Quote Originally Posted by Xianti
PS3. No question about it. It's still the only Blu-ray player that can update its firmware. That means, while other Blu-ray players fall behind in their capabilities as the spec is continually updated, only the PS3 will stay on top of it and allow you to do everything the format is meant to do.
Not totally true. I bought a Sony BDP-s350 and you can update the firmware 3 ways(CD in drive, Thumb drive or ethernet connection).
I think the PS3 is great, but the fan noise can be an issue if you sit close to the system, you have to buy a separate remote, and it is more expensive than the latest Blu-Ray players.
The Sony BDP-s350 will be on sale at Sears on Black Friday for $179. Also the Panasonic Blu-Ray players are very well reviewed. The BMP-BD35 is base model like my S350 and the BD55 is for those with AV receivers that do not decode lossless audio formats if you care. Only newer receivers will decode new lossless audio available for Blu-Ray discs.
6 months to a year ago PS3 was BY FAR the best player out, but now other alternatives are really making it competitive. Black Friday will really be pushing Blu-Ray so I suggest you wait and buy one then.