In my view this is a system question rather then an individual component/technology question. There are a lot of standards that need to interact if you want to realize the potential of BluRay.
In my opinion the standards have now reached a point of maturity that is very high quality and will last for a few years because it is going to take that long for the manufacturers, content creators and consumers to catch up.
So yes, the best products are now mature enough to buy IF your HT system can take advantage of the BluRay format. Meaning:
- The BluRay player you buy is standard 1.2 or better
- The BlueRay output signal is carried on HDMI 1.3a or better
- Your receiver is HDMI 1.3a capable or better - both in and out
- Your receiver can decode the new uncompressed audio formats and you have at least a 5.1 rig
- Your display is 1080p and has an HDMI input
- You are prepared to buy premium HDMI cables for runs over 1 meter
- You are interested in the content that is currently available on BluRay
- You are prepared to have a separate DVD player
An awful lot of the BluRay players currently on the market do not meet these standards.
The Playstation is highly regarded by many - personally I find the controller/GUI clunky and gamery. If you like games its a no brainer.
The Panny BD 30/35 and 50/55 are all excellent. The BluRay 2.0 standard indicates that a device has an Ethernet port and can connect to and interact with online content that in theory the studios are rushing to produce to stimulate BluRay sales - this is called BD Live. Jury has not even been selected on this marketing inspiration.
As far as multi-channel audio output there is a practical matter to consider. If you cannot run HDMI into your receiver/display you are looking at 3 component cables plus 5-7 audio ICs. That is going to cost a whole lot more then one of these players.
Problem for the industry right now (and this was prior to the metdown which most likely will exaggerate it) is that a lot of consumers are very happy with their DVD players, especially if they have something which upscales well.
Expectations are that the Oppo BluRay will most likely be out Q1 if not at CES next month and if they run true to form will no doubt be the giant killer. With any luck at all they may even do a good job playing back DVDs.
Personally I am stunned with the quality of my all HDMI system. This is all very reasonably priced (less then $300) consumer gear.
I have a Pani BluRay, an Oppos DVD, a DirecTv HD-DVR and an Apple TV. All four of these pristine sources cost less then a modest turntable and cartridge, a reel to reel tape deck, a DAT or most anything we all used to aspire to.
The Pioneers of the world are still building magnificent cases with massive power supplies and tons of features to preserve their margins. But they don't seem to test any better then the carefully selected SOTA low end stuff.
These technologies are being rolled out globally. In many ways I find it much more useful to think about all this as computer technology instead of audio video technology.
One last thought - unless you have a stocking to fill, why not wait until the smoke clears after CES and the current stuff is obsolete even though it hasn't been delivered for more then a few months. Presidents Days Sales are usually a good time to buy last years stuff... Amazon refurbs are another good way to go.
In my opinion the standards have now reached a point of maturity that is very high quality and will last for a few years because it is going to take that long for the manufacturers, content creators and consumers to catch up.
So yes, the best products are now mature enough to buy IF your HT system can take advantage of the BluRay format. Meaning:
- The BluRay player you buy is standard 1.2 or better
- The BlueRay output signal is carried on HDMI 1.3a or better
- Your receiver is HDMI 1.3a capable or better - both in and out
- Your receiver can decode the new uncompressed audio formats and you have at least a 5.1 rig
- Your display is 1080p and has an HDMI input
- You are prepared to buy premium HDMI cables for runs over 1 meter
- You are interested in the content that is currently available on BluRay
- You are prepared to have a separate DVD player
An awful lot of the BluRay players currently on the market do not meet these standards.
The Playstation is highly regarded by many - personally I find the controller/GUI clunky and gamery. If you like games its a no brainer.
The Panny BD 30/35 and 50/55 are all excellent. The BluRay 2.0 standard indicates that a device has an Ethernet port and can connect to and interact with online content that in theory the studios are rushing to produce to stimulate BluRay sales - this is called BD Live. Jury has not even been selected on this marketing inspiration.
As far as multi-channel audio output there is a practical matter to consider. If you cannot run HDMI into your receiver/display you are looking at 3 component cables plus 5-7 audio ICs. That is going to cost a whole lot more then one of these players.
Problem for the industry right now (and this was prior to the metdown which most likely will exaggerate it) is that a lot of consumers are very happy with their DVD players, especially if they have something which upscales well.
Expectations are that the Oppo BluRay will most likely be out Q1 if not at CES next month and if they run true to form will no doubt be the giant killer. With any luck at all they may even do a good job playing back DVDs.
Personally I am stunned with the quality of my all HDMI system. This is all very reasonably priced (less then $300) consumer gear.
I have a Pani BluRay, an Oppos DVD, a DirecTv HD-DVR and an Apple TV. All four of these pristine sources cost less then a modest turntable and cartridge, a reel to reel tape deck, a DAT or most anything we all used to aspire to.
The Pioneers of the world are still building magnificent cases with massive power supplies and tons of features to preserve their margins. But they don't seem to test any better then the carefully selected SOTA low end stuff.
These technologies are being rolled out globally. In many ways I find it much more useful to think about all this as computer technology instead of audio video technology.
One last thought - unless you have a stocking to fill, why not wait until the smoke clears after CES and the current stuff is obsolete even though it hasn't been delivered for more then a few months. Presidents Days Sales are usually a good time to buy last years stuff... Amazon refurbs are another good way to go.