Little silver discs have sort of had their run: CD, DVD and even Blu-ray feeling the heat
of streaming delivery.
But that said, when you want the best video quality you still have
to pop in a disc.
I�m B.C. with the Top 5 Blu-ray players according to CNET review scores.
And all of
them do more than just great HD.
#5 is the Samsung BD-D6700.
We like its huge array of streaming services, dual HDMI
outputs -- nice if you want to run separate dedicated video and audio connections from
it.
It has a generous 1 GB if on board memory for features like BD Live and it can be
controlled from an app.
What can�t these days.
On the other hand, its stubbornly pricey
at around $270 in a world of $160 Blu-ray machines
#4 is the Sony BDP-S580.
This guy has about the best array of streaming services -
except no MLB.com -- and it has built-in Wi-Fi.
Its fast, which is important when hopping
around the intensive video and features of a BD disc.
iPhone and Android control apps
and they�re free.
Unlike the Samsung it doesn�t do 2D-3D conversion, but we think that�s
a joke anyway.
Biggest drawback may be Sony�s custom interface for accessing
connected stuff -- it may be the worst in the biz.
Classic Sony.
#3 is the LG BD-670, which is the opposite of the Sony: It has a great, easy to navigate
interface to get to the online services.
Built-in Wi-Fi as well, but no on-board memory for
accessing BD Live online content, but we seldom find ourselves doing that anyway.
Same lack of silly 2D-3D conversion.
Basically, this guy plays the hits - does all the
important stuff well and leaves off the gimmicks.
#2 best Blu-ray player is the Panasonic DMP-BDT210.
The built-in Wi-Fi, great
streaming service array including MLB and price in the $180 sweet spot are all great but
sealing the deal on this guy is that it is the fastest Blu-ray player we�ve tested when it
comes to loading and navigating a disc.
There�s also a touch-free disc tray technology
that is a bit much, but overall this is our favorite BD player...hold that thought.
Before we get to #1 what are you going to feed your new BD player?
We just revised our
list of Top 40 Blu-ray discs.
These are great transfers the studios really sweated instead
of just shoveled.
The kinds of discs that make you remember why you still have a big
bookcase for discs in your house.
remember I said a minute ago that the #2 Panasonic BDT210 was our *favorite* BD
Player.
So then what�s above that?
The value king: The Sony PS3 Slim is #1 pick.
At just
a few bucks more than the #5 Samsung deck, you get a solid BD player, a high def
game console, living room web-browser and A/V streaming machine all wrapped up in
an easy to use interface.
You can�t play PS2 games on it, and only Bluetooth universal
remotes work with it - but if you�re about getting the most for you money, this is the BD
machine for you.
To catch the latest CNET reviews of BD players go to CNET and click on Home Video.
And for more Top 5�s like this one, its top5.cnet.com.
I�m Brian Cooley, thanks for
watching.
