Time to pull the trigger on BluRay?

"12-07-08: Ghostrider45
says,

Chadnliz said "HDMI is HDMI". Not exactly. There are important differences between different versions of HDMI (1.1, 1.2, 1.3a). In particular only 1.3a handles the latest discrete 7.1 channel audio formats, and Deep Color ( not really in use yet, but just wait...)."

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In order for deep color to be of any use to the consumer the deep color specification not only has to be implemented on the disc,but also on the equipment side. ie; the cameras in use as well as the film and lets not forget the actual play back gear that would have to be purchased and, an agreed spec, with the powers that be. For this to come together would be one mighty expensive endeavor(changing alot of perfectly good equipment) with all of the media concerns.
Bottom line,don't hold your breath for high bit deep color any time soon,if ever...

[Also about hdmi and audio from Kurt at Blue Jean Cables]

"Just to clarify a point or two:

1.3 does not signify greater bandwidth than 1.2. 1.3 Category 2 does (although, in any particular case, it's entirely possible that the 1.2 cable has just as much bandwidth as the Cat2 1.3); 1.3 Category 1 is tested to exactly the same bandwidth as 1.2.

The choice of audio format does not affect the data rate at all. Accordingly, while cable bandwidth might be relevant when you're dealing with differing resolutions, color depths, and frame rates, it is entirely irrelevant when dealing with the various different supported audio formats. What'll determine which audio formats will work will be the equipment at either end of the cable, not the cable itself."
Kurt
Blue Jeans Cable

Yes, its time to buy. I just bought the Panny BD-35 online for $229 with free shipping. Amazon had the player at $199 at one point, but i missed that sale. I also have the Panny BD-30, but it lacks an ethernet connection, which I wanted. However, both are excellent players and Panasonic supports their players well with firmware updates, etc. The BD-35 is also excellent with standard DVDs, which has historically been the downfall of blu-ray players. With blu-ray now as cheap as the Oppo players, for example, its time to get in the game.

If you have a 1080P display, are the sort to watch the 'making of' & assorted extras on the added discs accompanying the DVD, can connect to the internet one more device, like commercials, and don't mind the near $30 per copy disc prices, then definitely get a BR player.

Given the nature of HDMI has changed several times in just the recent past, it is likely another itteration is forthcoming.

And just when is 1080P content coming for TV? it'll be a good long while.

I liked the nod to upsampling SD DVD content best. SD DVDs are plentiful and inexpensive. The title choices there are plentiful as well.

IMO the BR & HDMI stanards are still not fixed, nor are there sufficient titles at decent priciing to necessitate a huge investment right now into Blue Ray discs & gear.

If you truly wish to get in, get in cheap. Things are still evolving.

Oppos' BR player was originally slated for about this time last year, but they went with a reference SD DVD player instead, the 983. Some sort of hold up with the processing chip and/or rights from Sony. I will say though, if and or when oppo does come out with one, it will surely have to be on one's short list of Blue Ray players to check out given their track record for performance and value.

Can someone who has the Panny BD-35 tell us how quiet it may or may not be?

Goldmund new bluray player looks attractive. It is called Eidos 20BD