Is your Blu-ray player obsolete?

Even though the Blu-ray format has emerged as the de facto standard for high-definition DVD, you might want to hold off on buying a player. We think prices could drop later in the year, but that's not the only reason to wait. Technologically, the Blu-ray format is still maturing.

As a result, many early adopters are finding, to their dismay, that the players they purchased—likely at premium prices—lack features that will be included in newer, lower-priced models.

One thing that HD DVD got right was that it mandated a minimum set of features, including interactivity and online access, which had to be included in every player sold. Blu-ray, by contrast, has continually updated the features on its players. Currently, Blu-ray is on its third player "profile," which describes the specific features included in the player.

The first players—so-called Profile 1.0 models—will play Blu-ray movies (plus DVDs and, generally, CDs), period. An updated profile—dubbed Profile 1.1—added picture-in-picture capability that lets you view a Blu-ray movie while calling up additional content, such as a director's commentary, in a smaller window on the screen.

The latest profile—Profile 2.0, or BD Live—adds an Ethernet port for Internet access capability, enabling you to get the latest movie trailers or interactive games from the web. Unfortunately, earlier players can't be upgraded to the latest profile. The one exception we know of is the latest version of Sony's PlayStation 3 game console, which can be updated via a firmware upgrade to conform to the BD Live specifications. The first standalone Profile 2.0 players are expected to arrive shortly.

In our opinion, that's a compelling reason to continue waiting. While many of us may be happy simply playing movies, why settle for less than a fully featured model, especially since it will likely carry a cheaper price? But it's up to you to make sure that you're getting a player that has all the Blu-ray functionality currently being offered—something the Blu-ray format has unnecessarily complicated.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[BluedOut]

I'm definitely holding out purchasing BD player. I really dont like the idea of manufacturers pushing their products with all these shenanigan features, making price high out of reach. I say make a player reasonably priced with simply these features...fast loading, awesome playback graphic images and outstanding audio. None of these online crap I have to download to watch. If they want something for me to see, just include it in the disc. I am sure majority of simple consumers like me will agree.

[Mark]

Don't worry all Blue-Ray players will be obsolete anyway within 5-10 years. As Microsoft Digital Media analyst Richard Dougherty recently stated, Future HD format will be on a static Memory card. Much smaller, soon capable of holding up to 200 Gigs on data per card, and cannot be surfaced scratched. Best of all, less product failures due to the lack of any necessary moving or spinning parts.

[Amy]

We're considering a PS3 for our Blu Ray player. We just bought a home theater system with 7 speakers, and I would like to know if PS3 will give us the best surround sound. Does anyone have this setup?

[Bujoun]

The PS3 is the gold standard for Blu-ray players! Dont worry. All the newest Blu-ray players are now 2.0 compliant and have all the latest features. It's time to stop all the bitching and moaning! Do your homework and make sure you know what your buying!

[Charles]

I own both a Blu-ray and HD-DVD player. Hands down, the video quality of the HD-DVD is superior to that of the Blu-ray. I will not buy any more Blu-ray movies until the quality is that of HD-DVD. Is it true that PS3 puts out an improved Blu-ray picture over a Blu-ray player? If so, how improved?

[Mark Evans]

I have a Blu Ray player and I can't use it because my monitor (projection) is not able to pass HDCP digital rights management. Unless you buy your monitor at the same time as your Blu Ray player, you proboably won't be able to play your movies at all. I can't play the Smithsonian Disc I bought and there's no way to get a refund.

[mike]

BD has been out for, what, 2 years? Or is it 3? Where was DVD player pricing at the same time in its life cycle?

Neverthereless, prices do need to come down and so do the prices of the movies. i mean, why buy BD at $30+ per movie when you can get the DVD for $20 AND often with more features and they'll look pretty decent on an upconverting DVD player? This coming from a PS3 owner who LOVES watching HD.

[everett whitney]

TO: " Mary -19Mar - 52" Sony - $500 Contract -

Only one opinion - but - definitely! They allow a (30 day) refund & you should seriously do so on the "$ 500 Contract." Whatever their Contract Technician might do will Not make the LCD Sony HDTV last one second longer.

The Sony Menu is very straightforward & with it's manual / explanations, the settings will be quite easily performed!

