For Aussie buyers - get a Bluray player now for less than $100

[El bueno]

At Dick Smith Electronics AMTC brand -    Model Number: BD2102 AU$95



The rare feature of this player is that it is multiregional for both DVD’s and Bluray straight out of the box!!  You simply change the Bluray region via remote code!!


If your older SD TV will accept connection of a DVD Player, it will also most likely allow connection of a Bluray player.  If you are willing to support Bluray buy a Bluray player now as you will at least be able to start building your Bluray collection, just remember it will only display at normal low resolution (480p).  Also if your DVD Player dies replace it with a BR Player.

I am not giving a personal recommendation on this player, this is to help people on a budget; I do know a few people that have purchased 4 or 5 of these players.

Also sold in other countries under various different brands

[Southern cat]

I brought a different brand last week from Jb Hifi for $97. It's about time they came down in price.

[El bueno]

I brought a different brand last week from Jb Hifi for $97. It's about time they came down in price.

Multiregion Bluray?

Probably Soniq brand– Haven’t purchased from JB for 6 or 7 years as they sold me a 2nd hand DVD player as new. 

[Southern cat]

Yeah it's a Soniq. You can punch in codes to play other regions.

Which JB did you get burnt from?

[KC]

I'm in the market for a Blu-Ray. (I'm in the US of course.) I'm finally going high def!

[The Schofield Kid]

I'm still not convinced there much better than normal DVD. If the DVD has been cleaned up and the surround sound system I have is good enough. I'm happy with what I have. I can't see much difference. Unless you have the biggest TV available and the room for it, it isn't worth it IMO.

[KC]

Well, I'm getting a 58-incher. I want BluRay.

Saw a bit of the last James Bond on the set I'm getting in the store today. Looked fantastic!

[The Schofield Kid]

I'm getting a 58-incher.

Oh my, that's a big one!

[KC]

Size matters!

[The Schofield Kid]

Hope the neighbours don't mind when the explosions and the like go off when you have that baby turned up.

[KC]

Well, for the present I'm not buying a sound system to go with it. That'll have to wait. But I'm not much of a sound person.

[Conan]

I'm still not convinced there much better than normal DVD.

Whether or not its worth the money is arguable, but there is a big quality difference between a standard DVD and Blu-ray on a television that fully supports it.  Blu-ray on a regular TV is basically useless, but on the newer 1080p TVs the picture quality is amazing.

http://www.originalprop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/t2-sarah-connor-blu-ray-disc-dvd-comp-x1920.jpg

The multi-region player is cool, though don't expect a big improvement unless you have a 1080p TV.

[Lin Sunderland]

Well, I'm getting a 58-incher.

Wow that sure is big KC.  I guess size DOES matter!!     We have a 24 foot long living room and only a 19 inch TV and that is way big enugh for us.   The folks across the road have a 40 inch or so.   We can clearly see what they are watching as they always leave the blinds open.      As for Bluray it will have to wait a loooong time before we get it.   As I have said before we don't have a digital TV yet.  Talk about old fogies.   

[El bueno]

Yeah it's a Soniq. You can punch in codes to play other regions.

Which JB did you get burnt from?

store.  I found out it wasn't an uncommon practice

Well, I'm getting a 58-incher. I want BluRay.

Saw a bit of the last James Bond on the set I'm getting in the store today. Looked fantastic!

KC, what brand are you looking at buying, is it LCD or Plasma?

My preference is Plasma as I find LCD’s too bright in my opinion.

Looking at TV’s, quality is what I would look for first, then size.  Much rather have a smaller higher quality set.

My favourite was the large Pioneer Plasma’s that unfortunately aren’t manufactured anymore.

Cheaper sets often have a 2-3 year usable life if used heavily, sometimes only 1 year.  Better brands should yield 6, 7 or more years.

KC I suggest you look at the Oppo bluray player.  http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83/

[El bueno]

Wow that sure is big KC.  I guess size DOES matter!!     We have a 24 foot long living room and only a 19 inch TV and that is way big enugh for us.   The folks across the road have a 40 inch or so.   We can clearly see what they are watching as they always leave the blinds open.      As for Bluray it will have to wait a loooong time before we get it.   As I have said before we don't have a digital TV yet.  Talk about old fogies.   

Lin you have the perfect room for a large TV, nothing worse than having a large TV in a small room.

