Home Entertainment System Upgrade Questions

[ceti alpha]

If you're interested in only upgrading your home theatre system I don't see how a PS3 is a good option. Maybe when the PS3 first came out the BluRay was a selling point, but you can buy a BluRay player for dirt cheap now. The PS3 seems to be doing everything they can to put themselves out of business - next to no exclusive software and a massive price point. It's not even a good media tank. If you are only looking to upgrade your home theatre, just buy a Bluray player and skip the overpriced PS3.

[Duo_R]

I bought the last wave of PS2 compatible PS3 80GB's (Metal Gear Solid). It wasn't a bad deal because I got a $100 gift card just for purchasing. But now that none of them are backward compatible, I can't really argue with Ceti's point here. I would honestly have picked up a solid stand alone player because I primarily use this system for watching movies. The multi-media aspect is cool, but I am probably part of a very small percentage that does that crap with their PS3 (stream movies to the system).

If you're interested in only upgrading your home theatre system I don't see how a PS3 is a good option. Maybe when the PS3 first came out the BluRay was a selling point, but you can buy a BluRay player for dirt cheap now. The PS3 seems to be doing everything they can to put themselves out of business - next to no exclusive software and a massive price point. It's not even a good media tank. If you are only looking to upgrade your home theatre, just buy a Bluray player and skip the overpriced PS3.

[ceti alpha]

Don't get me wrong, virtually every peice of A/V gear, from my LCD TV to my speakers, are Sony. Hell, even my USB flash drive is Sony. I'd consider buying a PS3 if it wasn't so expensive. I'd be willing to pay a little extra for BluRay player with extra features. I just don't get Microsoft and Sony. They build these machines that are capable of streaming in HD but fail to tell anyone about it. They've lost focus on what they're doing now, which is one of the main reasons why Nintendo is walking all over them in sales.

[Turbo D]

My ps3 has the emotion engine, so it is still backwards compatible with both psx and ps2. I wasn't even aware that the other versions lost this feature. Was the feature lost with the newer firmware updates?

[Duo_R]

it is not just software, there is hardware missing that prevents PS2 playback. First they removed the emotion engine and used software emulation to play PS2 (like the one I have). Then they removed the extra hardware that was being utilized to emulate, so not a good chance PS2 playback is coming back anytime soon....

My ps3 has the emotion engine, so it is still backwards compatible with both psx and ps2. I wasn't even aware that the other versions lost this feature. Was the feature lost with the newer firmware updates?

[nat]

Nat, which one did u get? Is it Profile 2.0 capable?

I got a Sony Bluray player about a month or two ago and I'm extremely happy with it. It's basically a PS3 with the PS3 functionality removed, leaving only the Bluray capabilities. Even the onscreen interface is identical to the PS3. It cost $249, is really quick, and very quiet.

The one I got is the Sony BDP-S350. Yes, it's Profile 2.0 capable. Click the link there for CNET's review.

It really is a fantastic player, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

[ceti alpha]

Nat, which one did u get? Is it Profile 2.0 capable?

I got a Sony Bluray player about a month or two ago and I'm extremely happy with it. It's basically a PS3 with the PS3 functionality removed, leaving only the Bluray capabilities. Even the onscreen interface is identical to the PS3. It cost $249, is really quick, and very quiet.

The one I got is the Sony BDP-S350. Yes, it's Profile 2.0 capable. Click the link there for CNET's review.

It really is a fantastic player, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

That's pretty sexy nat. 

I just got one of these over Christmas. It's an excellent media tank that plays virtually every file and format. The Popcorn Hour streams HD wirelessly very smoothly and has great internet channel services, so you can watch Youtube and podcasts and stuff. One of the first things I watched to test it out was Aaron's NEC tributes. They looked so awesome on the big screen. 

I totally recommend the Popcorn Hour with the USB WiFi adapter. I got it bundled with a 500GB HDD as well.

http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/

Edit: I just watched the video review of that bluray player. I love the face plate. So nice, but I noticed it won't do DTS audio. I'm having DTS issues with my Popcorn Hour right now actually. It's supposed to be able to play it, but it's not for me at the moment. I think my receiver/amp isn't HDMI compatible.

[Joe Redifer]

I'd only balk at the PS3's price if I were poor.

[MotherGunner]

If you want Blu-Ray and upscaled DVD go with PS3.  The fact that you connect online with it gurantees firmware updates not only system but Blu-Ray Media-Side as well.

Keep in mind though that while you will get 1080p out of all Blu-Rays, most PS3 games only output to 720p.  A real dissappointed considering Xbox 360 upscales everything to 1080p regardless if its native or not.

[Joe Redifer]

Upscale ≠ better than native.

[MotherGunner]

To me its better.  And that's all that matters.

[Paisa49]

If you want Blu-Ray and upscaled DVD go with PS3.  The fact that you connect online with it gurantees firmware updates not only system but Blu-Ray Media-Side as well.

Keep in mind though that while you will get 1080p out of all Blu-Rays, most PS3 games only output to 720p.  A real dissappointed considering Xbox 360 upscales everything to 1080p regardless if its native or not.

MG makes a good point. The way I've rationalized this potential purchase is the following. I'll have to put down about $250.00 for a good blue ray player. Why not spend a little more for a blue ray player that I can connect to online for firmware updates and happens to play video games? I'm thinking of going with either a used or refurbished PS3 now. I'll be combing Craigslist for bargains.

[ceti alpha]

I'd only balk at the PS3's price if I were poor.

Didn't see that comment coming. 

[Duo_R]

nice find. I got a PS3 80GB and a BDP-S301. BDP-S301 is not a great Blu-Ray, but as a Christmas gift and a 2nd player I am satisfied. Not 2.0 capable, but the PS3 can do that for me. The good thing is the BDP-S301 doesn't sound like an air conditioner after watching a movie in the entertainment center for over 30 minutes with the doors closed.... 

Nat, which one did u get? Is it Profile 2.0 capable?

I got a Sony Bluray player about a month or two ago and I'm extremely happy with it. It's basically a PS3 with the PS3 functionality removed, leaving only the Bluray capabilities. Even the onscreen interface is identical to the PS3. It cost $249, is really quick, and very quiet.

The one I got is the Sony BDP-S350. Yes, it's Profile 2.0 capable. Click the link there for CNET's review.

It really is a fantastic player, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

[nat]

If you want Blu-Ray and upscaled DVD go with PS3.  The fact that you connect online with it gurantees firmware updates not only system but Blu-Ray Media-Side as well.

The BDP-S350 will connect online as well.

Edit: I just watched the video review of that bluray player. I love the face plate. So nice, but I noticed it won't do DTS audio.

You're right. Absolutely the ONLY drawback with the S350 is that it won't do DTS audio. Since I still don't even fully understand what that is, I probably don't need it.

nice find. I got a PS3 80GB and a BDP-S301. BDP-S301 is not a great Blu-Ray, but as a Christmas gift and a 2nd player I am satisfied. Not 2.0 capable, but the PS3 can do that for me. The good thing is the BDP-S301 doesn't sound like an air conditioner after watching a movie in the entertainment center for over 30 minutes with the doors closed.... 

After I already bought the S350 I read up a little on the S301 and it sounds to me like the 350 is everything the 301 should have been. I really think as of now the 350 is the best quality-for-your-money for those who want a great 2.0-capable Bluray player and don't give a flying f*ck about the PS3.