PS3 or standalone bluray player?

Tony G · #1 12-09-2011, 11:40 AM

I need some help from the home A/V guys here.

A little backstory first. I love watching blurays, and have been doing so for roughly the past two years on a hand-me-down Panasonic BD35 (other home theater stuff includes a Panasonic TC-P50G25, Onkyo TX-SR608, Polk Monitor 5.1 setup, Xbox 360). I've been wanting to upgrade my bluray player lately as the BD35 has really slow disc load times. Other than that it works fine.

The black friday deals started showing up, and I got one of the $199 ps3 bundles. I thought, "great, I'll get to upgrade my bluray capabilities, and play some ps3 specific games while I'm at it". I used to stream netflix on my 360, but don't anymore. This is mostly due to the recent price hike, but I really just prefer the superior audio and video of bluray discs. I have now had the ps3 hooked up for the last week, and while it works well, I'm not sure it is the right choice for my long term bluray needs. I'm not so young anymore and don't really game often enough. I did pick up God of War 3, and have enjoyed it. However, I've had my 360 for years, and have had plenty of playing time on that to get my money's worth, but don't game regularly anymore. As a bluray player, the ps3 isn't as simple as a standalone, and it seems like some of these new players like the Panny BDT210 have some blazing fast load times.

Because of these reasons, I'm considering returning my ps3 and getting something like the BDT210. Any thoughts on this? Am I making the right decision?

fenderhutz · #2 12-09-2011, 11:43 AM

If you like to play games, keep the PS3. BTW I don't know about return policies but if you have opened the games I am pretty sure you can't return it unless it's broke, then only for another one. All Blu-Ray players take a long time to load now due to all the apps and mini Java style OS that are on them, unless it's a Blu-Ray only player with the network connectivity and apps. Even then it's minimal difference.

Tony G · #3 12-09-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

If you like to play games, keep the PS3. BTW I don't know about return policies but if you have opened the games I am pretty sure you can't return it unless it's broke, then only for another one.

Right, I understand that about the software. I think you can return open box hardware though.

fenderhutz · #4 12-09-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony G

Right, I understand that about the software. I think you can return open box hardware though.

Correct me if I am wrong but the games were part of the bundle right? That changes a few things. Not that I am telling you to do this, but you would have to say it's bad and get a new setup. Not open it, and then act like it was Wal-Mart gift and get store credit.

I have known people to do this. It's a sneaky workaround, but I am sure if the bundle came with games and the games have been opened you can only exchange for another.

Tony G · #5 12-09-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Correct me if I am wrong but the games were part of the bundle right? That changes a few things. Not that I am telling you to do this, but you would have to say it's bad and get a new setup. Not open it, and then act like it was Wal-Mart gift and get store credit.

I have known people to do this. It's a sneaky workaround, but I am sure if the bundle came with games and the games have been opened you can only exchange for another.

Good point. I did open the games that came with the bundle. Oh well, no sweat. Looks like the ps3 is staying put. It is still an upgrade over what I had. I guess I could start gaming a bit more often to make up for it!