Is the PS3 good value for money when it comes to its built in Blu-Ray player?

So Yes, I'm contemplating getting one for this purpose alone...

I assume that because of its Cell processor it has the power to display good if not better image quality then some standalone players on the market, that are overly priced and as a consequence a stepping stone too far for some people, who want to test the water first and not fall in at the deep end ..regrets, regrets........


So in your opinion....

Good?
Bad?
Indifferent?

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According to a lot of publications that cover audio/visual equipment the PS3 is one of the very best Blu-Ray players this side of the Atlantic. It is also one of the cheaper ones too. The main advantage that the PS3 has over dedicated Blu-ray players is that it can have it's Blu-ray profile updated whereas other players you buy will be left with the profile that it comes shipped with. (Not always the case with the much higher priced players.)

Being able to upgrade the profile is important if you want to get the full benefit of Blu-ray. When Blu-ray first entered the market the standard had not been finalised. As a result many of the initial players lack the features that the format now offers. The initial standard was Profile 1.0.

Profiles 1.1 has been launched and only two players offer this profile the Panasonic SC-BT100 and the PS3. There is also Profile 2.0 which allows you to download extra content from the internet and once again the PS3 is one of the only players to offer this functionality.

In summary I think the PS3 is the perfect choice for your first Blu-ray player. Plus it plays games and runs very quietly.

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Its meant to be one of the best blu-ray players out there because as they constantly update firmware on the blu ray player. The ps3 will have all latest features enabled.

A lot of stand alone players suffer from a problem where you have to wait for a manufacturer to update firmware and if it has internet connectivity, tryin to update it.

So handling top-notch imagery is not a problem. I also believe according to certain sources the PS3 is the quickest Blu-ray player in terms of start-up and also extremely quiet - plus added features including HDMI 1.3, which is able to convey the highest-quality sound, as well as 1080p video, over one cable (assuming you have a compatible display) which will take advantaged of this feature, but HDMI 1.3 should come as standard with all new displays in the future.

...The only drawback I can think of is that the PS3 doesn't upscale standard DVDs is this correct?

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Upscaling is pants though..I have a dvd player that does it and meh. Maybe the PS3 is better I wouldn't be looking at upscaling as a deciding factor to be honest.

That's true, true. To be honest the only deciding factor for me is reproduction of quality images on screen and by all accounts it does an honest job. Also to add more food for thought - what is the best picture you have seen on Blu-Ray ...Planet Earth, perhaps?

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If you believe in what you only see? there are many lies and many hidden truths.

The PS3 does upscale DVD.

As for the best example of a Blu-ray image on the PS3 it is probably the opening scene of The Dark Knight which is an extra on the Batman Begins blu-ray. The quality just has to be seen to be believed. It ***** all over the quality of the main feature on the disc, which is really annoying. But at least we know the images on The Dark Knight will be amazing.

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Cool look forward to this But what is the best picture to showcase Blu-Ray at present, any suggests? recommandations I should take a look at?

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I can't say for sure what the best is right now as I'm only new to this whole PS3 / Blu-ray thing myself. However, I've been told by three separate people on different occasions that Blue Planet Blu-ray is spectacular and the best example of Blu-ray so far.

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Yep, that and Planet Earth come highly recommended by many. There is a lot of good reviews on this site: http://www.avforums.com/movies/ regarding BD

and technical information - a good place to get lost in time permitting.

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If you believe in what you only see? there are many lies and many hidden truths.