PS3 or BD-30

[admin_exported]

Hi All

I hope you guys can give me some advice, i currently own a PS3 but was considering the Panasonic BD-30, but between these two systems can you please tell me how each compares when playing Blu-Ray movies in terms of picture quality etc and whether it justified to buy another blu-ray player in this case ?

Regards

Letmeboogey

 

[Anonymous]

If you want or need the best Blu-Ray picture and HD sound then it's the BD-30 all the way.

For me, I'm more than happy with my PS3 for now. With the imminent update for dts-HD master audio coming along I'm in no rush to upgrade just yet. Once Blu-Ray players get better and drop more in price I'll consider a stand alone player.

It really depends how you feel and what other equipment you have. I'm sure playing Blu-Ray through the PS3 with a Pioneer 428XD will look better than playing through the BD-30 with a poor display. It's all down to personal preferences at the end of the day

 

[Anonymous]

yep i concure! get the panasonic, i have a ps3 and its great but the fan noise gets annoying and i dare say you'd get better pic and sound out of the bd-30

 

[professorhat]

Personally, I'd wait. I can say this as I have a PS3 and I don't think the BD-30 is so much better, it warrants another £300-£350 of my hard earned cash.

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="garethwd"] i have a ps3 and its great but the fan noise gets annoying [/quote]

If it is that noisy, you have a problem. Make sure you switch it off after use (Treat it more as you would a PC rather than a DVD player). Having it standing 'on end' will also help. However, as I said, if the fan is that loud then I think you should get Sony to have a look at it.

On the question of the BD-30 I think I would wait for now. Blu-ray is still relatively new so expect a whole bunch of machines to be launched within the next 12-18 mths with even better specs and much keener pricing. You pay a premium for embracing the latest technology early on. With the PS3 enjoying regular firmware upgrades, it should stand you in good stead for at least another year.

 

[Andy Clough]

We've just done a Supertest of all the latest Blu-ray players, including the PS3 and Pana BD30, in the new May 08 issue of the magazine, on sale now. Well worth a read if you want to know how the two compare as Blu-ray players.

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="david1997"]
[quote user="garethwd"] i have a ps3 and its great but the fan noise gets annoying [/quote]

If it is that noisy, you have a problem. Make sure you switch it off after use (Treat it more as you would a PC rather than a DVD player). Having it standing 'on end' will also help. However, as I said, if the fan is that loud then I think you should get Sony to have a look at it.

On the question of the BD-30 I think I would wait for now. Blu-ray is still relatively new so expect a whole bunch of machines to be launched within the next 12-18 mths with even better specs and much keener pricing. You pay a premium for embracing the latest technology early on. With the PS3 enjoying regular firmware upgrades, it should stand you in good stead for at least another year.
[/quote]

The PS3 is well known for fan noise, it was certainly enough to put me off because I had no interest in gaming. The BD30 is highly recommended, I'd have a BD30 over an ugly and potentially noisy PS3 any time.

 

[Clare Newsome]

If I was starting from scratch - and not interested in the PS3's gaming, internet, streaming and other multimedia capabilities - yes, i'd pick the Panasonic. But upgrade from the PS3 to the BD30? No. Yes, it's better, but not enough of an improvement to splash all that extra cash.

I'd start saving for when the next breed of even-better Blu-ray players comes out later this year, and in the meantime stick to enjoying your ever-evolving PS3. That's exactly what i'm doing with my home system (PS - fan noise has never been problem with my PS3 - but it's racked, not stacked...)

 

[PJ1200]

[quote user="Clare Newsome"]
If I was starting from scratch - and not interested in the PS3's gaming, internet, streaming and other multimedia capabilities - yes, i'd pick the Panasonic. But upgrade from the PS3 to the BD30? No. Yes, it's better, but not enough of an improvement to splash all that extra cash.

I'd start saving for when the next breed of even-better Blu-ray players comes out later this year, and in the meantime stick to enjoying your ever-evolving PS3. That's exactly what i'm doing with my home system (PS - fan noise has never been problem with my PS3 - but it's racked, not stacked...)

