipod Touch Device. These devices can operate the Blu-ray Player with an application called “BD Remote”. It can be downloaded free through the Apple App Store. With this App you can use your iPhone or iPod Touch as a remote control. And be able to get access to a Blu-ray Disc’s details, including video clips.

Specifications:

* Region A / Profile BD-Live(2.0)
* Full HD 1080p
* BRAVIA Monolithic Design
* BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE
* Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
* Wireless LAN Ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
* BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch remote control – free app.)
* Photo/music/video playback via USB and DLNA (with firmware update)
* DVD upscaling to 1080p with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling
* Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding
* Availability: Now
* Blu-ray 3D ready (with firmware update available this summer)
* Price: $199.99

THE PROS: Sony’s BDP-S470 provides great video quality with Blu-ray Movies. Is 3D Ready (firmware available summer 2010), Wi-Fi Adapter Ready and online streaming media – Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Slacker, YouTube. You can use your iPhone or iPod touch as a Remote control via Bluetooth. Relatively fast load times.

THE CONS: The mid range Sony Blu-ray Player is very similar to its predecessor BDP-S460 and the new BDP-370. Main difference is the BDP-S470 3D capability. Since it does not have any internal memory, an external USB storage device is needed for BL-Live Content.

THE FINAL WORD: Sony’s BDP-S470 Blu-ray Disc Player is a very stable Blu-ray Player that provides great image quality and quick operation speed and is 3D Ready. 3D playback seems to be the big trend movies are taking. The BDP-S470, with its Wi-Fi and online streaming media services, is a very good investment if you want to enjoy 3D movies at home. — Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $200.00

• 8.9″ WSVGA LCD Screen
• SD Image Viewer
• Outdoor Use
• Mono Arm Design
• Watch your favorite hi-definition movies virtually anywhere with the DMP-B100 Portable Blu-ray Disc Player.

Product Description
Watch your favorite hi-definition movies virtually anywhere with the DMP-B100 Portable Blu-ray Disc™ Player. 8.9″ WSVGA LCD Screen Enjoy a Dynamic and Clear Movie Anywhere You Go The 8.9 inch wide SVGA screen lets you view movies with much higher image quality than standard definition portable DVD players. SD Image Viewer You Can Immediately Enjoy your Movies and Photos Using an SD Memory Card SD Image Viewer allows you to play your photos and movies tak… More >>

Panasonic DMP-B100 8.9-Inch Screen Portable Blu-Ray Disc Player

• Enjoy full digital high-definition video and high-fidelity audio
• JPEG digital images can be viewed as a slide show from recorded CD-RW/R with digital images

Product Description
There’s Blu-ray, and then there’s AQUOS Blu-ray from Sharp. Look to a built-in ethernet port for instant streaming of Netflix movies and TV episodes directly into your living room. Further, BD-Live capability gives you access to interactive online bonus features for many BD movies. Next, not only does this Sharp Blu-ray player allow you to watch the Full HD 1080p video for which Blu-ray is known, but on-board Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding deliver t… More >>

Sharp AQUOS BD-HP24U – Blu-ray disc player – upscaling – Netflix

• Full HD 1080p 24 fps
• BD Live; AVCHD Playback
• Very good appearance
• Dolby TruHD
• Internet Connectivity

Product Description
Toshiba BDX2500… More >>

Toshiba BDX2500 Blu-ray Disc Player

• It also has a wireless LAN adaptor included.
• Allowing you to play files stored on your PC through your Blu-ray player. Your Samsung Blu-ray player is also wall-mountable.

