Blu-ray Players

Look to purchase a Blu-ray player, but not sure which one to get. Or do you even know what blu-ray players have to offer. This handed guide will give you an overview of what to expect from this years line-up of Blu-ray players. Features ranging from 3D to Online Streaming Services. Most of us will not use every feature offered on blu-ray players have, so it is good to know which player has what. You don't want to payout extra money for blu-ray features you will never used. Becoming an educated buyer will save you cash and help you get the blu-ray player you want. This blu-ray guide also list about 20 or so popular and best players available that came out this year. And lists the best prices from where to but these blu-ray players. Click Here - Blu-ray Player Buyers Guide For 2011

Loading and Operation speed of blu-ray players was one of the main reasons people had not to purchase one. Early blu-ray players were slow to load discs and hard to navigate. This has all changed in the past couple of years. players have gotten quicker and easier to use. While some dics, loaded with heavy java content, can still take upwards of 30 or more seconds to load, it is still a vast improvement over what it was like just a few years ago. Loading speed can no longer be consider a weakness of the blu-ray player.
You can go here to read an article about Loading Speed and how it is a good indicator of what make-up a good Blu-ray Player. It should help you if your planning on purchasing a Blu-ray player in the near future.
Loading and Operational Speed

Some say online streaming of movies will eventual take the place of all physical media like blu-ray. While this won't be happening anytime soon, blu-ray player manufacturers realize that consumers want this feature and had added it to almost every player made right now. But every manufacturer has a different set of online streaming services. It is a good way of distinguishing between players. And a good way to determine what blu-ray player you would like to have. For example not every player has Amazon Instant, which is one of, if not the best place to watch TV shows online. If this is important for you to have, you need to research which player will give you access to Amazon Instant.
If you want to read more about Online Streaming and how it make-up a good blu-ray player go here: What makes a good Blu-ray Player? - Online Streaming And Networking
Also check of a comparison chart of Online Streaming Services by the leading manufacturers. Online Streaming Services Compared

One of the best things about owning a blu-ray player is that you do not need to replace all your old DVDs. A good blu-ray player will up-scale your old DVDs to almost HD video resolution. While it won't be th same as watching it on a blu-ray discs, it is the next best thing. However, not all blu-ray players are a like when it comes to up-scaling DVDs. Unlike playing blu-ray discs, there is not much different in the video quality between the lower-end and mid-range models. But when it comes to DVD up-scaling different models, whether they be low-end models or high-end models, do produce varying results of video output.
To read more about DVD up-scaling go to this article: DVD Up-Scaling

The movie online streaming service, Vudu, has revealed that Toshiba's new Blu-ray Players will have Vudu access built-in. It will be available on the Toshiba BDX2500 and BDX2700 Blu-ray players. Other online streaming services will include CinemaNow and Netflix. Vudu movies have the capability to stream up to 1080p resolution. The players will be Profile 2.0 (BD-Live), have analog and HDMI 7.1ch surround sound, and be able to playback media stored locally.

The BD2500 will cost $180.00 and has internet connectivity through an Ethernet Port or with a Wi-Fi adapter that is sold separately. The BDX2700 will cost $230.00 with built-in Wi-Fi.

For those you wanting to upgrade their DVD Movie Library to Blu-ray Discs, you now have a great option in Warner Brothers DVD-to-Blu-ray program. A program that could save you a lot of time and expense. The program consists of trading in your old DVDs for new High Definition Blu-ray discs. It has recently expanded to now include 91 Blu-ray Titles. While 91 titles may not seem like many, I am assuming the list will keep expanding in the future. The current list does include popular movies such as Elf, A Christmas Story, The Mask and many more well known movies.

The process seems hassle free and easy to use. You go to their web site and choose which movie titles you want to upgrade. You will need to send in your old DVD disc. Within 4 to 6 weeks you should receive your new Blu-ray copy of the movie. The price listed for a Blu-ray discs is $4.95. You get free shipping on orders over $35.00. Only 25 trade-ins are allowed per household. Which is not very convenient for those wanting to upgrade a large DVD collection.

You can also take advantage of Warner Bros. RED2BLU program. It works the same way. You replace your HD-DVD discs with Blu-ray discs. The price is the same, $4.95 per Blu-ray Discs, but you get to choose from 125 Blu-ray Titles.

