Rounding out the recent Blu-ray player price drops is the Samsung BD-P1500, which is now $209 at Amazon.com. The BD-P1500 is a Profile 2.0 player (after a firmware update) with 1080p output, DVD upconversion (1080p), in-player decoding for Dolby TrueHD, and bit stream audio output.
CNET rated the player a 6.8 out of 10 (or 3 stars). They liked the image quality for Blu-ray discs, but disliked the DVD upconversion quality and the lack of analog multichannel outputs. For a second opinion about the unit’s DVD upconversion, Ultimate AV Mag also reviewed the unit and had this to say:
The PS3 had a slight edge over the BD-P1500—and I do mean slight. Playback of The Incredibles on the Samsung appeared a little flatter, while the PS3 exhibited a bit more detail and vibrancy in darker scenes.
The Samsung BD-P1500 should continue to be aggressively priced as we head into the holidays and may be an ideal choice for bargain hunters to keep a watch on.
CNET review.
UltimateAVmag.com review.
Amazon.com has cut the price of the Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray player to $258 with free shipping (from $399). The player received a 7.0 out of 10 from CNET, who liked the unit’s “excellent Blu-ray image quality and very good DVD upscaling” and its “compact size.” The BDP-S350 didn’t originally ship as a Profile 2.0 player, but subsequent firmware updates have added the ability. Check out CNET’s video review below:
Our favorite feature of the BDP-S300 (source direct) is missing and the 24p “auto” feature didn’t work on our favorite 1080p30 title, Planet Earth (BBC). So to watch it at its native resolution, we had to stop the movie to change the frame rate to the native 30.
The Godfather trilogy is being released on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, September 23, as a four-disc gift set. The suggested retail price is $124.99, but Amazon currently has it on sale for $61.95.
This version of the trilogy is known as the Coppola Restoration. Godfather parts I and II have been restored under the watchful eye of original cinematographer Gordon Willis to ensure they match the original color schemes. Technical enhancements were made to all three of the films as well.
The new set introduces some extras that weren’t on the previous DVD releases of the films. One covers the restoration process. Another, titled “Godfather World,” shows the films’ effect on American culture.
The Godfather Collection: The Coppola Restoration Blu-ray Disc
From Crackle:
*UPDATE* DEAL EXPIRED.
If you want the maximum screen size for your dollar, the Samsung HL-T7288W is the HDTV for you. It is a 1080p, 72-inch rear projection DLP HDTV with a 10,000 to dynamic contrast ratio. This 72-incher is available for $1,999 from Amazon.com. Comes with 3 HDMI inputs as well as a USB port.
Helpful Links:
AVS Forums discussion of the Samsung HL-T288W.
Samsung HL-T7288W HDTV tech specifications.
