PS3 Plays Blu-ray

Sony PlayStation 3: Games plus Blu-ray

Though some reviewers give the nod to other Blu-ray players as the best choice overall, at least for those who are not interested in a gaming console, the Sony PlayStation 3 Slim (*Est. $250) remains among the most powerful Blu-ray players available. Reviewers say the PS3 Slim delivers excellent HD image quality, speedy performance and a complete set of features -- including the ability to play back 3D Blu-ray Discs. Additionally, for those who are interested in video gaming, the PS3 Slim remains an almost-slam-dunk choice. (For more information on gaming consoles, see the ConsumerSearch report on video game consoles.)

The least expensive PS3 Slim includes a 160 GB hard drive (up from 120 GB in the previous version). In addition, a version with a 320 GB hard drive (*Est. $300) is also available. Sony also offers an ever-changing array of game-related bundles -- sometimes at no extra cost over the basic console -- as well as packages with accessories such as its Wii-like Move controller. The extra capacity of the PS3 with a 320 GB hard drive lets the console hold a larger library of content, such as games, photos, music and movies; however, it has no real impact on Blu-ray Disc playback.

In reviews, the PlayStation 3 Slim still draws raves for its picture quality with Blu-ray Discs. The PS3 Slim is also feature-rich. However, while the PS3 was previously the speed champ when it came to loading discs and navigating menus, it is now beaten -- sometimes soundly -- by many stand-alone disc players, even when handling discs full of interactive menus and features.

Audio support is comprehensive, though the PS3 lacks multichannel (7.1) analog audio outputs found in higher-end dedicated Blu-ray players. The PS3 Slim also has the ability to bitstream undecoded high-resolution audio via HDMI (for use with home theater receivers with their own decoders).

While playback of Blu-ray Discs continues to be first rate, some experts are taking potshots at the PS3 Slim's handling of other disc types. DVD performance has long been judged as good enough for noncritical viewing. However, reports at AudioVideoRevolution.com and Britain's Home Cinema Choice magazine say things are backsliding. AudioVideoRevolution.com says that DVD performance is perhaps "just a hair worse," and reviewer Thomas Spurlin adds that the PS3 Slim "just doesn't handle fine detail and film grain extremely well" when called upon to upscale DVDs. Home Cinema Choice magazine also picks on DVD performance and adds that CD playback has also taken a notable step backwards.

The Sony PlayStation 3 Slim has Wi-Fi networking support (as well as an Ethernet jack), so you can connect to the Internet. In addition to being useful for BD-Live support, online gaming and surfing the web using the included browser, Internet connectivity makes fetching the many firmware upgrades Sony has issued for the player easier. The PS3 is also DLNA-compliant, so you can stream media from a networked PC.

The PS3 has good but not class-leading support for streaming video. Native apps include Netflix, Hulu Plus and MLB.TV. You can also download movies and TV shows from the PlayStation store as well as an app (free) for accessing Vudu. DLNA support for streaming content from your PC is part of the picture as well.

One other issue worth noting is that the PlayStation 3 Slim uses Bluetooth to communicate with its controllers and remotes. That means it is generally not possible to control the player with a universal infrared remote -- you'll need to use the PS3 controller or a Bluetooth standard-layout accessory remote (*Est. $20). Most critics recommend springing for the optional remote, because operating the PlayStation 3 Blu-ray functions via the game controller can be an interesting experience.

One workaround is to spring for a third-party remote, such as the Nyko PlayStation 3 Blu Wave Remote (*Est. $15). With that, you can then control the PS3 via the Nyko remote or other programmable remote. Though it's an imperfect solution because some commands -- including eject and power -- can't be accessed via remote, most users report good results and say they are generally pleased. Also, Logitech offers the Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 (*Est. $45) for use with that company's Harmony remote controls. According to reviews, the adapter gives Harmony owners full control over their PS3s.