 | Basic Blu-ray Player: Less Than $100 |
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 | Full-Featured Blu-ray Player: $140-$300 |
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 | High-End Blu-ray Player: $600-$1,000+ |
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| Blu-ray DVDs were created to supersede DVDs, beating out competitor HD DVD in a modern day VHS-Betamax-style battle. Leading manufacturers of Blu-ray DVD players include LG, Panasonic, Sony and Samsung. Blu-ray DVD players offer better audio and video quality than previous formats. The devices generally play standard format DVDs and CDs, and can improve the quality on the older format by upscaling the content to high definition. Current Blu-ray players often come with 3-D capabilities. | | |
| Typical costs: | - As technology advances and competition increases, the cost of a basic Blu-ray DVD player has dipped to less than $100. For example, Walmart sells a Magnavox Blu-ray player with Wi-Fi capabilities, which allow for online movie streaming through services such as Netflix. Target offers an RCA DVD player with similar capabilities for $90.
- Full-featured Blu-ray players typically cost $140 -$300. For example, Fry's sells the Sony BDP-S370, rated No. 1 by TopTenReviews.com, for $140. It includes picture-in-picture viewing, the ability to use an iPhone as a remote and other features. Amazon sells another top-rated Blu-ray player, the Panasonic DMP-BD85K, for about $220. In addition, the Sony PlayStation3, a popular gaming console, offers many of the capabilities of a full-featured Blu-ray player in addition to gaming options starting at about $300.
- Portable Blu-ray DVD players typically cost about $300. For example, Best Buy sells the Panasonic DMP-B200 for $300, which features an 8.9-inch screen and can run four hours on a charge.
- 3-D Blu-ray players are becoming more popular for consumers looking to build a 3-D home theater system. The devices generally cost $150 -$300 depending on features. Best Buy sells the Samsung BDD6700ZA, a top-rated player, for $270.
- Some high-end Blu-ray players offer additional features such as the ability to record Blu-ray DVDs or have multi-disc changers. For example, the Sony BDP-CX960 sells for $600 at J&R and features a 400-disc changer. The JVC SR-HD1250US offers the ability to both play and record Blu-ray DVDs and retails for about $995.
What should be included: | - Typically, the Blu-ray player box should include the device itself, a remote control and batteries, audio-video cables and a user manual.
- The features on each Blu-ray player vary, but generally, the player comes with the ability to play Blu-ray DVDs, standard DVDs and CDs. Standard DVDs played on Blu-ray players are upscaled to 1080p, improving the video quality. Other features available include Internet connectivity and Wi-Fi access, USB ports, storage capacity and 3-D viewing. Consumer Reports outlines a variety of features available on Blu-ray players.
Additional costs: | - Blu-ray DVD new releases typically cost about $20, but titles can range from $5 for older films to up to $100 for box sets.
- An HDMI cable, which provides optimal playback on a Blu-ray device, may not be included in the purchase of a new Blu-ray player. The cables are typically available for about $10 -$20. For example, Radio Shack sells an HDMI cable for $10.
- For the best possible viewing experience, a high definition television or a 3-D television that is capable of 1080p video quality is recommended. LCD high-definition televisions start at about $200 -$400 for smaller set; larger models with full 1080p start at about $500 and cost more depending on size and other features. 3-D televisions start at about $800 and can cost as much as $5,000.
- Netflix subscription services start at $8 for unlimited streaming; a plan to send DVDs to the home also starts at $8. Blu-Ray DVDs from Netflix cost about $2 extra. Redbox, which rents DVDs and video games in vending machines, charges $1.50 per day for Blu-ray rentals.
Discounts: | - Some big-box retailers, including Walmart and Best Buy, have refurbished Blu-ray players and PlayStation3 consoles for sale with discounts of $50 or more off of the retail price. Online retailers Overstock.com and Amazon also sell refurbished units at discounted prices.
Shopping for a blu-ray dvd player: | |
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Article updated August 2011 |
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