need a new BDP - appreciate some feedback on Pioneer

lunarwolf

lunarwolf

lunarwolf

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hi folks,

hoping some insights before i make my purchase

My PS3 won't read dics so am in need of a replacement for my blu rays and DVDs.

I am tempted by the Pioneer BDP 320 as it seems almost identical to the 52 except for multi PQLS (my receiver only support 2ch PQLS anyway). From many reviews/threads I have read it seems the Pio is very capable for DVD upconversion, almost as good as the Oppos, so hopefully should see an improvement over my PS3.

I have a few questions I was hoping that some of you could help me with

1. can i update firmware via ethernet directly or do i need to burn a CD?

2. apparently the last firmware has resolved the DVD layer change so it is no longer apparent. Is this true?

3. last FW also improved loading times. Can I please get a confirmation? although not that important to me but would be sugar on top

4. what is the length of warranty for these players from Pioneer? believe it or not, I could not find the info on the Pio UK website

5. sorry if this is naive, will it support 7.1 HD audio formats - not really specific on their website and I have a 7.1 set-up. I assume it does; however assumption is the mother of all screw ups, so would appreciate confirmation

6. apparently there seems to be a multi region DVD hack; but can't find it for the life of me - would appreciate the info if anyone knows.

I know that CES is happening now, but I can't wait until June before new models - anyway this may be the last Pio players since most will be sharps from what i have been reading

thanks for the feedback or suggestions

cheers

NB - Please don't even bother posting any recommendations for any Sony product - I am annoyed with them to put it mildly
 
Ok some people at AVS were helpfull here are some answers I got, if that helps any1 else thinking about the Pioneer BDP 320

Please don't hesitate to correct me if I am wrong

1. Yes you can do both types updates

2. Layer change seems to have been fixed so should not be an issue anymore

3. Yes slight improvement in loading times, but still not in same league as PS3, LG390 or Oppo

4. think 1 year in UK not sure could be 2 - please confirm

5. yes full 7.1 via HDMI, unlike US model, UK model does not have 7.1 analogue outs

6. apparently possible, but no idea where to find the code - any1 know?

I was originally hoping for a euro Oppo model, but that never happened
frown.gif
. I don't feel comfortable with modded US players esp if there are any issues when warranty needs to kick in - so looks like the 320 will have to do

I think they are going for about £280 nowadays - any1 have found/got better deals?
 
Ok bought the the Pioneer BDP 320 today and thought I would share my first impressions.

NB:
- Please bear in mind that my PS3 died so I could not do back to back comparisons. These are just my thoughts.
- Pioneer BDP 320 is FW3.34a
- briefly tested over a dozen Blurays, few favourite audio CDs and DVDs

1. build quality: excellent. remote not as nice as Pio Plasma and AVR though. also no blue light on power button.

2. operations:
- set-up: easy as pie. does it automatically with pioneer plasma and AVR. have not fiddled yet since getting familiar with it
- disc loading is slower than PS3, albeit not as bad as expected after reading up on some forums
- home media gallery feature seems pretty useless. I do use this feature quite a lot on my AVR to stream music from PC, but will not be using it on BDP.
- haven't updated firmware yet, wanted to play with toy - menu said it could take 90 minutes :eek:. PS3 isn't really a stallion either tbh, always thought it was poor compared to Xbox.

3. BluRay: excellent. I briefly tested a dozen Blu Rays I am very familiar with.
- I can't see any difference with PS3 in PQ.
- AQ is louder than PS3, but that is a volume apsect not a quality one. However, I did notice an improvement on 300 - I always had an AQ issue with the True HD and PCM tracks on that with the PS3 and I no longer have this issue with 320. (I am sure of this since it really bothered me and would have no problem whatsoever getting it 100% right on blind test)

4. DVD:
- upconversion to 1080p is better than PS3. yeah :) I wasn't sure it would be before I bought it, so happy bunny
- layer change: haven't had time to test this. anyone know a specific disc where this happens so I could check it out fast. otherwise I will find out in due time.

5. CD: no comparison the Pio is better, I am really pleased. I do not know if it is attributable to PQLS, since I only been using that and didn't compare without it.

Conclusion. for BR PQ/AQ I can't say there is a difference between the PIO and PS3 (except that isolated instance I mentioned). I can't understand people who claim otherwise (I have seen the top of line Denon, Pio BDPLX71 and 51, Samsung 1580, S350 through in-store demos or at friends' and I never found any striking differences with the PS3). However for audio CD and DVD the Pio is superior to the PS3. As for reliability only time will tell, I certainly hope it fairs better than the PS3.
 
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FYI - firmware update took less than 5min, so 90min on-screen message before updating is simply a text holder :cool: .

so far aside from loading times (not so much BD but audio CD) I can't fault this player.

next step to multi region it
 
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