Whether or not its worth the money is arguable, but there is a big quality difference between a standard DVD and Blu-ray on a television that fully supports it.  Blu-ray on a regular TV is basically useless, but on the newer 1080p TVs the picture quality is amazing.

http://www.originalprop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/t2-sarah-connor-blu-ray-disc-dvd-comp-x1920.jpg

The multi-region player is cool, though don't expect a big improvement unless you have a 1080p TV.

You will notice the difference on a normal 720 HD set as well, it also depends on the Blu-ray source, some are no better than DVD, remember some of the terrible DVD releases that were copied straight from tape?

[KC]

KC, what brand are you looking at buying, is it LCD or Plasma?

My preference is Plasma as I find LCD’s too bright in my opinion.

Looking at TV’s, quality is what I would look for first, then size.  Much rather have a smaller higher quality set.

My favourite was the large Pioneer Plasma’s that unfortunately aren’t manufactured anymore.

Cheaper sets often have a 2-3 year usable life if used heavily, sometimes only 1 year.  Better brands should yield 6, 7 or more years.

KC I suggest you look at the Oppo bluray player.  http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83/

I bought a Panasonic TC-P58V10. It was on sale because it's last year's model and doesn't have 3-D, at least that was what they told me in the store. I've had a huge rear-projection TV (56 inches) in my living room for years, so I'm used to the size. This one will at least be much less bulky. I did have to buy a stand to put it on that turned out to cost a lot more than I wanted to spend, but I wanted a nice looking one that would go with the rest of my furniture.

[Conan]

You will notice the difference on a normal 720 HD set as well, it also depends on the Blu-ray source, some are no better than DVD, remember some of the terrible DVD releases that were copied straight from tape?

Yea, 720p is of course better than standard TV but its not stunning like 1080p.  I imagine there are some Walmart cheapie Blu-rays out there; the handful I have all look great.

[El bueno]

I bought a Panasonic TC-P58V10. It was on sale because it's last year's model and doesn't have 3-D, at least that was what they told me in the store. I've had a huge rear-projection TV (56 inches) in my living room for years, so I'm used to the size. This one will at least be much less bulky. I did have to buy a stand to put it on that turned out to cost a lot more than I wanted to spend, but I wanted a nice looking one that would go with the rest of my furniture.

Very nice TV…I’m sure you’ll be happy with it, a quality unit.  You just need a quality bluray player to do it justice.



I wouldn’t be too worried about the TV not having 3D.



Very interesting to read one TV manufacturer’s health warnings on 3D TV viewing

Photosensitive Seizure Warning and Other Health Risks

•   Some viewers may experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain television pictures or video games. If you or any of your family has a history of epilepsy or stroke, please consult with a medical specialist before using the 3D function.
•   If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately stop watching 3D pictures and consult a medical specialist: (1) altered vision; (2) lightheadedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea; (7) loss of awareness; ( convulsions; (9) cramps; and/or (10) disorientation. Parents should monitor and ask their children about the above symptoms as children and teenagers may be more likely to experience these symptoms than adults.
•   Viewing in 3D mode may also cause motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain, and decreased postural stability. It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to lessen the likelihood of these effects. If you have any of the above symptoms, immediately discontinue use of this device and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided.
•   We do not recommend watching 3D if you are in bad physical condition, need sleep or have been drinking alcohol.
•   Watching TV while sitting too close to the screen for an extended period of time may damage your eyesight. The ideal viewing distance should be at least three times the height of the TV screen. It is recommended that the viewer's eyes are level with the screen.
•   Watching TV while wearing 3D Active Glasses for an extended period of time may cause headaches or fatigue. If you experience a headache, fatigue or dizziness, stop watching TV and rest.
•   Do not use the 3D Active Glasses for any purpose other than viewing 3D television. Wearing the 3D Active Glasses for any other purpose (as general spectacles, sunglasses, protective goggles, etc.) may physically harm you or weaken your eyesight.
•   Viewing in 3D mode may cause disorientation for some viewers. DO NOT place your television near open stairwells, cables, balconies or other objects that may cause you to injure yourself.

Source: http://www.samsung.com/au/tv/warning.html

[El bueno]

Yea, 720p is of course better than standard TV but its not stunning like 1080p.  

If you sit to far away from the TV you most likely wouldn’t pick the difference between 720 and 1080 anyway.