Best Bluray player/media streaming box

[scottmandue]

I'm a bit of a auto/video snob so I don't mind paying a few bucks for something that will do what I want.

My criteria:

Must have 5.1/7.1 optical audio output.
HDMI
Must have a GREAT user interface, do Netflicks, Youtube, Pandora, ESPN, HULU. etc.
Must have a GREAT remote, prefer RF.

Boxee looks good, however I am not sure they carry all the media outlets I want.

On my last thread on this subject the game boxes were suggested, however reading the reviews they say the game boxes are good... but not great as a media center.

I am almost set on a Sony Bluray player, it will output all the high end audio/video I want and has a Internet interface... however I hear from some people that "every time I turn it on it needs to update the software". Now being a windows user that is just part of the game for me, is it really that bad?

Thanks in advance!

[Noney]

No RF remote, but the Oppo BDP-93 is tough to beat. I just did a ton of research on this and I ended up buying the Oppo. It's sitting in my house waiting to be installed, so I can't give you a firsthand account yet, but on paper this little baby is a winner.

Oppo BDP-93 BluRay Player

[stomachmonkey]

The Sony players use the same interface and possibly share some base OS code with the PlayStation.

If you think Windows updates are bad then you ain't seen nuthin.

While not as frequent the issue has more to do with the size of the updates and the fact that the POS PS3 won't let you do squat till you've applied it.

At least Windows allows you to defer and get on with your life.

I swear every time I turn on my PS3 it's an hour before I can use the damn thing.

FWIW I have a Sony Blu Ray, don't have it connected to the net yet so for now not an issue.

You could look at picking up a Zomax bookshelf box. They make platforms with Media Center use in mind so they have optical out.

Then you can load/run Myth TV, XBMC or roll your own Boxee

[scottmandue]

The OPPO looks great... a little pricey at three times everything else is going for... and they say the 93 is discontinued and it's replacement (the 103) isn't out yet (however the 93 is still in stock at Amazon) I'm checking to see if the 83 will work for me.

I google ZOMAX and all I get are links to some kind of drug... are you trying to tell me something?

Still not clear on what is so bad about Sony and the updates... how long does it take to run one of the updates? Can't you just run the update before you go to bed? My satellite box (that I am trying to replace) updates every night at 3AM.

Thanks for the replies!



PS: I build computers at my job and don't need another project at home, really want something that is plug and play like my satellite box.

Edit to add, looked at ROKU also but not sure it has the output I need.

[stomachmonkey]

LOL, Sorry, ZOTAC.

Tee Sony updates, at least for the PS3, tend to be big, they come down slow, there is a new EULA or privacy policy that takes forever to scroll thru, then the update itself takes forever.

No joke, it's an hour.

I'm not a fan of auto updates although for something like a Blu Ray it's probably no big deal.

[scottmandue]

OPPO 83 is out of stock... checking on ZOTAC