Cheap Blu-Ray Player Recommendation Please?

Doublej · « **on:** 12 Jun 2014, 07:22 pm »

I need a cheap but decent blu-ray player. I have zeroed in on the Sony BDP-S3200 or Panasonic DMP-BD91.

I more of a Pansonic guy than a Sony guy but I don't want no stinking ads on my Blu-Ray player. Additionally I read somewhere that the new Panasonics have trouble with some of the Spears & Munsil tests (should I care) and the Sony has more available online services but TuneIn Radio which is the one I care about most is available on both.

What say you?

jarcher · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jun 2014, 06:33 pm »

My last several blu ray players have been Panasonic, as well as plasma tvs. But at this point for the reasons you mention and in the sub $100 range, I'd go for that sony. It also has the miracast feature that the 91 panny doesn't, which might not mean much to you, but any youngling with an Android phone or tablet will definitely appreciate. Panasonic needs to get the sales message also that stealth ads, even on entry level products, is not acceptable. At least, e.g., kindle sales warns you and lets you save on the sales price if you opt in.

Edit : many blu ray players, particularly the cheapo ones, seem to fail one or more specific av tests but otherwise do more than reasonably well for pure blu ray playback, so wouldn't stress that so much. If your doing a lot of DVDs and upconverting,that's where you spend the extra bucks for an Oppo.

AcuDefTechGuy · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Jun 2014, 02:59 pm »

I've always had success with Sony and Panasonic BD players. They look great and sound great (bitstream).

rif · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Jun 2014, 08:51 pm »

I try to stay away from Sony - I've just had enough of them. I'm venting so this probably won't apply to you, and some aren't even Sony's fault.

Take it for what it's worth:

The bad:
My 1st DVD player, about 15 years ago, sony purposely made it unable to play cd-r, cd-rw, etc.
They made CDs that did some bad things to computers that you play them on (didn't affect me but scary)
Amazon couldn't seem to pack a blu-ray competently and I received 3 broken units before going Panasonic (not Sony's fault, but still annoying).
They use non standard cable connectors and memory cards on some products (like a camera I inherited)

The good:
Had a nice auto reverse Walkman in the 80s
Had a really cool portable minidisc in the 90s

I guess I just hold a grudge and am venting here. YMMV. thanks for letting me vent a little.

pumpkinman · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Jun 2014, 08:59 pm »

I bought a Sony BDP-S3100 and it started acting up after only 6 months. I've never had any luck with anything by Sony that spins the little discs(CD, DVD or Blu-Ray)

YMMV..........P-man

mcgsxr · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Jun 2014, 10:11 pm »

Of those 2 I would go Panasonic.

Last year when I was looking I ended up with an affordable Samsung.

I mostly stream content to the display in my HT, but the blu rays we have watched have looked great.