Product Description
Web content AND the latest HD video and audio found on Blu-ray discs – get it all with the Samsung BD-C7500. This wall-mountable Blu-ray player allows you to access a whole wide world of web widgets from top-notch content providers using an ethernet connection or the built-in WiFi. And with AllShare, you can even use your wireless connection to access media from DLNA-compliant devices on your home network…. More >>

Samsung BD-C7500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

The player features a ton of functions for world wide web video – youtube, amazon unbox, netflix and an assortment of other world-wide-web channels. You will find also radio stations offered also. These all perform quite well and have absolutely a unified interface to interact with their respective stores/download locations. Sony also spent time customizing the player for each and every of these web streams to become the exact same so you use a unified layout for all of it. They did a genuinely great job right here. I summarize pros and cons for this Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player as followings
Pros: Super effortless to setup, does every thing it claims to try and do, great remote with powerful signal, effortless intuitive menu navigation, smooth streaming of web content material, broad variety of web content material in comparison with stable competing client products, flawless firmware update, fantastic picture and sound excellent, smart timing of screensaver/power off

Cons: Could use a broader world-wide-web service choice (Pandora, Last.fm, Blockbuster, Hulu, Fancast would be fantastic additions — are you listening, Sony?), wireless isn’t included (but if you would like a trusted connection, you desire wired anyway), no preview on quickly forward or rewind

I’ve watched numerous several hours of streaming movie (various content providers, such as various dozen hours of Netflix, some Sony, YouTube, and others), and have absolutely had 2 jaggy blips inside a single minute of one particular program and otherwise both video and audio have been flawless. It’s far and away additional dependable than Comcast OnDemand. I’m contemplating cancelling my cable Television subscription and just heading with streaming and discs. YouTube streaming is excellent for children or for parties, since you’ll be able to retain proceeding from just one movie for the following in a search or subscription, so create a research for that minor a single to watch a bunch of Muppets clips or set up a stream from your favorite DJ and you’re great to go

The progression of setting up the Sony and Netflix articles may well be a little irritating if your BDP-N460 and pc are far apart, due to the fact you do have got to do a tiny back again and forth in between the player and pc, however it need to be much less than a minute every (not counting travel time to obtain from a single on the other), and you only ought to do it once.

Summary: for me, this can be primarily a streaming device that also takes place to participate in DVDs, BDs, and CDs. Which has a wired connection and stable high-speed world-wide-web, it performs fabulously and is considerably of enjoyable. I would suggest it to a friend without hesitation.

See more reviews at bdp-n460.net

• 10.1″ WSVGA LCD Screen
• VIERA Cast
• Movie “Photo Frame” Function
• SD Image Viewer
• Watch your favorite hi-definition movies virtually anywhere with the DMP-B500 Portable Blu-ray Disc™ Player.

Product Description
Watch your favorite hi-definition movies virtually anywhere with the DMP-B500 Portable Blu-ray Disc™ Player. 10.1″ WSVGA LCD Screen With the Large Screen, Enjoy Various Content Virtually Anywhere The 10.1 inch wide SVGA screen lets you view movies with much higher image quality than standard definition portable DVD players. With the DMP-B500, you can enjoy Blu-ray Disc™ movies or AVCHD movies and JPEG photos in an SD memory card almost anywhere. VIERA Ca… More >>

Panasonic DMP-B500 WiFi Enabled 10.1-Inch Screen Portable Blu-Ray Disc Player

Product Description
You won’t know what you’re missing until you see the visually stunning images offered by this LG 1080p Full HD Upscaling Blu-ray Player. Enjoy high-definition Blu-ray video and up to 7 channels of pristine digital audio that make the most of your home theater experience. Even your old DVDs come to life with improved detail. So grab the popcorn and get ready to be entertained. LG 1080p Full HD Upscaling Blu-ray Player Features: 1080p Blu-ray – full high-definition de… More >>

LG 1080p Full HD Upscaling Blu-ray Player

• Home theater system with Blu?ray player; Compatible with DVDs and CDs – up?converts DVDs to 1080p; 1000 watts total power – 167 watts x 6
• BD BonusView – profile 1.1 enables additional content on Blu?ray disc; HDMI output – HDMI V1.3 outputting 1080p video
• Digital optical audio input – connect Cable/Sat Box for full surround experience; Analog audio input – for connection to analog stereo sources
• Analog video outputs – component and composite video for convenience
• Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus

