should I get a PlayStation 3 for Blu-ray playback?

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should I get a PlayStation 3 for Blu-ray playback?

Postby Antony » Tue 10 Jun, 2008 5:43 am

Well, I just bought a new TV (not yet received).

Since the TV supports full HD resolution (1920x1080p), do you think it makes sense to get a PlayStation 3 for the sack of watching Blu-ray?
(Although Antony plays some games from time to time, but he really s*cks at video games.)

It seems like that stand-alone Blu-ray players cost more than Sony PlayStation 3.

Any suggestions or recommendations?
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Postby Don_HH2K » Tue 10 Jun, 2008 9:52 am

I'd personally go with the PS3. You get a fairly cheap Blu-ray player that can double as a game system and a full Linux PC. If I'm not mistaken the PS3 also has a built-in Web browser, so you'd also be able to browse the Web on your TV, which would be useful if you wanted to get TV listings without having to get up. I don't know what model your TV is, but you can probably run the PS3 in Picture-in-Picture mode, so you could even display the listings while still watching a feed from whatever channel you're tuned to.

Personally with a TV that large, I'd spend the extra money on an HDMI cable for the PS3. The degradation of high resolutions like 1920x1080 on component video is more noticeable on larger sets such as yours.
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Postby Mandrake » Tue 10 Jun, 2008 11:10 am

The Playstation 3 only comes with composite cables; not component. Component looks fine on 1080P - I run my Xbox 360 that way because it lacks HDMI, and I don't see the need to spend $90 for the MadCatz HDMI converter. From my own experience, the PS3 is excellent for watching BD movies and you wouldn't regret such a purchase.

Since you would never want to use a PS3 with composite cables, you need either HDMI or Component cables. I'd go with HDMI for that reason alone, you can find a 2M cable on eBay new for just over $10.

Out of curiosity, which TV did you get? The picture looks identical to mine, and you had the sheer gall to mention it was bigger than my 40"! :-P Is it the 46" or 52"? You'll be very happy either way, it's a stunning TV. :)
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Postby Don_HH2K » Tue 10 Jun, 2008 5:35 pm

Mandrake wrote:The Playstation 3 only comes with composite cables; not component.


Seriously? I don't even think I've seen a PS3 running in 480i yet - and with how great it looks in high resolutions like 720p and 1080i, probably wouldn't want to! :)
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Postby Antony » Wed 11 Jun, 2008 2:54 am

Thanks for the advice on PlayStation 3. One question, can the PS3 be placed flat (horizontally)? I have to figure out where to put it.

Does PlayStation 3 come with remote control? Do you think using the game controller for watching DVD is a bit awkward?

Mandrake wrote:Out of curiosity, which TV did you get? The picture looks identical to mine, and you had the sheer gall to mention it was bigger than my 40"!

Sorry Mandrake :-P
Initially, I wanted to mention it "just an incy wincy teeny weeny bit larger than Don's TV".

It is not yet delivered, I will let you guys know the exact size and model number once it is delivered. (Things might change, I know I am good at making changes after ordering/purchasing.)
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Postby Mandrake » Wed 11 Jun, 2008 4:25 am

Antony wrote:Thanks for the advice on PlayStation 3. One question, can the PS3 be placed flat (horizontally)? I have to figure out where to put it.

Does PlayStation 3 come with remote control? Do you think using the game controller for watching DVD is a bit awkward?


The PS3 can sit horizontally or vertically. Sony doesn't include a remote with the PS3, but they do sell one for watching DVDs and BD movies on the PS3. I think it's $49 AUD. The controller works ok, I never owned a remote for the PS3. Watching DVDs on the Xbox 360 works great with the remote that MS included though.
Antony wrote:Sorry Mandrake :-P
Initially, I wanted to mention it "just an incy wincy teeny weeny bit larger than Don's TV".

It is not yet delivered, I will let you guys know the exact size and model number once it is delivered. (Things might change, I know I am good at making changes after ordering/purchasing.)


I think the picture on your blog is representative of the TV you ordered. I think it was the 46", but you're considering stepping up to the 52"! :-P
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Postby Mandrake » Wed 11 Jun, 2008 4:29 am

Don_HH2K wrote:
Mandrake wrote:The Playstation 3 only comes with composite cables; not component.


