PS3 as a Blu-ray player

[mjpartyboy]

Hello all!

I'm thinking of getting a PS3 due to some upcoming game releases and Blu-ray films, this will finally make me format neutral, but I like that HD DVD is region free and don't know what territory to get the PS3 from due to its region coding.

I would always source what I thought was the best DVD version for me from whatever region that might be and with DVD player region hacks this was easy to do.

I am turning to AVF members' experiences to help me with this.

Are there any benefits to one territory's PS3 over another?

I look forward to your replies.

[brian s]

Check all the lists of BDs on both sides of the Atlantic and also check which are region free. Then go for the region that best suits your taste. Check this link for further info on regional coding.

Blu-Ray: What Films Are Region Coded

All the best
Bri

Personally I went for a Region A (US) PS3 and have no regrets. However Europe is seeing pretty much all of the films released just as quickly as the US now.

Therefore from a warranty point of view, if I were in your position, I'd go region B now.

In fact I'll be shortly buying a region B standalone.

The PS3 is a marvellous piece of kit - yes it has foibles, but I can say without reservation that it now has better PQ than the HD DVD players I own (HD-XE1, HD-E1).

Buy with confidence, but make sure you also buy the Bluetooth remote.

[Nic Rhodes]

I would go region A. It has the best selection and the cheapest prices. BUT it also allows you to buy many of the UK disc which are coded as ABC, where as their US counterparts are often just A coded even for the same release.

[mjpartyboy]

Thanks for the replies.

I was swaying toward a US console and that does seem like a good option considering region compatibility.

I've heard the 60 GB US launch console is the one to get, if you can find one.

[devbias]

Ive been lookikng for a Blu Ray player namely Sony BDP300 or Samsung BDP-1400 but they both seam to have their troubles.
What would i be loosing if i got a PS3 as a Blu Ray player. I would also buy the bluetooth remote but would i loose any picture quality or sound options.

Originally Posted by devbias

Ive been lookikng for a Blu Ray player namely Sony BDP300 or Samsung BDP-1400 but they both seam to have their troubles.
What would i be loosing if i got a PS3 as a Blu Ray player. I would also buy the bluetooth remote but would i loose any picture quality or sound options.

Nothing at all, unless you need a multi channel analogue output.

The fan noise can be intrusive at times - it is bloody ugly, it has no display - but that's about it.

The PS3 is a flippin' marvellous machine.

[Letsgetalane]

Well, considering the uncertainty of the format, at least with a PS3 you get the ability to play games, no matter which way the blue-ray/hd market goes, you will still have a pretty good games console.

The PS3 does a fairly decent job of upscaling SD movies and Casino Royale on Blue-Ray does look very good too, noticably better than SD Casino Royale. I don't have room for 5.1 surround so I go for the picture quality.

The PS3 is a good compromise position at the moment. You get games and blue-ray movies and if it doesn't work out for blue-ray movies, you still have games.

If the technology has a chance to become more settled, in a couple of years you will be able to buy a cheaper player with better specs than the current ones on the market and still get use out of your PS3.

[Max N]

The PS3 actually does a slightly better job of upscaling than my Oppo or my TV. It's a good bit of kit.

[brian s]

I've recently had a loan of one and I'm considering buying one. I'd go along with the comments made so far.

I found the menu a pain. It's all over the shop. If you get one ask for advice on setting it up or look for previous threads on the subject. I didn't like the fact that it didn't have a loading tray. I don't have 3d vision. So I thought I would be forever missing the slot and maybe scratching the discs but I was fine with it. The machine is very loud but I was surprised how little I noticed it but every now and again it was a bit much. You could maybe put it in another room..

At the end of the day if you must go BD it's got to be the best option at the moment.

Regards
Bri

[Scifi Lord]

Can i ask if the PS3 has optical out as i dont have a hdmi amp so what sound output can i expect to get thanks.

[dazza74]

I've relocated my PS3 via a 10M HDMI cable to another room and now can't here the PS3 and don't notice a drop in picture quality even though I went for a very cheap HDMI cable of ebay. So there are options if you get unlucky with buying a noisy one

[dazza74]

Originally Posted by big Lee

Can i ask if the PS3 has optical out as i dont have a hdmi amp so what sound output can i expect to get thanks.

It does yes have an optical out, I think the best audio you will get is 1.5 Mpbs you won't get the full HD Audio unless you can connect via HDMI to a HDMI Audio amp e.g. onkyo 605

[brian s]

Originally Posted by dazza74

I've relocated my PS3 via a 10M HDMI cable to another room and now can't here the PS3 and don't notice a drop in picture quality even though I went for a very cheap HDMI cable of ebay. So there are options if you get unlucky with buying a noisy one

I was wondering about this as I'm considering putting it elsewhere if I get one.

All the best
Bri

[Scifi Lord]

Thanks dazza74.