Pioneer Blu Ray Player BDP 05 FD

There is a BDP 09 FD model that will cost in the $2K. Probably out early 2009. Not much info on this piece yet.

I see the 95FD cost $200 more than the 05FD. What extra do you get for that price? Is it worth it?

Recently purchased the BDP-51FD ($600).

Think the video quality is a notch below the Toshiba A35 HD player it replaced ($350 + 10 free HD movies on Amazon).

The 51FD has (sporadic) problems resyncing dialog to the picture when slow-motion is used.
The 51FD is quieter (cooling fans?) than the Toshiba.

Finally, I've noticed my Samsung LED DLP TV making LF noise switching from scene-to-scene.
I'm not saying the Pioneer is causing this, I just never noticed the noise with the Toshiba.

Latest models are 51 FD $599.list. I just purchased from Amazon for $499. w/free shipping. Just arrived today. The other is 05FD at $799. list. Minus the "Elite" badging on the 05FD, the units are 99% the same. The new 09FD will be their "reference" player and will be close to $2k. The 95FD is a previous year's model. The general concenus is that both the 51 and 05 are upgrades from the 95FD. They're cheaper only because the market is moving all players in that direction.

Take a look at www.avsforum.com and check under BluRay sources and there is tons of info on a thread about both current models. Be prepared for a loooong read but very worthwhile.

I have the Elite 95FD and it's absolutely stunning.
The Godfather in Bluray on The Pioneer into Elite Kuros 60" was like watching the movie the 1st time I saw it in the theater. They did an awesome job with the DVD and the Pioneer Elite exploits all of it. Sound is amazing as well. I've seen the movie more than any other and have heard dialogue and sounds I have never heard.