A Blu Christmas & Technical Query

[Derek Eaton]

I am thinking of getting a Blu ray player for Xmas and of cause Space:1999 or Thunderbirds. Thats where its gets difficult not sure where to go the options are:-

1. Straight forward player - any recommendations for a cheap player that works smartly.

2. Get a PS3 which plays Blurays - any drawbacks with this?

3. I quite often do screen grabs off DVDs using VLC media player. Wondered if it is better to get a USB bluray player which would work with MAC or PC for this. Anyone actually done this or use something different? Bit worried about the MAC compatability as MAC had not made up with Bluray last time I did some research.

Any help on the above would be great. I reckon next year ASDA will be selling Bluray players dirt cheap as they become more common..

[roose1982]

Hi Derek,

I bought a PS3 about three years ago, and can honestly say it's one of the best electronic gadgets i've ever bought. Aside from the fact it plays blu-ray (which, incidentally it does beautifully and has all HD connections for HDMI and optical output for dolby sound), I use it mostly as a media centre for storing all my photos, music and videos. Ironically, i rarely use it for gaming!

The other great thing is the newer slim version has much larger hard drive, so you can store plenty on them. It is compatible with Divx files also, so can easily rip those Gerry Anderson DVD's (on your PC or Mac) and copy over to the PS3's hard drive, either by USB stick, or using the PS3's wireless networking (assuming you can connect to a wireless router in your home?)

Other great features of the PS3 - is it upscales DVD's, so the quality is much sharper than on a regular DVD player. And, because it regularly updates the operating system by connecting to the net, you know it will always be compatible with the latest developments with blu-ray discs (something, i beieve early bluray players lacked the internet updating option).

I also have a device called PLAY TV, which gives you 'Sky Plus' like features by allowing you to pause, rewind and record live TV from freeview. And again, it upscales the quality than on regular freeview.

You also have the ability to stream media from your computer or Mac through the PS3, although it doesnt work too good for HD video content. But great for music and photos.

If you have a PSP or certain models of Sony Ericson mobile phones, you can also connect to your PS3 remotely away from the home.

I really can give it more praise! Its just bloody brilliant, and still going strong after three years!

In answer to your other question - as far as i know, MAC's dont yet support bluray tech. You can probably connect to a MAC and read dvd/cd - but doubt the bluray would work as there isnt any software that im aware of. Alternative option, i guess, would be to install a copy of windows 7 on your mac - i believe this is possible, and this would probably allow you to access the bluray drive.

Hope this helps! Probably not lol.

[roose1982]

Oh and i forgot to mention - the newer Sony Bravia TV auto sync with the PS3, so they all intergrate seemlessly, which is great.

AND if you buy the extra PS3 remote, it works through bluetooth - so no more having to point the remote directly at the box and keep repeatedly pressing buttons in hope something will happen... it just does it automatically, even if you are in another room! Amazing.

[Derek Eaton]

Very interesting reply Roose - I know the kids would love a PS3 - even though we have Wii, PS2, DS in the house!

[roose1982]

Very interesting reply Roose - I know the kids would love a PS3 - even though we have Wii, PS2, DS in the house!

Well... if you invest in the new PS Move, you can get shut of the wii, and put some of the cash towards a ps3! lol.

Although, that might be a controversial suggestion in the household! lol

Good luck!

[Derek Eaton]

Get rid of the Wii - its the wife's and she wants Grease Wii game for Christmas.

Great Xmas day that will be -

"Sorry traded it for a PS3 dear, oh Grease - ask me when I'm half way through the season 1 box set"

[roose1982]

Get rid of the Wii - its the wife's and she wants Grease Wii game for Christmas.

Great Xmas day that will be -

"Sorry traded it for a PS3 dear, oh Grease - ask me when I'm half way through the season 1 box set"

lol! good luck!

[Mike Delamar]

if you aint got Thunderbirds on Blu ray yet, heres some screengrabs to wet your appetite..

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab227/sabredelamar/00006m2ts_snapshot_3423_20100903_171242.jpg
http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab227/sabredelamar/00005m2ts_snapshot_0230_20101108_191050.jpg
http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab227/sabredelamar/00007m2ts_snapshot_3532_20101109_150156.jpg

and this will be you later on Christmas day

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab227/sabredelamar/00008m2ts_snapshot_0833_20101108_233348.jpg

its really like watching a whole new show, I love it

[Paganini]

well roose said it all. The new playstation is an all inclusive package. If you are downloading videos , only for money you know ;) , there are plenty converter out there so you can convert Videos to avi and divx; xvid and watch almost everything.
And if you are connected to the internet you can write in the forum via big screen as well ;)
It really was the best investment in a long time.

damn, those pictures are looking great. I have to get the blu ray to christmas too. Our DVD Version in Germany is worse than a VHS copy :(