Sony Blu-Ray 350 vs. 550 So im thinking of buying my first blu ray player. If i bought the 350 would i just be buying an obsolete player? or should i go for the 550? Cost is an issue, i prefer the 350's price tag. Sony Blu-Ray 350 vs. 550 So im thinking of buying my first blu ray player. If i bought the 350 would i just be buying an obsolete player? or should i go for the 550? Cost is an issue, i prefer... » Read More Sony Blu-Ray 350 vs. 550 So im thinking of buying my first blu ray player. If i bought the 350 would i just be buying an obsolete player? or should i go for the 550? Cost is an issue, i prefer the 350's price tag. « Show Less
241955
The 350 and 550 are almost identical except for 7.1 audio (550) and 1GB of internal storage (550). That's it. So the 350 isn't obsolete, it just has a few less features.
850354
Amazon is offering 4-6 times more for the Blu-Ray 550 than the 350 in its trade-in program. A 350 in like new condition can be exchanged for a gift card worth $8.55; a comparable 550 fetches around $30. Still, in 2009, or shortly after Sony won the Blu Ray vs. Toshiba HD wars, Consumer Reports rated the 350 as the best player in the universe.
1105781
great choice. Bought one, have used sony's for years and think it is excellent. If you find one for under thirty bucks, let me know. I will buy a back up to my present unit.
1760234
Hi, The Sony's do take longer than many other players-sometimes it seems like "forever" but the ability to play imperfect discs and the overall quality of playback is worth it. I have compared the sony to Panasonic S-53K , Toshiba and Philips---the sony seems clearer. Just takes a little patience with the slow drawer and the welcome display.... peter
2232954
HD DVD is dead (murdered , snuffed before its time) . Unfortunately BluRaY still isnt up to fill the gap. 1299 $ for the first fully functional Sony BD standalone player? Even the PS3 is still missing the update to 2.0 profile.It seems that BLuRAY is taking a break for a year to get where HD DVD already is (was)
2032208
D. Reese,Thanks for the feedback. I more than appreciate it!I decided not to purchase the UN55B8500. I agree, 3D is worth waiting for. I saw the demo at Best Buy, and I must say, I'm pretty impressed. One a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best), I would put the 3D experience in at about a 7 or an 8. I wasn't completely blown away, however, I was impressed enough to wait until the UN55C8000. Plus, with the free 3D Starter Kit with the purchase of the 3D TV and the 3D Blu-Ray player, I really think it makes sense to go with the 3D option. The sales guy at Best Buy said the free 3D Starter Kit promotion starts on 3/21/2010, and that the UN55C8000 should be available in early April.Thanks! D. Reese,Thanks for the feedback. I more than appreciate it!I decided not to purchase the UN55B8500. I agree, 3D is worth waiting for. I saw the demo at Best Buy, and I must say, I'm pretty impressed. One a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best), I would put the 3D experience in at about a 7 or an 8. I wasn't completely blown away, however, I was impressed enough to wait until the UN55C8000. Plus, with the free 3D Starter Kit with the purchase of the 3D TV and the 3D Blu-Ray player, I really think it makes sense to go with the 3D option. The sales guy at Best Buy said... » Read More D. Reese,Thanks for the feedback. I more than appreciate it!I decided not to purchase the UN55B8500. I agree, 3D is worth waiting for. I saw the demo at Best Buy, and I must say, I'm pretty impressed. One a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best), I would put the 3D experience in at about a 7 or an 8. I wasn't completely blown away, however, I was impressed enough to wait until the UN55C8000. Plus, with the free 3D Starter Kit with the purchase of the 3D TV and the 3D Blu-Ray player, I really think it makes sense to go with the 3D option. The sales guy at Best Buy said the free 3D Starter Kit promotion starts on 3/21/2010, and that the UN55C8000 should be available in early April.Thanks! « Show Less
1196061
blu-ray on a bigger set w/ 1080p is a more ideal fit for Blu-ray, however 1080p resolution on a set this small is really overkill. A BR player on a 720p set will give you a better HD picture than any standard DVD player could, you'll just have to weigh is the extra cost worth it to you?
