Well that's a start in price drops, but the Blu-ray camp really needs to get these things below $200.

With that said, bring on the bitter pro HD-DVD and digital download Blu-ray haters!

This is the best deal on here in weeks! A standalone Blu-Ray player is clearly a much better and more flexible option than a PS3. Thanks Ben!

Well as I've said here before, you really can't go wrong with a PS3 as a Blu-ray player. It's got the fastest Blu-ray startup and access times and superior video processing than any standalone player at this price range...not to mention that it seems to be the most upgradeable. The only thing I've seen inflexible is for those people who like to use universal IR remotes...in which case I am sure companies like Logitech will come out with IR/RF/Bluetooth capable universal remotes eventually. None the less, I still think standalones still serve their purpose and will be more attractive as the price drops.

yep its still 3x times the price of what it should be. what a deal.... 100 is the price point people want.

Holy crap, check out the list of things that this player doesn't support in the manual linked to the CC page. Jeez... why does anybody buy these beta software devices?

#5 I agree with you, buy Panasonic dmp-bd30 - better choice. I have one for sale - brand new, unopen for 400.

Great deal on the Panasonic:

http://www.provantage.com/panasonic-dmpbd30ak~7PSTV0W0.htm

#7 the link you posted is for model #DMPBD30AK - grey market model. US model DMP-BD30K. If something happens to it, you cannot repair it under warranty.

why the nice words mofo? feeling humble?

I have to agree with the notion that a PS3 is the best Blue Ray solution at the moment. I don't know that anything even remotely compares. Too bad it isn't particularly useful as a game console.

guess you haven't heard of MGS4 or Gran Turismo, etc, etc..

what's MSG4 or Grand Turism?

This is proof that DVD is winning the format war

#8, are you sure about that? Even buy.com has the same model.

http://www.buy.com/prod/panasonic-dmp-bd30k-blu-ray-dvd-player/q/loc/111/206462559.html?dcaid=17937

Blueray players are going to drop in price. FAST! I foresee a price of 100 bucks this Christmas. If you can't wait this is a good deal. I purchased this model for a friends wedding gift last January and paid $389 shipped.

Oh, well #14, if YOU foresee it, then we MUST listen. I mean, with all of the links to backup this moronic statement, I'm SURE $100 players are just around the corner.

I am enlighten. Just look at me. My DVD's must sell this christmas, they must!

#15 I just looked at all your post. Guess What?

Your a Butt Head!

Thanks. I'll look for you on these boards around Christmas time and your beloved $100 players. Btw - it's "You're" and "Blu-Ray". Those were free. You will pay by humiliation in December.

I'm with #3, PS3s make for great Blu-Ray players...with the recent $100 gift card deals, etc., you essentially have $300 wrapped up in the best Blu-Ray player for the money on the market. Oh yeah, and it can stream media from your PC (most people pay $100+ for this alone). Oh yeah, and it can play PS3 games too. If nothing else, you can surf the web on your TV using this. Not to mention, it handles a lot of the HBR (high bit rate) audio formats for HD sound. I'm pretty sure this 300 can't say that.

I've got a 60 GB PS3 in the basement for gaming on the 60" Sony TV and a 40 GB PS3 for (primarily) Blu-Ray use on the 52" Sony XBR4 flat panel upstairs. The picture and sound are amazing.

Ok