Product Description
You’ll enjoy the deep bass and full sound of your music being played on the RTB1100 home theater system by RCA. This system has all your needs in one place with the Blu-ray player with playback in 1080p, featuring BD Bonus View profile enabling additional content on Blu-ray disc. The 1000 watt surround system features HDMI output with HDMI version 1.3 outputting 1080p video. Other connections include a digital optical audio input, analog audio input, and analog co… More >>

RCA RTB1100 1000W Home Theater System with Blu-Ray Player

• Built-in Wi-Fi & 3D Blu-ray Disc playback capability.
• iPhone/iPod touch “BD Remote” app
• DLNA wireless streaming of photos, videos and music
• Enjoy music, photos and video via front USB slot
• 1GB memory built-in to enjoy BD-Live content

Product Description
Begin enjoying Blu-ray Disc movies in full HD 1080p or DVDs in near HD quality faster than ever with the 3D Ready Sony BDP-BX57 Blu-ray Disc Player. Wirelessly stream a wide variety of movies, TV episodes, videos and music from Netflix, Amazon on Demand, Pandora, Slacker, YouTube and more. Plus, wirelessly access music, videos and photos stored on compatible DLNA devices (like a PC) over your home network. Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a versatile remote contr… More >>

Sony?? 3D Blu-ray Disc??? Player BDP-BX57

The LG BD370 Blu-ray player has an HDMI 1.3 port that can output 7.1-channel sound and 1080i/p visuals. Component and composite video out connections are provided, as is a digital optical audio port. The LG BD370 is a thoroughly capable machine, and wrapped with a design that won’t look out of place under even the swankiest HD TV. Unless you’re desperate to play games on a PlayStation 3, this is one of the best Blu-ray machines in the world. Flipping down the panel in the front of the LG BD370 gives the consumer access to several more functions on the device including the accessible port where a drive can be inserted. If preferred, the consumer can operate the disc player with a remote that offers a number of control options.

Of course, the PlayStation 3 still looms like the Close Encounters mother ship over the whole preceding, but fabulous little players like the LG BD370 are making the step to Blu-ray that much more enticing. But best of all its $250 price tag makes it excellent value for money, putting it right up there with the LG BD370 and Panasonic DMP-BD60 in the holy trinity of budget Blu-ray decks. The LG BD370 is the entry-level successor to the BD300, and it’s very similar with the main upgrades being onboard decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio Essential and faster load times.

Moreover, this LG BD370 disc player will permit users to browse the entire CinemaNow premium content catalog, instantly stream content, and access and view movies bought from other CinemaNow-powered stores. It’s a well-known fact that CinemaNow is the first broadband distributor of high definition content. Right out of the box, it didn’t take long at all for the LG BD370 Blu-ray player to upload discs. For this review, I viewed a copy of Slumdog Millionaire, and it only took 14.17 seconds for the disc to load. Amazon has the LG BD370 network Blu-ray disc player for $217 plus freeshipping if you order today.

Instant streaming content from Netflix to an HDTV via the LG BD370 requires a broadband connection and a Netflix membership (free trial available). You can use the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV episodes to your individual instant Queue, and those choices will automatically be displayed on and available to watch instantly through the HDTV. I made a mistake with my first LG BD370 by updating the firmware first, not knowing the newer firmware actually block any attempt of hacking the region code.

• Blu ray DVD Player
• 1080p/1080i/720p Capability
• HDMI Version 1.3/Component Video
• BD/DVD/VCD/CD/CD-R(RW)/DVD+R(RW)/MP3/WMA/JPEG Playback
• Ethernet Port

Product Description
New Blu-ray Disc player with DVD upconversion for High Definition Video Playback…. More >>

