Ask Engadget HD: What should I get on Black Friday?
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 27th 2008 10:00AM
posted Nov 27th 2008 10:00AM
"No surprise, Black Friday 2008 is tomorrow. I don't particularly need anything, but I'm always down for an HD-related deal. I don't have time to shuffle through all those ads -- what are the best items to get, and where do I head to get 'em?"
You've seen our breakdown of HD-related sales for Black Friday, but now it's time to toss in your votes for the best deals around. We know, it's slim pickings this year, but show us what ya got in comments.
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
[Image courtesy of Sun-Sentinel]
After looking at the ads in this mornings paper I would say that this year is the worst Black Friday I can remember. Pretty much everything is old models and prices are much higher than I expected. Where are all the blu-ray movies? Only two major brand blu-ray players under $200. 720P and 1080P plasmas are no differently priced on Black Friday then they were all last week. Digital cameras are all older models and not great prices. When they tally the totals for this Black Friday I think you'll see the retailers singing the blues and blaming it on the economy. They should be blaming it on their weak selections and pricing
Ok, so not sure why I was the first one to post a comment (if it still is). Maybe this isn't the place to ask questions. Maybe it's just that it was posted 30 minutes ago and I am up way too early. Maybe everyone is busy setting up their USB 3.0 powered turkey deep fryers. Ok, maybe thats next year.
But I will ask about BluRay players. I was going try and snag a Samsung BD-1500 because there is a Walmart close (I am on 'holiday' in Yountville, CA just north of Napa at the girlfriends grandparents house). Last night you guys threw me for a loop with the posting about the BD-2500 adding Netflix on demand HD streaming in the next firmware upgrade. So here it the actual question(s) finally.
Dear Engadget overlords (you are robots, right?)
Will netflix streaming video service survive and be robust enough for this to be a factor in my choice? Are there any other desirable features in the 2500 that may be worth the extra green (blue, yellow, grey, platinum... mine will be green(ish) because I don't have any plastic)?
Consider it looks like the going rate for the Samsung BD-1500 is $199 or there abouts right now, I would say don't even bother trying to fight the crowds tomorrow to get it. Do more research to see if the Netflix streaming is worth while to you. The Roku Netflix device is $99, so if you do decide it is for you, I think you would be better off spending the $100 more to get the BD-2500.
well i have the HD streaming on my Xbox 360 and it is pretty impressive. And even if your going to only watch the SD movies offered they are I'd say better quality than DVD, and I have a $300 upconverting Denon, with a 720p 32", so I'd think it is worth it. Also the 2500/2550 has Pandora internet radio which is really an awesome service. I think the 2500/2550 is the best player for the money.
Hope this helps, Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
5 extra hours of sleep.
HD LCD prices have not fallen enough to justify purchasing one.
Blue Ray is ridiculous when the bulk of movies are not available in BR format and upconverting players cost under $90. Look for blue ray to be the new laser disk or 8 track-killed by the recession- while download HD 1080p gains ground.
consumers will not 'Black Friday'- so look for further, deeper retail cuts.
BTW I sell home theaters. We eke out a living installing customer's internet purchases.
Technology purchases will be in free fall this year.
Went to kmart for the Sony 350 Blu-Ray player. they had 8, i was tenth in line. then rushed to another kmart because they said they had two left at 705am. got their 715 and they were gone. gonna try sears tomorrow at 430am. honestly who goes to sears and kmart for electronics HONESTLY.
whats worst is i upgraded my netflix to bluray in anticipation. i just want to watch no county for old men in 1080p off my costco bravia 120hrz.
Jesus, wlaking into a Best Buy theres over 50 of each Blu-Ray at all locations it looks like.
Aw remember when trying to find a PS3 when there were no where to be found, & scouring the internet for PS3 sightings
Myself, I'm looking to buy:
Simpsons seasons at best buy $15 a piece. I will do this saturday.
Hulk $8.99 blu-ray at Fry's. I think its the Ang Lee one but still.
No idea what else frys will have on sale that interests me. Friend of mine is looking for a panasonic bd35k player cheap. Odds are that for HD stuff (bluray players or movies) the deals will be found in the next few weeks, not this weekend.
If that blockbuster box supports HD content and proves to be hackable, I'd pick one up.