821816
All of the answers given are very accurate. My only issue (and it may be something I didn't do) is that I do not feel the 1080p up-conversion of standard dvd's is that great compared to an older sony BDP-S590. But all in all, a great player with far faster load times and audio quality and beautiful Bluray quality. And if anyone knows the secret to great up conversion with this machine, feel free to comment
1757375
I actually work for sharp and that model is actually coming out in january of 2009. The 21u just recently came out for the holidays. Anyone who is looking at buying a sharp blu ray player i would advise to carefully think about it. The Sony blu ray players do not have to have any firmware updates compared to our sharp products that do. We have had 3 firmware updates come out since february. These are a big pain for anyone who isn't computer/tv savey. I would reccomend someone buy a sony blu ray over sharps any day. Tv's on the other hand are a totally different story
871060
Thanks for the excellent suggestion! This was not available as an option when I was looking at alternatives to the (out-of-production) BD55 a year ago. It's got what I need - analog 7.1 out (why I am not interested in the BD60...) and BDLive (because why would you buy a player that wasn't internet-ready?). The SACD is a BIG plus in my book... I never said I wouldn't pay $500 for a player - I just said I wouldn't pay $500 for a $250 player...I notice the Oppo doesn't 'do' Amazon streaming media - but that's Amazon's problem, not mine... (I don't think the world is ready for streaming HiDef video, and when it is, there will be better choices than we have now...) Thanks for the excellent suggestion! This was not available as an option when I was looking at alternatives to the (out-of-production) BD55 a year ago. It's got what I need - analog 7.1 out (why I am not interested in the BD60...) and BDLive (because why would you buy a player that wasn't internet-ready?). The SACD is a BIG plus in my book... I never said I wouldn't pay $500 for a player - I just said I wouldn't pay $500 for a $250 player...I notice the Oppo doesn't 'do' Amazon streaming media - but that's Amazon's problem, not mine... (I don't think the world is ready for... » Read More Thanks for the excellent suggestion! This was not available as an option when I was looking at alternatives to the (out-of-production) BD55 a year ago. It's got what I need - analog 7.1 out (why I am not interested in the BD60...) and BDLive (because why would you buy a player that wasn't internet-ready?). The SACD is a BIG plus in my book... I never said I wouldn't pay $500 for a player - I just said I wouldn't pay $500 for a $250 player...I notice the Oppo doesn't 'do' Amazon streaming media - but that's Amazon's problem, not mine... (I don't think the world is ready for streaming HiDef video, and when it is, there will be better choices than we have now...) « Show Less
871716
Chris, I believe i have owned mine for a couple years now and I don't see it listed on Sony's website as a current model. It has most likely been replaced by a more current model. If you want just the blu-ray player (without speakers, etc.) I think your best bet is to search for used on Amazon, ebay, etc. Good luck.
174937
Brit ... do you watch non-Region 1 DVDs? If you watch DVDs from other regions, the Oppo DV-980H is a good buy. If you watch only Region 1 DVDs, and do not need the DV-980H other capabilities (SACD, DVD Audio, High Res. JPEG, DivX, etc.), consider getting the Toshiba HD-A30 or the HD-A35 HD DVD player. These two models are actually HD DVD players but upscale SD DVDs (slightly) better than the DV-980H. These 2 models have the same ABT video processor used in the DV-983H, but sells at a lower price as HD DVD has been discontinued. Boot up time of these 2 models is longer than the DV-980H (its about a minute) but you have the added capability of playing HD DVD movies which are now heavily discounted, some selling for less than SD DVDs. I have both the DV-980H and the DV-981HD, and both are very good models. I am certain that the DV-983H is as well built as the 980 and 981, with a bit more improvement on the video as well as the audio. I have both the HD-A30 and the HD-A35. Both are very good HD DVD players. Both are also very good DVD players. Were it not for the discontinuation of the HD DVD format, these 2 models would sell for much more. I understand that Toshiba's production cost in mid-2007 for the HD-A30 was for approx. $400, while the HD-A35 was for approx. $500. Both are built like a tank. Getting the HD-A30 for less than $200 is a very good bargain. The HD-A35 with its more advanced audio capability is also a good bargain despite its premium over the HD-A30. That said, the DV-980H has capabilities that the Toshiba HD DVD players do not have. If you have need these or have some use for these, then you can't go wrong with the DV-980H. Good luck. Edit: The price of the Toshiba HD-A35 has gone up from $230 to $300 shortly after the post above so its no longer as good a bargain as before. The HD-A30 however remains a good buy under the conditions described above.
1531784
I'd say..get a PS3...it's a good blu ray player plus you get a console...it's a bit more expensive at $299 , but I think it's worth it...I've had mine for a year, and it's great for movies and games and more...at $100 ..it's hit or miss...but the sylvania blu ray might be what you're looking for..it's 129$ on Amazon...
