Blu Ray Players, The Truth?

'But Aren't They Expensive' and 'What About All My DVD's?'

When it comes to Home Cinema there are few better and cheaper things to update than the Disc Spinner aka The Blu Ray Player.
When I first got mine I was positively blown away by the picture and audio quality over DVD. I knew there was a jump up 'Up to 6 times the picture quality of DVD' they said, but until I popped that first disc in I didn't believe it.
Now granted things haven't really moved on that much but there are still myths around and I will try and put an end to them here and now.. For good
For starters they might seem like last years tech but without them where would we be?,
they are the corner stone of ALL Home Cinema's. But let me kill that myth I mentioned and that is that of. 'I don't see why I should buy another player just to play Blu rays, I will just stick with my DVD player'...
But guess what Blu Ray players DO play ALL of your old and currant Discs, YES they really do. Now most enthusiasts will say 'yeah we know that', but I'm telling you now you would be so surprised at how many people think I'm rich or over the top with my Home Cinema because I own a Blu Ray player. So Father-in-law and friends alike 'They ALL play DVD's as well'. So next time you need to replace your DVD player and think Blu Ray disc players are expensive, think and look again.

In a lot of cases places like (Ok deep angry breath here) Argos, PC World and even John Lewis sell DVD players just as, if not more expensive than Blu Ray players. Honestly... I'm not joking, just have a look, but do me a favour don't buy from them. Yep that's right there are other places in your high street, you can even use your Google in your pocket and search for stores like. Richer sounds and my local store Technosound. (Willen Lake) I mention them as I know that they do not only Home Cinema but Home Electronics, there is even Amazon, they do great deals, next day delivery and are my second beginner choice in home shopping for electronics (first being the thousands of specialist websites). There is one more thing you'll have to add to your shopping basket and that's a HDMI lead but you don't have to as most, if not all Blu Rays players have a scart out but you will get the best possible picture from a HDMI lead as it's all Digital, so cost in another £10.00.

Fig 1. The Sound of Music DVD on the Left and Blu ray on the Right. Spot the Difference?

Now not only are they just as if not cheaper than standard DVD players the picture quality jump is mind blowing and I am not exaggerating. It doesn't matter if its a Sci-Fi, All out Action, Drama or a Romcom (Yes I know) they WILL ALL look better and not just look better but sound clearer and surely that's a good thing even if your not into Home Cinema, hasn't it?. Blu Ray discs are now at a ALL time low with '5 for £30' at HMV (yep there still going) and online auction site sellers getting rid of there old collections, there are bargains to be had everywhere. You don't have to replace ALL your collection, but seeing the ones you love looking better than you imagined has got to be worth 5 stars alone hasn't it?

Fig 2. The Panasonic BDT120

 



Todays players even have in-built apps now and smart TV. So if your TV doesn't have Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa and even a Web Browser you can now have them without buying a new TV 'Great stuff' and if that isn't enough and you like to view your photo's that you just got back from your local Supermarket, then instead of waiting for your PC to start up, stick it in your Blu ray player it will play them to.

You also get whats now called 'Catch up TV' where if you have missed your favourite program you can 'Catch-up', with Most of the big channels now out there you have 4OD, ITV Player, BBC iPlayer and Demand 5, all you need is a internet connection.. Can your DVD player do that?. I don't think it can.



Fig 3. The Samsung Blu Ray Smart Hub Home Page

 

Even your son or daughters or even your games console the PS3 can play Blu Rays and the same Question and Answer applies it CAN play Blu Rays.. And that is why you will find it in my top players list below.

So there you have it my Easy guide to Blu Ray players and the myth that surround them that they can't play DVD's. So next time your player is on the blink or you fancy buying a new player or just want a player for your bedroom, don't just flick through the latest catalogue because it's quicker or easier, get yourself online or better still down to the shops I mentioned and pick up a Blu ray player. Just remember Blu is ever so True.

 

Fig 4. Sony's Playstation 3

HERE YOU WILL FIND A LIST OF MY TOP BLU RAY PLAYERS

         Panasonic BDP 220 From £122.00

         Panasonic BDP 320 From £119.00

Sony BDP S185 From £85.00

       Sony Playstation 3 From £139.00

         Panasonic BDP 110 From £110.00

       Samsung BDE 5500 From £49.95

 LG BP 620 From £69.95         

 

So there you have a just a Small collection of the most affordable players out there some from as little as £50.00. S o what are you waiting for, get yourself into Blu.. It's fun, better picture quality and most of all Better.

 

 

 

Let Me Know What You Think. Do You Own One?... If Not Are You Going To Get One?. Will you be Upgrading?.

Leave Me A Comment Below

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