Gadget Addict

All the best Blu-ray Players have the same basic features, such as playing standard Blu-ray discs, DVDs and CDs. They will have at least one USB port that supports playback of movies, music and photos files. And all models will have a HDMI Output which can internally decode the latest audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, or can bit-stream these formats in their native form to your A/V receiver to decode. You will also notice that good Blu-ray players will perform these functions and features consistently and only vary slightly in quality. Making it hard to distinguish between the different models.

However, there are other features found on players that are not common and separates unique, good Blu-ray players from the regular ones. For example, not all Blu-ray players are capable of playing back 3D Blu-ray discs. If you have already purchased a 3D HDTV or planning on obtaining one in the near future, it would be worth it to invest in a player that can play 3D Blu-ray Discs. While still not a deal breaker right now for most consumers if their player does not have 3D capability; more and more movies are being released in the 3D format. And you do not want to add the extra expensive of having to upgrade your player later down the road when you decide you want to view 3D movies at home.

Other rare features found on certain Blu-ray players is support for DVD-Audio and Super-Audio-CD formats. For a lot of audiophiles out there, this extra features is a real treat. These formats never really captured the intention of the public, but SACD can still be purchased with new releases coming out every week. Sony is one company that makes all their players SACD capable. But mostly, these formats are found on higher-end players which normally use a high-end DAC (Digital-To-Analog Converter) which will make your CDs sound better.

Of course, a player's DACs are bypassed if you use the HDMI port, so a Blu-ray Player that has multichannel analog outputs will come in very handy. Multichannel analog outputs are also nice for those with older A/V receivers that do not have any HDMI inputs. You will get to hear the new audio formats in stunningly realistic surround sound. There are not many mid-level players out there that will have multichannel analog outputs, most manufacturers have moved away from this feature. You can use optical or coax digital audio outputs, if the player has them, but they can not transmit the new Blu-ray's High-Resolution audio formats.

Multiple HDMI Outputs is another feature that is widely seen as very convenient on players. Used mainly for 3D playback, dual HDMI outputs will allow you to send your 3D video signal to your HDTV and your audio signal to your A/V receiver. Great for those who have A/V receivers can not handle a 3D signal. It cuts down on expense, since you do not have to upgrade to a new receiver. Multiple HDMI Outputs will also let you connect two TVs to the player. But be aware that not you might not get the same performance out of both HDMI outputs.

So when you are looking for a player, these features might not be on top of your must have list. That is perfectly fine. It is probably best to start out with the cheapest player you can get, although make sure it has Online Streaming Media Services. Later you can start to think about getting other features you might need, such as 3D, Dual HDMI Outputs, DVD-Audio/SACD playback or multichannel analog outputs. Where ever you start, getting a player is worth it. Costing anywhere between $70.00 to $200.00, you can get an excellent player that will give you an impressive HD Blu-ray movie experience. More expensive players will perform better, but they are only really for the die-hard enthusiast.

Get all the information on the 2011 Blu-ray Players: 2011 Best Blu-ray Players. I would also like to offer a FREE BLU-RAY PLAYERS BUYING GUIDE when you visit http://www.Bluray-DVD-Players.com. Copyright 2011. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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Every one likes a good deal and to save money. But on a lot of occasions when purchasing electronics, many of us feel short-changed when picking the cheaper option. We don't seem to get the same high quality performance in our budgeted electronic devices, as we do in the more expensive ones. This, however, is not the case when it comes to budget friendly Blu-ray players. Granted, you do have to sacrifice one or two major features. But every budget or cheap Blu-ray player will deliver the same stunning 1080p image quality that is identical to higher priced models. In fact, most experts advise not even to consider image quality as a factor when deciding which Blu-ray player to buy. Mainly because they all preformed the same. So here are a few of the best budgeted Blu-ray players and what features they offer.

First, and probably the best of the bunch is Panasonic's DMP-BDT110. It is a step down from the high rated DMP-BDT210 model. The big difference, besides the price, is that the DMP-BDT210 has built-in Wi-Fi; while the DMP-BDT110 is only Wi-Fi 'Ready'. This means that if you want a wireless connection you will have to buy a wireless USB adapter to plug into the DMP-BDT110. This adapter will cost about $80.00. Also missing from the DMP-BDT110 are some minor features like the touch-free disc loading sensor and the Digital Tube Sound feature. These features, unlike the built-in Wi-Fi, will not be missed by most consumers.

