Region A / BD Live (2.0)

Video: Video resolution:1080p/24p DVD upscaling: 1080p Audio: HDMI output: 7.1 Analog output: 2.0 Media: 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / CD	Other: HDMI version: 1.3 Ethernet: Yes Release Date: 2006
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There is no denying the fact that while the PlayStation 3 has not performed the best when compared to other gaming consoles. It has consistently ranked high on many best of Blu-ray Player lists. A recent poll conducted by Nielson rating system showed 65% of the people who purchased a PlayStation 3 did so because they wanted a Blu-ray Player. Clearly, many people see it as a good Blu-ray option. But why would anyone still consider it the best Blu-ray Player on the market. By today’s standards it is a rather old piece of equipment, having first been released a few years ago. Here are some reasons why many still perceive the PlayStation 3to be the best Blu-ray Player and will be for some time to come.

• Integrated Wireless Connectivity: You can connect to your wireless home network with the BD390. Delivering you NetCast Entertainment Access and BD Live features.
• Netcast Entertainment: Bringing you the best in Online Streaming Services such as Cinema Now, Netflix, YouTube and more.
• The Best Picture: Brings you Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Playeback. meaning you get the best possible picture quality available from your HDTV. It can even improve old DVDs with 1080p Up-Scaling, improving standard DVD picture quality so they will look their best in Full HD.
• Standard DVD Up-Scaling: It’s not just Blu-ray discs that look great on a Blu-ray player. Standard DVD Up-Scaling delivers exceptional image quality from standard DVDs to near full HD picture quality. That means even your older movies and shows look better on an LG Blu-ray player.
• Cinema Mode: Stay in for the theater. Enjoy a true cinema-like experience in your own home with movies the way they are meant to be seen. LG’s Cinema Mode precisely displays 24p source frames on your screen, the same as on a movie screen. If you love movies, you’ll love LG’s Cinema Mode.
• Superior Audio Performance: Blu-ray lets you enjoy the best sound available from your movies and shows. Supports surround sound up to 7.1 channels with Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Advanced Digital Out technologies.
• Express Reaction Startup: Some Blu-ray players can take what seems like an eternity to load your Blu-ray disc. With Express Reaction Startup, the quick start-up and quick opening tray will have your movie loaded and ready to play before you even hit the couch.
• My Media: Supports DLNA so you can get access to videos, photos and music from your home network.
• USB 2.0 Media Plus: Bring your digital library to life on your television with USB Media Plus. View family photos, watch videos and listen to music from USB storage devices.
• BD Live: Gives you access to BD-Live content so you can chat live, play trivia games and newly search for newly developed content right from your BD290 Blu-ray Player. You also get access to tons of downloadable online material.

It’s Not Just a Blu-ray Player


Sony has made the PlayStation 3 into a multi-purpose entertainment system. It is a gaming console, upscaling DVD player, Blu-ray Player and has many other multimedia capabilities. Obviously, the fact that it is a gaming console is the big difference when compared with other Blu-ray Players. The PlayStation 3 can play video games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Uncharted 2 and Little Big Planet. And with the release of a firmware upgrade, it will be capable of 3D Video Gaming. This is a nice extra feature for those just looking to buy a Blu-ray Player.


Many predict the future of home Entertainment will not be Blu-ray but streaming digital media. If this is the case, Sony has prepare the PlayStation 3 to handle digital streaming and distribution. The PlayStation 3 is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified. Meaning you can connect the PlayStation 3 to your Home Network, via the Ethernet Port or built-in Wi-Fi, and stream data from your computer or mobile device to the PlayStation 3. With it’s PlayStation Network you can download High Definition videos and TV shows. And Sony recently added online streaming media services in it’s deal with Netflix. The simple fact is, no other Blu-ray Player can provide the consumer with such a high return value for their investment.


Blu-ray Quality


A few years ago, the PlayStation 3 was really the only game in town when one considered to purchase a Blu-ray Player. This is no longer true. Today there are many stand-alone players that perform extremely well, producing great video and audio quality. However, the PlayStation 3 still holds up rather well when compared to the new Blu-ray models. It still has very fast operational and disc loading speeds. With 1080p playback via HDMI, it produces excellent image quality on both Blu-rays and DVDs. Audio quality is equally impressive. The PS3 supports internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. With the new PS3 Slim you can bitstream out Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to your A/V receiver to decode over HDMI. Also, with the new PS3 Slim you get 55% less power consumption when playing Blu-rays. A feature that should appeal to many consumers.


Sony’s Investment


In the High Definition format wars between Blu-ray and HD-DVD, Sony sided with Blu-ray and helped create and develop the HD format. Needless to say, Sony has a lot invested in Blu-ray’s success. Adding Blu-ray to the PlayStation 3 was an attempt to secure this success. It provided a great feature other gaming console did not have. To compete with the other gaming console Sony has to keep it’s Blu-ray Player relevant. The only way to do this is to continue to upgrade the Blu-ray Player on the PlayStation 3.


PlayStation 3 is Future Proof


The PlayStation 3 is a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player. So as Blu-ray technology continues to develop, PlayStation 3 owners are able to download firmware to update the players features and functions. For example, many experts predict 3D viewing will be the next big thing in the home entertainment market. To view 3D movies a 3D Blu-ray Player is required. Those who own a PlayStation 3 will not have to invest in purchasing new equipment. Sony will release a firmware upgrade making their system capable of playing 3D Blu-ray Discs. The benefits of this are limitless, as there will certainly be other upgrades to Blu-ray technology in the future. The PlayStation 3 is able to accomplish this due to its extremely powerful internal processor, large hard drive and peripheral support.