Bluray player recommendations

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sbowness

225 posts

Master Geek

Subscriber

#206189 13-Dec-2016 16:11

Could I get some recommendations, please? I currently use my PS3 for playing blurays (incl 3D) and streaming from Lightbox and TVNZOD. I'm about to try Chromecast for the streaming side of things. All of my other streaming (Netflix etc) is handled by an Amazon Fire TV. I'm starting to get more and more aware of the PS3 fan (it's not getting any louder, just more irritating) and I'd be grateful for any recommendations, please. I'd like to keep the budget under $300 if possible. I'm not worried about 4K as my TV will not cope with it. Having region-free DVD playback would be a bonus. I don't play games on the console, so I'm not worried about that. Having all of the usual audio formats for my 5.1 rig is important.

da5id

550 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1696437 30-Dec-2016 10:42

I'd be interested in this as well.

We have a 3D TV and I have a few blu-rays that are 3D compatible, so I'm looking at buying a blu-ray player that supports 3D.

I have been doing the usual investigation via google, and looking at reviews on Amazon and am none the wiser.

On Amazon, most of the brands (Samsung, Sony, Panasonic) have some negative reviews where commentators talk about machines (and their replacements) breaking down after a few months, or problems with the child-lock not being able to be disabled, or having to disconnect the power to turn the player off and remove discs etc.

I haven't been able to nail down one particular brand which seems a clear winner. I can't afford the hundreds of dollars for an Oppo, either.

Any readers have an idea of which is a good brand in New Zealand? Now, while the sales are still on?

Many thanks.

Sharesies

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B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#1696442 30-Dec-2016 10:51

da5id:

I'd be interested in this as well.

We have a 3D TV and I have a few blu-rays that are 3D compatible, so I'm looking at buying a blu-ray player that supports 3D.

I have been doing the usual investigation via google, and looking at reviews on Amazon and am none the wiser.

On Amazon, most of the brands (Samsung, Sony, Panasonic) have some negative reviews where commentators talk about machines (and their replacements) breaking down after a few months, or problems with the child-lock not being able to be disabled, or having to disconnect the power to turn the player off and remove discs etc.

I haven't been able to nail down one particular brand which seems a clear winner. I can't afford the hundreds of dollars for an Oppo, either.

Any readers have an idea of which is a good brand in New Zealand? Now, while the sales are still on?

Many thanks.

Panasonic. I had a Panasonic Blu Ray player and now have the Blu Ray Recorder. Both are 3D capable and I've never had a problem with them. The DVD section can made Region Free at any Panasonic Service Agent at no cost. Blu Ray section cannot be made Region Free but then most new Blu Ray discs are now region free anyway.

da5id

550 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1696443 30-Dec-2016 11:06

Thanks!

sen8or

1758 posts

Uber Geek

#1696481 30-Dec-2016 12:51

Im note sure if its the case anymore, but Sony Blu-ray players used to be region free for DVD playback out of the box (both my players at home are) and they have inbuilt apps like netflix etc. I think the Samsung ones come with Lightbox as an app (Sony doesn't)

da5id

550 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1696519 30-Dec-2016 16:13

Thanks.

I ended up getting the Sony BDPS5500 from Noel Leeming. It was 20% off, and cost me $159.00

Has mixed reviews on Amazon but I hope it is reliable. Wirecutter.com recommends it.

sbowness

225 posts

Master Geek

Subscriber

#1696618 30-Dec-2016 21:54

da5id:

Thanks.

I ended up getting the Sony BDPS5500 from Noel Leeming. It was 20% off, and cost me $159.00

Has mixed reviews on Amazon but I hope it is reliable. Wirecutter.com recommends it.

Is the DVD region free, please?