ProductWiki

Sony BDP-S350

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:22:02 -0500

The Sony BDP-S350 is one of two new Blu-ray players (along with the Sony BDP-S550) announced for release later in 2008 from Sony. Technically it is a Profile 1.1 player because of its support for BonusView, but does not meet the Profile 2.0 designation found in the Sony BDP-550 because of its lack of at least 256 MB of local storage. However, it will support BD-Live with a firmware update via the Ethernet port, supporting interaction with Web-content. The BDP-S350 will retail for $400 when it becomes available in Summer 2008.

Features

Profile 1.1 compliant (Profile 2.0 complient after free firmware update)
BD-Live support with Ethernet port for delivering web content
BonusView with PiP
1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output
Standard DVD playback with 1080p upscaling via HDMI
7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus decoding
dts-HD High Resolution Audio and Master Audio bit-stream output
Support for AVCHD discs
Compatible with D-R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/RW (CD-DA format), and JPEG on DVD/CD
price: $400 (prices around $250 current 03-10-09)
release date: Summer 2008

Differences compared to BDP-S550

technically not Profile 2.0 compliant because it doesn't ship with local storage
doesn't support onboard decoding of DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio (does decode Dolby TrueHD)
doesn't have 7.1 analog outputs
doesn't include 1GB USB storage device
$400 ($100 cheaper)
scheduled for release in Summer 2008 instead of Fall 2008

Yamaha BD-S2900

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:47:14 -0400

The Yamaha BD-2900 is a high-end Profile 1.0 Blu-ray player from Yamaha. Featuring 1080p/24fps HDMI, 12-bit Deep Colour, BONUSVIEW, and direct HD audio bitstream output the BD-2900 is set to launch at a steep $1200. While this player boasts a fairly impressive feature-set and set of specifications, it is one of the most expensive on the market and products with competing specification can be found for half the price. This player will output high-definition audio formats, Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA, in a native bitstream format for decoding by a compatible a/v reciever. The player first became available on August 23, 2008.

Features

Video:
- full 1080p/24fps playback
- 12-bit colour ( 68.7 billion possible colors) with Chroma Upsampling price pixe Generation
- 1080p upscaling playback for DVDs, photos and personal video
Audio:
- HD audio bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio (lossless); Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
- 192kHz/24-bit audio DAC
BONUSVIEW Functions
- Profile 1.0 Version 1.1 compatibility
- Secondary Video/Audio for enhanced commentary or information
design matches the Yamaha receiver lineup
RS-232C interface for custom installation
IR in/out ports
release date: August 23, 2008
price: $1199.95 (MSRP)

Sony BDP-S550

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:25:20 -0500

The Sony BDP-S550 is one of the newest Blu-ray players to be released by Sony, and the first player by Sony to support the Profile 2.0 standard. The player features BD-Live, PiP, 1GB of storage, and 7.1 discrete analog outputs. It is the successor of the BDP-S500. The biggest difference between this higher-end model and the S350 is the inclusion of on-board HD audio decoding with 7.1 analog outs. Released in North America on October 8th 2008, the player caries a $400 price tag.

Features

Profile 2.0 player
BD-Live
1GB storage + USB for external storage
PiP (BonusView)
1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output
Standard DVD playback with 1080p upscaling via HDMI
7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus decoding
dts-HD High Resolution Audio and Master Audio bit-stream output
7.1 channel analog audio output
Support for AVCHD discs
Compatible with D-R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/RW (CD-DA format), and JPEG on DVD/CD

Upgrades from the BDP-S350

Profile 2.0 compliant
Onboard decoding of DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio
7.1 analog outputs
1GB local storage

Panasonic DMP-BD30

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:22:38 -0500

The Panasonic DMP-BD30 is the Blu-ray high-definition video player from Panasonic. It supports the newer Profile 1.1 Blu-ray standard and is an upgrade to their first entry into the Blu-ray forray, the Panasonic DMP-BD10. The DMP-BD30 is scheduled for release on or around December 2007 for $500. It supports Blu-ray outputted at up to a 1080p/24fps format over its HDMI 1.3b output, and will upconvert the existing DVD format to 1080p as well. The player has been criticized for not including the internal decoding of high-definition audio formats (ie. Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution, or DTS-HD Master Audio), but will output the raw DTS HD MA bitstream for decoding by an external receiver like the Onkyo TX-SR605.

