Need help on blue ray stuff..

Get a PS3....

Seriously...they're frigin awesome. Get her a game too - that you both can play together. My husband and I enjoy playing Little Big Planet. There's a new one coming out this year. It's really cute and I think she'll like it.

PS3 has soooo many things you can do with it aside from playing games & blueraydiscs.

With a PS3 - you can get a FREE Netflix disc that you put in the PS3. That will let you connect to Netflix streaming. However, that system isn't the greatest and the movies you can choose from aren't the greatest. I'm sure that'll improve over time. You're better off getting newer blue-ray discs and playing them in the PS3.

 

So with the streaming netflix you can't get the new releases?

 

i echo all comments on getting a PS3. it's what i've got and it's pretty fantastic for blu-rays, netflix, gaming (obviously), etc.

as a stand-alone player, what about the Samsung BD-P1600 (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/...rs/BD-P1600/XAA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail). My parents have this one with no complaints after 6 months. It has ethernet so you can stream netflix, blockbuster, pandora, etc.

but really, just get a PS3

 

For a non dedicated ht device the ps3 is a very good choice. Now if you have a newer tv it may be best to match brands to take advantage of the communication/function link they share. For instance if I switch off the bluray input on my tv it turns off my bluray player. If I switch to the bluray player it turns it on.
Little things like that.
If you don't have a high def 1080p tv and on a budget stick with DVD and netflix as tou really won't see the 1080p resolution if the tv Down converts the input to 720p.
There have been 4 or 5 generations of bluray players. Yet the first generation and slim ps3 still offers a great picture with the latest codex out there.
A lot to be said for a $300 device spanning 5 generations of a product line.

 

ps3 has been consistently ranked as the top blu ray player

 

This is the one I have. I think it's a lttle slow, but then again I have nothing I have nothing to compare it too except a non bluray. This one has Netflix, Slacker Radio, Amazon on Demand and a few others. I like it.

Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black) (2009 Model)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._t=301&pf_rd_p=1263465782&pf_rd_i=SONYBDPN460

 

PS3 is best, it cost more than $100 but you will have everything you need. HDMI output, Blu Ray player, game console, store pics, video, etc, surf the internet. Everything you need.

 

We haven't used it very often.... but If you have Netflix - you should have a *Watch Instantly* window. I'm not sure if all those movies that are available instantly are also available through the PS3. You are limited to what you can watch instantly.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10393171-1.html

The system is new and the 'program' they use is kinda funky. I'm sure over time that'll get better. The quality of the streaming movies is pretty damn good (on an HDTV anyway).

 

Samsung BD-P1600 is Netflix ready but you need to have a broadband internet connection and an existing subscription to Netflix. Bought mine for $139 at Fry's Electronics. It's great.

 

Ps3 ftw

 

I wish the kids wanted a PS3, they want the Wii - WTF does that do in the blue ray world?

 

I have a Wii and it just collects dust. I'll dust it off for Mario Galaxy 2 and then back to collecting dust it goes. My PS3 on the other hand gets used about 50/50 for games and movies. Very happy with it.

 

I'll try to summarize and add my 2 cents:


-First off, Netflix in and of itself offers you two portions to its service. First is the discs you get in the mail. To enable blu-ray discs, you add a small premium to your monthly service. The second portion is the Watch It Now. Watch It Now has a smaller library to choose from, but there's still many good choices. I just finished Lost season 5, I'm starting on Dexter, I've got just about every MST3K episode lined up, Dirty Harry's in the queue, and if I hadn't already seen it, I have the option to see Wall-E. It helps fill in the blanks while I wait for the next disc.

-Any player or TV that supports Netflix will support the full listing of Netflix Watch It Now. Depending on your player, you might have to queue things up from the computer first.

-If you have the money for it, yes, the PS3 is the best choice. It offers more than what you would get from any other box.

-Unless you have or will have a TV that already supports Vudu, Youtube, Skype, Netflix, etc. services, I would highly recommend getting this on the blu-ray player. It's very enjoyable, and the option should not be unfeasible. Last year, there were not many models (since the technology was a new idea), and I bought an LG BD370 since I couldn't justify the large price jump to the alternative that Samsung offered. I have been very pleased with the unit, and it was selling for $150 before being discontinued. I would imagine you could find several units to fit your price range.

 

I found a referbished PS3, 80gig, for $239....no tax either

 

Yeah, i think i'll skip on the ps3 just cause its out of my range.. but i gotta get the streaming netflix stuff

 

I'd see if there's anything else she wants.

I think Blu-Ray has a very short life ahead of it. High density optical disk storage tech has already moved on quite a bit. And Flash is coming on strong. 3D Blu-Ray should be out next year which will require new players again.

If you can, get her to wait until this part of the market figures itself out.

I personally think solid state delivery is going to hit the market soon in a much more robust system with a better future.

 

However, blu ray has reached a fairly mature level, so you aren't paying premiums for emerging tech.

If she has regular DVD, it is personal preference if you can stay with it or if you want to move up. Upscaling on DVDs is nothing to frown at.

Also requires a new tv. Personally, I can't stand it. I watch TV to relax, 3D makes me concentrate too hard. The only thing I could see this being really good for is on the PS4 and Xbox 720 (or whatever they will be called)

My thoughts go to more content streaming using thin clients.

Of course, there's lots of dreaming going on

 

We pay the $17.95 a month for the 3 disc plan - and I don't believe we get charged extra for blue-ray discs.

So perhaps that depends on what initial plan you have with netflix.

 

You do, but it's just glommed into the plan.

The current 3 disc plans I'm offered are $16.99 without/ $20.99 with.
There's a 2 disc plan with BR for $16.99 as well.

Instant watch is included on everything but the limited rental plans.

 

yeah, shes got the 3 disc plan and the 3d stuff.. honestly.. i think its a joke. It drives me nuts