For $399 - is the PS3 the best value? (Gaming just a bonus)

There are different versions of Blu Ray players - will the online capabilities of the PS3 automatically update Blu Ray software?

Please help.

Thanks.

if you care about gaming (as i'd have to assume you do being on this site) - yes.
if you care about money - there are cheaper models that do the same thing
if you care about the environment (and money) - ps3 is a horrible energy hog

It's a great dedicated video/media player, but unless you're interested in PSN and PS3 games, a standalone player might be a better choice.

Then again, having a built in, user upgradable HDD, which can potentially be used for DVR functions in the future, as well as the ability to update firmwares via net connection...

I have over 200GB of video on mine; can't do that with a set top player.

But if you just want the cheapest player possible and only want to watch Blu-Ray movies, go with a set top box. If nothing else, it uses less power.

Yea, it's the best value - Any advantage you would want from a standard Blu-ray player would negate the cheaper price and some cheaper models aren't worth it.

If you play some games too, it's a no brainer.

Its the most future proof blu-ray player, and Id say yes its the best value.

If all you want is a Blu-ray players, there are better ones out there, and cheaper too. But if you are even remotely interested in gaming, the PS3 is the way to go.

Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes :)

Do you have a desktop PC?

If so, you can get a Blu-Ray drive ($99 from Newegg) + PowerDVD 8 Ultra ($99) for about half the price of a low-end PS3.

Gaming - have a 360, so PS3 would be a secondary gaming device. It will be in the "theatre room"

Cheaper Models - are they upgradeable? are they any good? this would be in a 106 inch HD projection - so cheapest not necessarily the best.

the cheaper brandname ones, are still $349. Sony ones are still 369 to 499

environment - ??? not considered yet. it would barely be on - only when watching movies - so power shouldn't be an issue.

i thought there were different versions of blu ray - so i thought that the PS3 - software upgradeable?? would be the best solution.

is that a correct assumption?

im already leaning towards the PS3 already just wanted to confirm some details.