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Sharp come back: BD-HP25U

While Sharp has not been as popular as some of the other Blu ray player makers, it has been producing fairly decent Blu ray players. Unlike other major electronics makers, Sharp has been little late to the Blu ray player market. Consequently, they have been somewhat behind in terms of quality and features. Their first efforts were adequate at best and mostly relegated to basic entry level players. While their second generation was big improvement, it was still better to buy other more established brands. In 2011, Sharp introduced fresh line up of Blu ray players to compete with other big manufacturers.

Features

BD-HP25U is the first of five new Blu ray players offered by the Sharp in 2011. With the retail price of $179.99, the BD-HP25U is the entry level model. As expected, the BD-HP25U is Profile 2.0 player fully compatible with BD-LIVE content. As with all the new Blu ray players, it is capable of decoding every relevant audio formats. It can natively decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio. It is also compatible with MP3 file format. The BD-HP25U will play Divx, AVHCD, VR, and MKV. The ability to play Divx and MKV should be a big bonus for people looking for a universal media player. Unlike other entry level players, the BD-HP25U is fully compatible with the 3D contents. Most other manufacturers have opted to forgo 3D compatibility on the entry level players. The internet streaming content is fairly limited compared to other players. It comes with very basic internet streaming contents like CinemaNow, Netflix, Vudu, and YouTube. You can also stream music via Pandora player.

Design

The overall design is similar to other flip down front face designs. The disc tray is located under the front face plate. the LCD and USB is located on the left side of the player. The playback buttons are located on the left side as well. They are placed on top of the player above the LCD and USB port. The connectivity is sparse compared to older generation players. The newer players like the BD-HP25U does not come with legacy connection that are not required by the high definition formats. HDMI, standard audio outputs, RJ-45 Ethernet, and additional USB port are the only options available for connections.

Performance and Video

The overall performance of BD-HP25U is fairly similar to other 2011 Blu ray players. The boot up and loading speed is in line with most other 2011 Blu ray players. While not as fast as some of the players, it was well within 3-8 seconds in booting and loading time. Most users shouldn't notice any delays compared to other players.

The video performance was competent as well. The usual video defects like moiré, jagginess, and motion blur were all absent from the Blu ray disc movies. Video defects were all absent on three different Blu ray movies. The overall DVD upscaling was somewhat disappointing compared to other players. The overall picture quality suffered compared to other top end Blu ray players. However, it was still better than non scaled DVDs on the high definition television. Overall, there was nothing to complain about in terms of video performance.

Audio

There were no problems with audio decoding. All the formats decoded without any problem. The high definition audio formats all decoded without any problems. The lack of file support other than MP3 was disappointing. I’ve yet to see any player that really had problem with audio decoding in 2010 or 2011 models. You shouldn’t have any problem with this player unless you are trying to decode other file formats.

Overall

This is pretty decent entry level player from Sharp. This is one of few entry level player to support 3D play back function. Priced around $120 at most retailers, this is not the cheapest entry level player. You can definitely find a better player at this price range with more features. While it does support Wi-Fi, you will have to buy a separate dongle. With the Blu ray players all having similar picture quality, it's the extra features that separate the players from one another. The BD-HP25U comes up little short against other similarly priced players.

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Sharp BD HP22U Blu Ray Player Review

Even with the popularity of their HDTV sets, Sharp hasn’t been too active in introducing new Blu ray disc players. Sharp announced two new Blu ray players in 2009. The BD HP22U and BD HP16U. While most other manufacturers release three to four new models each year, Sharp has stayed with releasing one or two new models each year.

Features

The main difference between the BD HP22U and the BD HP16U is the different Profile on each player. BD HP22U is Profile 2.0 while BD-HP16U only supports Profile 1.1. As such BD HP22U comes with 2GB memory unit to use with BD-LIVE contents. The overall features on BD HP22U are pretty sparse. The BD HP22U lacks internet streaming, media streaming, and WI-FI capability. On the audio side, it is fully capable decoding Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio natively. The player lacks 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog audio output ports. You will need a receiver with HDMI connection to take advantage of multi channel audio set up. As with most other AQUOS product, the BD HP22U comes with AQUOS LINK function. You can operate all the AQUOS television set and BD HP22U with single remote. Sharp is also touting the Quick Start feature that allows you to boot and load faster than previous players.

