Funai NB500 series Blu-ray player will be less than $300, coming 2Q08, Profile 1.1

[mmmmDoNut]

I personally would wait and see how reliable Funai will be at publishing firmware updates. Bad enough that Samsung has issues in this arena.

[Clessy]

(Notice it is branded 'Sylvania')

BD-VIDEO Profile 1.1
PiP
Dolby Digital 5.1ch Re-Encoder
HDMI 1.3a
1080p output
Deep Color
High-bit-rate audio stream out
HDMI-CEC
SD Slot

Under $300. Available in Q2.

http://www.funai.us/BDPrelease010208.pdf

Finally a blu ray player that I think actually looks nice. Ironically its the cheapest one made :P

I'll probably buy it since its at a reasonable price.

[Keegs]

This player sounds great to me. The PS3 doesn't work for everybody with the design so this is terrific news. I don't believe it will sell for under $250 until replaced by the next generation but we will soon know.

Chris

That is why I find it ridiculous for anyone buying a stand alone player and some people must be going the PS3 route. Considering PS3s are sold at a loss tells you that their mark up value is (duh) more than they are getting sold for. As a hardcore gamer though, it was already a no-brainer for myself

I have to say, I am a little surprise about these players going to wal-mart.

[iontyre]

Does anyone know if this player will have analog outs? 5.1 will do. Both of my receivers digital SPDIF inputs are occupied (for the foreseeable future) and there is no way I can afford an HDMI receiver. But I do have an unused set of 5.1 analog ins on the receiver, so I could really use that feature if I finally have to buy this thing some day.

[iontyre]

Finally a blu ray player that I think actually looks nice. Ironically its the cheapest one made :P

I'll probably buy it since its at a reasonable price.

I agree, first one that doesn't look like it was designed for the army in Iraq.

[typ44q]

as long as the reviews for this is good and its under $300 (which it should easily be, probably closer to $200) I will get it.
Just wish it was comming out a lot sooner.