Blu-ray Players

The format war is over

Until now, few people have made the move to high-definition discs and players. Price has been a major issue. That's becoming less of concern as players have dropped in price dramatically over the last year. Another factor was confusion. The existence of two similar yet totally incompatible formats had frozen buyers who feared that their expensive new toy could soon become obsolete if they backed the wrong format. The fact that certain films were only available in one or the other format certainly hadn't helped. Reports of Blu-ray and HD DVD players that were less-than-friendly to use and prone to all sorts of glitches had also slowed mass entry into these new technologies.

So, have things changed enough so that it's time to move up to high-definition DVD players? With the format war now over, the answer is maybe. While most of the biggest hurdles have been cleared away, standalone Blu-ray players get tepid recommendations at best. Usability remains a sticking point, and some players still can't handle advanced interactive features.

One value proposition is to choose the Sony PlayStation 3 (*est. $400) . The purchase price is not much higher than the least expensive standalone players, and you get a top-notch gaming console in the bargain. Even better, experts say it provides the best user experience of any high-definition disc player, supports all current interactive Blu-ray features and has a clear upgrade path for future enhancements. However, the PS3 is not without some warts as well; we'll get to them when we discuss the player in more depth later on.

Blu-ray profiles

One of the biggest issues surrounding Blu-ray players is the inability of some to play back advanced audio formats, handle interactive disc features or connect to the Internet to retrieve additional content or features -- things all HD DVD players could do from day one. Part of the reason for that is design. Though the specifications for handling those tasks have been part of the Blu-ray standard since its inception, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) did not require manufacturers to implement those features immediately. Instead, the BDA established three hardware profiles.

Almost all early Blu-ray players (and most current models) are Profile 1.0 players. Profile 1.0 is also called the Initial Profile and the Grace Period Profile. Hardware requirements for these players are modest. Support for the Blu-ray version of the Java programming language (BD-J) that makes interactive features possible is mandatory, but the built-in memory requirements are modest -- just 64 KB -- so many Profile 1.0 players struggle when called upon to do much more than play a movie.

Profile 1.1 (also called Final Standard Profile or Bonus View) adds a host of requirements, including an additional 256 MB of local memory. It also adds secondary audio and video decoders to allow for features such as picture-in-picture (hence the name Bonus View). All players introduced after October 2007 must meet Profile 1.1 standards.

Finally, Profile 2.0 (also called BD-Live) requires an Internet connection and 1 GB additional local storage. Those give a player the ability to download additional content such as trailers and other bonus materials related to the current disc. It also enables online shopping and gaming.

Note that Profile 2.0 -- or BD-Live, which the BDA prefers -- is an optional profile. Both it and Bonus View (again, the BDA's preferred term) players will likely be sold side-by-side, with Bonus View players being a less-expensive alternative for those with no interest in having their players connect to the Internet.

There are just a handful of Bonus View players now available. Those include the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Panasonic DMP-BD30 (*est. $410) , and the LG Super Blu BH200 (*est. $600) and Samsung BD-UP5000 (*est. $615) Blu-ray/HD DVD combo players. No BD-Live players are yet available, though Sony has announced that the PS3 will get a firmware upgrade to bring it to BD-Live standards.

Best-rated Blu-ray players

It's perhaps a little ironic that the best Blu-ray player in the eyes of critics and users is a gaming console, but when value and performance are considered together, the Sony PlayStation 3, otherwise known as the PS3 (*est. $400) , clearly leads the field. Though a few basic Blu-ray players cost slightly less, reviews say the PS3 delivers excellent high-definition image quality, speedy performance and a complete set of features. It’s also a high-end gaming console. (For more information on that aspect of the PlayStation 3, see the ConsumerSearch report on video game consoles .)

In reviews, HD performance is hailed across the board as first rate. CNet.com's Jeff Bakalar says that even though they cost more, he's yet to find a standalone Blu-ray player that can outperform the PS3. Sound & Vision magazine's Al Griffin adds that most of the Blu-ray discs he watched looked "stunningly good."

But that's not what sets the PlayStation 3 apart. Many Blu-ray players -- including some current models -- suffer from numerous operational problems, including slow response times and inconsistent support of features and interactivity. Some early players could not even play audio CDs. None of that is an issue here.

Reviews say that the PlayStation 3 is fast and handles interactive features with aplomb, with Griffin saying it "certainly performs like a serious A/V component." Part of its advantage is that it has more than enough computational horsepower and on-board memory to properly process BD-J, which is used for interactive and operational features. Less robust players usually struggle with a heavily Java encoded disc such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and player response and even disc load times can slow to a crawl.

