Six reasons you shouldn't use the PS3 as your Blu-ray player

(Credit: CNET Networks)

OK, before the angry fanboy comments roll in, let's get this out of the way: the PlayStation 3 is the best Blu-ray player on the market right now. It sits at the top of our best Blu-ray players list, we consistently use it as the reference that we judge other Blu-ray players against, and it's the only player on the market right now that supports Blu-ray Profile 2.0 and onboard decoding for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. And it will always be the only Blu-ray player that streams media, has a browser, and plays PS3 games. Virtually everyone looking to buy a Blu-ray player should go with the PS3 right now.

However, with that in mind, there are a few legitimate reasons why someone wouldn't want to use a PlayStation 3 as their main Blu-ray player. Let's check them out.

1. Doesn't work with universal remotes.
Sony decided not to include an IR receptor on the PlayStation 3, and home theater fans have been complaining ever since. The lack of an IR receptor means that the PlayStation 3 won't work with universal remote controls, so you'll have to use the PS3 controller or the separate PS3 BD remote to control it. It's definitely a pain for anyone who is used to activity-based macros such as "Watch TV" and "Watch Blu-ray" to control their home theater.

2. It's louder than standalones.
Although every PS3 seems to be different, the PS3 can occasionally get loud once its fans start spinning. For audiophiles, that can be a pretty big drawback, especially if you start to hear a whirr during every quiet scene in a movie. You'll have better luck keeping the PS3 quiet by keeping it in a well-ventilated area, but standalones are quieter in general and don't mind having other gear stacked on them.

3. Interface isn't as easy to use.
This isn't an issue for tech enthusiasts, but Sony's Xross Media Bar (XMB) is packed with options and can be intimidating for neophytes. Although we generally like the XMB for zipping around the PS3's functions, using a standard Blu-ray player where you just need to put in the disc and hit play is definitely a lot easier.

4. You have an older AV receiver and need multichannel analog outputs.
If you're using an older receiver and want to use its multichannel analog inputs to get high-resolution soundtracks, you can't do it with the PlayStation 3. You're better off going with a standalone Blu-ray player with onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, like the upcoming Pioneer BDP-51FD and Panasonic DMP-BD50. Of course, if you're OK with standard DVD-style surround sound, you can still get that with the PS3's optical SPDIF output, which is compatible with nearly all modern receivers.

5. You want to be green.
The PS3 is great at a lot of things, but conserving power isn't one of them. If you're looking to stay green and limit your power consumption, you'll be much better off using a standalone Blu-ray player. For example, the PS3 sucks up about 170 watts while playing a Blu-ray movie, while the Samsung BD-P1400 only uses about 25 watts. That's a fairly huge difference and can easily wipe out any power savings from using other green products such as the Philips Eco TV. (Check out our guide to TV power consumption for more green tips.)

6. I need to see my receiver light up and say "Dolby TrueHD."
Even if you do have a new HDMI-capable receiver, you'll never get the Dolby TrueHD light to turn on with the PS3. That's because although the PS3 can decode both DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, it can't send those soundtracks in bit stream format and allow the receiver to decode them. Of course, this isn't really a legitimate reason, as you're still getting the same high-resolution audio, but some people just need the comfort of seeing the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lights on their receiver.

What do you think? Are any of these a legitimate reason to get a standalone Blu-ray player instead of the PlayStation 3? Or is anyone who buys a standalone Blu-ray player wasting their money on an inferior product?

[SecretAgentFrank]

You're not necessarily wrong, but some of these items don't necessarily tell the whole truth. You CAN get PS3 to work with a Universal Remote, it just takes some extra effort (buying a USB IR controller like the BluWave and sacrificing the ability to turn off the PS3). The interface is not as user friendly as a straight-up BluRay player, BUT you don't need the XRoss Bar interface - BluRay discs begin playing by default seconds after you've placed them in the player (now if you argued that the interface during BluRay playback is borked, I'd have to agree with you). As for the rest, spot on.

[make_or_break]

I didn't realize that there was such a big power consumption difference between the PS3 and standalone units. I realize that with anything that's pretty much a computer (like the PS3 or Xbox 360), there's going to be significant power draw. But it never dawned on me that any standalone, whether Blu-ray, DVD or CD player, is going to use a LOT less than its computer (or computer-esque) alternative.

Thanks for pointing that out.

[fas_palma]

This is such a stupid post. Are any of your points even real negatives? You may as well point out that it only comes in black. Seriously, is Crave running out of topics?

[Delfairen]

It seems a lot of articles appearing on cnet are more and more like this... I guess they're just waiting for another "ground breaking" appl eannoucement to swoon over.


I'm not sure why I even bother with CNET any longer.

[vicpf]

This is actually very informative. I agree people should not use the PS3 as a BRay movie player.

