Best Blu-ray players rated

Best Blu-ray players rated
With Toshiba conceding victory to their rival Blu-ray consortium in the High
Definition DVD format war now is a good time to invest in a Blu-ray player.

Here's a compilation of what we believe to be the Blu-ray players offering
the best combination of value and performance.

1. Pioneer BDP-LX70A (90%)

For: Superb HD 1080p pictures, supports HDMI 1.3 and can stream High
Definition sound.

Against: Expensive.

Summary: Pioneer's BDP-LX70 is currently the most sophisticated and
accomplished Blu-ray player, at a price.

2. Sony BDP-S300 (88%)

For: Excellent value along with 1080p playback and HDMI 1.3.

Against: No support for High Definition sound.

Summary: Sony's BDP-S300 is the first attempt to bring a stand alone blu-ray
player to the masses. The goal is largely achieved with excellent features
and performance for a reasonable price.

3. Sony PS3 (88%)

For: Excellent value for a combined blu-ray player and games console.

Against: Not the best High Definition picture.

Summary: Having had upscaling ability added through a firmware upgrade the
PS3 offers a compelling option.

4. Pioneer BDP-LX70 (87%)

For: Excellent pictures with 1080p playback.

Against: No DTS High Definition sound or HDMI v1.3.

Summary: Same excellent performance as the BDP-LX70A with fewer features.

5. Sony BDP-S500 (86%)

For: Excellent pictures with 1080p playback and HDMI 1.3 along with support
for High Definition sound.

Against: Almost twice the price of its S300 blu-ray sibling.

Summary: Sony's BDP-S500 is well specified and puts in a great all round
performance.

6. Sharp BD-HP20H (85%)

For: Excellent 1080p playback

Against: Poor standard DVD performance

Summary: Sharp's BD-HP20H is one of the best High Definition players, but
standard DVD performance is a disappointment.

7. Samsung BD-P1400 (85%)

For: Excellent features for the price including support for High Definition
sound.

Against: High Definition pictures are a little disappointing.

Summary: Samsung's BD-P1400 promised a high spec for a bargain price. It
largely delivers, but the most important component, HD pictures, are
slightly disappointing.