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The future-proofed PS3, which is one of the cheapest existing Blu-ray players on the market, features inbuilt hardware and online access that enables users to upgrade the system’s Blu-ray capabilities as time goes by.

However, owners of other Blu-ray DVD players may find themselves unable to enjoy future developments in the technology because their machines are not upgradeable, reports the BBC.

The problem appears to have arisen because, unlike the HD-DVD camp, Blu-ray backers failed to devise a concrete standard relating to system requirements for the platform upon its launch. This meant that it wasn’t mandatory to include internet functionality in players which would allow users to download firmware upgrades and access newly released features.

Philips’ Frank Simonis, who is European chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association, acknowledges that it is "not an ideal situation", although he suggested that high definition playback itself, as opposed to extra features, is the most important thing to Blu-ray shoppers.

Later this year the Blu-ray camp will introduce Profile 2.0, dubbed BD Live, which will allow players which support the feature, such as the upgradeable PS3, to connect to the internet and download content including ringtones, trailers and photos.

The battle for supremacy in the high definition format war between the Blu-ray and HD-DVD camps recently took a turn in favor of the former when Warner Bros. announced that it was ditching HD-DVD support in order to focus exclusively on Blu-ray distribution.

source

So I guess those people who want to make sure they'll always have an up-to-date Blu Ray player will be safe with a PS3 purchase.

Just one more reason to get the PS3 since I do want a Blu Ray player. Very interesting to say the least but would suck if you already had a Blu Ray player.

I think what they're saying though is that you'll be able to play Blu Ray movies on old players, but you won't be able to access some of the new features. Your right though, the PS3 looks more and more the very best option for anyone looking to buy a blu ray player.

I don't understand why anyone would buy a standalone Blu Ray player. The most expensive PS3 is still about half the price of the cheapest standalones if I'm not mistaken

I think that is correct sir! Off Topic: HNB, do you have an account on modmyifone? I saw someone there with your name today.

no, I don't...

It's probably some Hot Topic goth/emo kid misappropriating Jhonen Vasquez's wonderful creations... bastards do this all the time (same reason my GamerTag is Hapynoodleboy, not Happynoodleboy)


(he's the one talking)

WOW! If you google image happynoodleboy as one word (the character is technically happy noodle boy) amongst the myriad images of him, my avatar pops up on the first page

On topic though... BUY A PS3, NOT A STANDALONE!

I think that's why a lot of people are expect cheaper and cheaper stand alone blu ray players, especially when profile 2.0 is released. The PS3 is by far the best choice for a player, which I doubt was some slip up by Sony

Does Sony produce their own standalone players? Or just the PS3?

Yes, you can buy standalone Sony Blu Ray players.  I think there are currently 2 out.