Blu Ray player recommendation...

[Trekker4747]

Any issues that the PS3 has with burned DVD's is usually the result of cheap media but sometimes the result of the software that was used to burn to begin with. This happens with all optical drives.

Well, the PS3 didn't have problems with these bootle... er, burned DVDs until relatively recently and the discs have no noticeable blemishes or marks on them that'd render them error prone (jJust some minor scratches and scuff marks but nothing severe or major) and brand-new (non scuffed/scratched) DVD-Rs have skipping problems too. Now, the skipping only seems to occur late in the DVD's video (near the end of the movie) and this is a fairly recent occurrence the last "major" thing happening to my player is a firmware/software download prompted to me by the PS3 a little over a month ago. (Either when I bought the Inception or the BTTF BDs) My DVD player has no issues with these same discs whatsoever.

My novice diagnostic skills tell me something happened in that lest update that causes the PS3 to have trouble reading the DVD-Rs near the center of the disc (where the "end" of the movie likely is). The player has no trouble whatsoever with store-bought DVDs or BDs.

And just to let you know! These DVD-Rs are of the TV series "Mystery Science Theater 3000" a show that encouraged viewers to "spread the tapes" (i.e. distribute the show) during part of it's run. The place where the discs that can be obtained only offers the discs that do not have an available commercial release, many of the movies featured on MST3K are public domain and, as an honest person, I buy the MST3K commercial releases when they hit store shelves. (Even though I already own the entire series.)

I own no bootlegged copy of any movie or TV series, my only burned discs are of these MST3K episodes and the Star Wars Holiday Special.

 

[Starbreaker]

I've never had a copy with burned DVDs on my PS3. I've watched tons of stuff that way.

 

[Haggis and tatties]

Why even use optical media on the PS3 for burned media, stick all your media onto a external USB stick and transfer it onto the PS3 HDD, or transfer the media onto the PS3 HDD via the media player options and your router....so many options, so many way to watch media with the PS3.

 

[Trekker4747]

I'm a collector and I like having physical media and stuff I can look at to know it's there and exists. I don't like searching through what I want to watch on a menu I want to go to uo to my shelf, select the video and put it in and enjoy.

 

[propita]

Thanks. I’ll show this to Hubby. I’d kinda hate to have to buy another blue-ray player. We’ll likely wait to see if we want to continue this after the gift part expires. We never bothered with netflix before. No time and a few hundred dvds already here.

Since you already have a Blu-ray Player, you could ask yourselves if you're okay having another device and another remote, and instead purchase a streaming media player rather than a new, replacement Blu-ray Player. Such devices are pretty compact, so any size issue should be minimal. I haven't used one myself, but they do look easy to set up.

Netflix does become a very convenient source of movies and television that's difficult to give up once you've gotten used to having it around, eh?

Surprisingly, I’m not watching it a HUGE amount. I mean, it’s on my phone and computer, not the tv. I don’t watch a lot of movies on my computer. I guess I’m not used to it yet.

 

[kes7]

I have the Sony BDP-S570. I'm happy with it. It has built-in Youtube, Netflix, Pandora and a bunch of other access and was cheap ($130 at Target). It's also 3-D ready, but I don't really care about that.

You can't surf the net with it, though (no browser), and linking up accounts is a (mild) pain in the ass. If you're looking for a cheap and good player, though, it fits the bill. I bet the PS3 is more useful/better if you have the cash.

 

[milo bloom]

We bought a PS3 a little over a year ago, and we use it more for the Netflix instant streaming than anything else. After that it's DVDs, Blurays, PS2 and PS1 games and the occasional PS3 game (we only have Final Fantasy 13 and Little Big Planet).

 

[TV-Tastic]

I'm a collector and I like having physical media and stuff I can look at to know it's there and exists. I don't like searching through what I want to watch on a menu I want to go to uo to my shelf, select the video and put it in and enjoy.

MOST people are like this. I'M like this. There's this notion that's been circulating the last couple of years that disc-based media is going by the wayside in favor of digital media in regards to movies and the example they use is that it's already happened in music.

It happened in music because the biggest consumers in music are children and they can afford the .99 per track. It's not going to happen in movies/TV for a long time. As much as Netflix would like it to happen, even they admit that it will be another 20 years before it's even possible to see the end of disc-based media in favor of going all digital.

