If you want to get the best out of your HDTV, you require a Blu-ray player. It will deliver crystal clear, stunning visuals and surround sound. Producing Full HD 1080p video output and decoding the latest hi-resolution audio formats such as DTS HS and Dolby TRUHD. But manufacturers have come to the realization, that Blu-ray players just can’t be about playing discs. Every year players seem to grow and build on a list of features that go beyond playing standard Blu-ray discs. 3D technology has been added, as well as DLNA capabilities, online streaming services, USB multi-format playback and much more. All the major manufacturers like Sony, LG, Panasonic and Samsung try to incorporate new and innovative features to outdo the competition and bring in consumers.
In 2011 we saw a blu-ray line-up of players that were faster, cheaper and loaded with more features than ever before. The following list is of the ten best blu-ray players available right now. Of course like all lists, the ten blu-ray players listed are open for debated and hardly definitive. There are many more Blu-ray players on the market that you might find better or will be better suited to your requirements. You should look upon this list as a starting point. A way to get familiar with blu-ray players and what they have to offer. It should, hopefully, help you decide which blu-ray player to purchasing, if your planning on getting one.
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Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray Player
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Many people were surprised when Oppo announced last year it was discontinuing it very successful and highly praise Blu-ray Player, BDP-83. No one need to have worried, Oppo soon released the newer model, BDP-93 in December of 2010. And it was just as good as the BDP-83 and added some extra features to make it a very worthy successor. The BDP-93 Universal Blu-ray Player has 3D Blu-ray Disc support, Online Streaming Services(Netfix and Blockbuster), Wireless-N networking and an eSATA port. It has 2nd Generation Qdeo Video Processing, USB playback, 1 GB of internal memory, dual HDMI Outputs, Ip and RS232 Control. It does cost more than your average Blu-ray Player, but it is extremely less than other high-end models. Most experts agree, the Oppo BDP-93 produces the best quality images and sound of any blu-ray player currently available. – Price you should look for when purchasing — $499.99
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 7.1
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
December, 2010
- ‘5 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com (over 80 reviews)
- Readers Choice Awards Winner 2011 - About.com
- 2011 Products of the Year – Electronichouse.com
- Big Picture Big Sound The Biggie Award Winner – Bigpicturebigsound.com
- Top Pick – Hometheater.com
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Sony PlayStation 3 (160GB)
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Sony’s PlayStation 3 maybe considered an old standard when it comes to Blu-ray Players, but it is one of the best players around. Sony has not abandoned the PlayStation 3 to rest on its laurels, it has continued to try and improve it’s Blu-ray performance. In recent years it has has made it more energy efficient, with a slimmer design and quieter operational system. Sony has updated the PlayStation 3 with a firmware that makes the PlayStation 3D Blu-ray capable. It also upgrade the gaming portion to 3D as well. Which highlights the PlayStation 3’s biggest feature, that it is future proof. Sony seems determine to implement any new technology making the PlayStation still relevant in the Blu-ray market. Other key features include built in Wi-Fi, 120GB of internal memory, DLNA certified, and excellent image and audio quality. – Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $299.99
- Region A
- BD Live (2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.3
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
August, 2007
- ‘4.5 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com (over 268 reviews)
- Home Entertainment Device Winner - 2009 Engadget Awards
- “it’s easily the best-for-your-buck Blu-ray player for the majority of tech-savvy buyers” – CNET.com
- The new PlayStation 3 (PS3) is an amazing piece of technology. – Expertreviews.co.uk
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Panasonic DMP-BDT210 Blu-ray Player
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Touch-Free Sensor playback / Full HD 3D / 2D to 3D Conversion / Built-in Wi-Fi / Skype Video Calls / AVCHD, MKV, MP3, JPEG compatible / USB — The Panasonic DMP-BDT210 seems to be equipped with every possible blu-ray feature and more. You not only get a great blu-ray player capable of Full HD 10810p/24 video resolution on standard 2D Blu-ray and 3D Blu-rays; the player can even convert 2D Discs into 3D images. Built-in Wi-Fi will allow you easy access to Online Streaming Media (via VieraCast) and Skype Video Calls. — Price you should look for when buying Blu-ray Player — Under $200.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘4 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com (over 90 reviews)
- Editor’s Choice Award – “our favorite Blu-ray player of 2011 so far” - CNET.com
- Two CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards
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Samsung BD-D6500 Blu-ray Player
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This mid-range BD-D6500 blu-ray player will provide you with excellent, realistic images with vibrant colors on both standard blu-rays and 3D blu-ray discs. It supports high-resolution audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This attractive looking player is loaded with extra features including web-enabled Samsung Smart TV for online streaming and social networking, DLNA, built-in Wi-Fi, fast loading and boot times, Touch Sensor Control and USB playback. — Price you should look for when buying Blu-ray Player — Under $200.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘3.5 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com
