Comments on: Get a Magnavox Blu-ray player for $99.99

It's a refurb, and it doesn't seem to exist anywhere except Sears, but it still breaks that magical $100 barrier (until you add shipping and sales tax, that is).

[mdub311]

It's not so much the price of the BD player, it's more the issue of paying $25-$35 for a BD disc that I have a problem with. Get the BD Disc in the $15-$20 range and it will become more popular.

[Nychocolips]

I'm with you on that one. I bought used blu-rays when Circuit City closed. I also create a wishlist and wait patiently for deals. I only buy movies that have strong repeat viewing value to add more value to my purchases as well. One more thing, I read DVD reviews. Don't laugh. You'd be amazed at how many times someone puts out a Blu-Ray that is so poorly produced it is smarter to buy the SD DVD.

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

[loose_screw]

I'm gonna wait for the <$50 Blueray disk player, like any good 'ol cheapskate would do! :)

[rickbroida]

Now that may be something of a wait. :)

[wusupjohn]

I picked up the newer model of this player at walmart for $128. I was suprised to find that it didn't include an hdmi cable but thanks to the cheapskate I managed to get a few back when they were on sale. Thanks Rick!

[paulimusmaximus]

Why were you surprised? I've never purchased any product that had an HDMI cable included. I don't know why they don't include one though. They're obviously cheap, and you rarely see the player manufacturers selling them, so it's not like they're gonna make the extra money off you when you buy a cable. I think it'd be a good selling point to include the cable.

[bigmc6000]

I bought an upscaling DVD player from Toshiba that came w/ an HDMI cable - it's really not that rare.

[vonscoot81]

The lack of a HDMI cable is pretty standard practice. One notable reason for it is people vary in how far their player may be from their TV. This gives you oppurtunity to purchase the size you need versus the size the manufacture determines (nothing like having a 3 ft cord when your setup is 4 ft from the TV). If you recall, printers, for the most part, are packaged the same way. Each person varies for what they need in cable length.

My 2 cents.

[billeeyum]

Man, I can't even really afford this and I am tempted to get it... Must resist.... Wife will murder...

[genghis-ron]

Magnavox shouldn't be allowed to build anything more complicated than a hat. I wouldn't buy this thing for 9 cents. If you buy a Magnavox anything you will learn one thing: cheap people always pay twice.

[Weeji]

Especially something as locked down, complicated, and update-mandatory as Blu-Ray. Once a firmware update is required that Magnavox ends up not providing, this thing becomes an expensive paperweight.

[DarthViking1]

"The Sears product page doesn't list anything about ports or firmware updates or even the remote control"

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!)

[bigslamajama]

I know you don't like to pimp woot too often Rick, but they currently have a 2GB Sansa Clip for $14.99! I got one of these love it! Perfect mp3 player for running and gym and a great value. It's a refurb but with $5 shipping, that's $20 total, I think it's a great deal for anyone looking for an ultra lightweight, feature heavy player.

[bigslamajama]

I know you don't like to pimp woot too often Rick, but they currently have a 2GB Sansa Clip for $14.99! I got one of these and love it! Perfect mp3 player for running and gym and a great value. It's a refurb but with $5 shipping, that's $20 total, I think it's a great deal for anyone looking for an ultra lightweight, feature heavy player.

[cradddockjustin]

I have the same unit!

Good deal!

[cradddockjustin]

I got the unit for x-mas. Works great!

Have not played many movies on it this year.

Not sure about durability.

[jeff909]

I can understand that most Blu-ray movies are priced way too high. But don't let it stop you from enjoying movies in hi-def. Never pay MSRP.

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.

[ethan_v]

I just bought the other one! [CNET editors' note: Personal attack deleted.]