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The best Blu-ray players in 2024 make it easy to catch up on your favorite shows
Physical media is far from dead. In fact, it’s a better time than ever to own your favorite TV series and movies, given that they often disappear from streaming services in the blink of an eye. So if you’re someone who collects Blu-ray discs for your home theater setup, you’re going to want to start with a great Blu-ray player first.
A great Blu-ray player can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most out of what you watch. With the advent of 4K and HDR, they’ve evolved to deliver crisp, crystal clear picture and sound quality. So no matter what you buy on Blu-ray, you can enjoy it to the fullest at home with the right player.
But which Blu-ray player should you bring home? Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated film fan, we’ve rounded up some picks.
The best Blu-ray players in 2024
Best Blu-ray player: Panasonic DP-UB820
If you’re looking for the best Blu-ray player for most users, look no further than the Panasonic DMP-UB820. This player has a nice balance of features, performance and value. That makes it the best choice for just about everyone who needs a Blu-ray player.
It has full HDR support for vibrant colors, sharp textures and accurate black tones. Even when you play standard, non-4K Blu-ray or DVD discs, this player’s upscaling ability sharpens and enhances picture quality so it’s almost like seeing your favorites come to life in a new way. It also has Dolby Atmos support so it can fill your room with loud, clear sound.
Aside from connecting it directly to your TV or stereo system, it can use Wi-Fi for video streaming and even has a dedicated HDMI audio output for even higher-quality sound. That means it should mesh well with just about any setup you have going on in your living room with little muss or fuss.
Best premium Blu-ray player: Panasonic DP-UB9000
If you want the absolute best in home entertainment and have an elite home theater setup, the Panasonic DP-UB9000 is the ultimate 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Yes, it’s pricey, and that’s because it’s for the most elite cinephile. That’s why everything about it says “luxury” in many ways.
The heavy metal build and premium design make it clear that this player is in a class of its own. It supports all the key HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. You can also count on it for fantastic audio quality. With high-quality DACs, two-channel and 7.1-channel analogue outputs as well as support for Hi-Res Audio, this player has you covered in terms of audio. To top it all off, the DP-UB9000 comes packed with plenty of smart features.
This level of performance doesn’t come cheap, so you’ll absolutely be paying a pretty penny. But if quality is of the utmost importance to you, this is the Blu-ray player of your dreams.
Best budget Blu-ray player: Sony UBP-X700
Don’t want to spend an entire paycheck on a Blu-ray player? You don’t need to. The Sony UBP-X700 is an affordable player offers an impressive array of features and performance that belies its budget-friendly price point.
Its exceptional picture quality may come as a surprise, given that this player is so afforable. But whether you’re watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster or a classic film, this Blu-ray player can offer a great-looking picture that you can be proud of, even if you’re watching only top-of-the-line 4K releases.
It supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10, ensuring that you can enjoy the widest possible range of 4K content. While it doesn’t support HDR10+, this omission is hardly a dealbreaker considering the player’s affordable price point. Despite not being marketed as a hi-res audio player, the UBP-X700 can even play high-resolution audio files and supports various formats such as WAV and FLAC.
For less than $200, you really can’t do better than this Blu-ray player, so be sure to grab it if you want to have high quality at a low price.
Best Blu-ray player and console combo: PlayStation 5 Slim
If you need to play Blu-ray discs but want a multifunction player to handle it, you can’t go wrong with a PlayStation 5, namely the PS5 Slim, which means you can play movies as well as video games from the same device.
As a 4K Blu-ray player, the PS5 Slim is a great space-saving option for anyone who loves video games, movies and TV. It lets you enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows in high definition, then switch over to the latest and greatest games without having to get up and change the disc out given the PS5 Slim’s spacious hard drive.
You don’t need a remote since you can use the included DualSense controller, and given that there are tons of new games always releasing in tandem with films and TV, you can kill two birds with one stone with this device. Plus, you’ll have more space free, without having to have both gaming console and Blu-ray player.
