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General discussion

What Blu-ray Player Should I Buy?

Sep 6, 2008 12:22AM PDT

There aren't very many on the market, but, I was wondering which one I should buy...

I have a Samsung LN52A650 TV with an older (no HDMI connection) surround-sound system. Will the Blu-ray player play the sound over my system? Will I need to buy a new home theater system to hear the HD sound?

I'm looking for a player in the $250-400 price range that has upconverting capabilities...

Discussion is locked

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Costco.com
Sep 14, 2008 7:18AM PDT

Costco.com NEVER shows all the TVs that it has in it's stores. I too have never found anything online that I wanted. I guess the reason is that electronics have a high turnover rate and their website could never keep up. And, every Costco seems to carry a slightly different inventory than the next. Regarding Amazon, I've purchased electronics from them and have been happy, but when it comes to large-format electronics, like a TV, I'd hate to re-pack the TV for UPS shipping to return it. I'm lucky in that there are two Costco stores within 8 miles of me, and if I ever needed to return a TV, it's as simple as putting it in the back of the wagon, plopping it on their cart, and roll it into their store. Then, I get immediate satisfaction.

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Oh
Sep 14, 2008 1:35PM PDT

I guess I should go to a costco and take a look at their TV's.

Last time I was in one was five years ago. It looks like a wearhouse, very creepy.

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that's the point....
Sep 15, 2008 12:36AM PDT

Costco and Sam's Club are supposed to "look like warehouses". That way they cut down on costs of "pretty-ing" up their store and it is more practical in moving around their big bulk items when the store itself is like a warehouse.

Don't let looks deceive you though...Costco/Sam's Club are top notch in every regard.

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costco
Sep 15, 2008 12:45AM PDT

What about talking to someone about the products

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I'd have to confirm that easy return policy at Amazon for
Sep 14, 2008 8:06AM PDT

a big ticket item such as a TV. Not all sales are directly from Amazon. Much merchandise is through vendors selling through the funnel of Amazon. And that would be a repacking & shipping cost situation, not in person like Costco.

The Costco warranty feature is that they double the makers warranty so you get two years instead of one, or instance. And their returns desk is very customer service oriented. And not just for 30 days like BB or CC.

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Checking out their products
Sep 15, 2008 1:28AM PDT

If you go into Costco and tell the guy checking club member ID's at the door that you want to goto the customer service desk he will let you through. Then just walk over to the TV section and check out what your local store has. If you like what you see for the price then think about getting a membership.

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Don't forget BJ's
Jan 21, 2009 7:24AM PST

BJ's Wholesale club (east coast and mid-west regions) has very likely better meats than Costco...been to both, love BJ's far more - and there's much more selection of product which means much less bulk. A single person could live very nicely on what they buy there.
As for the Sony BDP-BX1 Blu-ray player, BJ's has the same exact model currently selling for $279. You can probably get one online for same price - not to mention the bargains you'll find on HD TV's, home audio, and much more.

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Costco warranty on their DVD players
Sep 27, 2008 1:47AM PDT

You can return any of their DVD players at anytime for a full refund if you have your receipt or get a store credit if you loose your receipt. This would fall under their customer service which states that you can return the item if you're not satisfied. You don't have to worry about manufacturer's warranty even if you decide to return this after one year or so.

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Try making a dedicated audio connection
Sep 14, 2008 3:18AM PDT

Since your surround-sound system has no HDMI connector, you should look for a Blu-ray player that has audio outputs for connecting an optical or coaxial audio cable. If your audio receiver has an optical or coaxial input, then you can make a direct connection between the receiver and the Blu-ray player using one of those two cable types. You don't necessarily need an HDMI input on your audio receiver to get HD sound from the Blu-ray player. You can still get HD sound if you use an optical digital cable, and connect it directly to the receiver from the Blu-ray player (bypassing the TV). Using an HDMI cable to get sound is only important if you plan to listen to the sound through the speakers that are built into the TV.

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Which BDP to buy?
Sep 14, 2008 7:41PM PDT

The best Blu-ray player is the PS3, but I'd give a nod to the Sony BDP-350 player as well.