The PlayStation 3 has an on-board Dolby TrueHD decoder, but lacks multi-channel analog audio outputs, or the ability to bitstream high-resolution audio via the player's optical digital audio output -- so you'll need a home-theater receiver with an HDMI input that can process both video and audio if you want to take advantage of high resolution audio. In addition, there's no current support for DTS-HD MA; DTS-HD MA soundtracks are sent to your receiver as standard (or "core") DTS. CD playback is good. Though earlier versions of the PlayStation 3 could play SACD (Super Audio CD) discs, support for that format was dropped in the current 40 GB model.

The Sony PlayStation 3 has wireless Wi-Fi networking support (as well as an Ethernet jack), so you can connect to the Internet. In addition to being useful for gaming and cruising the 'Net using the included Flash-enabled browser, Internet connectivity makes fetching the many firmware upgrades Sony has issued for the player much easier. The firmware upgrades have gone a long way toward addressing some of the biggest shortcomings critics found with the PS3 when first introduced. The most significant was that the PlayStation 3 lacked the ability to upconvert standard DVDs to 1080p resolution (which helps standard DVDs look nicer). Following numerous rounds of upgrades, the PlayStation 3 now can upscale, and reports say that it is a much-improved SD performer. Another significant improvement is the ability to output 1080p video at 24 fps -- an ideal frame rate for movies.

The latest upgrade transformed the PS3 into a Bonus View compliant player. In addition, Internet connectivity and sufficient on-board memory means that the PlayStation 3 could be upgraded to BD-Live standards, and Sony has announced that a firmware upgrade to do just that is forthcoming.

One issue worth noting is that the PlayStation 3 uses Bluetooth to communicate with its controllers and remotes. That means it is generally not possible to control the player with a universal IR remote -- you'll need to use the PS3 controller or a Bluetooth A/V accessory remote (*est. $20). Most critics recommend springing for the optional remote, since operating the PlayStation 3 Blu-ray functions via the game controller can be an interesting experience. "Watching a non-gamer like me attempt to navigate Sony's console with the game controller was a sight not to be missed -- picture a confused baboon fondling a Rubik's Cube," writes Sound & Vision's Al Griffin. If IR control is a must, there are third-party work-arounds, as the Nyko PlayStation 3 Blu Wave Remote (*est. $14). That remote uses an IR dongle that connects to one of the PlayStation 3's USB inputs. See Alternative Considerations for more information.

The Panasonic DMP-BD30 (*est. $410) is a standalone Bonus View Blu-ray player, and professional and user reviews are generally quite positive. Load times are quick compared to most other standalone players, with Thomas J. Norton at UltimateAV saying "It is the fastest stand-alone BD player I've yet used," though he adds that the PS3 is faster still. Reports say that unlike some early players, the DMP-BD30 doesn't hang up when playing Java-heavy discs or special features.

All critics say that performance with 1080p HD material is flawless -- however, that's a common thread with most high-definition disc players. Things are a little more mixed with interlaced material (such as DVDs of television shows). UltimateAV says that the DMP-BD30 does an excellent job deinterlacing 1080i to 1080p -- important for content such as concerts which are recorded first to video as opposed to film. CNet.com largely concurs. Matthew Moskovciak of CNet does note that the Panasonic Blu-ray player failed two video-based lab tests, but that the artifacts noted "were nowhere to be found in all the program material we watched." However, Joshua Zyber at High-Def Digest is not nearly as forgiving, calling performance with 1080i Blu-ray content "seriously flawed." He recommends outputting 1080i content as 1080i and letting an HDTV handle the job of deinterlacing. All reviews we saw agree that performance with standard-definition DVDs is not a strong point, but most say that it is at least adequate.

Audio capabilities both thrill and disappoint reviewers. The Panasonic DMP-BD30 can retrieve Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA audio from a disc and send it to a receiver in bitstream form. However, since the player lacks its own decoders for either format, you'll need an audio/video receiver with the appropriate decoders to enjoy them -- and those have only begun appearing in receivers. Otherwise, audio is limited to conventional Dolby Digital or DTS.

In addition to the players above, there are still a number of Profile 1.0 Blu-ray machines on the market. Those can't access some of the interactive special features that require Bonus View, but can playback movies and more traditional extra content just fine. Most, however, suffer from usability issues, especially with discs that are heavily encoded with BD-J.

Like the Panasonic DMP-BD30, the Samsung BD-P1400 (*est. $330) can send high resolution audio in bitstream to a receiver equipped with the appropriate decoders. In addition, it has an on-board decoder for Dolby TrueHD. After that, however, reports say things begin to quickly sour.