[/quote]
I think Clare has knocked it on the head! If you have a PS3 - stick with it! Good bit of kit - although passing it as the "best VFM piece(s) of electrical equipment to emerge, ever" still amuses me!
If you want a great BD player, NOW, then go and buy the BD30.
If you want to wait for the next breed, which 'should' be better, then (as Clare mentions above) WAIT!
How long you wait... that's anyone's guess!..

 

[Anonymous]

i agree with clare why not either keep saving the cash and get a more expensive model next year in the sales like the pioneer or use the money to upgrade other parts of your system, speakers, amp cd player etc. i personally never had any trouble with fan noise place it somewhere airy.
you could also upgrade cables aswell [if you haven't already] decent hdmi
ixos or qed start at bout 40 for entry level and bout 70-80 for a top notch one [chord co, ixos, qed]

 

[PJ1200]

[quote user="fr0g"][quote user="PJ1200"][quote user="Clare Newsome"]
If I was starting from scratch - and not interested in the PS3's gaming, internet, streaming and other multimedia capabilities - yes, i'd pick the Panasonic. But upgrade from the PS3 to the BD30? No. Yes, it's better, but not enough of an improvement to splash all that extra cash.

I'd start saving for when the next breed of even-better Blu-ray players comes out later this year, and in the meantime stick to enjoying your ever-evolving PS3. That's exactly what i'm doing with my home system (PS - fan noise has never been problem with my PS3 - but it's racked, not stacked...)

[/quote]
I think Clare has knocked it on the head! If you have a PS3 - stick with it! Good bit of kit - although passing it as the "best VFM piece(s) of electrical equipment to emerge, ever" still amuses me![/quote]

Why?
Take my example. I am a gamer, and bought the PS3 for games first and foremost (with an eye on blu-ray).
I now own a pretty good upscaling DVD player, a very good Blu-ray player, a media centre PC (I have all my photos and videos on there (on a cheap external USB HDD)), and a pretty good SACD player. The firmware is constantly being upgraded, and sound and picture improved. I also have Linux installed as dual boot, so I have a Linux PC too.
If you take advantage of everything it offers it is crazy VFM. Some people have bought them only for Blu-Ray as at the time it was the cheapest (and best) player available.
So be amused...and name one piece of equipment that has offered better value?[/quote]
Frog - firstly, please don't take this as a personal attack - it is not.
As a previous post suggests, and I'm sure you know the post I'm referring too, I believe the PS3 is a good bit of kit. BUT, once again, you show that in order to make the most out of it, you need to purchase an array of extra equipment to make it's potential show through. Your 'Linux' piece, is, but one of your suggestions.
Perhaps I was marginally acerbic with my tone in a previous post, but suggesting the PS3 is the BEST value for money piece of electronical equipment EVER is, in my eyes (incorrect as they may be) silly!
It is not! (IMHO!)
You mention above that you have added and external USB hard disc and a Linux O/S.
My point is that in order to make the most out of the PS3, you need to invest in further equipment! As you have!
You can get a better BD player (that upscales just as well) for the same cash! Sure - it doesn't play games, but, IMO neither does the PS3 either!!
Cavet: Unless you wish to purchase a prologue to a game that is not out yet!

 

[Anonymous]

I have a PS3 Too and tried hiding it away in a cupboard..Big mistake.. it sounded like it wanted to take off as the fan went up to its fasted setting. I have now got it up on its edge tucked behind my Sony Bravia tv and with itconnected to my onkyo 605 running MS alumni surround speakers .. i never hear it. I would NOT spend another 400 on the BD30 just to get slightly better audio and apparently better picture. I agree with Frog and claire.. the PS3 is more than adequate and of course has so much extra. As for looks (eddiewood) try looking at the tv and what the blu ray is showing rather than staring at the ps3..

[quote user="fr0g"][quote user="Eddiewood"][quote user="david1997"]

[quote user="garethwd"] i have a ps3 and its great but the fan noise gets annoying [/quote]

If it is that noisy, you have a problem. Make sure you switch it off after use (Treat it more as you would a PC rather than a DVD player). Having it standing 'on end' will also help. However, as I said, if the fan is that loud then I think you should get Sony to have a look at it.

