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The Best Blu-ray Players

A Blu-ray Player is the perfect complement to an HDTV

By , About.com Guide

Blu-ray players (AKA Blu-ray Disc players) are popping up everywhere, especially since prices for many players are now below $199. Another benefit is that Blu-ray players also play DVDs and CDs, and many also now offer internet streaming and media player functions, and some also offer 3D Blu-ray Disc playback. Check out my favorite current Blu-ray Player offerings. Note: Entries on this list are periodically updated to keep them current.

In addition, if you looking for PC Blu-ray Disc drives, check out some suggestions from Mark Kyrnin, About.com Guide for Computers.

1. OPPO Digital BDP-93 3D/Network Blu-ray Player with SACD/DVD-Audio Playback

OPPO Digital BDP-93 Blu-ray Disc Player - Dual ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The OPPO Digital BDP-93 3D/Network Blu-ray Player plays 2D and 3D Blu-ray Discs as well as NetStreaming (from services such as Netflix and Blockbuster). The BDP-93 also continues OPPO's tradition of providing both SACD and DVD-Audio Disc playback as well as compatibility with a host of other formats, including, but not limited to, HDCD, MKV, DivX, and standard audio CDs. The BDP-93 can also play back media files from connected USB Flash, eSATA drives, or from a network-connected PC. For standard DVDs, the BDP-93 features a Marvell QDEO Kyoti-G2 88DE2750 upscaling chip.

For convenience, the BDP-93 provides Dual HDMI outputs that enable the connection of one HDMI output directly to a 3D-TV, while using the second HDMI output for connecting to another 2D or 3D compatible display or to supply a separate audio feed to a pre-3D HDMI home theater receiver.
Review - Photo Profile - Video Performance Test Results - Compare Prices

Also available, the step-up OPPO BDP-95 Audiophile Blu-ray player with enhanced audio processing and XLR audio output connections.
Product Profile - Compare Prices

2. Panasonic DMP-BDT320

The Panasonic DMP-BDT320 slim and stylish Blu-ray Disc player that features a slot loading design. The DMP-BDT320 provides 2D and 3D playback of Blu-ray Discs, 2D to 3D conversion, and 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs via HDMI output. The DMP-BDT320 also features both Ethernet and built-in WiFi for easy connection to the internet for accessing audio/video streaming content, such as CinemaNow, Netflix, Pandora, Vudu, and more. Also included is an innovative touchpad remote control that is easy for everyone in the family to use.

Another interesting innovation is the Smart Eco Sensor. When no one is in the room, the player goes into a low power consumption standby mode, but someone enters the room the player switches to quick start mode and automatically comes to life when you approach the player with Blu-ray disc in hand.

Compare Prices.

Also available is the lower priced Panasonic DMP-BDT220 which doesn't come with the Slot Loading design, Touchpad remote (just a standard remote), Smart Eco Sensor function, and eliminates some additional audio enhancements. Compare Prices for the DMP-BDT220

3. Sony Playstation 3 Slim - Blu-ray/DVD Player and Game Console Combination

Sony Playstation 3 SlimPhoto Courtesy of PriceGrabber
The Sony Playstation 3 Slim is not only a hot video game console, but it is a great Blu-ray Disc player. For about $399, you not only get a game console that can be connected to your home theater and home network, but also provides 1080p upscaled DVD and Blu-ray Disc playback via HDMI outputs. Unlike most Blu-ray Disc players, the new PS3 Slim is Profile 2.0 equipped. The Playstation 3 Slim will give you your money's worth, even if you never play a video game. If you are a movie fan that has been put off buying a Blu-ray Disc player due to cost or fear of obsolescence, check out the Playstation 3 option. For a complete rundown on the PS3 Slim's functionality, check out the report from Roger Altizer, About.com Guide For Playstation Games.
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4. LG BD690 3D and Network Blu-ray Player with 250GB Hard Drive

The LG BD690 is essentially the same as the BD590 that it replaces (see our review and compare prices on the BD590), with the addition of 3D Blu-ray playback and some added streaming features.

The BD690 player has just about everything: Blu-ray, DVD, CD playback, Wireless Network Connectivity with audio/video streaming from content providers such as Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow, YouTube, and Pandora, and following in the tradition of the LG BD590, also includes a 250 GB hard drive that allows consumers to rip CDs, and store photos/audio/video content from USB flash drives or from your network connected storage devices, such as a PC. You can even use the hard drive to store movies purchased via Vudu. However, it must be noted that the BD690 is not a Blu-ray Disc or DVD recorder and does not allow recording of copy-protected DVDs or Blu-ray discs on its hard drive.

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5. Sony NSZ-GT1 Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player

Sony NSZ-GT1 Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player - Photo - Front ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
There are a lot of Blu-ray Disc players that incorporate media player and internet streaming functions, but sorting through all those menus and apps can take up time that you would rather spend actually watching your favorite movie, TV show, or other video content.

