Smart Blu-ray player for smart TV?

[poweruser]

Hello guys,

I am planning to buy Sony W950A which got smart features. Sony BDP-S480 looks really good with features.

My questions is TV set is already providing internet connectivity and video streaming etc. So is it wise to invest money on high end model? Or should I find the lower end model?

 

[manzb]

Any mid range model of all top brands with 3D capability will cost around 10K. If you are interested in Sony, then S-490 is a good option with 3D, but no built in Wi-fi (dongle can be used).

 

[just4kix]

If the price difference is not too great, I will say stick to the high-end model. The high-end model will also have (presumably) better processing and video quality. For instance, it may load discs faster, may read connected USB devices faster, able to do better upscaling (SD to HD), more file support, etc. Besides you should buy TV and Players for their basic quality and not smart features - smart apps/features should be looked at as a bonus.

 

[poweruser]

Thanks for reply manzb and just4kix.. I will go for high end. 6k difference is not a big deal i guess

Any recommendations on Sony BDP? I read in other forums that new models about to be released like Sony BDP-S5100.

 

[just4kix]

If new model is about to be released, you may would like to wait. Is region-free capability important to you? In that case, you may want to think about alternatives.

 

[poweruser]

I guess region free is not important for me. I watch mostly BD rips.

I will enquire sony guys about new release dates and update here.

 

[sash]

Smart features in BD player can be good. For example, my LG BD player updates its firmware by itself connecting to the wifi. I can also play music/movies stored on my computer wirelessly - both are connected to wifi and the shared folders on my computer appear on my BD player automatically. Also i can play Youtube videos and view my picasa albums without needing to connect my computer to my receiver - though the on-screen keyboard of the BD player is disgusting.
And just4kix is right - "usually" these smart players are expensive and other features also tend to be superior.
You should also give a thought to PlayStation instead of a regular BD player.