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Why do central banks buy gold? Experts weigh in
Central banks have added significant amounts of gold to their reserves in recent years — and their buying continues even as gold’s price reaches new highs.
While the precious metal offers unique protections during economic uncertainty, it also comes with challenges. Storage costs and lack of income generation, for example, make it a complex investment choice.
These tradeoffs raise this question: Why do the world’s largest financial institutions value gold so much? Below, three experts who track central bank activity reveal the reasoning and offer helpful context that could inform your approach to gold buying.
Find out more about adding gold to your investment portfolio today.
Why do central banks buy gold? Experts weigh in
Here are six reasons why central banks buy gold, according to industry professionals:
Diversification
Central banks traditionally held most of their reserves in major world currencies, especially U.S. dollars. Today, many are shifting this balance.
“Holding gold helps diversify a central bank’s reserves, reducing reliance on any single asset or currency,” says Daniel Boston, founder of Preserve Gold.
This move goes beyond simple portfolio diversification. Terry Hanlon, president of Dillon Gage Metals, points out “physical gold [gives] central banks an asset that operates outside the traditional banking system.”
This becomes paramount when geopolitical tensions rise, as gold stays immune to financial sanctions or asset freezes that could affect foreign currency holdings.
Start diversifying your portfolio with gold now.
Stable store of value
Unlike paper money, gold can’t simply be printed; the limited supply helps to keep the value stable.
“[It’s] scarce, very difficult to mine and limited in supply,” says Alex Ebkarian, COO and co-founder of precious metals dealer Allegiance Gold. Every year, central banks compete with private buyers for this limited resource, driving long-term demand.
Plus, gold has maintained its value over centuries, Boston says. This track record explains why central banks worldwide hold over 36,000 metric tons of gold in their vaults. When economic conditions change, these holdings provide a foundation of stability.
Hedge against inflation
“Precious metals can act as a hedge against inflation, as their value often increases when the purchasing power of fiat currencies declines,” Boston highlights. Central banks use this relationship to protect their massive currency reserves.
Generally, gold buying increases when central banks expect inflation to rise. They hold these reserves long-term, using them to protect national wealth through various economic cycles.
Financial security
Tangible assets, including gold, provide security and liquidity for central banks, according to Boston. Such qualities help them settle international debts and maintain stable currencies.
This security comes from what experts call “no counterparty risk.” Unlike bonds or currencies, gold’s value doesn’t depend on any institution’s ability to pay its debts, Ebkarian explains. When you own gold, you don’t have to worry about another party defaulting on their obligations.
These unique properties create strategic opportunities. A less-discussed advantage Hanlon shares is central banks don’t just store their gold — they use it for financial operations such as swap deals and collateralized lending. These activities give central banks more flexibility in managing monetary policy.
Historical trust
Civilizations have valued gold as a reliable asset throughout history. From ancient trade to modern banking, its importance has never faded. This trust has been earned through centuries of testing. Through wars, depressions and financial crises, gold has remained a cornerstone of national reserves. Central banks have witnessed this stability firsthand, which continues to guide their investment decisions today.
Crisis management
“In times of financial crisis, gold can be a crucial asset for maintaining economic stability,” says Boston. This stability comes from how gold strengthens a bank’s overall position.
It “improves a central bank’s risk-adjusted capital ratios,” Hanlon says. With this stronger foundation, central banks gain options for emergency response. They can take bold action to protect the economy when conventional solutions aren’t enough.
The bottom line
Central banks’ growing gold reserves show its enduring value. Even at elevated prices, gold offers benefits that attract institutions and individuals. It protects against economic shocks, operates outside the banking system and maintains long-term stability.
You don’t need perfect timing to start investing in gold. Hanlon suggests a simple approach: Make regular, small purchases over time. This strategy helps manage risk as you build your position. But before starting your gold investing journey, work with a reputable financial advisor to create a plan that matches your goals.
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