Well, that didn't take long, now did it? Right on the heels of the UK
announcement, Pioneer's trifecta of Profile 2.0 Blu-ray decks -- the BDP-120, BDP-320 and pictured BDP-23FD (known as the BDP-LX52 in European trim) -- got their official US intro to the tune of $299, $399 and $599, respectively. The specs from the January
peek at these models remain intact, but covering three price brackets requires some points of differentiation; in this case provided by various video processing magic, onboard persistent storage for the BDP-320 and BDP-23FD, and missing 7.1-channel analog outs on the BDP-120. Oh yeah, and you just know that the BDP-23FD gets that swank Elite badging.
posted Jun 5th 2009 2:55AM
The BDP-120 has been on the shelf at my local Best Buy for about a week now for $299
As beautiul as Pioneer devices are, I'll stick to my PS3, which I'm even paying for twice, since I recently dropped it at an airport and it's now being serviced by Sony. I'm doing that because it is a 60GB model which is backwards compatible to PS2. Otherwise, I'd have bought a new model.
What pisses me off about this electronics hardware scam is that they have the capability to upgrade your device, but they choose not to so they can entice you into purchasing the next model. Lots of crap on the trash heap, needlessly.
I could see doing that every 4 or 5 years, but not every 2 or 3. That's another reason I'll keep the PS3. Hardware wise, and upgrade wise, it is the best device I've owned. It went from adequate to spectacular, all with software upgrades becasue the hardware was capable. That alone has made me appreciate Sony even if some of their other tactics have been deplorable... memory stick up yours. ;)
Having said all of that, I'd seriously consider a Pioneer for my TV console. I just don't need it right now.
I just got mine back from Sony yesterday. Same deal - it was the launch 60GB system and the best model they've made. Didn't want to lose it. As slick as that Elite looks, I just can't see spending that kind of money for a stand-alone BD player.
Still there seems to be a difference: the European models are lacking the analogue 7.1 Audio outputs not only on the 120, but also on the 320 and LX52, respectively.
Where's the Oppo? this EAP is taking forever! Owns most of current models
Oppo is currently taking orders. Just contact them and let them know you are interested in purchasing one.
This news is a little late. I purchased the BDP-320 May 1st and returned it 3 weeks later due to the unacceptable DVD layer change delay and the lack of preformance improvements from the BDP-51FD.
I have the Oppo BDP-83. The EAP is over. Just go to the Oppo website and sign up for the BDP interest list. They will contact you via email with an offer to buy. If you can afford to spend the extra $100 you will be very happy you did.
Nice! Bring more!