CNet.com gives the player a fairly strong review, though its rating has been recently lowered in response to user-reported disc compatibility issues. Load times are not very crisp -- and are downright glacial with Java-heavy discs, reports Matthew Moskovciak. "It took us 3 minutes and 8 seconds to actually get the movie playing on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and 2 minutes and 27 seconds for Spider-Man 3," Moskovciak writes. Though Blu-ray performance is good, performance with standard-definition DVDs is only so-so, and a clear step back from its predecessor, the Samsung BD-P1200.

Kris Deering at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity is even more critical. He is very disappointed with the player's video processing. Issues were noted from the beginning with proper deinterlacing of 1080i content, and after a firmware upgrade, with 1080p/24 fps output. The signal processing also "doesn't do that great of a job" when handling standard-definition DVDs. Though he does appreciate the BD-P1400's audio capabilities, and says 1080p/60 fps picture quality is "exceptionally clean," his bottom line assessment is that "for now I think there are some better options out there for consumers than the BD-P1400." User feedback is also decidedly negative, with lots of disc compatibility complaints.

The Sony BDP-S300 (*est. $365) gets some recognition in older reviews, but there are both less expensive and better performing players now available. Image quality with Blu-ray discs is, like most Blu-ray players, very good, and standard DVD performance is decent, though not outstanding. Where things slow down -- literally -- is in performance; reports say load times are painfully slow, especially with discs heavily encoded with BD-Java, though all do play. The Sony BDP-S300 won't decode any of the high-resolution audio formats (Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA), but Dolby Digital and DTS audio tracks sound pretty good.

We've seen mixed reports on the less expensive Sharp BD-HP20U (*est. $350) . The most critical view comes from CNet.com, who notes image quality issues when the Sharp player is asked to output 1080p/ 60 fps video (CNet's Matthew Moskovciak instead recommends outputting 60 fps video as 1080i and letting an HDTV handle the de-interlacing). Performance is superb, however, when the output is set to 24 fps, but only relatively new HDTVs can handle that frame rate. For standard DVDs, some serious upconversion flaws are noted on the test bench, but when actually watching movies (rather than a test-pattern video), playback is very good. Moskovciak also can't overlook the fact that the Sharp player is Profile 1.0, though he admits that "the Sharp BD-HP20U does a solid job of simply playing back movies." Audio support is good but not great. A Dolby TrueHD decoder is built-in, but there is no support for DTM-HD MA, and the player can't bitstream lossless audio. None of these issue may be important for those who just want to play high-def movies and aren't as interested in cutting-edge audio formats or Internet connectivity.

The big feature that sets the Sharp BD-HP20U apart from other Blu-ray players is its Quick Start feature. Greg Robinson at E-Gear is most impressed. He says that discs tend to load in 15 seconds or less -- faster than any other high-definition disc player, but still slower than the PS3. CNet's Moskovciak isn't as sold, noting that Quick Start doesn't work with all discs, and that the feature consumes a lot of power when the player is turned off. "Enabling Quick Start is about equal to leaving the player on all the time," he says. Owners of the Sharp Blu-ray player are generally pleased, and those posting at CNet.com and Amazon.com give the BD-HP20U relatively good grades. We have read some comments about problems when playing back audio CDs.

Dual-format HD DVD and Blu-ray players

With the death of the format, HD DVD gear is disappearing fast from store shelves. Remaining inventory now sells for as little as $80. Toshiba has announced that it plans remove all HD DVD players from store shelves by March. Microsoft has discontinued its HD DVD add-on drive for the Xbox 360. Only LG, which makes a combination Blu-ray/HD DVD player, has formally announced any future HD DVD support.

Critics didn't like LG's first attempt at a combo player, but reviews are much better for LG's second generation dual-format player, the Super Blu BH200 (*est. $600) , and it has received relatively good reviews at UltimateAV, Sound & Vision and elsewhere.

But while video performance with all types of discs is called first rate, problems are noted with the playback of the latest lossless audio formats. In addition, though the player supports 1080p/24 fps (frames per second) playback when used with compatible HDTVs (mostly newer models), that feature is not user-selectable, and Thomas J. Norton at UltimateAV was unable to coax a 24 fps output despite trying the player with two different 24 fps-capable HDTVs. (See Important Considerations for more about 24 fps playback.)

PC Magazine's Robert Heron says the BH200 delivers great video quality with both HD formats, and is an excellent upscaling player as well. However, he ran into difficulties with disc navigation and menus with HD DVD discs, and said that the player created a bright green line artifact when displaying upscaled DVDs.

At the time of this update, LG appears to be the only manufacturer still committed to any type of HD DVD hardware future. In a statement to the British website, Pocket-lint, the company said "LG believes that at this present moment in time, it is necessary to provide a player which supports both formats and therefore create simplicity and convenience for the existing HD DVD consumer."