Features

Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player supporting 1080p/24fps
HDMI 1.3b output
64kb of onboard persistent memory, 256MB of local storage
supports Picture-In-Picture commentary
Doesn't decode high-definition audio, but outputs DTS HD MA bitstream
No Ethernet jack for firmware upgrades
video outputs: HDMI, component, S-Video, RCA
audio outputs: digital coaxial, digital S/PDIF, RCA stereo, RCA 5.1
SDHC card slot for media playback (.JPG, .MP3, .AVI)
release date: December 2007
price: $500

Sony BDP-S300

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:15:42 -0400

In the battle for next-generation movie supremacy both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD have entrenched themselves as a strong competitor. With the release of the BDP-S300 Sony is aiming to compete with one of HD-DVD's advantages: price. The previous standalone BR player from Sony was the high-end BDP-S1 which retails at close to $1000. The S300 offers all of the functionality of the S1 in a much smaller profile, coming in at a size similar to normal DVD players, at almost half the price.

The S300 has the capability to play audio CDs, display picture CDs, video DVDs, and of course single and dual layer Blu-Ray movies. Audio visual capabilities include the ability to output a full 24-bit color (known as x.v.Color) 1080p FullHD signal at 24 frames per second. In non-tech speak these statistics mean that the S300 is able to display a movie in one of the closest possible ways to the actual video source maximizing picture clarity. When coupled with a television that can display a 24Hz signal (see Pioneer Elite PRO-1140HD) you are viewing the movie in the same way that it was filmed with no interpretation. On the audio side the most of the outputs desired by audiophiles is found. Uncompressed 7.1 digital audio, preprocessed 5.1 Dolby Digital, etc.

The full 1080p picture is only available when outputting through the HDMI output. DVD upconversion, up to 1080p resolution, is also only available through HDMI. When using component output the BR playback is limited to 720p, or 1080i, and no DVD upconversion is available.

Sony has also included their Bravia line of home theater synchronization technology in the S300. This allows for the television and supporting home theater equipment to detect the Blu-Ray player, and provides a streamlined interface and control through one remote control.

Sharp BD-HP20U

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:16:06 -0400

The Sharp BD-HP20U is a budget Blu-Ray player with a decent feature-set, arguably elevating it from from the "no frills" category. Standout features are its 1080p/24 fps playback, HDMI 1.3 output with support for Dobly TrueHD audio, and a QuickStart function which gets the player showing a movie in about 10 seconds (according to the manufacturer). Like all AQUOS products, it features AQUOS LINK protocol allowing you to control AQUOS branded TVs via HDMI on a single screen. The BD-HP20U also support standard DVD upscaling but reviews have suggested that its upscaling performance is little better than a standard DVD player.

Features

Full HD 1080p/24 fps video output
Profile 1.0
hdmi: 1 x HDMI 1.3 output /w audio and deep color support
audio: 1 x digital optical S/PDIF, 1 x digital coaxial
7.1 Channel digital audio output over HDMI
Quick Start Mode: enjoy content quickly without delay
Designed to work with AQUOS display using the AQUOS LINK protocol through HDMI
Upscales standard DVDs
Does not include HDMI cable
Price: $499.99
Release date: September 21, 2007

This player was released before November 1st, 2007 and is not profile 1.1 compliant. No secondary video decoder chip is included inside the box meaning you will not be able to take advantage of Profile 1.1 features such as Picture-in-Picture. Blu-Ray discs that contain these special features will still play normally, you just won't be able to access the extras that fall under the 1.1 umbrella.

Updating the firmware is accomplished through loading the latest version (available from the Sharp website) onto a USB memory stick and following the instructions. No DVD/CD burning is required to update the firmware.

Samsung BD-P1400

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:15:32 -0500

The Samsung BD-P1400 is a dedicated Blu-Ray player that is part of Samsung's 3rd generation line, and is notable since it is the cheapest stand-alone unit available. Being part of the 3rd generation of players Samsung has upgraded a few features including decoding of high definition audio. The BD-P1400 also acts as an upconverting DVD player that can output standard definition films at HD resolutions, including 1080p. An ethernet port is found on the player itself to handle firmware upgrades. For those without an Internet connection to the player, the firmware can be upgraded by downloading and burning the software to a disc to be played in the unit itself.