1721621
I'd have to disagree with rebel 116 there. Not so much about the dwindling worth of the $ (although actually has been somewhat rising in the past couple of weeks), but about whether to wait or not. My advice would be to wait. I recently read a study report that says the prices of HDTV's, blu-ray players and the like will be dropping like a stone as the holidays get closer. And actually, I've already seen some of this price drop. I've been planning on buying the Sony BDP-s350 blu-ray player, since it's pretty much the highest rated VS price value BR player out right now. (I've been watching it at theNerds.com, sorry Amazon, but they have the cheapest price) The price has dropped almost $80 since I last checked it! (Now only $243) These trends are predicted to continue through the holidays into early next year, so I'd wait for that bonus and get one awesome TV and maybe have some $ left over in the bargain!
816038
True...PS3 is better value than standalone, but remember that it can be noisy due to thermal cooling (fans, etc..). Standalone Blu-Ray players are much quieter which may be of value for some folks who want to enjoy watching high definition movies without anoying backround noise. Wether that's worth the extra $$ is really up to the consumer...
1506759
William: As far as Blu-ray picture quality is concerned, it's doubtful you'd see a difference between the Oppo and any other Blu-ray player that isn't a piece of junk. And yes, $500 it a lot of money to spend, so the Oppo will NEVER become a best-seller. And since you already own an Oppo upconverting player, there is no need to purchase this unit (unless you have a lot of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs). However, the Oppo loads a Blu-ray disc faster than almost any player out there, except for the PS3.A. Franco: While I don't own the PS3, I have read that the Oppo upconverting capability is second to none. You might check with the AVS forum, I'm sure there are detailed discussions of these two premier products. William: As far as Blu-ray picture quality is concerned, it's doubtful you'd see a difference between the Oppo and any other Blu-ray player that isn't a piece of junk. And yes, $500 it a lot of money to spend, so the Oppo will NEVER become a best-seller. And since you already own an Oppo upconverting player, there is no need to purchase this unit (unless you have a lot of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs). However, the Oppo loads a Blu-ray disc faster than almost any player out there, except for the PS3.A. Franco: While I don't own the PS3, I have read that the Oppo upconverting... » Read More William: As far as Blu-ray picture quality is concerned, it's doubtful you'd see a difference between the Oppo and any other Blu-ray player that isn't a piece of junk. And yes, $500 it a lot of money to spend, so the Oppo will NEVER become a best-seller. And since you already own an Oppo upconverting player, there is no need to purchase this unit (unless you have a lot of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs). However, the Oppo loads a Blu-ray disc faster than almost any player out there, except for the PS3.A. Franco: While I don't own the PS3, I have read that the Oppo upconverting capability is second to none. You might check with the AVS forum, I'm sure there are detailed discussions of these two premier products. « Show Less
838061
I purchased my plan at the same time as the purchase of the Panasonic Blu-Ray DVD player. I'm sorry, that I don't know the true answer to your situation. So far, I really like my player and have had no problems whatsoever.
1181284
I am choosing between the Panasonic DMP-BD55K and Samsung BD-P2500. This is how I see it:For the DMP-BD55K:Audio decode includes DTS-HD Master Audio. Samsung does not today, but they claim an upgrade will be available by the end of the year.Great reputation for Blu Ray player stability and compatibility. Samsung has had a reputation for disc incompatibility, slow firmware updates and some reliability issues.For the BD-P2500:Netflix supportCheaper by about 30 bucks on Amazon.EqualBoth have 7.1 AnalogBoth do DVD upscale very well. Samsung has HQV, which should in theory make it better, but in practice the Panasonic does just as well.I'm leaning Panasonic because I trust the brand more, but the Samsung is still very tempting. I am choosing between the Panasonic DMP-BD55K and Samsung BD-P2500. This is how I see it:For the DMP-BD55K:Audio decode includes DTS-HD Master Audio. Samsung does not today, but they claim an upgrade will be available by the end of the year.Great reputation for Blu Ray player stability and compatibility. Samsung has had a reputation for disc incompatibility, slow firmware updates and some reliability issues.For the BD-P2500:Netflix supportCheaper by about 30 bucks on Amazon.EqualBoth have 7.1 AnalogBoth do DVD upscale... » Read More I am choosing between the Panasonic DMP-BD55K and Samsung BD-P2500. This is how I see it:For the DMP-BD55K:Audio decode includes DTS-HD Master Audio. Samsung does not today, but they claim an upgrade will be available by the end of the year.Great reputation for Blu Ray player stability and compatibility. Samsung has had a reputation for disc incompatibility, slow firmware updates and some reliability issues.For the BD-P2500:Netflix supportCheaper by about 30 bucks on Amazon.EqualBoth have 7.1 AnalogBoth do DVD upscale very well. Samsung has HQV, which should in theory make it better, but in practice the Panasonic does just as well.I'm leaning Panasonic because I trust the brand more, but the Samsung is still very tempting. « Show Less