[dburna]

...to go with a G25 50" plasma HDTV.  I'm open to any/all solutions, so I'm only going to list the must-haves:

1. I'm not going to pay alot for this muffler: $200-500 max.
2. Must gave good Web/network/streaming performance (I know some dongles have issues).
3. Must play DVD-Rs.
4. Reliable, easy-to-use.

Looking to create a short-list for further research.   Obviously, I want a good picture also, but I don't want to limit the range of suggestions too much.  Thanks for any suggestions and/or additional considerations.

-dB

[kgturner]

At the top end of your price range, I'd suggest an Oppo BDP-93.

Kevin T

[skunark]

PS3

Pros: highly upgradable, netflix, online store, can hold music and video.
Downside, no analog outputs, bluetooth remote, SACD support is lacking (does do DSD i guess), requires you to 'login' to use.

I have the first model and it's a bit loud, so to be honest I will probably be adding the Oppo BDP-95 in the coming months, but the PS3 isn't going away.

[Dan Driscoll]

The Oppo BDP-93 is the only player that ticks all your boxes and is in your price range. There just aren't that many BDP's that are also universal players and TTBOMK the Oppos are the only ones under $1K.

On the plus side, Oppo has a well deserved reputation for quality, performance and value. I have been very happy with my BDP-83SE.

FWIW, the PS3 is a good player, but it is not universal.

[dburna]

The Oppo BDP-93 is the only player that ticks all your boxes and is in your price range. There just aren't that many BDP's that are also universal players and TTBOMK the Oppos are the only ones under $1K.

On the plus side, Oppo has a well deserved reputation for quality, performance and value. I have been very happy with my BDP-83SE.

FWIW, the PS3 is a good player, but it is not universal.

Thanks to folks for the recommendations.  Are there any good candidates in the $200 range?  $300-400?  I'd like some comparison units even if I have to drop the 'universal' criterion.  I might spend $500, but I would be more comfortable with less.  PS3 sounds interesting, but I'd really like to have the analog outs, so that one would be lower on my list.

Are any of the name brand units good performers?  Panasonic (have read they are a little behind the times)?  Sony?  Samsung?  Others?

-dB

[Phil A]

I'd have to second the Oppo.  I have 3 systems.  I have a BDP-93 in the bedroom system.  A modded BDP-83 in the main system.  Both of those are of course universal players.  I have a PS3 and a Samsung 2500 in the basement system along with an old Oppo DV-980H (non-Blu-Ray) universal and a Sony BDP-BX37 on the computer system.

[Calypte]

On the plus side, Oppo has a well deserved reputation for quality, performance and value. I have been very happy with my BDP-83SE.

My BDP-83SE has trouble playing SACDs with lots of tracks.  The current beta firmware supposedly fixes the problem, but even Oppo doesn't consider it to be stable enough for "official" release.  Blu-Rays and DVDs have all played perfectly.

[kip_]

PS3

Pros: highly upgradable, netflix, online store, can hold music and video.
Downside, no analog outputs, bluetooth remote, SACD support is lacking (does do DSD i guess), requires you to 'login' to use.

I have the first model and it's a bit loud, so to be honest I will probably be adding the Oppo BDP-95 in the coming months, but the PS3 isn't going away.

This. It's also the fastest loading bluray player around.

[davidrs]

Are there any good candidates in the $200 range?   I'd like some comparison units even if I have to drop the 'universal' criterion.
 

dB,

I got impatient waiting for the Oppo 95 release and picked up a Panasonic DMP-BD85P-K for under $200.

It addresses most of your needs. I don't have enough time with it yet to provide proper impressions, but I also have not come across any major downsides, at the spec / feature level it comes in at.

- David.

[DigiPete]

Just picked up a Sony BDP-S470 of amazon for $109

Nice picture for blu ray and upconverted DVD, super fast, and has a ton of internet connectivity stuff.
Watched a bunch of previews in HD off the internet with it, worked like a charm.

Also, plays SACD and sends it out as DSD or 172Khz PCM over HDMI.

[Dan Driscoll]

My BDP-83SE has trouble playing SACDs with lots of tracks.  The current beta firmware supposedly fixes the problem, but even Oppo doesn't consider it to be stable enough for "official" release.  Blu-Rays and DVDs have all played perfectly.

I haven't had any problems with SACDs on my 83SE, but I only have about 40. Can you list some of the problem disks? If I have any of them I'd like to make sure I don't have the problem.

[zybar]

Just picked up a Sony BDP-S470 of amazon for $109

Nice picture for blu ray and upconverted DVD, super fast, and has a ton of internet connectivity stuff.
Watched a bunch of previews in HD off the internet with it, worked like a charm.

Also, plays SACD and sends it out as DSD or 172Khz PCM over HDMI.

It is now down to $99 on Amazon.

I think Sony is about to introduce some new models so prices should fall even more.

George

[Indiansprings]

I got the BDP-570 until the new OPPO-95 is released. Runs great. I recommend it fwiw.