Damion Chaplin
07-14-2006, 12:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1985058,00.asp?kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530' target='_blank'>http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1985058,00.asp?kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530</a><br /><br /></div><i>"I see HD DVD and Blu-ray as high-definition disc formats that have more similarities than differences, but it will be a while before we see one device that plays nicely with both. HD DVD made headlines by be-ing the first one to market, with the Toshiba HD-A1 standalone HD DVD player. Now, the first Blu-ray movies have finally arrived, and the Samsung BD-P1000 ($999.99 list) is a solid Blu-ray disc player that takes full advantage of the format's abilities. Being an early adopter isn't for the frugal, but the BD-P1000 has the potential to drive the best home theater setups to new heights."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/BD-P1000.jpg" /> <br /><br />PC Magazine gave the BD-P1000 a 4 out of 5 rating, which is pretty good compared to 2½ out of 5 they gave Toshiba's HD-A1 (the HD-A1 doesn't do 1080p). However, they conclude the review saying both players are pretty comparable and you should really opt for the BD-P1000 if you're dead set on Blu-ray. The BD-P1000 also gave a superior out-of-the-box experience, but I would trade a little tinkering any time to save $500. That's right: The first Blu-ray player on the market is <i>twice as expensive </i>as the first HD-DVD player on the market. If you were an average consumer standing in your local B&M store trying to decide on a high-def player, which do you think you would go for? $1000 or $500?