What the DMP-BDT110 has is 3D support, as well as 2D-to-3D conversion. And even though connecting to the internet may be a little more inconvenient via the Ethernet Port. Once connected you get access to online streaming media services, DLNA support, Skype, and a free app for controlling the player with your iOS devices. You also get the same fast loading speeds and the highly praised menu interface that is found in the higher priced DMP-BDT210 and DMP-BDT310 models. Price Range: $100.00 - $150.00

If this is still too many features and you are just looking for the basic Blu-ray functions and features. Panasonic has the DMP-BD75 model that may suit you needs. It does not have any 3D support or any type of Wi-Fi options and your online streaming services are cut down to the very minimum (Netflic, Vudu, Napster and Cinema Now). It does offer DLNA support which is rare in a player that cost under $100.00. So you can streaming files from your computer to be played on your TV. Price Range: $70.00 - $90.00

Samsung offers us a great entry-level player in the form of its BD-D5300 model. It has Ultra Fast Play, DLNA support and access to online streaming services via Samsung's' Smart Hub. But it does not have the full Smart Hub interface that is found in higher-end Samsung models. There is a Wi-Fi option. However, just like Panasonic's DMP-BDT110, you will have to purchase a wireless USB adapter. So by the time you factoring in the cost for this adapter, you are better off buying a more expensive player with built-in Wi-Fi. Price Range: $90.00 - $120.00

Sony also offers a budgeted Blu-ray player, the BDP-S380. This player is lacking 3D capability, built-in Wi-Fi and DLNA support. But it does have Sony's Bravia Internet Video, which has the largest collection of online streaming services of any other player. And it can be controlled with a smartphone via a free app download. Price Range: $90.00 - $130.00

Another low-priced but solid Blu-ray player is the BD630 from LG. Here, again this player just has the basic blu-ray features. It is missing 3D, Wi-Fi options, DLNA and has just the minimum online streaming services - Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow, and YouTube. Price Range: $75.00 - $120.00

There are more budgeted Blu-ray players such as the Toshiba BDX2150 and BDX2250 or the Vizio VBR122 and VBR133. Actually you will soon discover the list of budgeted Blu-ray players is a rather long one. If you are willing to forgo some features, there should be no problem finding a good blu-ray player, that delivers great high quality HD images and sound. Simply because the cost of players are continuing to drop all the time. And price is the only thing about blu-ray players that is decreasing. The high quality performance and extra blu-ray features are becoming more common on every model, regardless of price.

Get all the information on the 2011 Blu-ray Players: 2011 Best Blu-ray Players. I would also like to offer a FREE BLU-RAY PLAYERS BUYING GUIDE when you visit http://www.Bluray-DVD-Players.com. Copyright 2011. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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Blu-ray players are getting cheaper and cheaper. And yes, all of these players, even the cheap ones, will provide excellent High-Definition images and sound quality to your movies. As well as getting more affordable, these players are constantly adding more and more different Blu-ray features. So there are other factors to consider before you decide to shop for a Blu-ray player. The simple fact is, if you own a HDTV or planning on getting one in the future, you owe it to yourself to buy a Blu-ray player. But don't rush out and get one just because you own a HDTV. There are certain factors about Blu-ray players you should be aware of and knowing what they are will help you make a better choice.

For one thing, and this may surprise you, it is not all about High-Definition. While the main reason for getting a Blu-ray player is to enjoy the stunning, crystal-clear images they produce; don't forget about its standard-definition performance. Many of us still own a large collection of DVD movies. Blu-ray players are not only capable of playing back DVDs, they can up-scale them to a higher definition. So how well a player can do this should be factored into your decision, especially if you are still going to be watching a lot of DVDs.

Also, every player will at some point will have firmware upgrades. Firmware is used by manufacturers to fix problems with performance or to add new features to the player after the player has reach the market place. Players that have an Ethernet connection are simple to upgrade, as firmware can easily be downloaded and then installed rather quickly. The other method is to download the firmware to your computer and then burn it on a DVD, which you then insert into your player. This method can be time-consuming and certainly more difficult.

Having a HDTV is an oblivious factor to consider. Most HDTVs manufactured today are capable of 1080p resolution, but there are some older model HDTVs with only 720p resolution. If this is the case, images from the player will be scaled down to match the HDTVs resolution. Images will still be of high quality and in High-Definition, however. And if you are thinking about getting a 3D player to view 3D movies, your HDTV must be 3D capable; and you will need a pair of 3D glasses for each person.

Of course producing HD images is only half of what you get with Blu-ray players. You also get high-resolution audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. These are lossless formats that give us studio-master audio. Meaning we get the soundtrack identical to the original, without losing and sound quality. Most players can decode these formats internally or the signal can be transmitted via bit-stream through a HDMI cable to an A/V receiver. Of course, if connecting to a A/V receiver it must have a HDMI input. Some players do have multichannel analog outputs, which is great for those with older, non-HDMI A/V receivers. But these players tend to be high-end models and will cost more. DVDs and HD television programs are not capable of supporting these latest high-resolution formats.

