I've got a cheap Toshiba blu-ray player on account of it being region free. It doesn't have the networky stuff at all, but I have something else to do that. Anyway, it seems fine!
As Matt said, homeplugs are going to be more reliable than wifi. Have a look for some AV500 ones though, better performance and I'm sure I've seen some at a similar price.
The AV200 ones will no doubt do the job fine, but y'know, bigger numbers are always better!
I'd like to get rid of my BR player for one that's region-free. That way I could also ditch the region-free DVD player. But, although not a Sony ho, I'd prefer Sony because it all works together and I have teh lazies
I've heard varying reports about how they perform when they're on different loops. They'll certainly be on different loops. Will that be an issue? I'm not looking for amazing performance just better-and-more-reliable-than-wifi.
AFAIK that was only applicable to Homeplug 1.0. Newer Homeplug standards use the neutral side of the circuit which has less issues (noise) . That's what Wikipedia says anyway.
I got this http://www.trustedreviews.com/samsung-bd-e6100_Blu-ray-Player_review
from Waitrose for 60brick today. looked a good price and I think it does everything I want. Can't play with it yet though 'cos now must wait for a reasonably priced HDMI cable in the post since the cheapest over the counter one appears to be 20-SODDING-QUID!!
A problem shared is a problem halved, but a worry shared is a worry doubled
If you ever go on HUKD, the next time you see them pop up at ~£1 a cable buy about 5 so you've got some spares. Unless this is going to be the only HDMI device you have.
I know accessories like this are always cheaper online but this seems a remarkable example. they are widely available online for £1-3 yet MAPLIN's cheapest option was £20. How has that happened?
A problem shared is a problem halved, but a worry shared is a worry doubled
It's one of those things where they know anybody bothering to buy one probably wants it quick to go with a new toy, I guess. Pretty much daylight robbery really.
Maplin and Currys/PC World etc. I've always been mystified by their pricing policy. They all charge a small fortune for cables and similar stuff. I needed a micro USB cable a while back and as I was near Currys I thought I'd check - £17 when the identical item is available for £1 or £2 online. But then Currys/PC World are reasonably competitive these days for PCs, printers etc.
I suppose they're after the buyers who might think to search around for a major purchase like a computer, but assume that something small like a cable is going to cost the same everywhere.
A few years ago, Mac dealer downtown had dvi-vga converter plugs for 30 bucks. PC shop next door had them for 3.99.
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"We're introducing this change so that we can show a powerful application full of high-quality content, rather than what we have now which is a equal mixture of awesome and sadness"
bastard by name