PC World - Chart - High-Definition Players

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	Rank	Name
High-def player
	1 BEST BUY	Samsung BD-P1000 • Price when rated: $800 • Blu-ray Disc player • Maximum resolution: 1080p • HDMI 1.1 • No secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices First Blu-ray player ever released offers great image quality and nicely designed menus, but the audio output sounds muddy. (Last Rated: March 27, 2007) Full Review • Test Report
	2	Philips BDP9000 • Price when rated: $800 • Blu-ray Disc player • Maximum resolution: 1080p • HDMI 1.2 • No secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices This Blu-ray device offers well-rounded image performance at a good price, but it has mediocre audio capabilities and a poor manual. (Last Rated: March 27, 2007) Full Review • Test Report
	3	Sony Electronics BDP-S1 • Price when rated: $1000 • Blu-ray Disc player • Maximum resolution: 1080p • HDMI 1.2 • No secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices Sony's BDP-S1 is slow and lacks frills, but it's a great performer: It tied with the Pioneer Elite BDP-HD1 for top audio and video honors, and costs $500 less than that player. (Last Rated: March 23, 2007) Full Review • Test Report

	4	Sony PlayStation 3 • Price when rated: $600 • Blu-ray Disc player • Maximum resolution: 1080p • HDMI 1.3 • Secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices Multifaceted game console doubles as a competitive Blu-ray player with terrific high-def video; but its lack of DVD upscaling dragged down its overall performance. (Last Rated: December 04, 2006) Full Review • Test Report
	5	Toshiba HD-A2 • Price when rated: $500 • HD DVD player • Maximum resolution: 1080i • HDMI 1.2a • Secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices The cheapest stand-alone player we tested, this HD DVD model produces good audio; but resolution maxes out at 1080i resolution, and the unit won't display some movie scenes optimally. (Last Rated: March 27, 2007) Full Review • Test Report
	6	Toshiba HD-XA2 • Price when rated: $1000 • HD DVD player • Maximum resolution: 1080p • HDMI 1.3 • Secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices Expensive HD DVD player offers strong image performance and a broad range of features; it's the only model other than the PlayStation 3 we tested with HDMI 1.3. (Last Rated: March 27, 2007) Full Review • Test Report

	7	Pioneer Elite BDP-HD1 • Price when rated: $1500 • Blu-ray Disc player • Maximum resolution: 1080p • HDMI 1.2 • No secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices This Blu-ray model tied for the best picture and sound, but its subpar user interface and sky-high price hold it back. (Last Rated: March 27, 2007) Full Review • Test Report
	8	Panasonic DMP-BD10 • Price when rated: $1300 • Blu-ray Disc player • Maximum resolution: 1080p • HDMI 1.1 • No secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices Mediocre design and a tendency to add a reddish cast to skin tones reduce the attractiveness of this pricey Blu-ray player. (Last Rated: March 27, 2007) Full Review • Test Report
	9	Microsoft Xbox 360 and HD DVD Player • Price when rated: $600 • HD DVD player • Maximum resolution: 1080i • No HDMI port • Secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture Check latest prices Inexpensive option for Xbox owners is a poor choice for home theater fans analog-only video outputs make for poor image quality. (Last Rated: March 27, 2007) Full Review • Test Report

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High-Definition Players

The Samsung BD-P1000 leads the pack with its well-rounded design and strong image quality, but other players follow close behind--including the relatively bargain-priced Sony PlayStation 3, and one of our top image-quality performers, the Sony BDP-S1.

Melissa J. Perenson

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