Blu-ray buzz: Exciting HD players under $300

Several models bring top-notch image quality, streaming services to TV

After its lengthy battle with HD DVD, Blu-ray emerged as the high-definition standard in 2008. Blu-ray has been advancing slowly ever since, but the format finally seems to be moving forward full-steam with the advent of 3-D video, expanded multimedia capabilities, and “flipper” discs. Costs have spiraled down and made powerful Blu-ray players distinctly more affordable. We've chosen 10 players under $300, ranging from budget models hovering around $130 to pricier, feature-packed machines at the higher end of the spectrum. Stunning Blu-ray image quality is universal, but some players provide better upscaling of regular DVDs, offer built-in Wi-Fi, or include worthy multimedia options.