No you are not giving up much if any in terms of functionality and the Xbox can even do stuff, like copying a SACD, that few players can do. If the look is acceptable to you and your universal remote can control the Xbox. Keep in mind, you are not saving a lot either, the Xbox is not cheap and I don’t think it does 3-D.
Using the XBox
Home Theater is very secondary to me. I stream Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Vudu, etc. I love the 4k and Atmos etc. Most of you on here say the picture and sound of a Bluray is far superior to streaming. So I'm looking at getting a player. I hear a lot of great things about using the X Box One or whatever. I'm not a gamer but sound like a cool/fun option to have. Is it really worth spending $1000 on a Panasonic or Sony bluray?
So, thoughts on using the XBox or whatever gaming console in your HT? Am I really giving up much?
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When I finally obtained my Xbox Series X (XSX), my goal was to use it as a sole media center that spun 4K Blu-rays. So I sold my Oppo BDP-95 as it didn't do 4K. Setup worked well for a time. However, I eventually got a cheap Sony 4K Blu-ray player after I discovered a few things: - The XSX at least (not sure of the other models), doesn't do Dolby Vision and HDR10+ (only HDR10, but it kicks arse pretty much by itself). - I've got an OLED, so I need to go from the XSX to the TV direct as my pre/pro doesn't do HDMI 2.1. Not an issue, per se - but I discovered the XSX doesn't pass dts MA (or anything dts) out the HDMI port. I'm told it's a licensing issue. - The interface for the XSX Blu-ray player is clunky, and displays hardly any info (like input, bitrate, etc.). So you can probaly make do with the XSX, if you can tolerate those "issues" above (which may not be an issue for you). My baby Sony 4K Blu-ray player does well enough, but I may spring for the $500 Panasonic since I ran into a small issue there: you literally have to enter the menu system to "flip" an option to play back discs encoded in Dolby Vision. Again, small problem - but after several times switching it back and forth - I'm really looking at that Panny (which automatically detects DV and HDR10+. @spenav - I'm not certain the Xbox'es can even play SACDs? I ripped my library with a used, old Sony Blu-ray. Maybe you're referring to Sony's Playstation line? |
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Keep in mind, you are not saving a lot either, the Xbox is not cheap and I don’t think it does 3-D. Try Netflix Premium APK instead |
We recently purchased an XSX. Hadn't had a gaming system since I was kid - NES and then Super Nintendo. Truthfully, hadn't purchased a gaming system since I was afraid I'd become a chronic pot smoker and eventually stop going to work at the age of 41; presumption on my part was that I'd eventually be diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder per DSM V. Fortunately, only half of that has come true. If anything, playing a game on the XSX has become an alternative activity that my wife and I do when there's nothing to watch or do later in the evening. We've had more laughs playing the XSX than watching HBO, which is refreshing and new. I've also found that I've become more appreciative of the 5.2 system in the living room since it feels like the XSX takes advantage of the rear speakers and subs. I agree that sound and video quality on Bluray is still much better than streaming, but curious to know how long this will remain the case. I'm pretty certain that XSX can do Dolby Vision. In terms of value, I think the XSX is hard to beat at $500 due to what it provides beyond just Bluray, but unsure the true margins of video and sound quality when compared directly to a $1,000 player. I still use our $250 Sony 4K player that's been rock solid for the past few years. |
