360 vs PS3 - Which Offers a Better Home Theater Experience?

Part two of the comparative look at the Xbox 360 Elite and the PlayStation 3, and which system offers the optimal home theater experience. The PlayStation 3 offers Blu-ray, but what does the Xbox 360 bring to the table? Is it enough to counter Sony's high-definition disc format?

[D4RkNIKON]

BluRay is better than DVD in video and audio quality. Both systems can stream content from PC to the console but xbox can not copy the content to the HDD where PS3 can. The only way to get music onto 360 is to use a physical CD where PS3 is more friendly to digital media. In this department, Sony wins. Netflix is the only thing that 360 has over PS3 and I personally don't really care about that. Call me a pirate but I download movies on the PC and watch them on my PS3 for free with great quality and ease.

[54percent]

yeah, you can bring all your stuff in a USB and plug it into any PS3, I hope they put support for the MKV files

[DasBunker]

Bluray

/nuff said

[D4RkNIKON]

Ah yes, USB is another method of transfer to the PS3. USB HDD, PSP, or even card readers.

[Godmars290]

If you're counting PC streaming, Playon, then Netfilx is a factor on the PS3. Even if the feed isn't in HD.

[Karum]

You can use media server programs to stream mkv files and they will transcode it on the fly, allowing you to watch it via your PS3 onto your big screen TV.

This one allows you to do it, I've used it myself - http://ps3mediaserver.blogs...

I think TVersity might do it, PlayOn might do it too but I'm not certain about those two. The one I linked definitely does though.

[umair_s51]

PS3 is almostly better than 360 in every aspect, except maybe Live.

[Dead_Cell]

Used to use it myself.

[masterg]

@Dead_Cell

I used to use Tversity myself.
PS3 Java Media Server is 10 times better.
It can play anything. I havent tried a single file it could not play.
Even if the PS3 says it cant play the file, the Java server simply sends a playable stream in one second.

[Boody-Bandit]

The PS3 hands down is better for HT.
That isn't an opinion but a stone cold fact.

[cmrbe]

The only problem though is you pay for xboxlive which kinda even its out with PSN for me.

[CadDad]

I have netflix (and every other video and audio stream) capability on my PS3. It's a little more work than on the xbox, but I don't need windows to do it. (I use a linux media server) It works on mac, windows, and linux.

-CadDad

[WenisWagon]

My video on demand service beats both.

[Armyless]

that you don't have to listen to your movies over the roar of a Jet Engine on the PS3.

[darthv72]

The home theatre advantage goes to ps3 for the single reason of bluray. Other than that they are on par with each other from the various media formats (divx, avi, wmv etc) to the different delevery methods (disc, usb, streaming from pc).

You could factor in hddvd as there are still movies available (no new ones being created) yet it is a dead format. Equal in almost every way to blu but still a dead format.

Why would someone go to the trouble of making such a one sided topic of interest? They know the answer yet still they question.

[jammy_70]

if you have 1 or the other.... your lucky!
:)

[FamilyGuy]

What a stupid question, the answer is obvious.

[N4G king]

" Which Offers a Better Home Theater Experience?"

PS3 hands down

[edgeofblade]

I would give PS3 Blu-ray. But, believe it or not (for the majority of PS3 fanboys, I'm guessing "not"), I have had more luck streaming content to my 360. When I get an unsupported message on PS3, about 50% of them play on the 360 instead. Also, if you are so equipped, Windows Media Center is a nice alternative to a DVR.

[HammockGames]

<=== Can't believe there is even a question 'bout this one.

There is really no debate to be had. I own both, but my PS3 takes care of all home theater duties for two reasons.
#1 Blu Ray is a beautiful thing
#2 My PS3 doesn't drown out the audio

[CadDad]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

Works really well, from the most common OS's.

1. Install server on computer and share a folder.
2. Place media in folder.
3. Watch media on PS3.

I haven't had a single file that didn't work this way. I've even browsed zip file archives of photos and it streams a thumbnail from the zips. Pretty cool.

-CadDad

[Thugbot187]

360 by far and here’s why; the 360 can is a Media Center extender, if your PC has BLURAY you have it on your 360 now. You can watch any Recorded TV or Live by your PC and Media Center; you have tons of Media Center plug-in that allow you to watch things like YouTube, use things like Skype, and stream Pandora. They also have a plug-in for Hulu on the way with tons of other ones. The ability to watch Netflix movie with your friends is killer. Watching Netflix through a browser isn’t the same as watching it through the 360 viewer. I can also stream music from Media Player and Zune. Any movies you cannot find on Netflix you can download from MS store and watch them. Best part it can all be done from your 360 controller without switching input signals on your other remotes to go to satellite, watch it from your 360 while being connected to all your friends.