[Static-X-Machina]

Fas- You are correct. Just look on Cnets front page about the most disturbing thing you will ever see.
All that is, is just photoshopped pictures of a head swap.
LAME.

Delfairen-
I agree, I really don't know why i even bother clicking the news links anymore.

This post was lame. If you have a GRAIN of knowledge on computers you know that the technology isn't that different from a console these days. console makers simply chase the idea of having made a computer with proprietary connections.
You also know that the more advanced you get, the more cooling you will need.
PS1 - no fan
PS2 - a pathetic attempt to cool with a single fan smaller than 80mm.
PS3 - well I don't own one. So I can't really speak on the loud fans you speak of. All I can say is "I COULD HAVE TOLD YOU THAT BEFORE YOU WASTED MONEY ON IT!"
As for energy consumptions, well no kidding, sherlock? More advanced technology? MOAR HEAT!

Screw this I'm done pointing out the obvious to some of the dimmer bulbs around here.

[Delfairen]

1. I totally agree with they should of at least had an ir receiver built in or a sony one you can buy.
2. I have the 40gb ps3 so the noise is never an issue.
3. No issues with the bd remote.
4. Totally stupid point who would want to output multichannel audio dolbyhd? thats what 8 seperate phono plugs??
5. I guess this all hinges on which ps3 you have. the 40gb has a lower power consumption.
6. No comment. I don't have an amp that nice/new and live in an apartment so can't even crack up the volume.

Now I'd like to see an new article to balance everything "Why you shouldn't buy a Blu-Ray player to play games"

[Tec Consumer]

I have a 40GB in a smaller sized, more enclosed, flat panel entertainment center and the 40GB can be extremely noisy at times if I forget to open the door before using it. though it's much worse with games than with movies.

[Tec Consumer]

I have a 40GB in a smaller sized, more enclosed, flat panel entertainment center and the 40GB can be extremely noisy at times if I forget to open the door before using it. though it's much worse with games than with movies.

[hmbmd1]

I have an excellent Denon 7.1 channel receiver without HDMI input due to its age (3 years old). It would cost me $1000 to replace it with a similar quality unit. I would be crazy NOT to want to have 7.1 analog outputs on my Blu-ray player.

[electronista]

I have to disagree, though only on some points.

Clearly, there are some people for whom the PS3 is a perfect Blu-ray player. If you're in a reasonably small apartment, having a remote coordinate your TV, receiver, and movie reader all at once is a bit of a waste; you might not have a surround sound setup that even justifies the receiver. And if you're a budget HD junkie, a $400 game/movie player hybrid makes infinitely more sense than a $500-plus player that only reads movies.

I also disagree with the interface issue. You can set up the PS3 to auto-play movie discs, which eliminates most of the menu navigation. If you want, you can even tell the PS3 to bookmark BD and DVD movies so that you can eject them without losing your place -- that's a feature many parents would appreciate as they find themselves watching "300" over two late nights rather than one.

The software upgradability also shouldn't be ignored; while it's doubtful the Blu-ray Profile spec will change much past today, it's clear that PS3 owners are the only ones who haven't been given the short end of the stick in terms of feature support. Just ask those who bought Panasonic DMP-BD30s for the holidays only to find out that they're forever locked out of Internet extras! Even a hybrid device with Internet support, like LG's Super Multi Blu players, might not have the option of Profile 2.0.

The PS3 owners might end up turning their devices on one at a time and having to use a new receiver, but they'll still be using their boxes for movies three years from now. You can't say that for most others.

[fanboy420]

the Ps3 is a gaming system that also plays bluray movies not
a bluray unit that also plays games plus if and when bluray 2.5
comes out will a stand alone bluray player be able to download
it or will i have to buy another standalone unit sony will just put it in a new ps3 firmware if that happens

[SouthPaw42]

#1 is complete bs just go get a IR2BT unit and add to your harmony. http://ir2bt.com/

[shaynemack]

Your missing the point. Sony should have included an IR receptor to begin with. Its total BS that they didn't.

[epimetheus13]

So much for preventing the angry fanboy comments. And for the record, the PS3 will most likely be my first BD player once I take that plunge.

[rfelgueiras]

I think a lot of people are missing the point that these are all things traditional "non-techie" people would not know, it wouldn't be evident to them to inquire about but could leave them less-than-thrilled upon set-up. I think crave did a decent job of summing up why this player is phenomenal cutting edge users at the beginning of the post but for other, well, they may not know an add-on can fix the IR issue (sorry SouthPaw42, it's not bs. It's like saying "of course a civic can be as fast as a audi tt, you just have to get an after-market N-OS kit." it's not factory so it's not obvious to everyone). What if a software update breaks usability? IR2BT isn't a sony product and isn't available in stores so how would someone buying a PS3 at bestbuy know they need one if they weren't aware it wasn't a built in feature, hence the reason for an article like this. Also the settings with in the menu aren't obvious if you don't know what you're looking for. My Parents wouldn't have found it.

