Get closer to reality with Blu-ray players. Items listed are SONY BLU-RAY 3D HOME THEATRE SYSTEM BDV-N590

Blu-ray players put the theatre in home theatre, bringing full high-definition content from the big screen to the living room. The latest players are even more versatile thanks to WiFi and 3D technologies. Here’s some tips from Harvey Norman on what to look out for when buying a Blu-ray player

High-definition – To enjoy the detail on Blu-ray discs, you’ll need a full-HD (1920 x 1080) television equipped with a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). If you want a 3D Blu-ray player, you should have a 3D-ready HDTV. 3D Blu-ray players and discs cost more than non-3D titles so don’t forget to factor this into your decision.

Upscaling – HDMI inputs let the player upscale DVD movies so they look better on HDTVs. They won’t be true HD quality, but still look better than standard-definition DVD formats. HDMI inputs also provide enough bandwidth for high-definition audio and video data so you get the most from your Blu-ray discs.

Surround sound – The player should support the latest multichannel, high-definition audio formats such as DTS-HD Master Audio for a more immersive movie experience. Some players can decode the audio signals internally, or they can be used with an external receiver. Integrated all-in-one systems save space as the receiver and amplifier are integrated in the player and speakers are connected directly to the player.

Going online – Even if your TV doesn’t have an Internet connection, an Internet-enabled player can still help you surf the web. If you don’t have a wireless router or wish to buy one, a player with a local area network connection will still allow you to enjoy online content.

Beyond the disc – The movie experience doesn’t have to end after the show — most players feature apps that connect users to social networking or movie websites for additional online content. Some apps even transform mobile devices into remote controls.

Cable free – WiFi-capable players reduce clutter and make connecting to the Internet easier. Compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets and cameras can also share content directly onto the player so your favourite files can be shared on the big screen easily.

Connectivity – Players with USB and memory-card slots can accept a wider variety of audio and video formats, increasing their versatility and transforming hem into multimedia powerhouses. They’re also a more user-friendly option as the files can be played direct from the source.

File formats – The player should support the latest video and audio formats such as DivX and Dolby TrueHD to maximise flexibility by supporting a wider range of formats.

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Click on thumbnail[s] to enlarge. Sales on until 5 Sep 2012

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