Integra quietly launches DBS-6.9 Blu-ray player at CEDIA: hands-on

If you'll recall, Integra surprised at last year's CEDIA by trotting out its DHS-8.8 HD DVD player; this year, the company has quietly (silently, in fact) released its plainly styled DBS-6.9 Blu-ray deck. While the design may not suit your fancy, it's far from being the ugliest BD player at the Expo, and reportedly, the Profile 1.1 unit will retail for a buck under $600 whenever it decides to ship. We can already tell you're uninterested based on the price alone, but feel free to peruse the gallery at Engadget HD if you're hungry for pics.

[John @ Sep 5th 2008 11:02PM]

They're selling outdated tech, without support for the newest profile, and they're still charging more than half a grand for it? What is this?

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Sep 5th 2008 11:23PM]

I don't really know, but it may be software updateable to the latest standard.

[Colin Potter @ Sep 6th 2008 4:46AM]

1.1 is more than enough for many people... I personally haven't used a BD Live feature yet.

[sixtyfps @ Sep 6th 2008 12:47AM]

Why in the hell is it so hard for people to understand that the PS3 is doing more for less? I don't own a PS3 because I don't have an HDTV, but people give me the confused-dog look every time I recommend they get a PS3 instead of a standalone.

[Kaidaejin @ Sep 8th 2008 10:07AM]

PS3 has noise issues, heat issues. It overheats the amp and TV recorder (which overheat constantly on their own anyway, but y'know, no need to make it worse.) Air conditioning is considered environmentally irresponsible and paying for it takes the shine of the money you saved by buying the PS3.
PS3 doesn't fit in style wise with other gear in an AV rack.
Many BRDs are noisy too, but the PS3 is worse usually.
On the other side, I need a PS3 because I like some of the PS3 games. Although overall the PS3 games aren't very good.
My PS3 is not stored in a place that works well for use as a blu-ray drive either.

[Matt Etchells @ Sep 6th 2008 12:07PM]

totally, why does a standalone player costs more than a ps3?

a stand alone player should cost no more than $150 - 200 buks max!

its silly..

all it is is blu ray hype, once the concept starts too cool down though and every one starts using it like dvds it will become cheap..

at least that what i think

[zargon @ Sep 6th 2008 8:02AM]

Standalone players are not as cheap as the PS3 because they are not subsidized as much as the PS3, if they are at all.

When manufacturing prices come down, standalone decks prices will follow.

As for people preferring a standalone deck over a PS3, maybe they just looking for the simplicity that a standalone deck can give you, or they just don't want a PS3.

[Dave @ Sep 6th 2008 1:51AM]

Bring on!

[Matt Etchells @ Sep 6th 2008 6:13AM]

looks like my old sony betamax

[FotoGenetix @ Sep 6th 2008 2:46PM]

do they have a Type-R version?

[Derek @ Oct 3rd 2008 11:24AM]

For those of you questioning price, you must look at the clients that make these type of purchases. Also keep in mind the DPS-5.5 the most basic standard DVD player Integra manufactures is retailed at $350! This is not a common consumer BR!!!!