Samsung also offers a dual-format HDM player, the BD-UP5000 (*est. $615) , though it's not clear how long this model will remain on the market, and whether Samsung plans to continue making dual-format players. David Pogue at The New York Times gives the Samsung player the edge over the LG BH200 in his comparative review, but others aren't so sure. Al Griffin at Sound & Vision noted several audio glitches, issues with 1080p/24 fps playback and problems playing certain discs in his pre-production test sample.

Thomas J. Norton writing in Home Theater Magazine notes the same problems, and says that a firmware fix to address lossless audio playback "is in the works," but that Samsung is not promising it until May. The latest firmware update fixed some -- but not all -- disc playback problems. Though the BD-UP5000 (and the LG BH200) combo players are supposed to be Bonus View compliant, Norton says that the Samsung player still can't handle Blu-ray Bonus View features properly. Finally, Norton says that Samsung has informed him that the BD-UP5000 will be discontinued as soon as May, "though retailers will sell remaining inventory as long as it lasts."

Important Features: Blu-ray players

You should consider the following factors when shopping for a high-definition DVD player:

• The format war is over. The end came quicker than most expected, but the format war is over and Blu-ray has come out on top. While some issues remain -- such as price and support for special features -- there's no longer any marketplace confusion regarding which format to choose.

• High definition extends to audio as well. Though Dolby Digital and DTS formats have been the standards of sonic realism for DVDs and HD television programming, high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA are lossless and deliver "studio-master" quality sound. Some players can pass high-resolution audio via bitstream to audio/video receivers, but only some of the latest receivers have the needed decoders. Players with their own decoders can pass high-resolution audio to any A/V receiver that can accept audio via HDMI -- and those are much more common -- but few current players have DTS-HD MA decoders.

• Consider standard-definition performance. Blu-ray players can also play standard-definition discs, but not all of them play SD DVDs equally well. That's something to consider if you own a large collection of regular, standard-definition DVDs.

• A 24 fps frame rate reduces judder, but not all televisions are compatible. High-definition discs are encoded at a frame rate of 24 fps, but converted to 60 fps by the player because most televisions can't accept a 24 fps input. However, the process of converting one frame rate to another creates a tiny motion artifact known as "judder" -- a combination of the words jerk and shudder. Some players have the ability to also output video at 24 fps. While that would eliminate judder, only some of the newest HDTVs can accept that frame rate. While some viewers complain about judder, most are unaware that the artifact even exists. Some players do a better job with 24 fps video than they do when outputting video at the more conventional 60 fps.

• All movies will now be available in Blu-ray. Most formerly HD DVD-exclusive studios, including Paramount, Universal and The Weinstein Company have announced support for Blu-ray, though specific information on release schedules was not yet available at the time of this update. Sony, Disney, MGM, Fox, Lionsgate and others already released films on Blu-ray.

• Check for firmware updates. Most high-definition disc players can accept firmware updates, and manufacturers are using that capability to fix performance issues or to add new features to players after they reach consumers. Players with Ethernet or wireless connections are easiest to update, since they can fetch updates directly from the Internet. Otherwise, you need to download the updates to your PC and burn it on a DVD, which you then insert into the player.

• You'll need an HDTV. For the best viewing, you'll need an HDTV with 1920 x 1080 resolution. Many HDTVs only have 1024 x 768 or 1366 x 768 pixels, so high-def DVD images will be scaled down to fit your television's available pixels.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model(With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
7	Sony PlayStation 3 (*est. $400)	details
4	Panasonic DMP-BD30 (*est. $410)	details
2	Sharp BD-HP20U (*est. $350)	details
1 each	LG Super Blu BH200 , Samsung BD-P1400 , Samsung BD-UP5000 , Sony BDP-S300 , Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD

Among Blu-ray players, the consensus is clear -- the Sony PlayStation 3 is far and away the best current choice. It is relatively inexpensive, especially if you are interested in its other attributes. It is also one of the few Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) players currently available, and Sony has said that a firmware upgrade to transform it into a Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) player will be coming soon. If the thought of adding a game console to your home video system leaves you cold, the Panasonic DMP-BD30 is a very capable Bonus View standalone player, but it lacks built-in decoders for the latest high-resolution audio formats. The Sharp BD-HP20U is only Profile 1.0, and is not without some issues, but is a solid budget choice.

The HD DVD format is dead for all intents and purposes, and most makers are removing products from store shelves. One exception is LG, which has said that it intends to continue to produce dual-format players. However, the LG Super Blu BH200 is expensive and has plenty of kinks to iron out.

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