Although DVD as we know it today will be around for some time to come, the advent of high definition playback for consumers is now available in the U.S., with recording capability also becoming available. Check out the latest offerings from these two high definition formats: Blu-ray and HD-DVD.
NOTE: As new Blu-ray and HD-DVD players (or recorders) enter the market, they will be considered for addition to this list.
The DMP-BD30 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. This player is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as being able to playback standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Standard DVDs are upscaled via the HDMI output. This player also outputs Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD in bitstream form via HDMI which allows audio decoding by home theater receivers equipped with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders. The DMP-BD30 also incorporates Blu-ray Profile 1.1 capability, which allows access to improved interactive features available on many newer Blu-ray Disc releases. If you are shopping for a Blu-ray Player, this one may have the most to offer for the price.
The Sony Playstion 3 is not only a hot video game console, but it just happens to be one of the best, if not the best, Blu-ray Disc player on the market. For a price of about $399 (40GB version), you not only get a game console that can be connected to your home theater and home network, but a unit that also provides 1080p upscaled DVD and high def Blu-ray Disc playback via HDMI outputs. In addition, unlike many Blu-ray Disc players, the PS3 is continously upgradable up to Profile 2.0. The Playstation 3 will give you your money's worth, even if you never play a video game with it. If you are a movie fan and have been putting off buying a Blu-ray Disc player due to cost or fear of Obsolescence, check out the Playstation 3 option.
The BD-P1400 is the third generation Blu-ray format player from Samsung. This unit plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI (ver 1.3) output. The BD-P1400 is also 1080p/24 and 1080p/60. Standard DVDs are upscaled via the HDMI output and is backwards compatible with most recordable DVD formats, and audio CD formats, including CD-R/-RWs and MP3 encoded CDs. The Samsung BD-P1400 also has built-in decoders for all the new digital surround sound formats via the HDMI output: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD. Also, this player can pass upcompressed PCM through the HDMI output as well. The BD-P1400 is a well-rounded Blu-ray disc player and continues the downward price trend with its $499 price tag.
The Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD is a flagship Blu-ray Disc Player that is well constructed and easy to use. Blu-ray Disc video and audio quality is excellent, with both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 compatibility and undecoded Bitstream audio output for Dolby True HD/DTS-HD surround formats. Also, the inclusion of home network connectivity (referred to as the Home Media Gallery) and firmware update capability via the internet are great bonuses. However, the quality of upscaling for standard DVDs is only slightly above average, and it also carries a high price tag of $999. For more details, check out both my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my Photo Profile.
The BDP-S300 is the second generation Blu-ray format player from Sony. This unit plays Blu-ray discs at 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output, and is also playback compatible with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, as well as standard audio CDs. In addition, standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p via the HDMI output.
Unfortunately, the BDP-S300 does not include the latest version of HDMI, referred to as HDMI 1.3. However, the BDP-S300 still delivers great video and audio performance using HDMI ver 1.2.
With an announced price of $499, Sony is answering the competitive call for lower Blu-ray Player prices.
The BDP-94HD is the Second Generation Blu-ray format player from Pioneer. The Pioneer BDP-94HD plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. In addition, this player can decode both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and send the decoded signals via HDMI to an HDMI-equipped AV receiver. The BDP-94HD is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats. Another great feature included, that was missing from Pioneer's first generation Blu-ray Disc player, is the ability to play audio CDs. This is very welcome for those that one unit that can play back Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs.
The LG BH200 is the second Blu-ray Disc/HD-DVD player from LG, and is a significant upgrade from the previous BH100 model. First, this player has full interactive functionality (HDi) for HD-DVD discs, and is also hardware-ready for Blu-ray Profile 1.1 disc functions via firmware upgrade. In addition to Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs, the BH200 also plays standard DVDs (which can be upscaled via the HDMI output), as well as audio CDs. Another plus is the front mounted USB port for playback of music files and photos from USB flash drives. If you are sitting out the Blu-ray/HD-DVD format war so far, the LG BH200 may be a safe bet as it can accommodate both formats, plus standard DVDs and CDs for less than $900. Check out the full specifications.
Sharp is well-known for its LCD TVs, but they have now added Blu-ray to their product line. The BD-HP20U is a Profile 1.0 compatible player that features 1080p output via HDMI for Blu-ray Discs, as well as 1080p upscaling for standard DVD. However, the BD-HP20U's biggest claim-to-fame is its fast loading time, which can be as fast as 10 seconds on some discs. If you aren't concerned about the lack of access to the sophisticated interactive features in the newer Profile 1.1 and 2.0 players now becoming available, and just want a fast loading and good playback quality from Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, then check out the Sharp BD-HP20U as a possible choice. If you have a Sharp LCD TV with Aquos link, you can control both units with one remote.
The BDP-S1 is the new Blu-ray format player from Sony. The Sony BDP-S1 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. The BDP-S1 is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, but, unlike other Blu-ray/HD-DVD players, does not have provisions for standard CD playback. In addition, standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p via the HDMI output.
The BD-P1200 is the second generation Blu-ray format player from Samsung. This unit plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output.Also, standard DVDs are upscaled via the HDMI output. The BD-P1200 also utilizes Silicon Optix HQV processing for enhanced image quality. Also, like most previous Blu-ray Disc players, the BD-P1200 is backwards compatible with standard DVDs, as well as most recordable DVD formats, and most audio CD formats, including CD-R/-RWs and MP3 encoded CDs. The Samsung BD-P1200 also incorporates a new digital audio format; Dolby Digital Plus, which expands the home theater audio experience.
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
| 