2009 Blu-ray player roundup

For would-be HD movie goers, the time is just right to look closely at the latest wave of Blu-ray players launched in the market. Most, if not all, feature BD-Live interactivity to download and playback bonus content off the Web as standard. This is matched by studio-quality surround sound support, which makes the players fully compatible with current as well as future Blu-ray movie disc releases.

Many of these new entries also offer quick-boot and fast disc loading times comparable to Sony's PlayStation 3. If that's not enough, many vendors are dangling extra carrots such as YouTube videos streaming, Wi-Fi connectivity and extensive multimedia file playback. Most importantly, prices have become even more affordable nowadays with entry-level kits starting at S$599 (US$441.02).


Click here for a feature comparison table.

	1.	Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray player   CNET Asia rating: 8.8 out of 10 The good: Good picture quality; Viera Cast function has promise; simple but pleasant design. The bad: No 7.1 analog audio outputs. The bottom line: The Panasonic DMP-BD60 is a capable and likeable device which plays back Blu-ray movies with minimum fuss and maximum quality. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Sony PlayStation 3       CNET Asia rating: 8.8 out of 10 The good: Swanky design; all games in HD; PSP-like user-friendly interface; plays Blu-ray and upscales DVDs to 1080p; built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; 80GB hard drive; wireless and optional force feedback controllers; backward-compatible with PS2 and PS1 titles; built-in memory card readers; online play is free; onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoder. The bad: A USB port on the back would've been nice; glossy black finish is a fingerprint magnet; runs hot and noisy; power guzzler. The bottom line: The Sony PlayStation 3 features a swanky design and bevy of features making it one of the most versalite consoles for gaming and home enterainment. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	LG BD370 Blu-ray player       CNET Asia rating: 8.7 out of 10 The good: Excellent Blu-ray image quality; YouTube player; support for most Web video formats; HD audio output. The bad: Some minor build quality issues. The bottom line: The LG BD370 Blu-ray player is a fantastically optioned piece of blue laser finery and a new benchmark for budget players. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Samsung BD-P3600 Blu-ray player   CNET Asia rating: 8.2 out of 10 The good: Excellent Blu-ray image quality; Wi-Fi USB dongle included; superfast operational speed and disc loading; Profile 2.0-compatible; onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; 7.1 analog outputs; 1GB onboard memory; streams media off connected PC. The bad: Costs as much as a PS3; front-panel controls are located on top of player; PC streaming setup is difficult. The bottom line: The Samsung BD-P3600 is a huge leap ahead for standalone Blu-ray players, with blazing-fast operational speed, tons of features, and excellent image quality. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-ray player   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Unique design; can be wall-mounted; excellent image quality on Blu-ray movies; Wi-Fi USB dongle included; superfast operational speed and disc loading; Profile 2.0-compatible; onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; 1GB onboard memory; streams media off connected PC. The bad: Costs more than a PS3; unusual design won't fit all decors; compartment for connectivity is cramped; PC streaming setup is difficult. The bottom line: Samsung's BD-P4600 Blu-ray player is packed with features and its unique design makes it wall-mountable, but most buyers will be better off with the step-down BD-P3600. Review | See full specs | Rate this