Comparison chart

With excellent image quality, slick design and an attractive feature set the Samsung BD-P1200 is the best dedicated Blu-ray player yet, but its high price will scare away most buyers.

The Samsung BD-P1400 delivers a mostly capable Blu-ray player at a relatively affordable price, but it's probably still better to hold off for newer models or a PlayStation3.

The BDP-S300 is a decent choice if you're limiting yourself to a relatively cheap, standard-design Blu-ray player, but everyone else should consider the competition.

With video quality that's impressive but still not as good as its HD-DVD competition, the costly Samsung BD-P1000 will appeal only to those willing to risk a grand on a first-generation player in the middle of a format war.

The Panasonic DMP-BD10 is a very competent first-generation Blu-ray player, but its high price and the comparably affordable PlayStation 3 make it hard to recommend.