winesong
Bend, OR
age: 60
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The Best Blu-ray Gear
02.21.08
discuss Total posts: 1
by Molly K. McLaughlin
The long and tedious HD format war is finally over, and Blu-ray has emerged victorious. And just like that, Toshiba is set to cease production of its HD DVD players by the end of March. At PC Magazine we've been following the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD battle from the very beginning. Along the way, our own editor-in-chief even declared that Blu-ray was 'doomed.' Who knew? "Why Sony Won the Format War" explains why he was dead wrong.
Only one thing matters now: It's finally safe to invest in Blu-ray technology. And to help you shop for a high-def device, we've pulled together some of the best Blu-ray and combo players, as well as the hottest Blu-ray PCs so you can enjoy your favorite movies in HD. If you were waiting to delve in and celebrate the victory, be glad the decision is out of your hands, and check out our full reviews of Blu-ray devices below.
Dell XPS M1530Dell XPS M1530
The Dell XPS M1530 is a desktop-replacement version of the M1330 notebook, with a profile that's just as sleek as its little sib's and features a slot-loading Blu-ray disc burner. The 15.4-inch widescreen delivers a sweet high-def viewing experience.
Dell XPS OneDell XPS One
Dell gives Apple a run for its money with this attractive all-in-one PC featuring an HDTV tuner and a Blu-ray drive.
BH200 Super Blu PlayerLG BH200 Super Blu Player
The BH200 plays both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, so if you've already invested in the latter format, a combo player will give you the best of both worlds—but at over a grand, versatility doesn't come cheap.
Tower, Back-up Drive, Monitor, & SpeakersOverdrive PC Core2.SLI
Overdrive's PCs are all about the speed, overclocking, and air cooling—and this pricey beast is no exception. Blu-ray movies on the 24-inch LCD definitely won't disappoint.
Samsung BD-UP5000 Duo HD PlayerSamsung BD-UP5000
With a quick start-up and top-notch HD video-processing quality, Samsung's BD-UP5000 is the best combo HD disc player currently available.
Sony PlayStation 3Sony PlayStation 3
By combining an excellent gaming platform with a superior high-definition Blu-ray player and a host of other features, the Sony PlayStation 3 makes a welcome addition to any living room.
Full SetSony VAIO VGC-LT19U
In its VAIO VGC-LT19U, Sony has improved the PC that's disguised as an HDTV, and it's a major improvement. This is the one to get if you want a PC built into an HDTV set.
FrontSony VAIO VGN-AR590E
Sony offers the best Blu-ray experience on a laptop with optimized playback software, 1,920-by-1,200 screen resolution, and a gorgeous XBrite screen.
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