Seems like a very good price on an entry level blu-ray player. I am still unsure as to whether buy this or a WD Live Media Player for our family room TV. I don't own any physical blu ray discs yet but would like to get more content into the TV.
Key Features
HDMI Output
USB for External HDD Support
3D Ready
HDMI 1080p Upscaling
USB Movie Playback
USB Picture View
USB Music Playback
MP3, JPEG Playback
Optical media still has its purpose.
Well, you know more about optical media than me. I haven't used optical media last 12 months (my last two laptops came without optical drive as well) but 3D movies with PS3. I like to know those optical media benefits that USB, HDD and stream media doesn't have. Video games (at least PS3 games) available on the net, operating systems comes CD, DVD but many of them can be kept in USB. Most 3D movies are available only BR but that may change soon as well. In fact nothing stands more than 15 years in my limited experience (audio cassettes, CD's, laser disks, etc).
You were stating;
"Not only do we consider the bargains and cheap prices, of acquiring electronics and tech gear but one must consider the inevitable depreciation factor that is associated with these goods".
Why negative point?
Could you explain why am I getting (-) vote attacks from "wolfenator87" where I have done nothing wrong. In fact, wolfenator87 in conflict with his own writing (see his comments feb 2012) and still gives me negative vote.
Is this a kind of joke or abuse of privilege?
If you want I will search articles about optic media as a history already. I am nice and kind person unlike wolfenator87 (who has your site support). This is ridiculous.
If this is the case your vote system has no value but self indulgence… is that right?
Fair points but why don't you vote on the merits of the deal rather than starting a debate about the obsolescence of optical media.
If you were only ever going to buy one or the other I think the WDTV wins hands down, mainly for the catch up tv and ability to stream from your computer.
I picked up a cheap Sony bluray even though I have no discs and don't intend on buying any, just for the purpose of catch up tv. A week later my streaming box crapped it, wish it had happened a week earlier and would have bought a WD.
Big W have the old 160GB PS3 for $148 which play Blurays and is a gaming machine .
I am not an expertise but I am reluctant to purchase any media after I throw dozens of DVD's to bin as I did for CD's few years back. There is no doubt stream media is taking its place already. Most movies available on the net for few bucks as cheap as rental. I put some of them on extended HDD if I believe they may not be available on the net.
They will be good as collectable item for another 50 years…
Except some Blue Ray players has additional features like internet access, skype. They may worth it if the price is right.