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Quick Guide

BLU-RAY PLAYERS

Blu-ray players are a good match for highdefinition TVs, especially 1080p models, which can display ail the detail contained on Biu-ray discs.

Shopping tip
With almost all players, you won't have unlimited Web browsing, only access to specific sites as arranged by the manufacturer.

What to look for

Streaming video capability will give you access to countless movies and TV episodes online, usually for a fee (either a subscription or pay-per-view). Wireless-ready models require an adapter (called a dongle) to enable wireless connections. For the ultimate in futureproofing, check out a 3Dcapable player.
What to skip

of Blu-ray is well worth the slight additional cost A Blu-ray player, if you have a standard-def TV and have no immediate plans to by a new HDTV, because you won't be able to see Blu-ray's superior picture quality
What you'll pay

Scan this or see how, page 11

For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports. org/bluray.

A standard DVD player, if you have an HDTV, because the superior picture quality
Price Overall score Test results

Blu-ray players generally start at about $100, though you may find some models on sale for less. Many fullfeatured models from major brands are going for $130 to $250. 3D-capable players start at about $150 and can go up to $400 or more.

Brand & model

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3D PLAYERS

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2 3 4 5 OppoBDP-93 Samsung BD-D6700 SonyBDP'S480 Panasonic

$230
500 270 180 .^

DMP-BDT210

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17-33 13 14-27 14 13-33 11

1830

16

11-25 18

BLU-RAY

PLAYERS

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Brand & model

Price

Overall score

Test results

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3D PLAYERS continued
Panasonic DMP-BDTllO

In ^ DenonOBP-lllUD 0 8 MaranbUD5OO5
9 10 11
B
Sharp BD-HP35U Sharp BD-HP25U Pioneer BDP-430

STANDARD PLAYERS Samsung BD-05700

Panasonic DMP-BD75 LGBD63O Sony Internet TV NSZ-GTl Sony BDP-S380 (Black) Insignia NS-WBRDVD2

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13-33 15 13-25 12 19-27 15 17-23 17

19-30 16 19-38 13

0 0 9 O O 9 9 e

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Ratings Key Excellent Very good OGood 9Fair Poor Q B CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended, Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on picture guality. Displayed score is out of a total of 100 points, HD and DVD picture quality evaluate clarity and color accuracy from Blu-ray discs at 1080p and DVDs upconverted to quasi-1080p; signals for both are sent via HDMI, Ease of use pertains to the controls on the front panel and remote, and navigation through the player's menu. Useful features include audio/video outputs, Internet connectivity and services, and 3D capability, Bluray and DVD load time is the average time it took to load test discs. Price is approximate retail.

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