Spec list

Blu-ray playback at content native HD resolution of 1080p/1080i/720p
1080p/24fps/1080p/60fps
Selectable DVD upconversion (720p/1080i/1080p)
HDMI version 1.3, component video, S-Video outputs
Integrated audio decoding for: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD
MPEG2, VC-1, H.264, HD JPEG decoding
BD/DVD/CD playback
Stereo and 5.1/7.1-channel audio outputs (8 channel uncompressed, 7.1 analog)
Ethernet port
Coaxial and optical digital audio outputs
BD Java support

Audio can be output through the digital optical port, or through the analog outputs after the player has decoded the audio itself. Integrated audio decoding is useful for people with older receivers that can't handle the modern Dolby signals that are included on Blu-Ray discs.

The BD Java technology lets the player support the more advanced interactive features found on Blu-Ray discs including games. It's unclear as to which profile this player is and whether it can handle PIP processing, though the lack of documentation indicates that PIP support is not included.

Sony BDP-S2000ES

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:21:16 -0500

The Sony BDP-S2000ES is the flagship product in Sony's Blu-Ray player lineup. It was first released in September 2007 and has an MSRP of $1299.99. The BDP-S2000ES bears Sony's "ES" designation to denote that it meets their Elevated Standards found in legacy Sony equipment. At $1300, it is significantly more expensive than the next model down: the Sony BDP-S500 that retails for $700. Improvements over the BDP-S500 include a more modular circuit board design that separates the audio and video circuitry, a sturdier (and arguably striking) chassis design, and IR-in.

Features

Blu-ray Disc player meeting Sony's Elevated Standards (ES)
Full HD 1080/60p with 24p
Dolby Digital TrueHD/DTS-HD Master bitstream out via HDMI
Uncompressed multi-channel liner PCM
BD-ROM/DVD/CD playback
BRAVIA Theater Sync
DVD upscaling to 1080p via HDMI
AVC-HD with x.v.Color output
IR-in
Sturdy construction
Separate audio/video boards for stunning sound and picture quality

Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:43:35 -0500

The Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD is the third generation Blu-ray player from Pioneer released in October, 2007. It succeeds the BDP-94HD and BDP-HD1, and retails for $1000. The BDP-95FD supports Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital+, DTS-HD High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio high-definition audio formats. It features an HDMI 1.3 output (/w HDMI-CEC technology for controlling other connected devices), 1080p/24 fps output, and includes Pioneer's proprietary "Home Media Gallery" functionality allowing you to stream DLNA-compatible devices across your home network.

Features

3rd generation Pioneer Blu-ray player
HDMI 1.3 with HDMI-CEC support
1080p/24 fps video output
hd audio formats: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital+, DTS-HD High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio
Ethernet port for home networking using proprietary "Home Media Gallery" system
release date: October 2007
price: $1000

Sony BDP-S500

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:21:01 -0500

The Sony BDP-S500 is a basic profile (1.0) Blu-Ray player capable of upscaling DVDs to 1080p via HMDI. It can display images at both 60p and 24p, and will play back video encoded in MPEG-2/MPEG-4-AVC and VC-1 codecs. The player is capable of 7.1 HDMI and 5.1 analog audio output, as well as uncompressed PCM sound, plus Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True-HD and DTS-HD via HDMI. The player also features "Bravia Theatre Sync" to synchronise with other Sony Bravia-series equipment controllable from a single remote.

Features

Profile 1.0
Upscale DVDs to 1080p via HDMI
Can display images at 60p and 24p
Compatible with MPEG-2, MPEG-4-AVC and VC-1 codecs
Bravia Theatre Sync
7.1 HDMI and 5.1 analog audio output
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, LPCM decoding and HDMI output
Component and composite video output

Panasonic DMP-BD55

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:38:40 -0400

The DMP-BD55 is a high-end Blu-Ray player from Panasonic. Both the Panasonic DMP-BD55 and Panasonic DMP-BD35 are set to replace the DMP-BD30 and DMP-BD50 models which were released in early 2008. Almost the same as the lesser Panasonic DMP-BD35, the DMP-BD55 features 7.1 analog outputs and other audio enhancements. The player also includes an SD card slot for firmware upgrades, an Ethernet port for BD Live access and vibration-reducing feet to keep the player from bouncing during playback. Using Panasonic's UniPhier integrated video circuitry the BD-55 can transmit a full 1080p HD signal, while requiring 20% less wattage than it's previous matching models making for a more "environment" friendly device. The BD-55 also offers a decoding and bitstream of all the advanced audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution & Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus). The device has an MSRP of $399.95.