Blu-ray Player

• Wi-Fi for wireless music and video streaming from popular sources like Netflix®, Blockbuster®, YouTubeTM, and Pandora
• 100~240V 50/60Hz World-Wide Voltage
• Watch any Region DVD PAL/NTSC DVD Region Code 123456 RCE/REE DVDs
• DIVX XVID AVI MKV DIVX-HD Blu-ray Disc Java, AVCHD, JPEG Playback, MP3 Playback, Precision Cinema HD Upscale, 1080p HDMI Output with DVD Upscaling,
• 24p True Cinema, Deep Color, x.v.Color, Bonus View, BD-Live, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD,

Product Description
Introducing the 2010 Model SAMSUNG BD-C6500 Samsung’s versatile BD-C6500 treats you to cutting-edge Blu-ray picture quality, plus it offers built-in Wi-Fi for wireless music and video streaming from popular sources like Netflix®, Blockbuster®, YouTubeTM, and Pandora®. This slimline player outputs video at “Full HD” 1080p resolution, for exceptionally vivid, lifelike images from high-definition Blu-ray discs the best HD source available. And you’ll enjoy master-q… More >>

New 2010 SAMSUNG BD-C6500E Blu Ray Player Multi Region Code Free DVD 123456 PAL/NTSC Blu Ray Zone A+B+C Player, Built-In Wi-Fi, Built-In 2GB Storag

Small in its design, the BDP-S360 is only 16.9 inches wide by 2.2 inches high and 8.1 inches in depth. It is a combination of a sleek glossy finish with touches of conservative elements. It will not be a standout feature in your Home Entertainment theater, but should blend in nicely. The dark, glass like front panel flips open, revealing the disc loading tray. The player itself does not have many controls, you will have to use the Remote Control to navigate the player’s operations. The remote is easy to use but does not have a Open/Close button which might not appeal to some consumers. A universal remote can be used to remedy this as the BDP-S360 will support receiving an Open/Close IR command.

Most of the inputs and outputs are located on the back of the player, including a USB Port. It is important to note that this USB Port is recessed into the player, encompassed by plastic. This small opening will not support larger USB devices.

Video Quality: The BDP-S360 has a HDMI Output, a Component Video Outputs, and Composite Video Outputs. HDMI will provide great images with resolution options of  480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p/60, and 1080p/24. You can choose between three different types of picture modes – Standard, Brighter Room and Theater Room and choose types of noise reduction. For your DVD playback, it offers up scaling to near High Definition levels.

Audio Quality: Audio connections are the HDMI Output, Digital Outputs (Optical and Coaxial) and 2.0-ch Analog Outputs. Unfortunately, the BDP-S360 does not have 7.1-ch Analog Audio Outputs, so you can not connect to a non HDMI Audio/Video Receiver. However, the BDP-S360 does have internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and can transfer these High Resolution audio formats in their native bitstream form through a HDMI cable, for a Audio/Video Reviver to decode. Audio can be adjusted by using the A/V Sync, the Dynamic Range Compression options and an audio filter for analog signals.

On the back of the Blu-ray Player is an Ethernet Port to connect to the internet. This will allow access to any BD-Live content found on certain Blu-ray Discs and for firmware updates. Downloading any BD-Live content will require an external storage device, such as a USB Flash Drive, since the BDP-S360 has no internal storage memory. The USB Port does not support playback of any digital music or photos. But the BDP-S360′s disc drive does support the following – BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, MP3, and JPEG playback.

While the lack of any streaming Video On Demand services puts the BDP-S360 at a disadvantage with other entry level Blu-ray Players. It more than makes up for it by proving great image and audio quality on Blu-ray and DVD playback. If you are not interested in any VOD features, the BDP-S360 may be a good fit for you.

THE PROS: Sony’s BDP-S360 Blu-ray Player is a Profile 2.0 player. It has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential. It produces great image quality on Blu-ray disc.

THE CONS: New Blu-ray models provide online streaming services such as Netflix or Vudu. Has an Ethernet Port but no Wi-Fi. Strangely no eject button on the remote, which can be annoying. Load times are slow compared to it contemporary models.

