Any reccomendations for buying a blu-ray player?

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RunningMan

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Topic # 81852 19-Apr-2011 10:29

I'm looking at getting a new blu-ray player. The following points are important to me:

Budget - about $300 max
Digital audio out - (no HDMI on my amp)
Region free - either out of the box, or able to be set
Boot time - don't want to wait for hours after turning it on ;-)
Audio CD playback - doesn't have to be great at this, but will need to able to occasionally

The Sony BDP-S370 and Panasonic DMP-BD65 have both been reccomended on here some months ago, although it looks as if the Sony has just been discontinued.

Are there any other models that are worth considering? Any other features I should be looking at, or advice to offer?

Thanks in advance...

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Reply # 460412 19-Apr-2011 10:32

What amplifier do you have?
-Does it have multichannel analogue inputs? (ie a heap of rca inputs for front L, Centre, Front R, Surround L/R, Subwoofer etc?)

RunningMan

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Reply # 460415 19-Apr-2011 10:35

I forget the amp model number. It's a 5.1, made by Sony with optical and coaxial digital audio inputs.

Edit: Yes, it also has an analogue multi channel input

Handle9

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Reply # 460418 19-Apr-2011 10:38

RunningMan: I'm looking at getting a new blu-ray player. The following points are important to me:

Region free - either out of the box, or able to be set

Region free for DVD or Blu Ray as well? If you want region free for Blu Ray the Oppo from Rapollo AV is the only one I am aware of but it is miles out of your budget.

http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/product/2266/Oppo-Blu-ray-Players/

The Panasonic can be set region free for DVD by a service agent(generally for free), I'm not sure about the Sony

Dunnersfella

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Reply # 460420 19-Apr-2011 10:39

When you say region free, are you wanting it to be for DVD or BluRay playback?

RunningMan

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Reply # 460423 19-Apr-2011 10:45

Dunnersfella: When you say region free, are you wanting it to be for DVD or BluRay playback?

DVD only - I'm quite possibly incorrect, but i didn't think you could go region free with with BD?

Jaxson

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Reply # 460427 19-Apr-2011 10:51

RunningMan: Edit: Yes, it also has an analogue multi channel input

OK in this case I'd recommend that you went for a unit that can internally decode the HD audio and output this as multichannel analogue. This generally adds a few dollars over the base bluray players, but this way you can enjoy HD audio from your existing receiver system.

Dunnersfella

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Reply # 460432 19-Apr-2011 11:06

Panasonic DMP-BD85GNK, it's more than you're looking to spend, but it'll do everything you're looking for. From 7.1 analogue output, through to HSMI when you get a new amplifier. What's more, when you take your invoice into a Panasonic service agent, they'll multi-region the DVD playback for free.
It'll be an obsolete model soon, so you may start to see it as a good price as it'll no doubt be replaced by a 3D capable version.

RunningMan

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Reply # 460433 19-Apr-2011 11:12

Jaxson:
OK in this case I'd recommend that you went for a unit that can internally decode the HD audio and output this as multichannel analogue. This generally adds a few dollars over the base bluray players, but this way you can enjoy HD audio from your existing receiver system.

Ah, good point. Given the units that have this seem to be about double the price (very roughly comparing the BD-65 & BD-85), it might be better to go for the lower end model, accept that I won't get HD audio in the short term, and use the extra money to upgrade the amp in the future?

Jaxson

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Reply # 460438 19-Apr-2011 11:30

RunningMan: use the extra money to upgrade the amp in the future?

Well yes that is the decision you will have to make. For me I went with a new amp. For you though, given costs have now come down you may find it more cost effective now to throw a few more hundred at it and enjoy the HD audio vs $500 - $1,500 for a new receiver.

Only you will know your requirements, but if you're happy with the current setup and don't envisage 3D etc any time soon then perhaps it's worth the smaller extra to a better spec'd bluray player? You might find that the cheaper bluray player you get won't do 3D etc so you'll have to dump it in the future anyway etc etc. Some of this is all very personal choice etc.

Dunners above will have some ideas on models so maybe check out what he's suggesting and see where it takes you. Personally I'd be aiming for the audio as well if you can throw it in the mix. It's a bit like a low bit rate mp3 vs a high quality one, in that you can hear the difference in compression so it's not solely in the realm of 'you need a high end system to take advantage of those HD audio tracks'.

chiefie

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Reply # 460441 19-Apr-2011 11:38

From what I was told, with Panasonic, you can get its DVD region unlocked during the 12months manufacturer warranty period.

If you're in CHC, Norman Ross has a few floor demo models they're clearing off.. good bargain too. (But that was over the weekend)

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RunningMan

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Reply # 460442 19-Apr-2011 11:39

Thanks to everyone for their advice - very much appreciated

ilovemusic

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Reply # 460821 20-Apr-2011 09:48

Dunnersfella: Panasonic DMP-BD85GNK, it's more than you're looking to spend, but it'll do everything you're looking for. From 7.1 analogue output, through to HSMI when you get a new amplifier. What's more, when you take your invoice into a Panasonic service agent, they'll multi-region the DVD playback for free.
It'll be an obsolete model soon, so you may start to see it as a good price as it'll no doubt be replaced by a 3D capable version.

x2

I would not get into BD without high definition sound.

Patiently waiting for a good price on a BD85.

Jaxson

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Reply # 460838 20-Apr-2011 10:09

As above. The setup is more involved/manual than connecting via hdmi*, but access to the HD audio really is half the benefit of going to bluray.

(* You have to adjust distances/delays etc actually from within the bluray player itself, as most amplifiers apply no adjustments at all to analogue inputs.)

Jaxson

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Reply # 460963 20-Apr-2011 15:19

ilovemusic:
Patiently waiting for a good price on a BD85.

Just read off audioenz forum:

Panasonic DMP-BD85

On run-out ?

Just spied at local Norman Ross... $398.

ilovemusic

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Reply # 460965 20-Apr-2011 15:31

Cheers !

Another bargain:
The latest Smiths City flyer has the 3D BDT100 for $300, if you are wanting to get into 3D.

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