Another important thing to consider is a network connection. Almost every player manufactured in the last couple of years will be BD-Live compliant. This means you need to connect the player to the internet to download content or interact with others. BD-Live features are found on certain Blu-ray discs and consists of deleted scenes, bonus scenes, chat rooms, live commentary, online games and other online content.

These, BD-Live compliant players will have an Ethernet port that requires a cable to connect to the internet. Some players will provide a Wi-Fi option, making it a lot more convenient to connect to the internet. These wireless players cost a little more than regular players, but many of us do not have an Ethernet cable in our living rooms, so the extra cost is worth it. Especially since many Blu-ray Players offer access to Online Streaming Media Services. Services like Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, Amazon VOD, Hulu Plus and much more. Having a player that can easily connect to the internet is fast becoming one of the most important features of any Blu-ray Player.

The last thing you should consider is shopping at different places to look for the best possible price for a Blu-ray player. You will find players can have a wide range of prices. The good news is that most entry-level and mid-level players are considerably cheaper than they were a couple of years ago. You can get a good, solid Blu-ray player for about $80.00 to $200.00. So the time has never been more perfect for purchasing a Blu-ray player. And if you keep the above factors in mind when choosing a player, you will soon be enjoying the best that Home Entertainment has to offer.

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Get all the information on the 2011 Blu-ray Players: 2011 Best Blu-ray Players. I would also like to offer a FREE BLU-RAY PLAYERS BUYING GUIDE when you visit http://www.Bluray-DVD-Players.com. Copyright 2011. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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After the Blu-ray format won the HD war with HD-DVD, most of us assumed that it would be followed by a quick rise to top the Home Entertainment market. This did not happen, however. There were still many who debated whether DVD or Blu-ray was the best possible choice for their living rooms. This debated seems to be coming to an end. Most experts and research marketers predict Blu-ray players and movies will soon outnumber and begin to outsell DVDs in the next couple of years.

One of the main reasons is the cost of players. For example, the Panasonic DMP-BD75 is priced the same as a standard up-scaling DVD player. And the DMP-BD75 can play DVDs with the same quality, as well as play Blu-ray discs and it provides online streaming services like Netflix and Vudu. So clearly they can offer us much more features and functions than a DVD player, and we get it without it costing that much extra. The only logical reason to choose a DVD player would be if you do not own a HDTV or don't plan on getting a HDTV in the near future. In fact, there are not many reasons why you wouldn't choice this High-Definition technology.

Blu-ray players clearly offer the best value when we are dealing with Home Entertainment. No matter what type of budget you are on, you will get great Full HD 1080p picture quality. Because even the entry-level players will perform the same as higher-end models, when playing back Blu-ray discs. Also, this HD format is the only one that can deliver the latest high-resolution formats - Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio. For the die-hard video/audiophile out there, you will only begin to see a clear and distinct difference in picture and sound quality from the top-end models, like Oppo BDP-93 and BDP-95. Of course you will have to pay more for these types of players.

Almost all players manufactured today will be able to connect to the internet. Providing access to BD-Live content and in most cases online streaming services. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can also be easily accessed, as well as video chatting with Skype. Nothing seems to be excluded, including DLNA support (stream video and music files from your computer), built-in Wi-Fi, USB playback, internal hard drives, built-it web browsers and 3D technology. Players are quickly becoming the all-in-one home entertainment device. Eliminating the need for separate digital media devices that only provide one function (such as Roku 2 XS or Logitech Revue), in some casing consumers are cutting their cable cord. They can get all their movies and TV programs through their player.

For these reasons, it is easy to see why people are abounding their DVD players and choosing the HD format. With prices dropping all the time, Blu-ray players are simply the best value out there for your home entertainment. You not only get excellent playback of DVDs, Blu-rays and CDs, but it provides countless hours of other alternate entertainment.

Get all the information on the 2011 Blu-ray Players: 2011 Best Blu-ray Players. I would also like to offer a FREE BLU-RAY PLAYERS BUYING GUIDE when you visit http://www.Bluray-DVD-Players.com. Copyright 2011. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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Blu-ray Players, it is predicted, will ship out 105 million units in 2015. This is according to research done by In-Stat. Which has over 30 years of experience researching and analyzing the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystem. In-Stat further states that Blu-ray players shipped in 2011 to North America represented thirty-eight percent of the total Blu-ray market. Japan still remains the majority market for Blu-ray recorders, while Europe is still big on DVD recorders.

Given the HD format's tough beginnings in 2006, this is surely good news for the early backers of the HD format. In October 2000, we saw our first prototype discs. Followed, in 2003, by our first prototype player in Japan. The HD format continued to develop but faced many hardships and obstacles on the way. Including a fierce battle with HD-DVD, that it finally one back in 2008. It still faces competition from DVDs, which remains a popular. And the 105 million predicted units is lower than in the heyday of DVD players which saw 141 million DVD units shipped in 2006.