THE FINAL WORD: Sony’s BDP-S360 provides great video and audio quality on playback of Blu-ray discs. But it does not have online streaming media and slower load times. –Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $150.00

It’s Not Just a Blu-ray Player

Sony has made the PlayStation 3 into a multi-purpose entertainment system. It is a gaming console, upscaling DVD player, Blu-ray Player and has many other multimedia capabilities. Obviously, the fact that it is a gaming console is the big difference when compared with other Blu-ray Players. The PlayStation 3 can play video games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Uncharted 2 and Little Big Planet. And with the release of a firmware upgrade, it will be capable of 3D Video Gaming. This is a nice extra feature for those just looking to buy a Blu-ray Player.

Many predict the future of home Entertainment will not be Blu-ray but streaming digital media. If this is the case, Sony has prepare the PlayStation 3 to handle digital streaming and distribution. The PlayStation 3 is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified. Meaning you can connect the PlayStation 3 to your Home Network, via the Ethernet Port or built-in Wi-Fi, and stream data from your computer or mobile device to the PlayStation 3. With it’s PlayStation Network you can download High Definition videos and TV shows. And Sony recently added online streaming media services in it’s deal with Netflix. The simple fact is, no other Blu-ray Player can provide the consumer with such a high return value for their investment.

Blu-ray Quality

A few years ago, the PlayStation 3 was really the only game in town when one considered to purchase a Blu-ray Player. This is no longer true. Today there are many stand-alone players that perform extremely well, producing great video and audio quality. However, the PlayStation 3 still holds up rather well when compared to the new Blu-ray models. It still has very fast operational and disc loading speeds. With 1080p playback via HDMI, it produces excellent image quality on both Blu-rays and DVDs.  Audio quality is equally impressive. The PS3 supports internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. With the new PS3 Slim you can bitstream out Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to your A/V receiver to decode over HDMI.  Also, with the new PS3 Slim you get 55% less power consumption when playing Blu-rays. A feature that should appeal to many consumers.

Sony’s Investment

In the High Definition format wars between Blu-ray and HD-DVD, Sony sided with Blu-ray and helped create and develop the HD format. Needless to say, Sony has a lot invested in Blu-ray’s success. Adding Blu-ray to the PlayStation 3 was an attempt to secure this success. It provided a great feature other gaming console did not have. To compete with the other gaming console Sony has to keep it’s Blu-ray Player relevant. The only way to do this is to continue to upgrade the Blu-ray Player on the PlayStation 3.

PlayStation 3 is Future Proof

The PlayStation 3 is a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player. So as Blu-ray technology continues to develop, PlayStation 3 owners are able to download firmware to update the players features and functions. For example, many experts predict 3D viewing will be the next big thing in the home entertainment market. To view 3D movies a 3D Blu-ray Player is required. Those who own a PlayStation 3 will not have to invest in purchasing new equipment. Sony will release a firmware upgrade making their system capable of playing 3D Blu-ray Discs. The benefits of this are limitless, as there will certainly be other upgrades to Blu-ray technology in the future. The PlayStation 3 is able to accomplish this due to its extremely powerful internal processor, large hard drive and peripheral support.

THE PROS:
- PS3 Slim is 32% reduction is size
- PS3 Slim is more energy efficient
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Excellent HD Images and Audio

THE CONS:
- No Backwards support for PS2
- Remote Control is sold separately
- No IR Port

The Final Word:
With so many advances in stand-alone Blu-ray Players over the last couple of years, it is debatable to still consider the PlayStation 3 the best. But with a price tag of $299.99, it definitely remains one of the best choices when it comes to purchasing a Blu-ray Player.

Philips say that their new players will be “pushing the boundaries in picture qualitiy and sound experience”. As many of my readers are aware, I’m only slightly biased to the Sony BDP series in combination with the BRAVIA, but Philips do have an uncanny ability to produce exceptional quality digital media products.

The Philips Blu Ray Disc products will be BD-Live™ compatible as well as supporting 24 frames per second playback and upscale DVDs to 1080i. 1080p is the best picture quality provided by blu ray, but 1080i is the closest you can get from the previous technology, and for most is quite acceptable, but pop any of Blu ray movies in and you can watch in 1080p brilliance.

