[paolo]

there are 2 other models, which cost relatively more than what I paid for, both have ethernet capabilities, where the higher end, had a wifi connection to get firmware updates. I know the convenience factor is primo on these, but its at a premium cost. I checked my $98 blue ray player, and it has a usb port on the front, I downloaded the firmware from the InteRwebZ, and threw it on a usb stick, popped it in the usb port, and it asked to update. Mind you, i could still play pretty much any disc without needing the firmware update, as long as I don't go need any of the special BD Live capable features of the disc.