SEAR's may well Not be in existence for that term - much less costly ( $289/$319) to obtain Sony's 5 year In-Home
all-inclusive Plan directly from them, instead ! - click here

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&identifier=S_ESP

More (?), pls do ask. eliwhitney1938@hotmail.com

[Mary]

We just bought a 52" HDTV (Sony) at Sears five days ago and also bought a $500 maintenance and calibration package. Did we just throw away $500? The salesperson convinced us that our TV would not work properly without the calibration.

[Jason]

I agree with the PS3. Right now it is basically the only resonable choice. I would rather wait for a stand alone player to drop below the PS3 price and maintain the 2.0 standard. I just dont want a PS3 in my entertainment system when the PS3 has finished running it's course. Besides if you have a Xbox 360, the PS3 would be bacically useless for games. (My personal opinion of course).

[Mark]

I agree with this article, however it should also be mentioned that the Play Station 3 does not have the latest version HDMI v1.3 connection, which is required to fix the sound/ lip synch issues with high def format movie viewing. From my understanding, this requires a hardware change, and therefore not upgradeable on existing units. The new Panasonic Blu Ray players do have HDMI v1.3 connection. Of course your TV and/or receiver must also have HDMI v1.3 connectivity to benefit.

[Peter]

Agreed. The PS3 is a great "starter" or basic Blu-Ray player, but keep in mind it does lack some features found in a standalone player. First no remote, but easily fixed by getting a $25-$30 remote. Using the gamepad as the remote is an adventure most people wouldn't want to deal with -- just buy a DVD Remote. Next, no DTS HD output. The TrueHD sound is only PCM not bitstream. Less than 20% of all Blu-Ray titles support DTS HD, but it's growing. Autoplay won't work if the PS3 is already on. You'll have to manually navigate through the menus to play your Blu-Ray movie and the movie title will just show up as generic. The PS3 won't upscale standard DVDs like many of the Blu-ray standalone players will. One last note, the fan noise is loud. It can be very distracting on quite parts of a movie when all you hear is "whrr". With all this said, the PS3 is still a great all-around entertainment toy. Well worth the money spent.

[Mike_2]

Don't waste your hard earned money on the "Calibration" Services that many of the retailers offer.

They do not extend the life of the the Television and many 70 % of the calibrations can be done using the TV's built in firmware and onscreen menus by themselves and the remainder can be done using both the TV's menus and a DVD which contains a series of test patterns, images, video and instructions on how to use your TV's menu settings to get a "perfect" picture.

Even after calibrating your TV, you will wind up changing the picture settings on occasion to match room lighting and specific programs or video's that you are viewing.

Ultimately You will get the settings to match that which is most pleasing to your eyes and not the eyes of someone else who will collect $250.00 for making a 1/2 hour visit to your home...

[Angel]

We purchased a 52" HDTV a couple of months ago. The store tried to sell us calibration as well, stating that the skin tones of the of the actors would be more natural. They never mentioned anything about calibration extending the life of the t.v. We decided to check with a smaller independent electronic store. They told us not to waste our money on this uneeded calibration.

[Datacide]

Yes, I've got to agree with going for a PS3 if you are looking for a BluRay player. You get an upgradable BR player, an awesome video game machine, an SACD player, and a great media and internet hub...all for the price of many stand-alone BR players.

[everett whitney]

Those "Pro Calibrations" might be in order for Rear Projection HDTVs. But, there are a number of DVD based
"D.I.Y." for sale @ under #30 on the web which will cover up to 80 % - 85% of these same results. Far less costly to attempt before "signing for" these $250 versions!

[Big Al]

Mike is right on the money. I've read several articles that reinforce Mike's statement: Get a PS 3 for the latest and greatest blu ray features if you can't wait for the next generation.

I've also read that every television could use some sort of calibration to make sure it delivers optimal performance. You might check in your area to find an independent certified technician rather than the store you purchased the set from.

[mike]

I just bought a new 42 inch flat screen hdtv. the store said I could have it calibrated which will increase it,s life expectency by several years. has any one tried this ? is it worth the cost of about 250.00 dollars. I have,nt found any information on it yet. any help will be very appreciated. thank you

[Mike]

All the more reason to make your first Blu-Ray player a PlayStation 3. They have allowed downloadable BR upgrades from the beginning. Sony releases a new BR Profile? No problem! Just update the software on your PS3.