which console do you think is better, Xbox360 or PS3

[taggart6]

Aside from BluRay playback, what makes the PS3 a better media system? I ask because I've been using my 360 for streaming video from my PC and Netflix without issue.

I find the PS3 XMB to be faster when navigating my media selection and playing video. I also find the over all streaming system to be much more robust and fluid and that's even more true now with PS3 Media Server. I have an older 360 and selecting a video takes more time and the Windows Media Center interface feels clunky and slow. I also prefer the video controls with the PS3 then the 360.

All in all the PS3 feels faster and more fluid when it comes to streaming. This is purely a personal thing so I don't expect others to feel the same way. It really comes down to you preference.

I've noticed that the PS3 has better video processing than the 360. I've played some low quality video on both and the PS3 better smooths and denoises the image. I think the 360 doesn't have any processing at all, but I'm not sure about that. You can change the video options on the PS3 to by pass the filters if needed. It's not a massive difference, but noticeable side by side. The PS3 is also capable of 1920x1080 1:1 pixel mapping, which makes upscaling DVDs look better than the 360's. If you have a high end TV set or receiver, then they may already do this for you. The PS3's video processor is better compared to high end graphics cards than other consoles.

The PS3 is the media choice if you want to stream from an internet source (like netflix), but don't want to carry the live cost. Bluray is obvious as well. Now that bluray movies are getting in the 10-15 dollar range, I've picked up a few titles and can definitely tell the difference.

My 360 is an older model (Elite) so it doesn't have wifi, but that's a moot point now.

Saying "aside from bluray", why is the PS3 better is kind of like saying "aside from the gold what makes a gold bar worth so much." The bluray is definitely the main attraction and a must for anyone looking to build a current media center.

Honestly I rarely use blu-ray and its just a nice feature for the few times I do. For a person that is more concerned with streaming then playing physical media, I'd say the blu-ray player is the silver lining to my already golden bar.