BDP-S550 or 350

[bobrap]

Trying to decide between these two. Currently using PS3 that I'm going to sell. Just wondering if the 550 is worth the extra $. My connection is to an Onkyo TX-SR605 via HDMI. Thanks for any help.

[GaPony]

I've got the same receiver with the BDP-S550 player. The only reason that I got the 550 was that it was on sale for only a few dollars more than the BDP-S350... which is what I was actually shopping for.

The only real difference between the two is that the BDP-S550 supports 7.1 Analog outputs. If you don't need it, then barring a killer sale like I found, the BDP-S350 is probably the better deal.

I also have a PS3 connected. I must confess that I prefer using the PS3. It loads most Blu-Ray movies faster and has great picture quality. The S550 does have much better compatibility for BD-Rebuilder copies.

[bobrap]

The S550 does have much better compatibility for BD-Rebuilder copies.

Are you saying the 550 is more compatible than the 350? In your opinion, picture quality any different between PS3 and 350? Thanks for the reply.

[GaPony]

No. I'm saying the S550 is more compatible than the PS3. I don't have an S350, but from reports I've read here on the forum, it appears to be just as compatible as the S550.

I'm not willing to say the PS3 has better picture quality the the S550, but it is reference grade. Both are very, very good, at least on my Samsung LN52A750 (120hz) 52" TV.

There is an added advantage to the PS3 in that its infinitely upgradeable via system updates.

The S550 has a clear advantage over the PS3 where BD-Rebuilder is concerned. The PS3 can only play "Movie Only" copies on BD5/BD9 and you must use the option for "Stricter compliance for AVCHD" under BD-Rebuilder's settings menu, and Full Copies made to BD25 media. The S550 can play everything I've thrown at it.... so far. BD5's, BD9's, BD25's Movie Only and Full Movie copies.... it doesn't seem to care.

I hope this helps... :)

[bobrap]

Thanks, appreciate the advice. Being one who suffers from a need for instant gratification, the 350 is available locally so I think I'll be using the 350 in about an hour:D

[GaPony]

Be sure to update the firmware before using it, if its not current. The current version is 015 (1-28-2009) and it updates some BD Live capabilities.

[tyau]

As most of us already know, one of the most popular features of the S550 is its built-in digital to analogue converter (DAC). In case your receiver does not have its own DAC.

Even with digital HDMI receivers, some people opt to use the blu-ray players' built-in DAC. Some people prefer the "warmer" sounds 7.1 analogue of having the receiver receive analogue input signals.

Since this is a BD-Rebuilder forum, our concern should be the ability to read discs produced by such software. With that mindset, both the S350 and S550 have this ability.