**Offer Only Available within the Unites States**

One of the great features of a Blu-ray Player that has quickly become a staple feature is its ability to connect to the internet. But many people do not have Ethernet access in the living room where most Blu-ray Players are located. This can be a real inconvenience for some. Finding a Blu-ray Player with built in Wi-Fi will give you access to the internet for online streaming media services like Netflix, without the hassle of an Ethernet cable. Last year in 2009 such Wi-Fi Players, like the LG BD390, had a price tag of close to $400.00. Thankfully the new line of Blu-ray Players released in 2010 with Built in Wi-Fi are reduced in price. Here are five of the best Blu-ray Players with Built-In Wi-Fi for under $250.00.

Samsung BD-C6500 - Wi-Fi - 802.11N - List Price: $249.99

The BD-C6500 Blu-ray Player from Samsung gives you more features than any other player at this price. Including 1 GB of internal memory, DLNA compliant and 7.1 analog audio outputs. It has Samsungs Apps that allows developers to create an ever-growing list of programs to increase the players functionality. It already has online streaming media services for Netflix, Vudu and Pandora.

Sony BDP-S570 - Wi-Fi - 802.11n - List Price: $249.99

The BDP-S570 Blu-ray Player is the only model in this list that will eventually be able to support the playback of 3D Blu-ray Disc.(Firmware upgrade is expected in the summer of 2010) It also happens to have one of the fastest operational speeds of any player released in 2010. However, some experts have stated concerns about the players ability to stream Netflix. The image quality is not as good compared to other players. Other streaming media include Amazon VOD, YouTube and Slacker.

LG BD570 - Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz band only) - List Price: $279.95

While the BD570 has a list price of $279.95, it is selling for lower than $250.00 at most online stores such as Amazon.com. The BD570 has Online Streaming Media services that include Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, and Picasa. It may not have 3D Support, 7.1 analog audio outputs or some of the other features found in the previous two Blu-ray Players. But it has no problems with streaming Netflix and has fast operational speeds.

Panasonic DMP-BD85K - Wi-Fi 'Ready' - Includes USB Wi-Fi Adapter - List Price:$249.95

The DMP-BD85K does not have built-in Wi-Fi. But it does supply you with a Wi-Fi Dongle. You simple plug the USB Wi-Fi adapter into the USB port located the back of the player. It has streaming media services such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon VOD, and Picasa. Unfortunately it has slower operational speed, no DLNA support or internal memory (an SD Card is needed for storage). With it's lack of features compare to competing Blu-rays, many may feel this player is slightly over priced.

Vizio VBR200W - Wi-Fi - 802.11n - List Price: $199.99

While the DMP-BD85K may seem overpriced, the VBR200W from Vizio will seem like a bargain. Offering you a nice set of features at a very reasonable price. The VBR200w has online streaming media services such as VUDU, Netflix, Pandora Internet Radio, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Associated Press and The New York Times.

Depending on your needs and budget, you should fine a great Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player from the players mentioned. Providing an easy transition to all your streaming media needs.

Samsung BD-P3600 has everything a good Blu-ray Player should have. Launched in 2009, the BD-P3600 has excellent audio and video quality and comes loaded with extra features. It has very fast operational and disc loading speed, Online Streaming Media Services, 7.1 analog outputs, 1 GB of internal memory, Wi-Fi capability and much more. One of its biggest draw backs was its high listing price of $400.00. That has since changed and should be able to located the BD-P3600 for under $300.00.
The BD-P3600 has a distinctly unique design with round corners and a glossy black finish. It looks different from any other Blu-ray Player you have come across. The disc tray is located on the left side. There are no buttons on the front panel of the player. The player's button controls are on top of the player on the right side. They are touch sensitive, giving the player a high tech feel but can be inconvenient since you will not be able to put any other devices on top. A USB Port can be found by opening a little door directly below the controls. All other connection can be found on the back of the Blu-ray Player.