Features

Video
- Full 1080/24p HD support through Panasonic's UniPhier integrated processor
- Deep color and x.v. color compatibility
- Full Bonusview (Profile 1.1.) and BD Live (Profile 2.0) capabilities out of the box
Audio
- 7.1 analog audio outputs and enhancements
- Optimized audio outputs (gold plated)
- Decoding and bitstream support for all advanced audio codecs
- DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD internally decoded to multi-channel PCM output
"Vibration-reducing feet" to ensure superior audio/video quality and sound
Slim black design
Uses 20% less wattage than earlier models
Release Date: Sometime in October, 2008
MSRP: $399.95

Philips BDP7200/37

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:20:11 -0400

The Philips BDP7200/37 (aka Philips 7200) is a Profile 1.1, and Philips' first, Blu-ray player. It was released in April 2008 with an MSRP of $399. It supports BonusView (PIP), but is not upgradeable to Profile 2.0 since it lacks an Ethernet port. This player is priced at the lower-end of the scale to other competitors, but has received some critical praise as a good-value for the price. It has also been criticized for having slow load times with the total time from power-on to viewing a movie taking on average over 60 seconds. The DBP7200 outputs 1080p / 24 fps video while bitstreaming high-definition audio formats over HDMI. The player will also upconvert standard definition DVDs to 1080p over HDMI.

Features

Profile 1.1 Blu-ray plaer
BonusView (Picture-In-Picture)
1080p @ 24 fps video output
Bitstreamed PCM audio over HDMI
outputs: 1 x HDMI, 5.1 analog RCA pre-outs, stereo RCA, 1 x Digital Optical, 1x Digital Coaxial, 1 x Component Video, 1 x RCA Video
no Ethernet port (can't be upgraded to Profile 2.0)
EasyLink for controlling devices via HDMI-CEC
upconversion to 1080p over HDMI
price: $400
release date: April 2008

LG BH100

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:48:08 -0500

LG debuted its hybrid Super Blu BH100 Blu-ray/HD DVD player at CES 2007. This player, that hit shelves early February 2007, solves the nextgen DVD format wars by being able to play both. To hedge your bets, you will have to pay, though, as the BH100 is expected to retail for $1,199. The player is able to display 1080p resolutions via its HDMI connector. Future-proof consumers should be aware that the HDMI connector meets only the 1.2 standard and not the newer 1.3.

It does not fully support HD DVD since it cannot display any of its menus or interactive content. The second generation LG BH200 solves this problem and makes other small improvements, but still retails for $999.

LaCie d2 Blu-ray Professional

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:59:29 -0400

The LaCie d2 Blu-ray Professional is an external Blu-ray DVD Rewriter capable of playing back up to four hours of HD video and storing up to 50GB of data per disc. This, LaCie's only current Blu-ray offering, connects via USB 2.0 and Firewire and comes bundled with software for both Windows and Mac. The drive itself is actually made by Panasonic and housed in a matte silver shell, designed by Neil Poulton for LaCie(French company). The main use of this drive is to back up and play large video files as well as Blu-ray DVD's, and also to back up large amounts of important data with accuracy. Maximum Blu-ray write speed is 8X, while maximum CD-R write speed is 48X, overall nothing special compared to other drives. Burning of regular(16X) and Dual-Layer(8X) DVD's is also supported, as well as Rewriting of all formats. The high price of these is largely due to the bundled software and the name, although performance wise it is not that much faster than it's competitors.

Features

1 USB 2.0 and 2 Firwire connections
BD-R(single or dual layer) 4x to 8x (limited to 6x with USB2.0)
     BD-RE(single or dual layer) 2x
     DVD±R 16x
     DVD±RW 6x
     DVD±R DL 8x
     CD-R 48x
     CD-RW 24x
Comes with Easy Media Creator 10, Toast 9 Titanium, PowerDVD BD for HD playback with Windows
Design by Neil Poulton
Panasonic SW-5582 drive inside
Windows Vista compatible