[quote name='bigdaddybruce44']Well, one could just get a 360, a PS2, and a Blu-ray player.
360 with 60GB (w/o wireless adapter) - $300
PS2 - $100
So, now one would have $100 left for a Blu-ray player. That is, if they don't need to connect the 360 to the wireless router. In that case, they've already spent their $500. This is definitely a pricey unit, but if one is in the market for all three things, it's an awesome value.
I'll never understand why people don't see the value in the PS3. I'm constantly seeing the "overpriced" tag slapped on it. Is $400 or $500 a lot? Of course, but there's a difference between expensive and overpriced. If you want a current-gen game console and a high-definition player, it's an absolute no-brainer. Even if you don't want a high-definition player that much, the PS3 is still a great value, because if you watch movies at all, you'll eventually want the newer technology eventually. I don't know too many people who are still rocking their VHS players exclusively.[/quote]
I don't really see why the PS2 gets lumped into the calculations, not everyone wants one plus many already have them from long before the PS3 came out. Also not everyone wants a blu-ray player, why force someone to buy one (yes, I know that all PS3 games are on blu-ray). I see your argument about people "eventually wanting newer technology", but you forgot that that there is a significant number of people still using analog tv, vhs, dial-up, etc. Those people might eventually upgrade to blu-ray, though by that time blu-ray players would cost an insignificant amount.
The point is that there is always a "bulk/package" discount. It only makes sense that the PS3 is cheaper than buying everything seperate. However, not everyone wants to buy all of the things in the package, which, with the PS3, you have to. Also in your calculations you make the assumption that the PS3 game library is equal in value to the 360 library, with which I would strongly disagree, but won't go into explaining because I don't want to start a fanboy flamewar.
[quote name='MCNE']Which players are better?[/quote]
Players such as the Panasonic DMP-BD60 and Samsung BD-P1600 just to name a couple.