Which Sony Blu Ray player should I buy?

Question

Here's the deal. I need a Blu-Ray player. I can get a Sony BDP-S1 for "free" with my American Express points (I have a lot of them, might as well use them for something cool). But, I am aware of the fact that there are some newer models out there; namely the Sony BDP-S500 and BDP-S300, and that the BDP-S1 has been discontinued.

I am fortunate, I can go out an buy one in the store and it's no big deal. But like anyone else, I would prefer not have to shell out the cash. I suppose the real question is then this:

Are the BDP-S300 & 500 so much better than the BDP-S1 that I should go out and buy one, or will the BDP-S1 suit me just fine.

Some points that might help you answer this... I have a 52" Sony Bravia XBR4 LCD television. I don't have a surround sound system at the moment whereas we just purchased a new home, but in the future may have something put in the living room.

Or, should I be considering a different brand altogether? All insights are appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you can wait another month or two, I would suggest that you wait.  There is new functionality for blu-ray players called BD-Live that will be included in all the newer models.  Some players are already on the market but there aren't any BD-Live authored discs out yet for them to be really tested on a consumer level.

The studios are putting out their fall Blu-Ray releases with BD-Live and it is a very cool feature so I would want to be able to use it if I were you.

Older Blu-Ray models will not be able to play the BD-live functionality and others will need some firmware upgrades to make it work. Firmware upgrades are easy but for people a hassle.

I pasted a link below to explain BD-Live a little.  It was all the rage at CES so we're all waiting to see how it really enhances the viewing experience.

As fas as models go... That is really a personal choice but I would stick with Sony brands since they are the Blu-Ray company.

Good Luck