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There’s no denying the fact that while the PlayStation 3 hasn’t been the best performer compared to other game consoles, it has ranked high on many of the best Blu-ray player lists. A recent survey by Nielson’s rating system showed that 65% of people who bought a PlayStation 3 did so because they wanted a Blu-ray player. Clearly, a lot of people still see it as a good Blu-ray option. But why would anyone consider it the best Blu-ray player on the market? By today’s standards, it’s a pretty old rig, first being released a few years ago. Here are a few reasons why the PlayStation 3 is still perceived by many to be the best Blu-ray player and will be for some time.
It’s not just a Blu-ray player
Sony has turned the PlayStation 3 into a multipurpose entertainment system. It is a game console, an enhanced DVD player, a Blu-ray player, and has many other multimedia capabilities. Obviously, the fact that it is a game console is the big difference compared to other players. The PlayStation 3 can play video games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Uncharted 2, and Little Big Planet. And with the release of a firmware update, it will be compatible with 3D video games. This is a nice added feature for those just looking to buy a Blu-ray player.
Many predict that the future of home entertainment will not be Blu-ray but streaming digital media. If this is the case, Sony has prepared the PlayStation 3 to handle digital broadcasting and distribution. The PlayStation 3 is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified. Which means you can connect the PlayStation 3 to your home network, via the built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet port, and stream data from your computer or mobile device to the PlayStation 3. With your PlayStation Network, you can download videos and TV from High Definition. shows. And Sony recently added online media streaming services in its deal with Netflix. The simple fact is that no other player can provide the consumer with such a high return value for their investment.
Blu-ray quality
A few years ago, the PlayStation 3 was really the only game in town when one considered buying a Blu-ray player. This is not true. Today there are many standalone players that work extremely well and produce excellent video and audio quality. However, the PlayStation 3 still holds up pretty well compared to the newer Blu-ray models. It still has very fast disk loading and operating speeds. With 1080p playback over HDMI, it produces excellent picture quality on both Blu-ray and DVD. Audio quality is equally impressive. The PS3 supports internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. With the new PS3 Slim, you can stream Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to your A/V receiver for decoding via HDMI. Plus, with the new PS3 Slim you get 55% less power consumption when playing Blu-rays. A feature that should attract many consumers.
Sony investment
In the high-definition format wars between Blu-ray and HD-DVD, Sony sided with Blu-ray and helped create and develop the HD format. It goes without saying that Sony has invested heavily in the success of Blu-ray. Adding Blu-ray to PlayStation 3 was an attempt to secure this success. It provided a great feature that other game console didn’t have. To compete with the other game console, Sony has to keep its Blu-ray player relevant. The only way to do this is to continue updating the Blu-ray player on the PlayStation 3.
PlayStation 3 is future proof
The PlayStation 3 is a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player. So, as Blu-ray technology continues to develop, PlayStation 3 owners can download firmware to update the players’ features and functions. For example, many experts predict that 3D viewing will be the next big thing in the home entertainment market. Viewing 3D movies requires a 3D Blu-ray player. Those who own a PlayStation 3 will not have to invest in the purchase of new equipment. Sony will release a firmware update that will make your system capable of playing Blu-ray 3D discs. The benefits of this are limitless as there are sure to be other upgrades to Blu-ray technology in the future. The PlayStation 3 can accomplish this thanks to its extremely powerful internal processor, large hard drive, and peripheral support.
THE PROFESSIONALS:
– PS3 Slim has a 32% reduction in size
– PS3 Slim is more energy efficient
– Wi-fi built-in
– Excellent images and HD audio
THE CONS:
– No backwards compatibility with PS2
– Remote control sold separately
– No IR port
The last word
With so many advancements in standalone Blu-rays in recent years, it’s arguable that the PlayStation 3 is the best. But at $299.99, it’s definitely still one of the best options when it comes to buying a Blu-ray player.