-The 'Tastic

 

[Trekker4747]

And the way I see it there's something different about collecting movies and collecting music. People want to walk around with as many songs as possible to listen to as they walk, ride the bus or whatever. Walking around with an book full of CDs is impractical. Movies are a bit different for most people they're something you watch once in a while or there's no desperate need to "save space" with them for practicality.

 

[RoJoHen]

Indeed. Movies rarely need to be mobile.

 

[TV-Tastic]

And the way I see it there's something different about collecting movies and collecting music. People want to walk around with as many songs as possible to listen to as they walk, ride the bus or whatever. Walking around with an book full of CDs is impractical. Movies are a bit different for most people they're something you watch once in a while or there's no desperate need to "save space" with them for practicality.

Agreed, and let's be honest, we treat movies with a little more reverence than the 80,000 pop music songs that come out every year and we like having that tangible piece of art in our collections to show off and enjoy.

Indeed. Movies rarely need to be mobile.

Well, there is a place for mobile video but as a secondary source, not a primary. I appreciate the fact that I can store digital copies of movies for the kids on the iPad and iPhone or use Netflix streaming app for the kids when we're on vacations but is it how how I want to enjoy my movies in my family room? Absolutely not.

-The 'Tastic

 

[Professor Zoom]

I appreciate the fact that I can store digital copies of movies for the kids on the iPad and iPhone or use Netflix streaming app for the kids when we're on vacations but is it how how I want to enjoy my movies in my family room? Absolutely not.

-The 'Tastic

I look at streaming movies on Netflix basically like renting a movie. Except I don't have to leave my house to get it or return it. And there are more movies available for streaming than most rental places can physically store.

And, it can stream in HD. So...

So, for me, it's a great way to enjoy movies/tv....

 

[Trekker4747]

Sort of how I see it. Plenty of movies I've "rented" OnDemand that I wanted to see but don't want to buy on DVD so I can see streaming/OnDemand movies filling that niche. But there's no way it's going to replace the collector/purchaser niche anytime soon. Collectors, like myself, want a physical copy that can be watched at any time while also having something physical to show that you watch it.

Having movies be streaming-only I suspect would also hamper the niche/independent markets (would a piece of crap like "The Room" ever manage to get an OnDemand release (aside from it's now cult status.) Further I doubt that even with the largest of servers and the greatest number of providers out there they'll provide all movies at all times. It'd likely cycle between different movies every month or whatever they can get the rights too and it's even possible that older movies would get more and more set aside in favor of popular, recent, classics.

As a collector I want to have my box and a disc. There's just something about going to the shelf, grabbing the box, taking out the disc and playing the movie. It wouldn't be the same if was clumsily scrolling through menus. Save for a really cool and wild navigation system it'd probably be a bigger pain in the ass than just grabbing a disc.

But there's still that collection element to it. Showing off my movie/TV collection is a bit of a thing of pride to me. A collection I'm proud of and even have insured on a rider. Show off a "collection" of movies on a video menu wouldn't nearly be the same thing or as impressive.

 

[Professor Zoom]

Sort of how I see it. Plenty of movies I've "rented" OnDemand that I wanted to see but don't want to buy on DVD so I can see streaming/OnDemand movies filling that niche. But there's no way it's going to replace the collector/purchaser niche anytime soon. Collectors, like myself, want a physical copy that can be watched at any time while also having something physical to show that you watch it.

This might be an odd question, but has anyone in the thread suggested getting rid of physical media? I know you brought it up, but...

I AM talking about buying a blu ray so I could both stream AND watch physical media...

Having movies be streaming-only I suspect would also hamper the niche/independent markets (would a piece of crap like "The Room" ever manage to get an OnDemand release (aside from it's now cult status.)

Actually, I would argue that streaming would HELP independent films... No one has to print a few thousand DVDs in an attempt to find and audience. A digital copy to stream is enough. I've seen a lot of low budget films on Netflix that I doubt has ever been released to DVD in a broad way.

Further I doubt that even with the largest of servers and the greatest number of providers out there they'll provide all movies at all times. It'd likely cycle between different movies every month or whatever they can get the rights too and it's even possible that older movies would get more and more set aside in favor of popular, recent, classics.

