Get a Magnavox Blu-ray player for $99.99
Finally, a Blu-ray player for under $100!
(Credit: Sears)Hey, remember way back yesterday when I said a Blu-ray player for $129.99 was pretty good, but you'd have to wait a bit longer for that magical less-than-$100 price tag? Well, your day-long wait is over.
Sears has a refurbished Magnavox RNB500MG9 Blu-ray player for $99.99.
Hey, don't blame me if you jumped on the $129.99 player--it was reader Dave who found this deal. (Seriously, though, thanks for the tip, Dave!)
Like the aforementioned Best Buy Insignia model, the RNB500MG9 features 1080p output and upconversion and Blu-ray Profile 1.1. However, that's about it in the specs department. The Sears product page doesn't list anything about ports or firmware updates or even the remote control.
What's more, the accompanying link to the owner's manual (which would come in mighty handy for those interested in more detailed specs) is busted, and there's no information about the warranty (assume 90 days).
I've been unable to find any reviews on this model (save for the one user review on the product page), and it doesn't even appear on Magnavox's own site.
Given that shipping will run you $9 and you'll probably have to pay sales tax, you're probably better off spending the extra 10 bucks or so on the new Insignia player from yesterday.
All those dings aside, it's still a Blu-ray player for less than $100. If I didn't already own one, I'd probably give this serious consideration, if only because I've been saying forever that this is the price at which Blu-ray becomes a worthwhile investment. Thoughts?
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
Still, I am leary of this DVD Player because I know of no firmware upgrade path with it. I am worried more about compatibility issues than Blu-Ray Live.
Later
My 2 cents.
Without the things mentioned above, I'd just spend the extra $$$ and buy a new one. Also I agree with the other fellow, drop the price of the BR discs and it will sell more ($30 is okay for a "Great" movie, but $30 for a crappy movie bites!)
Good deal!
Have not played many movies on it this year.
Not sure about durability.
I've owned my player for over a year and have NEVER paid $30+ for a blu ray disc. Amazon, EBay, and J&R.com (to name a few) are all great places to get BD for the same price as DVD. Just watch for sales and other deals. If you buy online, you can save money on tax and sometimes shipping (depending on the site). Some studios like Sony, send customers coupons via email. Currently you can get $3 to $5 off manufacturer coupons for titles like Ghostbusters, DaVinci Code and Dr. Strangelove.
If you like to shop in an actual store, Best Buy will price match any local competitor. They also have a reward program to earn money toward future purchases. Speaking of Best Buy... this week alone they are having a huge sale on Blu-ray discs. There are some titles as cheap as $9.99, but most in the $12.99 to $16.99 range. Barnes and noble (who normally are way overpriced on discs) are having a buy two get a 3rd disc free. Not only that, you can get Band of Brothers (probably one of the best Blu-ray box sets out there) for $30 right now...$27 if you are a member. That is a really good deal on an awesome set. Fry?s also has great deals periodically.
Then, if don't feel like buying movies...there is always Netflix, Blockbuster, or your local video store.
Basically my point is, the cost of movies really isn't an issue anymore....if your willing to work the deals. Most blu-ray player owners have known this for a while now.
- by ethan_v June 17, 2009 9:31 PM PDT
- I just bought the other one! [CNET editors' note: Personal attack deleted.]
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