Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Dead DVD player, time for Blu Ray?

So we were watching a movie tonight and it locked up a little over an hour into it. I thought it was a bad disc, so did the normal take it out, clean it, etc. It kept happening. Got a H07 and later an H02 error. I finished the movie on the laptop then looked up the error (Panasonic RP62 DVD player). It appears to be related to the motor going bad. A potential fix is in the link.

Before I try that though, I don't know that is is really worth it, since it will likely just delay the inevitable. So, maybe it's time for Blu Ray.

I was thinking about the new PS3 slim, but would not get the new audio if I go this route. My Onkyo SR600 can't support this. It doesn't even have HDMI.

So, I either need a player that can handle the new audio or just forgo the new audio for now until I eventually upgrade the receiver. Any suggestions on players? I'm assuming they all upconvert DVD's as well. I haven't really kept up with what's out there. Capability of playing SACD is also a nice to have, but not a requirement.

Streaming is a nice to have as well, as it might get me to switch to Netflix from Blockbuster. While I'm at it, wireless is nice to have for network since I don't have Ethernet near the player.

If you are looking to get at the new audio I would suggest looking for a player with 5.1 analog output. The PS3 would not give you this but there are a number of players that will.

I have the same receiver and that is the route I will be going when I get my first player.

-David

IIRC wasn't the RP62 pretty sought after a while back? I recall that when I was shopping for Denon 2900 deal years ago but ended up w/ a 2200.

I would vote for the PS3 slim since it's a great deal and has easy feature upgrades. I believe you could use the component output w/ a separate cable. Does your display have HDMI? If so, you could always use a cheap Monoprice HDMI switch. I use one and I'm satisfied.

I just got the latest Crutchfield catalog and they have the BDP1600 and S360. Both start at $199 and for $100 more you get wifi and photos. The 1600 has Netflix, which I have on my HD Tivo and LOVE it.

The display has HDMI. (Sony A2000 50" LCoS)

Get the PS3 Slim. The 7/5.1 analog outs are a bandage at best. Just run the HDMI to the TV, and let it auto configure, when asked for the audio pick the optical port, and have it run to the receiver. Set the audio to bitstream. You'll have 90%+ of the quality of the lossless codecs without the headache of the multiple cables, and poor bass management.

So I grabbed a PS3 tonight figuring I can return it if I decide on something else (so keep the suggestions coming if you think there is a better way to to).

I went to set it up with my Harmony and bummer, it doesn't work. I discovered it only works with Bluetooth, so I need a separate remote or an adapter. Harmony of course recommends their logitech one.

I don't really want to go spend more money just to get this thing working right with the remote. Do I bite the bullet and do it, is there a better option, or should I just get a normal player that works with the Harmony instead?

I simply bought the official PS3 remote (which can be had for under $20) and was happy with that, but if you're wanting to simply use a universal, then biting the bullet and purchasing an adapter or getting another player do seem to be your options. I still think the PS3 is a great way to go for a player, especially the new Slim.

I'm using the wireless controller for tonight. If I keep it I'll have to get the adapter.

Anyone see the new XMen on Blu yet? I'm going to watch that one of the next two nights.

Oddly enough I just tried to watch it yesterday. Something in the previews crashes my PS3, however. Turns out there is also a guy on AVS who had the same problem at the same place. The current theory seems to be a weak laser, although I don't really see why that would freeze the system. I'll have to do a bit more research.

I played X-Men Origins: Wolverine on my launch 60 gig PS3 without issue. Looked, and sounded better than the local theater which must have got one of the worse distribution prints, and even my ancient Sony sub sounded better than the one there which had to be blown. Coincidentally, the copy I watched belonged to the girl who dragged me to that theater which I know better than to attend--she really likes Wolverine.