A browser would be nice if the 360 had a browser wait Media Center has a plugin for that, that allows you to do that from the 360.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Don't believe me check it out for youself, and by the way this is how I run things.

[BattleAxe]

1. Blu-Ray
2. PS3 runs alot quieter
3. PS3 looks way better

[badz149]

Bluray is one thing but to be able to play any type of media files by streaming thru ps3mediaserver is AWESOME! it also supports 7.1 surround although not that many people have that setup but it still have the edge compared to 360!

[Sarcasm]

I don't care about all that extra stuff TBH.

7.1 support and DTS-HD MA/DolbyTruHd does it for me. On the PS3 of course.

[morganfell]

No Thugbot. PS3 Media Center owns the Windows Media Center.

http://code.google.com/p/ps...

In addition you can use

Vuze,

http://www.vuze.com/app

TVersity,

http://tversity.com/

Nero Media Home,

http://www.nero.com/enu/med...

Twonky Media Server,

http://www.twonkyvision.com...

and a few others to stream media to the PS3. This includes online media in several of the above apps.

[ThanatosDMC]

What a stupid article... which one has bluray?

[TheReaper42]

This is a no brainer. Anyways, just to clear things up. I have an I7 pc and the transcoding quality through streaming is NOT better than the pure BluRay experience.

[Thugbot187]

@morganfell Vuze, TVersity, Nero Media Home 4 (I’ve owned this busted peace of crap and Windows Media Center is way better), and Twonky Media all work on the 360.

As for ps3mediaserver you have got to be kidding me that’s pretty much home brew freeware it’s a hobby to program application for the ps3 software; there is also support for the 360. Reading what this software does it doesn’t come close to all the different things you can do with Media Center. Honestly give me a break.

You clearly have not used Media Center and have no idea what you’re talking about; media center can do all the things that these applications can do and more. That means I just cut out the need for 5 different applications of varying quality. Windows Media Center is an enterprise level application and very stable not only that the interface is design is smooth for navigation with a controller or a remote control.

[vhero]

The article is spot on except the ps3 has net player meaning it can get feeds from places other than netflix. People think netflix is the only place on the planet that streams movies....

[morganfell]

I'm sorry Mr Ray Charles, did I say they didn't work on the 360? here, let me put that braille in for you. It doesn't matter if they work on the 360. The fact that they work on the PS3 yanks the sole advantage out form under the 360. Good luck with your last gen machine.

[Thugbot187]

It doesn't yonk any advantage away because they only do a 1/4 of what Media Center does.I realize there is no point in fighting with someone who is going to say PS3 no matter what. Use it before you dis it.

[Ron_Burgundy]

I never once said RRoD would be part of my home theater experience! :P

most bots like RRoD though

[DonCorneo]

the loud brokebox dvd drive drowns out the sound so that's the only way you can hear the movies you are watch.

[ZBlacktt]

PS3 comes with Wi-Fi standard.... Blu-ray standard.... Sony owns Sony pictures and Sony record label........ Sony manufactures High-end TV's, MP3 player's, digital camera's and video recording devices. I think when it comes to who owns in this department. Sony has had it covered for many years hands down.

[Gamer_Politics]

360 has the edge because of Netflicks which can stream HD movies/shows

[Johnny Rotten]

Netflix is useless if you live outside of the US.

[D4RkNIKON]

Don't make me laugh, my sides hurt.

[Ninji]

PS3 has a web browser and it can do the same things you mentioned (except for free). There goes the 360's "edge".

[Pennywise]

LOL.

Keep grasping. You will surely find a nice straw.

[Kamikaze135]

If you have no internet connection or a bad connection, then streaming is useless.

[ChozenWoan]

if you have poor or no internet connection there goes NetFlix streaming, which leaves you with DVD vs DVD + Blu-Ray.

[Missan]

lmao at the bot. It seems bots rent movies instead of buying games. ME sold only 2 million lmao what a flop buy your games bots.

[DJ]

Which means you need PS3. Simple.

[Marquis_de_Sade]

While games are a matter of opinion, surely this subject isn't even up for debate?

[Simon_Brezhnev]

i know right its more like common sense

[Godmars290]

Even if you exclude Blu-ray, you've got a regular DVD upscaling and better speaker support. Can play more types of video files.