Data storage is getting bigger and cheaper ALL the time. The older movies always seem to be available while the newer stuff seems to cycle a bit more. I would be willing to bet it's more about rights than storage space.

Like I said, data storage is getting bigger and cheaper. Just think how much a 1 gb flash drive cost 5 years ago compared to today.

Have you tried the streaming on Netflix? Just curious.

As a collector I want to have my box and a disc. There's just something about going to the shelf, grabbing the box, taking out the disc and playing the movie. It wouldn't be the same if was clumsily scrolling through menus. Save for a really cool and wild navigation system it'd probably be a bigger pain in the ass than just grabbing a disc.

True. It's probably be easier to grab it off the box.

But, I will say this, it's pretty easy to navigate on Netflix.

But, if you're a collector, you're a collector. I buy movies as well. But there are somethings that I don't want to own, just see once...

But there's still that collection element to it. Showing off my movie/TV collection is a bit of a thing of pride to me. A collection I'm proud of and even have insured on a rider. Show off a "collection" of movies on a video menu wouldn't nearly be the same thing or as impressive.

True.

But, my desire for a blu ray isn't just about showing off my collection, it's about being able to play what DVDs I have and stream Netflix... so I can better use my subscription. Get more bang for the buck.

 

[Trekker4747]

Sort of how I see it. Plenty of movies I've "rented" OnDemand that I wanted to see but don't want to buy on DVD so I can see streaming/OnDemand movies filling that niche. But there's no way it's going to replace the collector/purchaser niche anytime soon. Collectors, like myself, want a physical copy that can be watched at any time while also having something physical to show that you watch it.

This might be an odd question, but has anyone in the thread suggested getting rid of physical media? I know you brought it up, but...

No, but it's one of those things some in the industry, some on this board (not necessarily in this thread) and some in the media say "is going to happen." They point out the decline in CD and DVD sales as "proof" (though, IIRC, BluRay and BluRay player sales are up this year over last) and just the overall change over to download-able (non-physical) media in music as "proof" that physical media is on its death bed.

Granted a lot of it is hyperbole as the media pretty much never gets these things right but I just wanted to express my opinion of why I think download-able or non-physical media won't work.

 

[PsychoPere]

Having movies be streaming-only I suspect would also hamper the niche/independent markets (would a piece of crap like "The Room" ever manage to get an OnDemand release (aside from it's now cult status.)

Actually, I would argue that streaming would HELP independent films... No one has to print a few thousand DVDs in an attempt to find and audience. A digital copy to stream is enough. I've seen a lot of low budget films on Netflix that I doubt has ever been released to DVD in a broad way.

For a recent example of On Demand/iTunes/etc. success for an independent film, one should look to Edward Burns's Nice Guy Johnny. Since its release in late October (completely ignoring the theatrical distribution model), the film has routinely been in the top ten rentals on iTunes, beating out mainstream Hollywood films and larger profile independent films, and has done great business through cable On Demand as well. It also happens to be a damn good film.

 

[Professor Zoom]

Sort of how I see it. Plenty of movies I've "rented" OnDemand that I wanted to see but don't want to buy on DVD so I can see streaming/OnDemand movies filling that niche. But there's no way it's going to replace the collector/purchaser niche anytime soon. Collectors, like myself, want a physical copy that can be watched at any time while also having something physical to show that you watch it.

This might be an odd question, but has anyone in the thread suggested getting rid of physical media? I know you brought it up, but...

No, but it's one of those things some in the industry, some on this board (not necessarily in this thread) and some in the media say "is going to happen." They point out the decline in CD and DVD sales as "proof" (though, IIRC, BluRay and BluRay player sales are up this year over last) and just the overall change over to download-able (non-physical) media in music as "proof" that physical media is on its death bed.

I don't think it's on its death bed. I don't think it will ever go away. I do think a shift is happening. Physical media won't be the SOLE source, nor, perhaps the major source of income.

Also, consider that many people might be purchasing blu rays for the same reason that I am: to use both dvd AND streaming.

Granted a lot of it is hyperbole as the media pretty much never gets these things right but I just wanted to express my opinion of why I think download-able or non-physical media won't work.

I don't know what you mean by won't work. They do work. Not for collecting. But for watching and listening. They work amazingly well. For taking in media, it's immediate, it's broad and it's easy.

