Digital Trends

While the weather outside is indeed frightful, gathering around the fireplace has never been more delightful thanks to cutting-edge advancements in home video hardware. Don’t have access to the Yule Log DVD, let alone in high-definition (HD)? Ease up off the egg nog – there’s no need to panic. You can stay nice and cozy indoors this holiday season curled up with one of these great gifts instead.

Download Your Favorite Flicks - Samsung BD-P2500 Blu-Ray Player: $400 

Seeing increasing demand for more easily-accessible content, several Blu-ray player manufacturers are introducing streaming on-demand video capability to their wares. While LG was first to the punch with their Netflix-enabled BD300 player, Samsung isn’t far behind. For example: The company recently gave owners of the BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 players access to Netflix movies and Pandora music. Of course, these models – among our top picks this season – are first and foremost premium Blu-ray players capable of displaying films at 1080p (read: blistering high-def) resolution; the fact you can stream Netflix movies on-command just makes them that more enjoyable. So, in addition to playing back Blu-ray discs, you also get access to Netflix’s 12,000-strong library of movies online, streaming in near-standard-def quality – not a bad bonus. If you already own either of these units, you can add the Netflix upgrade for free at Samsung Support. To enjoy the Netflix capability, you will, however, need a Netflix subscription.  (Check Price)