Im going to bite the bullet and pick up a Blu-Ray player over the next few weeks; Im still using a bog standard TV but Im tired of buying DVDs knowing Im going to end up buying them again in Blu-Ray in the future, its a complete waste of money. I know nothing about them other than the snippets I pick up in the press so I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for something that is affordable and future proof? I keep hearing things about some players being obsolete and not supporting modern features so obviously Id like something that is up to date, and if possible Id like something that can also play region 1 DVDs as I seem to have a growing collection of international releases, but thats not 100% essential if itll push the price up ridiculously high.

Agreed with XEntity, the PS3 is still pretty much the only choice. Companies are still pumping out profile 1.1 Blu-ray players so unless you really research a lot then its not a good idea to go buying anything else.

So does the PS3 come in upgraded, all singing all dancing, latest version flavour? I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in using one to play games so it would just be to watch films.

Unlike the drives the PS3 is able to be software updated and able to handle the new features of blu-ray when they come due to the nature of it being a console and in terms of the features and the net access if you want a blu ray player it is the thing to get really.
When I get a blu ray I will be getting a ps3 just for that.

There are some from LG and Samsung that are upgradable, but Profile 2.0 stuff isnt in the shops just yet IIRC.  Though I may be wrong as its about 2 months since I last did a proper check.  That said, if you arent too bothered about the really high-end features of profile 2.0, or want one now and dont mind buying one later on then spend £150 for a basic 1.0 or 1.1 player, and move it to your bedroom when you upgrade.  The PS3 isnt the only option.  I actually saw that Richer Sounds in Preston has some Sharp BluRay players in for £130 last week.  

Although I recommended a PS3 personally I have a HTPC, currently only runs downloded HD content, but will be purchasing at somepoint a BluRay/HDDVD drive for around £65 (Current price)

That may be another thing to consider? But really depends on if you stricktly just want a BluRay, or if you want that and some other features?

Just make sure you send them the bills before the deadline!

What I mean is that normally when companies offer free PS3s you have to send in proff that you are still paying the bills, but you have deadlines to send the bills by, and if you are 1 day late then you have to pay for the PS.