So, I don't know what you mean by won't work.

Having movies be streaming-only I suspect would also hamper the niche/independent markets (would a piece of crap like "The Room" ever manage to get an OnDemand release (aside from it's now cult status.)

Actually, I would argue that streaming would HELP independent films... No one has to print a few thousand DVDs in an attempt to find and audience. A digital copy to stream is enough. I've seen a lot of low budget films on Netflix that I doubt has ever been released to DVD in a broad way.

For a recent example of On Demand/iTunes/etc. success for an independent film, one should look to Edward Burns's Nice Guy Johnny. Since its release in late October (completely ignoring the theatrical distribution model), the film has routinely been in the top ten rentals on iTunes, beating out mainstream Hollywood films and larger profile independent films, and has done great business through cable On Demand as well. It also happens to be a damn good film.

I've heard of that movie. I need to check it out.

Streaming is a tremendous opportunity for low budget films to skip the studio and get directly to an audience.

 

[jbohn]

I've just taken a plunge into the Bluray pool and purchased a Samsung BD-C6500T at the recommendation of my brother (he has the same one). It's got WiFi, can connect to the internet and has netflix. The best part is it's come down in price here $20 since I bought it and where I bought it they have price protection, so I got the $20 refunded to me.

When my brother bought it, it was $219, now it's $169.

Here is the link to Future Shop where I bought mine.

Here is a link to a review of the unit at Bluray-Players.net. Although this one doesn't have the T in the model name I think it's identical.

 

[propita]

I suggest this player [LG BD570]

I purchased an LG BD570 earlier this year and I'm quite satisfied with it.

What are our options for the main tv (besides moving my nephew’s xbox to the living room)?

You can browse all of the available options here.

You're basically looking at using a gaming console (such as your nephew's Xbox, though of course you still have to have an Xbox Live Gold account to access Netflix there); a streaming player (such as Apple TV or a Roku player); or an internet-capable Blu-ray player.

If you didn't want to move the Xbox into the living room, a streaming player such as a Roku would probably be the "easiest" method, though it's only used for streaming media. You might as well get an internet-capable Blu-ray player so that you can play DVDs/Blu-ray Discs and stream media. With mine, I also plug an external hard drive in to watch video files on there.

Thanks. I’ll show this to Hubby. I’d kinda hate to have to buy another blue-ray player. We’ll likely wait to see if we want to continue this after the gift part expires. We never bothered with netflix before. No time and a few hundred dvds already here.

Hubby’s liking the idea of Apple tv, since he can put it in the bedroom--where the tv with hdmi input is (37” diagonal). Then when our biggest tv in the living room dies, he can put it there.

 

[23skidoo]

I'm going to steer clear of the "physical/owned vs. temporary/unowned" media argument (look between the quotation marks and you can guess my attitude) and actually take a slightly different direction in answering the OP's question.

Unless you're one of those who doesn't care about picture quality, or you don't plan on ever watching anything made prior to 2005 that hasn't been completely overhauled and changed from the original (Trek Remastered, for example), I'd actually be more concerned about the TV you have than the player. One of the things that turned me off HDTV and Blu-Ray initially was the fact my first exposure was 1080 LCD. And, frankly, unless you're watching sports, nature documentaries or concerts, 1080 LCD makes everything look like shit.

Anything made prior to the digital age is all grainy and pixelated - and like 20 year old VHS tape recordings. Newer films show up deinterlaced, which means the sheen of the film appearance is all but removed. The result being everything looks like it's shot on videotape. Which is great if you want to see Alice in Wonderland or Avatar look like The Starlost or 1970s Doctor Who. (I've been accused of talking out my ass on that one ... until I took someone to a tech demo and sat them down in front of a 1080 LCD and they agreed with me instantly.)

So what turned me around was getting a 780 plasma set. That gives you superior picture - not 1080 perhaps, but for most people you can't tell - and the film sheen is retained so it actually looks like a movie and not chromakey'd Doctor Who. And older DVDs look great, as does broadcast television in SD (for those who aren't paying the extra for the HD stations). I can't imagine everything Netflix sends out is full 1080 HD - the bandwidth would be atrocious - so I bet that stuff looks a lot better on a plasma, too.

Alex