Q In a recent article about Blu-ray, you suggested that people wait until the 2.0 format players come out rather than the 1.0 currently in use. Can you explain what these two numbers mean?

DON NOTO, Beacon Falls, Conn.

A The numbers refer to Blu-ray "profiles." There are three Blu-ray profiles: 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0.

Profile 1.0 or "grace period" profile Blu-ray players simply play the movie and start around $399. They tend to be kind of slow and there have been some player and software compatibility issues, which are two reasons I don't recommend them, especially when there is a far superior alternative available for the same $399. All of the stand-alone players on the market now (except one) are Profile 1.0.

Profile 1.1 or "Bonus View" players play the movie and add a secondary video decoder for picture-in-picture special features. There is only one Profile 1.1 model currently available, a $499 Panasonic. More will be coming this year, priced from $349 and up. The Sony Playstation 3 supports Profile 1.1 now and is available for $399.

Profile 2.0 or "BD-Live" players will play the movie, support Bonus View and add an Internet connection for Web interactive content and firmware updates. The Profile 2.0 standard is not fully developed but is expected this year. The Playstation 3 will support BD-Live via a firmware update when Profile 2.0 is launched.

The obvious message here is if you want a Blu-ray player, get a Playstation 3. It is the fastest, most reliable Blu-ray player available, can be updated to Profile 2.0, and is priced the same as an entry-level Profile 1.0 player. The PS3 has been well supported by Sony and is rock-solid reliable, unlike the competing Profile 1.0 players at the same price. Why would you pay the same $399 for much less? Be sure to get the Blu-ray Disc remote-control accessory for an additional $25. For your $424 you not only have the best Blu-ray player available, but you have one that should be future-proof.

Q I have a turntable that I have taken out of storage and would love to use it again. However, when I hook it up to my receiver and try to play an album, I get a hum. I know this has something to do with it the turntable needing to be grounded. How do I accomplish this? Also, could you please refresh my memory about where to find new needles/cartridges for the turntable?

DAVE WEIDA, Savage, Minn.

A Your connection cables should have a ground wire with them. You attach the ground wire to a grounding post on your receiver. The grounding post is located near the phono input.

I recommend the Needle Doctor at www.needledoctor.com for turntables, parts and accessories. They are in Minneapolis, so you can even pay them a visit in person.

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