The Philips BDP7300 will be their top spec model and one for those of you that appreciate the sound experience as much as the visual experience of watching a movie. Their players will have the full 7.1 channel HD Audio in Dolby, TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

As well as all this, their players are DivX certified which means it can play the compressed video format often found on the internet. The players also come with 1GB internal memory.

If the current Philips Blu Ray players are anything to go by, the latest offerings will undoubtadly be unique and exceptional. Nothing had been mentionioned however about their compatibility with other Philips home entertainment systems such as their HD-TV’s. Once can only assume that they will integrate well, but Sony has made exceptional effort to ensure their latest offering, the Sony BDP-S360 integrates seamlessly with their BRAVIA solution so you have an out of the box package.

Let’s hope that Philips can follow suite and provide some competition to Sony so we can see the bar pushed higher once again.

The product range for Philips started with the Philips BDP 7200 brought out to keep up with other manufacturers of Blu Ray Disc players such as Sony, Samsung and Panasonic. They were slow to release their full product range, but now with all their players on the market, Philips have created a range capable of competing with the best of the best.

Rivally Sony’s Bravia dominance of the home entertainment market, the Philips range can be integrated with their home entertainment systems providing a full High Definition home cinema package.

The entry level product, the Philips BDP 3000 is a very capable machine, especially at their target price point, capable of being fully integrated with other devices. This allows for single remote control operation of the whole package and with the ability to be linked to the internet providing BD-Live functionality. This enable you to get additional content such as movie features and directors cuts for your films, downloaded straight to your Blu Ray Disc player.

The Philips BDP 5000 is a step up with additional features, functionality and quality. Whether you are looking for a basic player such as the BDP 3000 or the additional capabilities of the 5000, the Philips Blu Ray range really is stylish, simple to use and very capable.

The Philips BDP 7200 was the original model released and remains today one of the most aesthetically pleasing player on the market. This philosophy has been carried across its whole range with the BDP 7300 being a step up from its early model.

Of course, all the Philips blu ray player models are capable of 1080p up-scaling. Watch your DVD’s in superb quality and definition. All in all, the Philips players are excellent quality and at a reasonable price point, although they are not the cheapest or the best value, but stylish they certainly are.

If you are interested in the Philips range of players, you may wish to consider the following competing models.

Philips BDP 3000 compares with the Samsung BDP 1500, Pioneer BDP LX08, Denon DVD 2500bt and Sony BDP S300, S350 and S360.

Philips BDP 5000 compares with the Samsung BDP 2500, Pioneer BDP LX71, Panasonic BD55, Sony BDP S550.

Philips BDP 7200 compares with the Pioneer BDP 51FD and Sony BDP S5000ES.

My friends paid nearly twice for smaller sets and more money for a standalone blu-ray disk player and they are kicking themselves ’cause they haven’t listen. Every one say “why do I need to a gaming system with my blu ray?” How can you be so short sighted – because it has all of the features that blu ray offers TODAY.

And when blu ray adds other features, the gaming system will automatically load the required firmware with just a click of a button. For $300 I get a 60 G player that upconverts all my current DVD, stores and plays all my photos and music and of course is a remarkable HD playstation that allows me to download free games, demos, movie clips, interviews, music, access the Internet and much more!. Not to mention all of the other instant access features that I get simply by upgrading my firmware in about 2 minutes through the networking capability.

For instance, when Pirates of Caribbean was out with picture in picture capability, Internet access whilst watching the move – other players didn’t even have these features . Anything the blu ray manufacturers come up with -  I am ready. Bring it on!

There isn’t ANY, I repeat, ANY player on the market right now that can offer so many capabilities that the PS3 can. Please let me know if there is a blu-ray player like this. No, you guys can disagree and read every single article on this blu-ray player, that blu-ray player, that HD-DVD is better  – absolutly nothing can bit PS3 blu-ray!