Seriously? I don't even think I've seen a PS3 running in 480i yet - and with how great it looks in high resolutions like 720p and 1080i, probably wouldn't want to! :)


They can save a few dollars including composite cables over component. :lol: Both the Wii and PS3 along with the cheapest 360 all come with only composite cables. The Premium 360 includes a combination component/composite cable, and the Elite 360 includes the combo cable and an HDMI cable.
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Postby Antony » Fri 13 Jun, 2008 5:11 am

Mandrake wrote:
Antony wrote:Sorry Mandrake :-P
Initially, I wanted to mention it "just an incy wincy teeny weeny bit larger than Don's TV".

It is not yet delivered, I will let you guys know the exact size and model number once it is delivered. (Things might change, I know I am good at making changes after ordering/purchasing.)


I think the picture on your blog is representative of the TV you ordered. I think it was the 46", but you're considering stepping up to the 52"! :-P
You are good at guessing.

Sorry, it is slightly larger than your Sony TV.

The TV has arrived today.
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Postby iJohnE » Fri 13 Jun, 2008 9:56 am

Congratulations on your new TV Antony!
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Postby Mandrake » Fri 13 Jun, 2008 11:02 am

Antony wrote:
Mandrake wrote:
Antony wrote:Sorry Mandrake :-P
Initially, I wanted to mention it "just an incy wincy teeny weeny bit larger than Don's TV".

It is not yet delivered, I will let you guys know the exact size and model number once it is delivered. (Things might change, I know I am good at making changes after ordering/purchasing.)


I think the picture on your blog is representative of the TV you ordered. I think it was the 46", but you're considering stepping up to the 52"! :-P
You are good at guessing.

Sorry, it is slightly larger than your Sony TV.

The TV has arrived today.
Image

(blog entry)


Superb. You'll have great fun with that. :) You definitely need an Xbox 360 or PS3 to play some high-res games on that beauty. :D

As a sidenote, I think 52" would be too big for me. I'm using this 40" on a table as a monitor. The 46" might fit, but the 52" wouldn't!
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Postby Antony » Sat 14 Jun, 2008 3:09 am

Mandrake wrote:Superb. You'll have great fun with that. :) You definitely need an Xbox 360 or PS3 to play some high-res games on that beauty. :D

As a sidenote, I think 52" would be too big for me. I'm using this 40" on a table as a monitor. The 46" might fit, but the 52" wouldn't!
Thanks. Mandrake.

I haven't got the DVI to HDMI cable for connecting up the Mac. (RRP $50 from Apple Store, online). But I might do it one day.

The TV is on the TV stand, and I don't think I would sit very close to it.

A game console is planning. Perhaps I shall go for an Apple TV instead.

Now, if I get a Blu-ray Disc player by the end of June 2008, I can get an additional $300 cashback (Sony Bravia Theatre cashback promotion).
Available models are: Sony BDPS300 ($699), BDPS500B ($999) and BDPS1E.

A Sony PlayStation 3 (40GB) console only has RRP $699.
Do you think that I shall get the standalone Blue-ray player which I will save $300, or forgo the $300 saving and get PlayStation 3 for the benefit of gaming and possible media centre.
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Postby Antony » Fri 27 Jun, 2008 5:04 am

Thank you for the recommendations.

Finally, I got a Blu-ray player finally.
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(photo taken when it was just out of the box.)

Here's the important remote control:
Image

(blog entry)
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Postby iJohnE » Fri 27 Jun, 2008 8:50 am

Antony wrote:Thank you for the recommendations.

Finally, I got a Blu-ray player finally.
Image
(photo taken when it was just out of the box.)

Here's the important remote control:
Image

(blog entry)


Congrats Antony, and here I feel out of place as a person who's main gaming system is still a PlayStation 1.
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Postby Mandrake » Fri 27 Jun, 2008 12:21 pm

Antony wrote:Thank you for the recommendations.

Finally, I got a Blu-ray player finally.
Image
(photo taken when it was just out of the box.)

Here's the important remote control:
Image

(blog entry)


Awesome. You should have good fun with that. :) I assume you got a component or HDMI cable for the PS3? Running at 480i on a top of the line gaming console would seem a bit silly!

Edit: Just saw the pictures on your blog, there's an HDMI cable. :) But a monster cable? I could get five HDMI cables for the same price you (over)paid for that one! :oops:
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Postby Pu7o » Fri 27 Jun, 2008 3:10 pm

I note that I still have a 15" CRT TV. Yes, I am poor :(
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