There are tones of feature that make this the best BD player for the money on the market, but just like everything else some of the few things it lacks will be a drawback for some people. Lots of people like the simplicity of stand alone individual devices. When standalone player drop significantly in price and incorporate wifi this will all be mute point.

[planblove]

I think that most of this post is pure nitpicking, especially given the other blu ray alternatives currently available.

[lyrik_heaven_dk]

You are right. PS3 is the most wonderfull machine You can get.
It plays DivX in High Definition as well. So when you convert the Blu-Ray to High Def DivX, thn You can have a High Def collection like a mp3 collection playin from an external Hard drive.
The remote is BluTooth! Every remote should be BluTooth No frustrated pointing toward the device, You can even useit with Your back Turned Awesome! I could tallk about t till my tongue got ful of long hair!

[remoteshoppe]

1. several solutions available from Intec, Nyko, Schmartz & IR2BT
2. Is the PS3 loud? With HD audio I never noticed. lol
3. PS3 does auto play a blu-ray disc
4. Old receiver + new blu-ray player with HD digital audio doesn't make sense
5. Enable Folding@Home and you'll be doing a lot of good and feel less guilty about the green
6. See #5... if you can't see the DTSHD light isn't it more green?

[jprandg]

Worst article I have ever read in my life.

Though, the power consumption is a very good point, and the lack of an IR port is an annoyance, but Crave has covered simple work arounds..

This post is equivalent to the ramblings of the Unabomber's manifesto.

[Pawz2142]

I call BS on the first one. It can be used with Universal remote as long as you have an IR receiver on it, which you can get.

The second reason is also stupid, i can't hear my PS3 at all when it plays Blu-Ray's. NEVER and I'm an audiophile :P

[TheHairyOne]

On the power topic, don't forget heat. I took the glass door off of the front of my cabinet to keep the PS3 fan from switching over to its high setting. Nothing worse than not hearing the faint sounds of a game or movie when the fan goes into turbo impeller mode and spins at 120,000 RPM. Also don't forget to let your PS3 idle when you eject a disc or the turbo fan oil may cake around the impeller shaft. I got an oil cooler and primer pump for mine, it keeps the oil flowing 15 minutes after I shut off my PS3. It also pumps oil through the PS3, while the XMB primes, to help with cold starts. This should prolong the life of my PS3. I've equipped my PS3 with a turbo button, borrowed off of my old and trusty 286 loaded with Hero's Quest. The turbo button allows control the PS3 cooling under peak performance conditions.

[sa73917]

The only real problem with the PS3 as a bluray player is its patchy support for 7.1 DTS-HD MA encodings. (ie depending on which style of 7.1 DTS-HD MA encoding the studio uses to put the audio on the disc the PS3 may or may not be able to decode it). Other than that - the rest of the complaints are nit picking..

[X820]

1 comment from me,
LOL
Thanks.

[Techni]

Reasons you should

1) It's the most future-proof player there is. Any future functionality Bluray will get, PS3 will get

2) It has so much more multimedia functionality than any other player. It lets you stream media to PSP, stream media from PC, play media off of USB/CD/DVD/flash cards/etc.

3) It loads movies faster than any other player

4) It's quiter than stand alones (who wrote that list, are they on crack?)

5) "That's because although the PS3 can decode both DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, it can't send those soundtracks in bit stream format and allow the receiver to decode them" It can as of the last update that came out

6) It costs less than most standalones, and is easier to find in stores

7) It also plays PS1/PS3 games, (and most PS3s also do PS2)

[xavierwalls]

Dont forget it only comes with one controller! Oh Noes! And you have to buy a HDMI cable too, those Sony Bastages!

[TheGearbox]

Being that my reciever only decodes 7.1 PCM, the PS3 is a perfect fit for me. While these are small issues with the PS3, they aren't reasons to not use it. In fact, given the other article pertaining to the PS3 (12 things to make it perfect) I would consider these articles an open letter to Sony, promoting some changes. Hopefully they are listening.

[Carlox1]

Very exagerated title(cheap way to catch attention) of the post "dont use ps3......" . after read reasons, are all these really reasons? are these reasons the only and best you can find? seems the ps3 its doing well, and seems that use a ps3 as a movie player is a very good idea je. following the level of these reasons i can say that ps3 also doesn`t comes whit a beatiful hot sexy girl included, only the energy part is interesting, but i heard 45 nm cell is coming, its consumption is 40% less than the 65nm cell, and 65nm is 40% less consumption than 90nm cell so this is a big solution for power consumption and for the noise because runs cooler, better you should make a list "Things wii and 360 don`t do and ps3 does" and also "how much a wii cost you if it were able to do all ps3 does" .I got a great console and a great blu-ray dvd etc etc, player in one shot.