On the question of the BD-30 I think I would wait for now. Blu-ray is still relatively new so expect a whole bunch of machines to be launched within the next 12-18 mths with even better specs and much keener pricing. You pay a premium for embracing the latest technology early on. With the PS3 enjoying regular firmware upgrades, it should stand you in good stead for at least another year.
[/quote] The PS3 is well known for fan noise, it was certainly enough to put me off because I had no interest in gaming. The BD30 is highly recommended, I'd have a BD30 over an ugly and potentially noisy PS3 any time.[/quote] Fan noise is easy to avoid. You simply dont stick it in a cupboard. If it is on an open stand then the fan never seems to come on in my experience.

The PS3 (certainly the orignal 60 GB version) is one of the best VFM pieces of electrical equipment to emerge, ever.
[/quote]

 

[Anonymous]

Having a BD30 means that I don't have problems with fan noise and don't have to hide it because it's butt ugly!

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="Eddiewood"]Having a BD30 means that I don't have problems with fan noise and don't have to hide it because it's butt ugly![/quote]

i actually like the way the ps3 looks. better than the slab of concrete the xbox is

 

[professorhat]

Guys, I think we're losing focus here! The point is, the OP already has a PS3, therefore I think pretty much everyone agrees it's not worth buying the BD-30 to replace it.

 

[Anonymous]

The BD-30 is profile 1.1, but the PS3 is Profile 2.0, which means that movies can be more interactive on the PS3.

The BD-30 has no upgrade ability, but the PS3 is upgraded every few months, and is soon to get a brand new HD Sound upgrade! It also gets regular picture improvements.

The PS3 fan is very quiet if the PS3 is not in a cabinet.

The PS3 can play games, and also has Audio Visuals, which are also updated every so often.

The PS3 has a Web Browser, online play, and Chat facilities.

You can store movies, and music, and Photo's on the PS3.

The PS3 keeps its value, and can be sold easily, but the BD-30 with its 1.1 profile is already outdated, and loses its value immediately.

I'd go for the PS3 until new standalones are available with profile 2.0 that are not priced too highly. Then sell the PS3, and get most of your money back.

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="Pincho Paxton"]
The BD-30 is profile 1.1, but the PS3 is Profile 2.0, which means that movies can be more interactive on the PS3.

The BD-30 has no upgrade ability, but the PS3 is upgraded every few months, and is soon to get a brand new HD Sound upgrade! It also gets regular picture improvements.

The PS3 fan is very quiet if the PS3 is not in a cabinet.

The PS3 can play games, and also has Audio Visuals, which are also updated every so often.

The PS3 has a Web Browser, online play, and Chat facilities.

You can store movies, and music, and Photo's on the PS3.

The PS3 keeps its value, and can be sold easily, but the BD-30 with its 1.1 profile is already outdated, and loses its value immediately.

I'd go for the PS3 until new standalones are available with profile 2.0 that are not priced too highly. Then sell the PS3, and get most of your money back.

[/quote]

Profile 2.0 is only useful if you want to download such fantastic stuff like, erm, ring tones and erm, wait, I'll think of something useful soon...

Profile 2.0 is irrelevant to most, if you believe that it makes the BD30 out of date, then you don't appear to understand Profiles. The majority of people would be perfectly happy with a Profile 1.0 player, they'd never use it for more than watching the main feature.

Why do you have the impression that the BD30s firmware can't be updated? Or do you believe this feature is exclusive to the PS3? I'll guess that you mean Profiles, in which case, see above. The BD30 is perfectly capable of having a firmware update applied to it via CD.

It may come as a shocker, but the majority of people simply have no interest in console games, having a games console under their telly, or having some sort of media centre. They want to simply slap in a film and play it, that's all. They'll do that on the cheapest player they find and pretty soon the PS3 isn't going to be it.

 

[professorhat]

(sigh...) I tried...

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="Eddiewood"][quote user="Pincho Paxton"]
The BD-30 is profile 1.1, but the PS3 is Profile 2.0, which means that movies can be more interactive on the PS3.

The BD-30 has no upgrade ability, but the PS3 is upgraded every few months, and is soon to get a brand new HD Sound upgrade! It also gets regular picture improvements.

The PS3 fan is very quiet if the PS3 is not in a cabinet.

The PS3 can play games, and also has Audio Visuals, which are also updated every so often.

The PS3 has a Web Browser, online play, and Chat facilities.

You can store movies, and music, and Photo's on the PS3.

The PS3 keeps its value, and can be sold easily, but the BD-30 with its 1.1 profile is already outdated, and loses its value immediately.

I'd go for the PS3 until new standalones are available with profile 2.0 that are not priced too highly. Then sell the PS3, and get most of your money back.

[/quote]

Profile 2.0 is only useful if you want to download such fantastic stuff like, erm, ring tones and erm, wait, I'll think of something useful soon...

Profile 2.0 is irrelevant to most, if you believe that it makes the BD30 out of date, then you don't appear to understand Profiles. The majority of people would be perfectly happy with a Profile 1.0 player, they'd never use it for more than watching the main feature.

Why do you have the impression that the BD30s firmware can't be updated? Or do you believe this feature is exclusive to the PS3? I'll guess that you mean Profiles, in which case, see above. The BD30 is perfectly capable of having a firmware update applied to it via CD.

It may come as a shocker, but the majority of people simply have no interest in console games, having a games console under their telly, or having some sort of media centre. They want to simply slap in a film and play it, that's all. They'll do that on the cheapest player they find and pretty soon the PS3 isn't going to be it.[/quote]

Profile 2.0 does add interactive extra features to movies in some cases as well. So some of the menu extras will not work on a profile 1.1 machine. But apart from that OK.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a PS3 sat on the middle glass shelf (open rack), never have heard the fan on at all!

Only watch blue ray discs, cannot fault picture quality at all, the sound played through the Onkyo 875 is not bad either.
Have made BIG improvements to the whole system by using top quality leads, cables and coax, plus fitting a dedicated mains spur, star earthing of all components plus using mains conditioning.

All are worthwhile upgrades IMHO before considering the expense of changing equipment. Even with the fast developing blue ray market I do not see anything out yet to offer better value for money to consider changing the PS3 - 60.

 

[FuzzyinLondon]

I totally agree with Clare and the Professor (nice try Prof - I feel for ya). The Panasonic looks like a great machine but it doesn't seem to offer a huge step up from the PS3. Hold on to the PS3 for another year and then think about getting a standalone deck. The likes of Denon have players in development as we speak. By next year players will be better and cheaper and will all sport a finalised profile. Also, I think Homerpovey put it best when he said that it depends on what kind of kit you're running it with. For example, the Pioneer Blu-Ray is a pointless purchase for someone running it on a 37" LCD. You just wouldn't see the benefit. However, for someone with a Full HD 60" Kuro, a case could be made.[quote user="professorhat"](sigh...) I tried...

[/quote]

Also, my 60gb PS3 is pretty much silent. I've had it about 7 months and have only heard the fans kick in once.

 

[Anonymous]

To be honest, even if the OP didn't already have a PS3 I think I would still recommend the PS3 over the BD30. Consider what you are getting for your money; they cost similar amounts and yet with the BD30 you just get a Blu-ray player, whereas with the PS3 you get a Blu-ray player, a topknotch hidef games console, a network-enabled media player with hard drive (for storing music, video, photos etc.), along with other little things like web browser. Soon it will also be a Freeview PVR once Play TV launches.

Also there is the issue of sound, specifically high def sound. The BD30 cannot decode the HD formats (Dolby Digital+/TrueHD, dts-HD HRA/MA) and can only bitstream them, so for starters you will need an amp that can decode them (rather than just accept multichannel PCM). For some people this is preferable to decoding onboard, but there are less AV amps that support hd codec decoding than accepting multichannel PCM over HDMI. The PS3 on the other hand (as of tomorrow) can decode all the hd audio formats onboard and output as multichannel PCM (though it can't bitstream them), so it is compatible with more AV amps than the BD30.

If you are looking for a standalone player worthy of upgrading to from the PS3 then I think you will be wanting to wait for the BD50 which can both bitstream and decode onboard (and also has analogue outputs for compatibility with older amps that cannot accept audio over HDMI). The new Sony S550 might be worth looking at too, though I'm not sure when exactly either are due over here.