Blu Ray player advice

chocolatepennyfarthing

Hi, my dvd player has finally given up the ghost. I am therefore looking to replace it with a blu ray dvd player (ideally Sony). Looking for some advice on the following:

Currently we have surround sound speakers running through dvd player (wires that fit into clippy things at back) would like to know what are the best models either where we keep the existing speakers or one that comes with a cinema system. (sky box also runs through dvd player).

Have sky plus to record at the moment- therefore I dont think I need a hard drive, but I am unsure if there are any other benefits to having one?

Have been told that I should get one with a dongle to watch BBC I - player, would like any advice re the benefits of this.

Thanks for help.

dg1dd1ngs_2

What sort of budget do you have?

custardy

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003IHVHRC/ref=nosim/?!!!!!hotukdeals-21

this ticks most of your boxes?

you can get a standalone BR player from richer sounds for £50,depends what you want/need

this has an optical input,which i think you will want with the Sky box

chocolatepennyfarthing

About £350 mark budget.

dg1dd1ngs_2

I would probably recommend the Sony BDP-S570. It is a fantastic blu ray player and will do everything you need

Toxteth_OGrady

What is the make and model of your DVD player? sounds like it's an all in one home theatre system. If that;s the case you;ll need more than just a BD player. How do you connect the DVD to your TV? Does it have HDMI?

chocolatepennyfarthing

Model of DVD is HCD-SC5, its about 6 or 7 years old. Connects to tv via HDMI lead I'm told! All a bit beyond me I'm afraid.!!!!!!!

Toxteth_OGrady

Your Sony Home Cinema System does not have HDMI. It will either be connected to your TV via component (red, green, blue) jacks for best picture or S-video (not so good) or composite (single yellow jack, lowest quality).

There is no point buying a standalone BD player unless your TV has HDMI in, altough you could get away with BD if you get a player that has component out (analog red, green, blue) to your TV's component in (if it has it).

Other than completely replacing the HCD-SC5 your options depend on what inputs your TV has and in order of best to worst these would be:

Standalone BD player connected directly to TV via HDMI for picture and optical connection direct from BD to HCD-SCS for sound.

Standalone BD player (with component out) connected directly to TV component in for picture and optical connection direct from BD to HCD-SCS for sound.

Standalone DVD player connected directly to TV via HDMI for picture and optical connection direct from DVD to HCD-SCS for sound.

Standalone DVD player (with component out) connected directly to TV component in for picture and optical connection direct from DVD to HCD-SCS for sound.

What is the make and model of your TV/ How is your Sky box connected to the HCD-SC5 and/or TV?