[Sarcasm]

"better speaker support. "

Right... But Blu-Ray IS included. That's like saying to a chevy owner, "Well without that V8, it's just a car with 4 wheels"

No. It's not just "better speaker" support. Not until you hear a properly set up 7.1 DTS-HD MA sound system. Sounds like an IMAX movie theatre except in your bedroom.

Something gamers like you is always overlooking.

[Godmars290]

"Better speaker support" having the option of using 7 speakers over 5, with notably higher rates of fidelity besids is minor compared to all else I mentioned.

A "gamer like me" bought a 60GB for Blu-ray, DVD upscaling, for my DVD collection. Don't yet have a good speaker system but know that when I get one i can get the best.

[THE-BODY-BAG-MAN]

hands down its the ps3

[DonCorneo]

bu bu but HDDVD is the superior format..

[dustgavin]

I like how they have hd-dvd as an option. Maybe if you check your local dumpster or landfill!

http://www.awidernet.com/wp...

[cmrbe]

The x360 is Noisy, Dosent have HDMI 1.3, No blu-ray, no offficial DIVX support, can't copy music onto HD.

PS3 wins hands down.

I carry a 500gig external around for work and play. It is so great that i can just plug and play anything on the PS3.

[cheapndirty]

You can copy music to the HDD of the 360. Been able to do that since xbox1. FYI..

[ChozenWoan]

Using the built in web browser you can watch porn on a PS3. What home entertainment system is complete without access to Peta-bites of Porn. ;P

[HammockGames]

lmfao

well played

[madpuppy]

Blu-ray,

has a clean interface rather than a clown-car "dashboard"
can access the internet, youtube, hulu, cbs and/or flash based video streaming.
can play local video files
can display picture slide shows and do rudimentary touch up
works good as a mp3 juke box.
ect. ect. ect.

[Karum]

PS3 wins, it idn't even a contest lol.

[joydestroy]

lol such a silly article

[nightelfmohawk]

nt

[ZombieAutopsy]

which one offers 7.1 surround sound

[Missan]

PS3 of course :)

[Pandamobile]

PS3.

[wxer]

blu-ray and full 1080p with 7.1 sound system support

i think there is no way to compare the xbox360 to the PS3 when it comes to Home Theater Experience

[Obama]

Seriously who uses their 360 to watch movies anyways? Some movies are 3 hours long, so..

[ElVeneno]

...i see what you did there...

[sunil]

Some of my friends watch netflix on the 360 and swear by it. Truth be told its convenient.

On the other hand, PSN carries movies for rental + has a web browser.

[SabreMan]

I own a 360 Elite and the new PS3 Slim, with games it's all subjective to your taste, however if you want the ultimate Home Cinema experience with a console the PS3 wins easily.
With the new slim also supporting hdmi 1.3a the ability to play Bluray HD Audio via Bitstream to a compatible HD Amplifier makes the win even greater.
Even if you don't count bluray the dvd upscaling ability of the ps3 is better, then you have to consider the shear amount of fan noise the 360 makes. when my 360 reads a disc it sounds like it's chewing it to pieces, my slim is virtually silent.
the 360 as a games console is superb as a Home Cinema device it's pretty average, the ps3 as a games console is superb as a Home Cinema device it's unbeatable for the price.

@12.1

If you want to compare both and offer an unbiased accurate account you do "need to own both" or have owned both consoles at some stage if not your just guessing and or jumping on the band wagon

[Pennywise]

I dont think you need to own an xbox to know this, but thank you for your unbiased input!

[Sarcasm]

Also keep in mind, the PS3 does true 1:1 pixel in 1080p. So while it upscales DVDs, I'm pretty sure it upscales it better than the 360. Don't get me wrong, we probably cant even really tell the difference. But it's nice to know on the PS3 you're seeing it in it's most accurate form.

[Pennywise]

Blu Ray alone wins without a doubt or a fight. Even if you take away BluRay I still think the PS3 owns. Built in Wifi, Internet Browser, DVD upscale, PANDORA.COM, Ps3Mediaserver.... Come on now.

[TheTruth89]

Blu-Ray Mean uncompressed data.

How the **** someone tried to compare sh!t with chocolate? Gay.

Edit:

Both can output resolutions of up to 1080p.
LIE!!!!!!!!

360 can output UPSCALED 1080p. SHAME!

[Grandreaper9999]

I haven't really of that before, but Netflix is always outdone by streaming video from the PS3's web browser. Only difference is is that you don't have a party of people to watch it with. But since when did we require other people to sit quietly with us as we watched a movie or show?

[2cents]

i think is what this article should be titled

some of these articles are just...

