Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Official Blue ray options - Denon, Arcam, Pioneer, etc.

How does the PS3 rate for those that use it, ideally compared to current machines such as the Sony BDP-S550. At least would get me into BR in terms of software. In a while when the players have matured I, I could get a universal player and would still have a gaming machine connected to the HIFI. The biggest downside would be that I may lose my HIFI system to my two boys!

Would the PS3 connect to the G68 via the HD621 box for both BR and gaming?

Ideally still wish for a universal player, one point I didn't realise until today is that the majority of discs are not regionally coded, still this could change. If there was a hack for the Oppo BD-83 or the European version then it would likely be a no-brainer.

On the hack for the Oppo DVD players, is this required each time or is it a once only task.

PS When replying to posts, how do you copy the post you are replying to into the reply as most of you seem to do.


David

By all reports the PS3 is a great alternative. It has three downsides: 1) it uses a Bluetooth remote, so you can't program it into your all-in-one remote (there are some workarounds), 2) it doesn't have analog outs, which may or may not be an issue, and 3) while competent, its DVD upscaling is not the best, but comparable to most entry level players.

Actually this is an advantage - more time with the family and a better received by the spouse reason for upgrading.

Yes.

One time hack where available.

There is a Quote button at the bottom right of the message box you are replying to.

Frank

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Thanks, I needed to be in 'full' mode.

David

Press the QUOTE button at the bottom and use what you need of the text.

But your #2 is exactly what makes it good for a HD621 or Shawn External Mod. It has no bass management because it has no analog outputs. You missed two. It has no front panel so if you want it to play music you need the TV. Even when watch a movie you can't glance over at the track you have to pop it up on the display. It's not the most quiet player in the world. Supposedly the new one are better.

I have nothing to compare to as far as Video Quality since it's the Only BD player I have had.

Re: The bass management quagmire, it is absolutely necessary to audio calibrate every player you own which performs bass management. Most that do cut 5dB from the sub (LFE + mixed in bass) channel.

What do you mean? As in SPL Meter? Wouldn't you set all levels to "0 Offset", All distances the same, All Speakers Large etc? Yes you need to set it up correctly but what is their "Calibrate". Or are you saying they vary so much that you need to "tweak it".

The information below may not be new to most here, but the source of the comments is certainly surprising.

The statement does not take into consideration the video upscaling of SD-DVDs which for some of us with large libraries is an important one.

Video Noise reduction circuits? Apart from the players not having identical audio jitter performances.

Each digital interface introduces additional jitter which must be addressed,

I think it's reasonably obvious that he is talking about the Quality that Bluray Players are capable of outputting from Bluray DISCS only

i.e. that any Players that are 24p capable and capable of handling All the Audio Codecs up to DTS MA and TrueHD, will output Very Similar Quality Audio and Video from a Bluray DISC

Most here will understand that this statement does not include possible differences in Disc Load Times; DVD Upscaling; DD/DTS Decoding; DVD-A / SACD Playback; Profiles (BD Live); Analog Outputs and Internal DAC's; Streaming etc. i.e. Bluray Disc Handling ONLY

Personally, I think it will take another 3 years before the Mid and High End Manufacturers can GENUINELY claim any DIGITAL Audio and Video Performance Differences with their Players (assuming Bluray is around for that long)

IMHO The De-Jittering of HDMI Audio via the HD621 and further De-Jittering in the M Processor greatly reduces the need for most Meridian users to invest in the more expensive players from Denon, Pioneer etc.

In time, companies like Meridian, Denon et al will be able to figure out ways to eke out performance differences, but for now players like the Sony 550; the Panasonic BD35 & BD55; the new Oppo and obviously the PS3 are the way to go for Meridian users who want optimal Bluray playback. (DVD Upscaling & Universal Playback is different matter and many here may already have a superior DVD / DVD-A Player and they simply want to add Bluray playback to their equipment list)