Video Quality: You can connect the BD-P3600 via the HDMI Output, the Composite Outputs, the Component Outputs or a S-Video Output. The HDMI is capable of Full HD 1080p/24 video playback. Samsung abandoned the HQV processing which was very successful in its BD-P2500 Blu-ray Player. Instead it used the Video Quality Enhancement (VQE) video processing engine which Samsung says improves the quality of the picture, adjusts brightness while reducing shaking, flickering and other visual "noises" that can occur. When tested by experts the BD-P3600 passed all levels of visual quality on both DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

Audio Quality: Audio for the BD-P3600 can be connected through the HDMI Output, Digital Outputs (Coaxial, Optical) or through the Analog Outputs. Because the BD-P3600 has 7.1 Analog Outputs, you can still take advantage of the high-resolution formats if you have an older Audio/Video receiver without a HDMI input. It has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This means it will decode the audio formats to be played back on almost any HDMI Audio/Video receiver. Bitstream outputs is supported as well if you want your Audio/Video receiver to do the decoding.

The BD-P3600 also has an Ethernet Port and USB Port located on the back of the player. With the Ethernet Port you can connect to the internet and access BD-Live content found on many Blu-ray Discs. Samsung has conveniently added 1 GB of internal storage, therefore you do not need to connect any external storage devices to download this BD-Live content. If you do not want to use the Ethernet Port you can connect to the internet using the USB Wi-Fi dongle that comes with the BD-P3600. This is a great extra bonus, since you would normally have to pay about $80.00 for this Samsung dongle.

Once connected to the internet you can access Online Streaming Media Services to view movies, videos, music, photos, etc. Services include Netflix, Blockbuster On Demand, Youtube and Pandora. It is also possible to connect to your Home Network to stream content stored on a connected computer. Files that support this feature are MP3, JPEG and Divx. The setup process to use this feature is not easy. Be prepared to spend some time to get the PC Streaming working correctly. You do have the option of using a USB drive to play these files back on the BD-P3600.

THE PROS: The Samsung BD-P3600 has excellent picture quality with Blu-ray Disc playback. It is Wi-Fi 'Ready' with a USB dongle included. It has Online Streaming Media Services such as Netflix and YouTube. Has very fast operational speeds and disc loading times. BD-Live content is easier to access with 1GB of internal memory. There is internal audio decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. It has 7.1 analog outputs. The BD-P3600 is also DLNA compliant.

THE CONS: Consumers may not like the front panel controls being located on top of the Blu-ray Player. Setting up data streaming from the PC is not simple and can take some time to setup.

THE FINAL WORD: The Samsung BD-P3600 does not have the HQV Reon-VX video processing solution but still has great image and audio quality with lightening fast operational and disc loading speed. An abundance of connectivity options. As well as Online Streaming Media Services. The Samsung BD-P3600 Blu-ray Player is a perfect option to meet all your High Definition needs. Many experts consider the BD-P3600 to be one of the best Blu-ray Players. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $300.00

Panasonic's DMP-B15K is the worlds first portable Blu-ray Player. Released last year in 2009, the DMP-B15K at first glance may confuse some people. Many will think how Blu-ray's stunning visual quality can get transferred to a small 8.9 inch screen? The answer is it doesn't; not very well anyway. But the point of the Panasonic DMP-B15K is to allow you to view your Blu-ray Collection in places you normally can't. Such as on a plane or hotel room. The DMP-B15K accomplishes this task very well. It comes with a wide range of portable car accessories and has a HDMI output if you want to connect it to a HDTV. Because it can be used as a standalone Blu-ray Player, Panasonic has included a list of features you would normally find on a standalone Player.

THE PROS: The first ever portable Blu-ray Player, you can watch you Blu-ray Disc wherever you are. You get full access to Viera Cast which provide online streaming content. A cigarette lighter adapter and headrest mount is included for car use.

THE CONS: The cost may put many consumers off this Blu-ray Player. A three hour battery life may not be long enough for longer movies. It has a bulky design for a portable device.

THE FINAL WORD: The first portable Blu-ray Player, the DMP-B15K, does perform well and has many features that will appeal to the person on the go. A HDMI output is available, so the Blu-ray Player can act as a standalone player as well. This is convenient if a larger screen is needed. It does have a heavy Price tag so you will have to weigh in the cost to see if it is worth purchasing. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $750.00