Sony's solution is to incorporate the Google TV platform into its NSZ-GT1 Blu-ray Disc player. Dubbed the "Internet TV Box", the NSZ-GT1 houses a good-performing Blu-ray Disc player that also plays DVDs, CDs, and SACDs, along with four USB ports for accessing content from flash drives and iPods, and also streaming capability to grab content from the internet.

The addition of Google TV provides added functionality through powerful search tools to make it easier to pinpoint the content you want to watch, without having to scroll through all those file listings and content services to find what you want. To find out if this Sony NSZ-GT1 with Google TV is what you need, check out my Review, Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests.

6. Samsung BD-E6500 3D Network Blu-ray Player

The Samsung BD-E6500 is a slim, stylish Blu-ray Disc player that packs in a lot under the hood. First off, instead of a disc drawer that pops out, you just insert your disc into a slot on the front panel. The BD-E6500 is compatible with Blu-ray Discs, standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, music CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Of course Blu-ray discs are output at 1080p resolution, and standard DVDs are upscaled to 1080p via the HDMI output. The BD-E6500 also provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via HDMI.

If that isn't enough for you, the BD-E6500 also provides 3D viewing of Blu-ray Discs as well as access to content for your home network and the internet, including Netflix, YouTube, Pandora and more. Network/internet connection can be made via Ethernet or built-in WiFi option.

One very unusual feature is that the BD-E6500 also has two HDMI inputs. However, these are not used for recording, as the BD-E6500 is not a Blu-ray disc recorder. The two HDMI inputs are actually pass-through connections that enable the player to be used as an HDMI switcher. This may come in handy if your TV, video video projector, or home theater receiver doesn't have enough of their own HDMI inputs.

On the other hand, the BD-E6500 does not have component or composite video outputs. Also, this player does not have analog audio outputs.

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7. Sharp BD-HP90U

Sharp BD-HP90U 3D Blu-ray Disc Player and Media Player - Front View with Included AccessoriesPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Sharp BD-HP90U 3D Blu-ray Player and Media Player with Internet Streaming combines a unique, stylish design, with good performance. The BD-HP90U provides 2D and 3D playback of Blu-ray Discs and 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs via its HDMI ver1.4a output. The BD-HP90U also provides the ability to stream audio/video content from the internet, such as Netflix, Vudu, and Pandora. To find out if the Sharp BD-HP90U is the right Blu-ray Disc Player for you, check out my Review, Photo Profile and a sampling of Video Performance Test Results.

8. Samsung BD-E5700 Blu-ray Player

Samsung BD-D5700 Blu-ray Player with Wi-FiImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
The Samsung BD-E5700 is a solid Blu-ray player which plays Blu-ray Discs at full 1080p/60 or 1080p/24 resolution, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI output, and is playback compatible with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, music CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Also, standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. The BD-E5700 also adheres to Profile 2.0(BD-Live) specifications.

However, the big bonus included in the BD-E5700 is it offers both built-in wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity to your home network and the internet, which provides access to internet video and music streaming content from providers, such as Netflix, Blockbuster, YouTube, Pandora and more. However, it is important to note that if you have an older TV, the BD-E5700 does not have either component or composite video outputs, nor does it have analog audio outputs. The Samsung BD-E5700 is not 3D compatible.

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9. Sony BDP-S390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player

The Sony BDP-S390 is a very affordable player that plays Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and audio CDs. In addition to disc playback capabilities, the BDP-S390 also incorporates both Ethernet and WiFi connectivity enabling access to audio/video streaming content from Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, as well as content stored on network-connected PCs. There is even a USB port that provides access to media content stored on USB flash drives. For added convenience the BDP- S390 provides an easy-to-use onscreen menu is also compatible with Sony's iOS and Android remote control Apps.

However, It must be noted that this player is not 3D compatible and does not have component video outputs.

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10. Panasonic DMP-BD75

Panasonic DMP-BD75 Blu-ray Disc PlayerPhoto Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Are you looking for a bargain-priced Blu-ray player that still delivers the goods? If so, check out the easy-to-use, fast-loading, very affordable (about $100) Panasonic DMP-BD75.

The DMP-BD75 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. This player is compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output.

With its built-in Ethernet connection, the DMP-BD75 can access both Profile 2.0 internet content related to some Blu-ray Disc releases, as well as the content streamed from Netflix, CinemaNow, and Vudu. Another bonus is that the DMP-BD75 also has a front mounted USB for access to media content stored on USB flash drives. You can even access media content stored your PC.

The Panasonic DMP-BD75 is definitely worth checking out. It is a great entry-level player for the novice, but is also worth considering as a second (or second and third) player for the bedroom or office.

NOTE: The Panasonic DMP-BD75 is not 3D-compatible.

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