Editors' top HD DVD and Blu-ray players
The format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD continues to rage on, and that puts HDTV owners in an awkward position if they want to buy a high-definition disc player. While prices are still probably too high for the average buyer, there are several solid second-generation HD DVD and Blu-ray models for early adopters willing to take the risk. And of course, the best high-definition bargain so far has been game consoles--they offer excellent high-definition movie watching, plus high-def gaming and network media capabilities.
Sony PlayStation 3
8.8 Excellent (reviewed 11/13/06)
Sony's PlayStation 3 may be the most expensive next-gen game console, and its launch titles are not all that impressive, but its swanky design and bevy of features, including a Blu-ray drive, make it hard to resist--even at $600.
Read review of the Sony PlayStation 3
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
7.4 Very good (reviewed 6/25/07)
If you're set on a standalone Blu-ray player, the Panasonic DMP-BD10A should definitely be on your short list.
Read review of the Panasonic DMP-BD10A
Samsung BD-P1200
7.4 Very good (reviewed 5/4/07)
With excellent image quality, slick design and an attractive feature set the Samsung BD-P1200 is the best dedicated Blu-ray player yet, but its high price will scare away most buyers.
Read review of the Samsung BD-P1200
Toshiba HD-XA2
7.3 Very good (reviewed 4/10/07)
The ongoing format war makes any HD DVD purchase a dicey proposition, but for early adopters willing to take the dive, the HD-XA2 is an excellent choice.
Read review of the Toshiba HD-XA2
Toshiba HD-A2
7.0 Very good (reviewed 5/21/07)
Offering most of the performance of more expensive players, the HD-A2 is an excellent value for budget-minded buyers looking to jump into HD DVD.
Read review of the Toshiba HD-A2
Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD player
7.0 Very good (reviewed 12/6/06)
The Xbox 360 HD DVD player is an inexpensive way for 360 owners to get high-def movies, but nonowners and audiophiles should stick with standalone HD players.
Read review of the Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD player
Toshiba HD-A20
7.0 Very good (reviewed 8/8/07)
The Toshiba HD-A20 is a perfectly competent HD DVD player, but it's not worth the extra money when compared to the budget Toshiba HD-A2.
Read review of the Toshiba HD-A20
LG BH100
7.0 Very good (reviewed 3/28/07)
The LG BH100 can play back both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs with excellent image quality, but a variety of quirks and missing features limits its appeal.
Read review of the LG BH100
Toshiba HD-A1
6.9 Good (reviewed 4/18/06)
The Toshiba HD-A1 bests the early Blu-ray competition in terms of picture quality and price--but only home-theater enthusiasts are likely to endure its long list of early-adopter caveats.
Read review of the Toshiba HD-A1
Philips BDP9000
6.3 Good (reviewed 12/18/06)
The Philips BDP9000 has some great design touches and excellent Blu-ray image quality, but its high price, less-comprehensive audio capabilities and the comparative affordability of the PlayStation 3 suggest that you should probably hold off.
Read review of the Philips BDP9000
Samsung BD-P1000
6.3 Good (reviewed 6/30/06)
With video quality that's impressive but still not as good as its HD-DVD competition, the costly Samsung BD-P1000 will appeal only to those willing to risk a grand on a first-generation player in the middle of a format war.
Read review of the Samsung BD-P1000