However, according to Norm Bogen, who is the vice president of digital entertainment at In-Stat, this will change in the near future. Even the mighty DVD, which is regarded as one of the industries quickest and greatest successes will be eclipsed in sales by the HD format. He states that DVD players and recorders will see a steady decrease over the next 5 years in most parts of the world. By 2015, DVD recorder shipments will basically be non-existence, only in various parts of Japan.

Of course there is a trend moving away from physical media and towards digital online content. Manufactures, instead of fighting this trend have embraced it and equipped most of their players with online streaming and social media services, hard drives for storing digital media and DLNA support. In-Stat says over 15% of Netflix users selected Blu-ray subscriptions at the end on 2010.

But like so much of the HD format's short history, the news is not all good. In-Stat also states that the Chinese market is stalled when it comes to sales. Mainly because of the cheaper priced China Blue High-Definition (CBHD) format has become the standard high-definition choice.

Even if Blu-ray is not taking hold in China, there is no denying the fact the HD format is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. While it does not have the numbers DVD had in the height of its popularity. DVDs did not have any real competition. So if you factor in all the competition that faces the HD format; suddenly that 105 million units in 2015 becomes a very significant.

Please view a detailed list of the 2011 Blu-ray Players: A List of 2011 Blu-ray Players. I would also like to offer a FREE BLU-RAY PLAYERS BUYING GUIDE when you visit http://www.Bluray-DVD-Players.com Copyright 2011. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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If you are one of the very few who is still hanging on to your old DVD player, the time has never been better to start thinking about upgrading to the superior Blu-ray player. Good, high-quality players cost little more than $100.00. You can even find a whole range of efficient players for under $100.00. Many consumer experts predict that for the upcoming holiday seasons, prices for Blu-ray players will drop as low as $30.00 to $50.00. All these players will play your old DVDs better than your current DVD player. This is the most cost-effective upgrade you can come across. Not only will Blu-ray players play and up-convert your old DVDs, they can handle Blu-ray discs and come with various online streaming service as such as Netflix and Vudu. And if you have a HDTV or plan on purchasing one, a Blu-ray player is a must to get the most out of your HDTV.

For those who have already purchased a player, but did so a few years back, you may want to think about upgrading as well. Your 2007 player, while it still might produce stunning pictures and sound quality, you be missing out on all the new features that have been added to most of today's current models. Features like online streaming media services, built-in Wi-Fi, iPod/iPhone/Andriod app, Skype, DLNA capability and of course the new trend - 3D. Blu-rays over the past couple of years have evolved into a lot more than just playing physical media discs. Players have become the ultimate home theater accessory that provides many entertainment options.

Here is what you get with the current group of Blu-ray Players:

Online Streaming Media Services: Most players come with a host of online streaming content built-in. Every manufacturer has a different set, but you get access to a variation of services such as Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, Vudu, Amazon, Slacker, CinemaNow, Twitter, Facebook, Skype and literally hundreds more. They range from online movies to shopping to social networking sites. Some players even come with their own browser so you can surf and search the web. DLNA capability is also a popular feature on certain models, which allows you to access media files on your home network devices like your computer.

3D Technology: The last couple of years all the major electronic manufacturers have made a conscious effort to bring 3D technology home to our living rooms. This trend has continued and even grown in 2011. For we see a lot of new players out this year are 3D compatible. (You still require a 3D TV and 3D glasses to view 3D content). And 3D features such as 2D-to-3D conversion and 3D Effect Controller have been added to give us more control on how we view 3D content.

Up-converting DVDs: Many of us still have a large collection of old DVDs. It would get very expensive to replace all of them. Luckily for us, players have the capability to up-scale standard DVDs to near high-definition levels. Of course they will not have the same quality you get on Blu-ray discs, but your DVDs will look better than they ever have before.

Quick Start/Quick Load: Blu-ray discs load faster than ever before. While there is still no consistency, as some discs will load slower than others depending on the contents. The overall average of disc loading and operation speed of players have decreased considerable. It has reached a level where it is no longer seen as a deterrent to purchasing a player.

Audio: Beside stunning 1080p/24fps images, players produce high-resolution 7.1-ch surround sound. Blu-ray discs can store so much more data than the average DVD; there is more than enough space for the best possible audio. New formats like Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and uncompressed PCM deliver original studio master soundtracks with no loss of resolution.

HDMI/Component Outputs: The best way to connect you player is via a HDMI cable. Especially since 2011 has seen the elimination of Component Video Outputs on most players. Movie studios have started to produce disc that restrict players from showing HD images through Component Video outputs; making it obsolete. The reasoning behind this is to prevent or hinder piracy of their content. While this may be an inconvenience to some, most consumers will connect using a HDMI cable, as it produces the best possible image and sound quality. Read more...