Sony BDP-S300

Pros: Slim, sleek and it looks good.Fantastic picture and sound!

Cons: Minor issue but load time is a bit slow.

Summary: Love everything about this unit and i have the ability to compare both HD-DVD and Blue-Ray. Now, i have to consider that my HD-DVD is the add on for my Xbox-360 so it may be at a slight disadvantage but even so, i will have to give the nod to Blue-Ray for over all picture quality and a big nod on sound. Blue-Ray just seems to do both better. This player is simple but looks great with the blue tint and single glowing light when on.Connetions are plenty for all modern recievers or most HD Televisions. I will say that if you have the option of HDMI, use it.The very first startup and setup does take a minute( as they clearly note in the paperwork) but even after that, powering on to tray opening seems to take a bit long. In any case, it is the only real complaint i have and is a very minor one at that. I watched the Itailian Job as my first movie on this unit and compared it side by side with a standard version of the movie i have just to see what the deal was. To say Blue-Ray looks and sounds better would be the understatement of the year. There really is no comparison to be honest. What we have all gotten used to watching over the years with DVD is not even half of what Blue-Ray offers in picture and sound. I am extremmly happy with this unit and running it with my Yamaha Reciever and JBL surround setup makes for one more reason to save the 10 bucks and watch a movie at home. When rental stores start offering more titles in HD, i will be in heaven.
Having both technologies on hand keeps me covered untill one format wins the war, until then, i will enjoy both. For the price, 499.99 when i bought, its a reasonable exspense to get next generation technology. Go for it.