[Kamikaze135]

PS3 slim has the best audio output
PS3 has blu ray
PS3 lets you bring ANY media into your PS3 (video and music)
PS3 also has a video store and online streaming

Who in the right mind even uses a 360 to watch movies? I can understand Netflix, but that's all it really has going for it.

[mastiffchild]

It's a daft little article in my eyes designed to make the 360 take on a fight it was never intended to contest. Even before the Slim and it's improved audio the PS3 would win this one easily so why make the comparison at all?

Christ, 360 ganboys even abuse the PS3 for being bought "just to play movies" FFS! Daft article, really just daft.

[edgeofblade]

No. The PS3 does NOT let you bring "ANY" media. I have had more luck with 360 when trying to play content. I know you won't believe that because you are biased, but that's not my problem...

And 360 has a video store too. And it's better. But again, I don't expect you to give up your delusional ways that quickly.

[MaximusPrime]

*walked past an advert for xbox 360 "the only entertainment console"*

its true, i saw it after watching District 9 last weekend. MS mislead people. Where's internet browser? wheres bluray? wheres free internet?

Sony's PS3 is the true entertainment console. "it only does EVERYTHING!" "game is just the start" ;)

[edgeofblade]

And you are clearly the most unbiased and would never impugn your honor by engineering the criteria to favor your prefered console...

...never...

[YogiBear]

A bit defensive aren't we?

[Ps_alm3k]

There always seem to be an explosion!!
it's like after a sad scene then you have 3.60 second to run away then BOOM!!

[eagle21]

PS3 also has DTS-Master Audio. :)

[cmrbe]

DTS-Master Audio is a big deal. Unfortunately i don't have the system yet. Too many freaking bills to pay but i will eventually get one. Still using my old VSX pioneer wafferdale system lol.

[Socomer 1979]

Bluray, the browser, the video store with usb support for your psp as well. are you kidding me?!

No contest!

[Pwee]

PS3 Easily.

Blu Ray is just stunning!

[Socomer 1979]

it was fun to watch xbutts try though.

netflix? ha what a laugh!

for a cheaper subscription FEE THAN XBOX LIVE i get blurays mailed to me from netflix!

streaming movies? all day on the ps browser!

oh and i get it on the go with the psp as well!

[Thoreau]

the best play on the ps3...

[idealty]

Also, the Oringal Post fails to mention the extreme advantages the PS3 has in the sound department. While the 360 can only do up to Dolby Digital 5.1, even with an HDMI cable, the PS3 can do Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS-HD, Dolby True HD, DTS-Master Audio, PCM 5.1 and PCM 7.1 at up to 24bit/192hz!! If you are watching a Blu-Ray movie, that's a significant advantage over DVD and Netflix. The PS3 can also do games in PCM 7.1 as well. In addition, the PS3 has HDMI 1.3a while the 360 only has HDMI 1.2 making the PS3 more future-proof. So IMO, for Home Theater, it's not even close.

[Ashriel]

Well, PS3 has bluray, so....

[silvacrest]

wasnt this done not so long ago?
and it was decided that the PS3 offered better home theater features
and with the price cut its just better value for your money

[divideby0]

Our PS3 is in the LR with the HT.
Our 360 is in the Den.
nugh said

[mastiffchild]

What EXACTLY is a "den"? Does it mean different things in the US,UK and in Oz?

When I was a kid a den was a makeshift shelter/camp thing where we'd hide and look at porn mags and such(as little boys anyway)while avoiding actual girls like the plague.

In the US , IDK, but it seems to be a room where the dads go, watch sports and have a drink-maybe even a little pool table in thee-and in Australia I'm, lost. LR wouldn't stand for Living Room but "lounge" room yet, often, they also refer to a "den" but not a "den Room"-so is the Australian Den still a male bastion for sports/porn/farting and drinking? If it is I see the connection between these "dens" in all our countries parted by a shared and abused language-if not I'm lost.

AAAnd does this mean you think the PS3 is too feminine for the boys room? Or does the 360 just prefer a drink and some sports? Because, as we all know the PS3 DOES have it's own porn support!

Used to like making a "den" as it goes-they were death traps, mind, and I'm shocked more people weren't maimed by falling glass and corrugated iron, huge logs with nails in them or fried by sneaking all manner of unsuitable battery powered TVs and radios or whatever as the dens was always at least sat in a couple of inches of rain water.Good days. Wouldn't fancy the chances for a 360 in one of my dens mind.

[Gamer1111]

ps3 has blu-ray duh....that i i bought one...recently got a slim.

most of my gaming is done on my xbox.

waiting for gt5 gow 3 uncharted 2.

[Gamer1111]

i feel bad for the people with a sdtv and a ps3 or 360

[Halo_Reach]

I have watched several movies in Blu Ray and they are amazing...The quality of video and audio are stunning =)

But i dont know how Zune Videos looks like but Microsoft said 1080p with Full 5.1 Dolby Surround so its an amazing deal right there if the movies aint expensive.

NetFlix is also huge and very good indeed , i think 360 users in US dont really need a blu ray because they have NetFlix and Zune but guys like me need a blu ray because im outside the US so i dont have those services and i need Blu Ray to watch movies...

Well mostly of times i download them for the net and i watch on my Pc and the quality is amazing but to who want to spent money so GO Blu Ray...I have a Ps3 Slim already with 5 blu rays movies and i got a 42" screen with 5.1 Dolby and its the best quality i´ve got yet...

lets see how Zune Videos quality will be...Lets hope the same as blu ray.

[djfullshred]

If you don't have a 1080P TV & Blu Ray player, your "home theater" is crap, and not even worth discussing.

[redsquad]

Finally got myself a 1080p TV on Monday and hooked up my PS3. First thing I did was chuck in my IRON MAN Blu-Ray and give it a spin...

Well, need one say more?

[xg-ei8ht]

No article is silly when the PS3 wins, always remember that./s

I stream alot from pc to PS3. Works very well and copy files over.

Also i just got a LG Renior phone, 8megapixel. Takes a pretty decent shot and divx video. hooked it up and plays straight way on PS3.

My other camera uses mov files which need to be converted.

Overall the PS3 does enough for me in every department.

The only thing i need for PS3 is AD2P Full audio output.

[Halo_Reach]

I live outside the US so yes Blu Ray for me...

But NetFlxi and Zune videos are amazing...

5.1 dolby surround and 1080p its amazing and so good or even better than blu ray i think and not so expensive...

Well i live outside the US so Blu Ray wins for me but grow up sony cry babies ... oh wait u have 12 years ...

Next Article is about games so 360 wins for me :)

[N4G king]

wow wow wow
slow down there

"5.1 dolby surround and 1080p"

maybe you should go back to school and learn that
5.1<7.1
and the 360 cant do 1080P
but it can do 1080!
(aka fake 1080)

and one more thing
"I live outside the US so yes Blu Ray for me...
But NetFlxi and Zune videos are amazing"

if you live outside the US
how did you know that NetFlxi is amazing
and zune is just another MP4
so nothing special

[frnkyl]

Wow really...? XD

[GrandDragon]

- The PS3 can do Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS-HD, Dolby True HD, DTS-Master Audio, PCM 5.1 and PCM 7.1 at up to 24bit/192hz

- The PS3 has NATIVE 1080p

- The PS3 has HDMI 1.3a which increase the amount of video bandwidth that can be transferred from a source to a display. This means, that in addition to the standard 24-bit color depth, HDMI 1.3 and 1.3a have the ability to transfer color depths up to 48-bits, and can accommodate resolutions much higher than the 1080p resolution standard that is in use today. FUTURE PROOF

- The PS3 offers you the ability to download "PlayOn" on your PC and stream netflix instant queue through your PS3 Web Browser just as good as the 360 and all you need is a netflix account as PSN is FREE.

- The PS3 is a product of SONY which means "Sony Pictures" can ONLY be streamed on the PS3 via netflix

- The PS3 has Blu-ray and can also play DVD that up scales (better quality)

- The PS3 has recently been able to do Bravia Sync

- The PS3 has BBCiPlayer via the XMB

- The PS3 has an integrated Wireless Adaptor for convenient connection

- The PS3 allows you to easily configure the Hard Drive since it can easily accommodate ANY Notebook 2.5MM HDD SATA Drive.

- The PS3 supports: JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF and BMP Image files

- The PS3 supports MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (PS,TS), H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, MPEG-4 SP, AVI, WMV and DivX Video

- The PS3 supports: BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW and Super Audio CD

[jack_burt0n]

Lossless audio is the Motherf**king WIN

Its worth the money, like going from sd to hd video.
Found a cheaper way of getting it too found a decent marantz reciever that takes pcm over hdmi from ps3 then fed that out the preouts and into my ROTEL power amps BOOM :P

[Halo_Reach]

"Overall the PS3 does enough for me in every department. "

Agreed , i also stream Pc to Ps3 and the quality is really good...i also get a 1080p tv from LG.

"AD2P Full audio output."

7.1 surround ?

[Relientk77]

PS3, gotta get those blu-ray movies

:)

[Sir Ken_Kutaragi]

...watch a Movie with a Jet Engine sound that comes out of that out-of-date POS the xBox 360??? ;-D

[Darkfiber]

PS3, cause you can actually hear the movies over the sound of the console.

[RealtorMDandDC]

You are so right...i was playing Batman AA.....turn on my 360 to play first time in a minute....and the s**t was loud....and i have a pretty good sound system(6.1 dolby digital)...when I turn my 360 off you can still hear the fan going for about 45 more seconds........."WTF" ;....I think my 360 is on it's last leg.......the DVD has a mind of it's own...and i really prefer my PS3....the only reason I played Batman AA my roommate has the game....I would have rented it for PS3...

[CobraKai]

Not only does the PS3 trump the 360 with its blu ray, it's movies can pump out sound in Dolby Digital HD and DTS HD. You can't get that on 360.

[ForROME]

One of my HUGE main complaints about the 360 is no USB transfer, its like really MS a software comp doesnt offer usb transfer? WOW

Who the hell wants to rip CDs anymore if I already have 10K songs on a Harddrive in MP3 format I want to put them on a 4GB flash and transfer them over or video as well. This streaming isnt for me, I want to use it as my hub for music and video so I want the content actually on the unit

[MetalGearBear]

bluray>9dvd.

[patterson]

PS3:

HDMI
------
v1.3a (x.y.color, Deep Color)

DISC
------
BD-ROM
BD-R
BD-RE
DVD-ROM
DVD-R
DVD-RW
DVD+R
DVD+RW
CD-ROM
CD-R
CD-RW
Super Audio CD

VIDEO
------
MPEG-1
MPEG-2 (PS,TS)
H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
MPEG-4 SP
AVI
WMV
DivX

AUDIO
------
Dolby True HD
DTS-Master Audio
Linear PCM 2, 5.1, 7.1 channel up to 24bit/192kHz
Dolby Digital 5.1

MUSIC
------
ATRAC (.oma .msa .aa3)
AAC (.3gp .mp4)
MP3 (.mp3)
WAV (.wav)

IMAGES
------
JPEG
GIF
PNG
TIFF
BMP

360:
hdmi v1.2
DVD
Halo

[Zool 08]

and also RROD

[Persistantthug]

PS3 has bluray to deliver HDTV and 7.1 audio.

XBOX 360 has DVD and 5.1.

What's the point?

[AnonUser5555]

This Article in a nutshell:

"Most people probably think the PS3 is better for home theatre setups. It is. The end. "

[RealtorMDandDC]

Home Media Player on the market for the money....$299.00

[JonnyBigBoss]

I don't see how there can even be an argument here.

[cyborg6971]

What a joke of a question if you didn't already know the correct answer then you must be working at best buy.

[Missan]

The one that's reliable and offers TRUE high definition (for those of you who don't know, it's the PS3.)

[Baka-akaB]

Even if bluray wasnt a factor , wich in fact is a big one ... the 360 loses for the simple fact you can't even copy files onto it .

I smell stleath disagrees , but it is a big thing to me ... i dont mind streaming to the console , but i should be able to use and fill a 120gb from an elite however i want ... and surprisingly i cant . MY pc and usb drives are often full and i use my ps3 as a buffer video zone for stuff i need to watch yet might not keep , i simply cant with the 360 .

i'm somewhat expected instead to fill it with junk demos and trials , far too expensive games on demand , so far not really hd movies i dont even buy or rent on ps3 neither , or game installs .
That's quite a load of bullsh*t restrictions when the console is hacked anyway very easily without the need of solders or chips , or when the hdd wasnt even a pre-requisite on every 360 to begin with .

I even understand with hdd capacitity didnt really move up with the 360 for so long , what's even the need ? You'd need to keep and buy almost everything to fill it carelessly . Wich is why 250gb and 1tb drive wont be there until the need arise with 1080p vids .

[Neo604]

are you smater than a 5th grader?

[Bell Boy]

Why O Why do these articles imply that Netflix is not available on PS3?

a one off purchase of Play On of only $40 enables the ps3 to access Netflix, Hulu, CBS and many others infact we save $70 a month as we canceled cable and get all our shows via hulu.

Through my browser I can access a site dedicated to the greatest car show ever Top Gear.

So please tell me how the 360 even compares ...pmsl

[Baka-akaB]

Because they like to pretend it's hard to open a browser , and that it's easier to navigate through the 360's NXE interface than the XMB .
Wich is incredibly funny and yet so sad .

hell if you care about facebooks , you could swear that ps3 owners wont have access and be missing out something ... wich fit the same funny and sad pattern

[ultimolu]

PS3.

/end thread

[mrnjl]

Its obvious the PS3 is the winner here fullstop. Blu-ray is the ultimate home theater format (and only HD format now HDDVD is dead)

As for PS3 being a better media player. Im sorry but anyone with a PC with Windows 7 + a couple of HDTV tuners inside the PC + Xbox360 Media Center knows the 360 is the ultimate media player.
Anyone who disagrees obviously has not tried it.

The fangirls seem to forget the 360 is a media center extender.
HDTV+TVGuide+PVR, HD movies with almost every video file format supported, excellent music player with album covers and alot of after market apps(youtube,games,web browser ect) and more all at the control of your Xbox remote.

I know it isnt really fair because a 360 cannot do this on its own but if you have a PC and a 360 it is well worth the time to upgrade to WIndows 7 RC and set this up. We now have 3X360 in our house and a Windows 7 PC running all the TV/Movies in our house. Only painful thing is the Blu-ray movies have to be ripped to the Hard drive (damn you MS bring out a blu-ray drive!)

[GiantEnemyCrab]

"As for PS3 being a better media player. Im sorry but anyone with a PC with Windows 7 + a couple of HDTV tuners inside the PC + Xbox360 Media Center knows the 360 is the ultimate media player.
Anyone who disagrees obviously has not tried it. "

AMEN! Someone who sounds like they actually know what they are talking about when it comes to media.

I give the PS3 Blu-ray and the 7.1 lossless, even though I imagine few people have 7.1 lossless receivers to take advantage of it. Just look at HDtv adoption and I can't imagine it being higher for 7.1 lossless HD audio.

Beyond those 2 there is nothing else the PS3 gives me over the 360 in my media needs.

[glennc]

7.1 is hardly worth a mention. PS3 owners just like to talk it up because it can actually do it. so in essence it is better for it but not if no one uses it. if i was using 7.1 i would have a standalone blu-ray player because i would be serious about it. PS3 is a good blu-ray player but far from the best and not worth buying a playstation just for a blu-ray drive that i won't even use for another year.

[DR-IVO]

But but I thought Blu-ray failed 3 years ago?

[PandemicPrawn0]

I thought they were supposed to play games?

As for the question at hand...I dunno, PS3 probably.

[likedamaster]

PS3 gets used for bluray ONLY and a few games. 360 is the better experience for me. I just listen to more music, play more games, and watch more movies on my 360. Sorry droids, compatibilities with certain formats doesn't equal a better theater experience for all people.

[GrandDragon]

Why would you compromise and watch low quality Movies on your Xbox when the PS3 has a better DVD format capability AND UP SCALING?

And if you are streaming then the PS3 is still better since netflix offers Exclusive Blu-ray movies via the PS3 Web Browser.

Oh not to forget the Jet Engine noise emitting from the Xbox 360

[AKS]

It's not even close.

Lossless 7.1 LPCM versus 5.1 Dolby? Not even a contest.

[LCF]

The DVD playback is not even top of the line in the X360. The PS3 has a top of the line upscale DVD player built in along with top of the line Blu-ray player. The audio play back is top rate as well. Sony's laser is a work of art, able to play most of the optical formats on the market.

Sony IS an electronics company at its heart and it shows in the PS3.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Not a single mention of the ability of the 360 to connect to a Windows Media Center PC which opens up a bunch of new options and things the PS3 can't do. Also, the 360 does provide an Optical Out but you need to have the cable.

So while I agree with this article considering an out of the box purchase. But once it's connected and being fully utilized it's a beast of a Media machine and yes I have my PS3 sitting right next to it but the 360 owns my living room for media. I do have a few Blu-rays however and those look great!

I can't tell you how many times I see "Data Not Supported" or "Corrupt Data" on many media files but they play just fine on the 360. For having "official" DiVX support, the 360's non-official plays a lot more of my media.

Anyway, too each his own but this article is like newbie media usage and well it's goozex so I'm not surprised.

[Midgard228]

media center works on my ps3 and i watch divx movies on my ps3 just fine. tho media center works on my ps3 i dont use t on either my xbox or ps3, tho my computer does automatically detect my 360 which is cool.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Maybe you are thinking Windows Media Player. Windows Media Center does not work with the PS3 and is different.

If you have an Xbox360 I highly recommend hooking it up to Windows Media Center it opens up a ton of new options.

[djfullshred]

The question wasn't which device is a better "media machine". The question was which is a better home theater system. Accessing media is not necessarily within the scope of what people think of as "home theater experience". The home theater experience is about tryng to get closer to the cinema experience when watching movies at home, not how many crappy divx or mp3 files you can link from your PC.

[Midgard228]

that and i dont care, if i wanna watch a bluray i just rent it for free and use my ps3.

wish i cud use otherthings to put music on my 360, only using disc, zune is annoying, and media center. rather use SD cards and or thumb drives *shrugs. lol trust me im lazy haha, didnt even do remote play on my psp yet and had it for 2 years.

being able o go on youtube on my ps3 is awesome btw :) watch wat ever i feel like generaly and being able to just install a terabite Harddrive on ps3 helps having everything i need on there

[jack_burt0n]

No the ps3 is a better media machine full stop. Only person desperately saying otherwise is crab LOL

[Midgard228]

lets see, nice hd tv, nice dolby hi def sound, automatically the ps3 is the onyl one that can watch current hidef movies (blu-ray) and use dolby hi-def sound, xbox cant do neither of those lol

[KingKionic]

Ps3 obviously is the better home theater experience (Blray full hd 7.1 sound).

But as a media player thats debatable .

[OrganicMachine]

I dunno if you kids remembered but around 06 - 07 Sony had a hard time figuring out if the PS3 is a multimedia box or a game console..

[glennc]

they didnt even advertise it as a games machine early on. they don't really care about games when compared to the money they can make on blu-ray. that is the difference. so yes it is a great media player.

[glennc]

home theatre/media player = PS3 (not just blu-ray but better media playback unless you have WinMCE)

games = 360

i bought my 360 to play games as movies suck these days. games have surpased movies now and will continue to do so until hollywood wakes up and stops spending their script budget on CGI.

[ReBurn]

PS3 without a doubt! I love PS3 and 360, but the PS3 has the 360 beat when it comes to movies and music. Just my humble opinion.

[Paradise Lost]

I didn't bother reading it.

Blu ray is better and offers a much better experience hands down.

[HDgamer]

Media and HD games on Ps3. Few good exclusives = 360

[OGharryjoysticks]

.

[strickers]

Talking about features is one thing but there is a more basic problem for 360.It's DVD playback is ugly as hell next to PS3,which has very good(better than my mid range up scaling pioneer)DVD playback.Blu ray is just fantastic too but I'm pointing out that lists of what they can do ignores the quality issue.The gap is large,I've used both.

[kraze07]

PS3. Nuff said.

[jeseth]

Ps3 has it built in and there is no upscaled DVD, onDemand stream, Netflix stream, etc. that can touch the true 1080p and uncompressed Audio of Blu Ray.

The only reason this is even a conversation is because some of the people here have not experienced Blu Ray on a sick TV with 7.1 surround. Its amazing and you feel like your house is going to shake down to the ground.

[tonywood24]

NO SUPERFAN TRASH TALK NEEDED....WITHOUT DROPPING NAMES, I WILL ANSWER THIS RIDICULOUS QUESTION (which I take as either a joke or test question) WITH ONE OF MY OWN.

WHICH SYSTEM HAS BLU RAY? I mean, WE ALL KNOW that Blu ray dvd's are not only the best for visual, BD-Live, storage, and ultimate HD Dolby-Digital (HD True Cinema), but 24p/120 & 240hz display as well. Before haters begin to insult me with cheap, un-imaginitive and non-creative smack....realize that I am only exposing the preposterous question. Only providing HDMI, WITHOUT Blu Ray, does not enhance the home theater experience! See, one company provided WiFi, Blu Ray, Internet access (Which is critical for Blu Ray player updates), Adequate HD space for a real reason (Save BD-Live content and space for loading your Blu Ray DVD faster and in the same spot you left your movie in), AND free online service.

ALL OF THIS DIRECTLY EFFECTS YOUR HOME MOVIE THEATER EXPERIENCE...NOT NETFLICKS. (And although I don't use Netflicks, I do think it's cool.) I just feel that going to rent movies is better for community interaction, getting snacks/food, and getting your question answered on what movies are best suggested. (You can get reviews from netflicks, but people don't take in account of the fact that your getting opinions from people, all over the country.) This is bad for the simple fact that New Yorkers, Cali people, and Southerners are all different. MAKE SENSE, DON'T IT? Everyone knows the correct answer, I just think this was posted to start more PS, 360, Wii, and PC arguments. I admit that Halo and Gears are the two heavyweights of system pushing heavyweights, and I hope MS fans will at least give PS3 it's credit for taking the risk and working with Blu ray format/DVD.

[dragonelite]

Ooow sh!t what do you expect a console like the ps 3 that got marketed as a home entertainment system with games function or a console that got marketed as a games system with home entertainment capability.

Of course the ps 3 is the best