- ‘4.5 Star’ Average User Rating - CNET.com
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LG BD670 Blu-ray Player
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The LG BD670 3D Blu-ray Disc Player is loaded with great features that should expand your Home Entertainment experience to a whole new level. Beside offering stunning Full HD 1080p 2D and 3D images, the BD670 has built-in Wi-Fi that allows easy access to your home internet connection. Once connected you can take advantage of LG SmartTV. This includes apps and online streaming from Netflix, CinemaNow, YouTube and much more. This player is also DLNA certified and has USB playback support. Another nice feature is a free iPhone/Android app is available to allow text input from your phone’s keyboard. — Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $2500.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4a
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘4 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com
- “LG BD670’s built-in Wi-Fi and excellent streaming-media suite make it one of the best Blu-ray Player values… one of the best Blu-ray players of the year.” - CNET.com
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Samsung BD-D6700 Blu-ray Player
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The BD-D6700 blu-ray player from Samsung has compelling cutting-edge features and a stunning design. Lets you enjoy 3D technology on 3D blu-rays or even convert your 2D titles to 3D for a whole new experience. The BD-D6700 has built-in Wi-Fi and access to Samsung’s innovative Smart TV feature. Providing access to Samsung apps, searching for content online or on your TV. It also, has USB playback and DLNA capabilities that expands your home entertainment to new and exciting levels.Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $270.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘4 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com
- One of the Best Blu-ray players of 2011 - CNET.com
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Sony BDP-S580 Blu-ray Player
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The BDP-S580 is shaping up to be one of the best blu-ray players of 2011. Providing all the features you come to expect in a top blu-ray player, the BDP-S580 has built-in Wi-Fi, online streaming, DLNA capability and much more. Including watching your movies in HD with 1080p playback (on both blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray) and DVD up-conversion for truly stunning images with great clarity and detail. — Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $200.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘3.5 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com
- “BDP-S580 will be the sweet spot in Sony’s 2011 lineup” - CNET.com
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LG BD690 Blu-ray Player
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The BD690 Blu-ray player is the flagship model for LG’s 2011 line-up. This upgraded model of last years highly successful BD590 player, the BD690, now supports 3D blu-ray playback in Full HD 1080 video resolution. It still has a 250GB internal Hard Drive with CD ripping capabilities. Which is extremely rare for any blu-ray player. It provides stunningly crisp and sharp images, with Dolby TrueHD and HD Master Audio in 7.1 channels of lossless surround sound. Extra features such as online streaming with LG’s SmartTV, CD ripping, DLNA, free iPhone/Android app and much more, make the BD690 one of the best blu-ray players of 2011. — Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $350.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4a
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘4 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com
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Pansonic DMP-BDT110 Blu-ray Player
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Great Blu-ray Players do not need to cost a bundle. Panasonic’s DMP-BDT110 Blu-ray Player proves this by offer us a great player at a very reasonable price. You can watch stunning 3D images or use standard blu-rays and DVDs for spectacular HD viewing. It is pack with other features such as Wi-Fi capability – LAN Adapter is required -, Online Streaming, DLNS capability, Skype, Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD and so much more. — Price you should look for when buying Blu-ray Player — Under $150.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘4 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com
- One of the Best Blu-ray players of 2011 - CNET.com
- “Picture quality and operating system are first rate” - Trustedreviews.com
- “Panasonic has raised the bar for every player out there regardless of price” - Hdtvmagazine.com
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Sony BDP-S480 Blu-ray Player
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BDP-S480 is a new blu-ray player from Sony. This mid-range player offers many great features including Full HD1080p playback on Blu-ray Disc movies. Capable of 3D Blu-ray playback and DVD up-scaling, the BDP-S480 has a list price of $179.99. Currently online stores are selling it for around $160.00. This is a great price that will let you enjoy great images and audio, along with internet streaming, DLNA functions, USB playback and access to PartyStreaming mode. (You can stream music throughout your home to compatible Sony Network speakers which are sold separately.) — Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $175.00
- Region A
- Profile BD-Live(2.0)
- Full HD 3D
Video:
Video Resolution:1080p/24p
DVD upscaling: 1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD
Other:
HDMI version: 1.4a
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
February, 2011
- ‘3 Star’ Average Customer Rating - Amazon.com
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