Best 3D Blu Ray Player under £100? Thinking of buying a Pioneer BDP150?

[ksoundwerx]

As title, so me suggestions please guys?

Not a huge movie watcher, and with Sky Anytime HD I satisfying my occasional want for an HD movie, but as I have a fair number of DVDs of stuff I will watch again (Sopranos, Wire, LOTR trilogy etc) I am really

 

[ksoundwerx]

As title, some suggestions please guys?

I'm not a huge movie watcher and have thus far gone without Blu Ray, instead using Sky Anytime+ HD when I fancy a flick. My main reason for wanting a new movie spinner is I'd like something that'll do a good job of upscaling my old DVDs (in particular my Sopranos, Wire, LOTR trilogy & westerns are crying out to be watched again). I have all the networking and connectivity I need via my TV/AVR/Sky/Smart TV etc, so I don't need a spinner with all that, just a stripped down 3D BR/upscaling DVD player. Must be slim too (<70mm).

I really like the look of the Pioneer (£85) and it meets my spec. Is there a reason why I shouldn't?

Is there any other glaring omissions I should check out that'll fit the bill?

Don't mind second-hand if anyone has something suitable either. My username is my email address followed by hot mail dot com should you want to get in touch.

 

[strapped for cash]

Pioneer Blu-ray players have had a few gremlins in recent years (lip-sync problems and crashing, for instance).

In my view, you should look at either the Panasonic DMP BDT120, or Panasonic DMP BDT220

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0083SX5SA/ref=asc_df_B0083SX5SA11725833?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B0083SX5SA

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMP-BDT220EB-Network-Blu-ray-Player/dp/B0079WS464/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1359644874&sr=1-1

The first is available for £5 less than the Pioneer you mention. The second will cost you £15 more. The only difference between the players is the absence/presence of wireless connectivity.

Have a look at this very thorough mini-review of the 120, which evaluates its 2D and 3D Blu-ray performance, as well as DVD upscaling abilities.

http://forums.hdtvtest.co.uk/index.php?topic=7206.0

In short, it's a stunner for the price. I can confirm, having gone from a £900 Denon Blu-ray player (previously awarded reference status) to this budget model that any differences in performance are negligible at worst. Tests performed on the 120 support this appraisal. It has no glitches, is fast to load discs, and is quiet in operation, too. It doesn't even look too shabby.

I honestly think you need look no further. Hope that's some help....

 

[bigboss]

Pioneer 150 is a good option. Yes, it does have a few gremlins as mentioned. Also consider Panasonic 120, & Sony S490. Look at the features, & go for one with built-in wifi if you want wifi, instead of paying more for a wifi adapter.

 

[strapped for cash]

Pioneer 150 is a good option. Yes, it does have a few gremlins as mentioned. Also consider Panasonic 120, & Sony S490. Look at the features, & go for one with built-in wifi if you want wifi, instead of paying more for a wifi adapter.

Of course the 120 and 490 have no built-in wi-fi. If that's essential, look at the Panasonic 220, which would still be within budget. As BB says, there's no logic in buying the 490 or 120 and an additional wi-fi adaptor, which would be unsightly and cost you more overall.

 

[ksoundwerx]

Superb help guys, thanks for the quick response.

The Panasonic models were the others I was looking at coincidentally, so I think that seals the deal (lip sync issues annoy the hell out of me)! Great to hear you (Strapped for Cash) have positive words to say about the 120s performace even next to the Denon, so it's all positive so far.

I think I shall get one ordered. Thank you muchly chaps :cheers:

 

[BigH]

3 new Sony's due out any time you may want to consider price around £100.

 

[BigH]

3 new Sony's due out any time you may want to consider price around £100.

 

[strapped for cash]

You're more than welcome, Ksoundwerx. It's hard to imagine you could wrong with either Panasonic.

The only thing approaching a complex decision is whether you're prepared to pay £20 more for wireless connectivity. If you can't run an ethernet cable to the BDP (or don't want the extra wire running around your living room), it's probably worth it. You'll want to take advantage of the streaming options (even if that only means BBC iPlayer, which looks very good streaming HD). You'll also need to update the Blu-ray player's firmware periodically (which of course happens automatically, as long as it's connected to the internet). I'd have chosen the 220, but I got the 120 free so thought I'd give it a go...

BigH, I'm sure the new Sony BDPs will do an excellent job, but Sony has made some interesting choices lately with regard to product styling.

The new stealth-bomber BDPs look bizarre. Distinctive is perhaps the kindest adjective. Despite the 853's generally understated elegance, what's the logic behind tilting a television screen away from the optimum viewing angle and toward reflection sources?

 

[ksoundwerx]

@SFC:

The extra £20 for the 220 is of little bother, although there are a few reasons why I'd prefer to spend that £20 on a couple new CDs (or case of Peroni) instead:

I have both Sky HD with Anytime+ and a Samsung Smart TV, so I already have multiple ways to connect to Youtube/ iPlayer/ ITVPlayer/ 4OD /Netflix etc etc. My wireless router sits in my AV cabinet, so cables are no bother either. I just have no need for the wifi feature.

After reading reviews (together with your own account) of the 120/220 it appears universally well received with it's strong points being picture and upscaling quality - both my top priorities. Its slim and good looking as well as being under budget, so a no-brainer!

Thanks again for all the suggestions chaps.

Keith

 

[strapped for cash]

Job done!

If only everything was that straightforward...

 

[ksoundwerx]

Job done!

If only everything was that straightforward...

If only! :cheers: