Sony Blue Ray Player BDP-S350 and 875

[tommyb]

Current set up:

Onkyo 875; Quad L-ite 5.1 speaker system; JVC Interi Art Flat Screen CRT; Philips DVD Player (basic model); Sky.

I have two main areas I need help in:

1) With respect to the Sony BDP-S350:

- Is it a better upscaler than the 875?

- is the S350 the best model for me rather than the flagship, considering the 875 will decode all the audio for me?

2) I want to buy a TV, but I don't want to ignore the 875's strengths with audio and upscaling, and I only need a 42" at the very most for my room size - so, what's the best tv for me to make the most out of my system?? Pioneer Kuro - or are they being overpriced now due to high demand and low availability?

Thanks for your help guys, all input welcome.

 

[lobby]

Pioneer seem to offer the deepest blacks on any plasmas but they do cost a lot more than the Panasonic models as for 42" models the pioneer 428XD is being replaced currently £1450 and does not support full Hd, Panasonic 42pz85 does and at £900 its a great buy. Im thinking about replacing my 40"lcd for a plasma, but going to wait and see what the new Pioneers like probably going to be alot more than the Panasonic. Same with the blu ray player alot newer models coming out in the next few months so waiting to see what Pioneer and Denon have to offer. If you want to buy now i wo go for the Panasonic 42pz85 and the Panasonic Bd50. I dont actually own many blu ray films so my ps3 is adequate also a good upscaler for sd dvds. Cant comment on the sony only what ive read on these forums got good reviews for a budget player but surely theres better to come.

 

[FuzzyinLondon]

I'd go for the Panasonic 42PZ80 over the the PZ85. If you're using the Onkyo, you probably don't need the advanced audio features of the PZ85 and save a few quid and get an even better BD player like the BD50 that lobby recommends above.

 

[tommyb]

What Hi Fi Team - what do you think???

Please?