Design

With dimension and weight of 7-1/64” x 2-9/23” x 10-1/4” and 6.4 pounds respectively, the player feels more compact than most other players. Sharp managed to create a slick looking player. The disc tray is hidden behind a face plate that only covers the tray instead of the entire front face. The LCD is located on the left along with Playback buttons. The Blu ray logo dominates the middle of the face. The back of the player houses HDMI, composite video, HD component, analog audio, digital audio out, USB port, and Ethernet ports. Again, the player does not have 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog output. The included remote feels large enough with good button layouts. The buttons are big enough and clearly labeled. It shouldn’t take you long to get accustomed to the remote control. If you have AQUOS television set, you can use the AQUOS LINK function to control both units.

Performance and Video

The Quick Start feature was indeed fast. However, it was nothing out of ordinary. Most of the 2010 models were just as fast if not a lot faster at booting and loading the Blu ray discs. I couldn’t load any Blu ray discs at the stated time of 10 seconds. Perhaps Sharp is talking about the boot time. Never the less, the overall time was fast enough. The picture quality was exceptional. The overall video processing showed no defects of any sort. Moiré, motion blur, and jaggieness were all missing from the entire length of the movie. Both discs showed no defects and played perfectly. The DVD upscaling was adequate. It was not as good as other players in terms sharpness. There were some pixilation issues on some DVDs. But, most DVDs played fine without too much degradation compared to Blu ray format.

Audio

The BD HP22U decoded the entire audio format as stated. The lack of MP3 or WMA was disappointing. Also, the absence of 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog output might put off some buyers. You will need a receiver with HDMI input to utilize the full 5.1 or 7.1 channel audio output. Otherwise, the audio playback was without any distortions or defects.

Overall Opinion

The BD HP22U is showing its age in 2010. Even back in 2009 it was not the best option in terms of performance or features. The lack of WI-FI, internet streaming, and media streaming makes it really hard to recommend this player over the newest players or the 2009 models from other manufacturers. However, the video and audio processing was excellent. There was no discernible difference between this player and other players in terms of performance. If you own Sharp television or don’t mind the lack of other features, this is not the worst player on the market.

Pictures

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Video

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Sharp BDHP21U Blu Ray Player Review

The Sharp Aquos BDHP21U is Sharp's second effort on the consumer Blu-ray disc player. The first effort, BDHP20U was a solid first effort from Sharp. This new player builds on the earlier model by adding high defintion audio support and Profile 1.1 support. However, it seems to lack the refinement and performance when it comes up against the Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung's Blu-ray players.

Features and Design

There's nothing new with the design of the player. It is pretty similar to the BDHP20U model in every aspect. The remote control can be quite useful if you have LCD Aquos television set from Sharp. The combination of Blu-ray disc player and the television set links them via Aquos Link which enhances the ease and speed of operation. This is similar to Sony's Bravia Sync with its Blu-ray player and the Bravia line of LCD television set. The other big feature is the fast loading speed. I'm not familiar with the earlier model BDHP20U's loading speed. But, according to varoius other reviews, it seems to be the big selling point for the Sharp Blu-ray disc players. The loading time is fairly fast compared to other manufacture's disc players. The lack of Profile 2.0 support is pretty dissapointing. And, the lack of ethernet connection limits its ability for firmware upgrade. The only other way to do it would be through disc flashing.

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Picture Quality

The video quality is fairly good. I did a lot of upconversion tests with regular DVDs due to its predecessor's trouble with the upconversion of regular DVD movies. I didn't notice any problem besides the normal problems of upconverting regular DVDs. The blu-ray disc played without problem. The colors were spot on and no noticeable artifacts or jaggieness. As noted earlier, the load time is faster than any other Blu-ray player tested. The audio options are definitely an upgrade from its predecessor. This model comes with onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master audio. This should help with receivers that are not capable of decoding these audio formats. Also, the 7.1 channel and other standard audio output is supported through receivers.

This player is definite upgrade from the earlier model. However, it lacks the Profile 2.0 support as well as ethernet connectivity. If your not planning on using the BD-LIVE features, than this shouldn't be a problem. The Aquos Link feature is nice plus if you already own Aquos television. Also, the onboard decoding of high resolution audio is a nice plus. Overall, there are better players from Sony or Samsung or other manufacturers. However, this player should be cheaper than other models. And, if you already own Aquos TV this might be a natural buy.

Rating:

 

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Review of Sharp AQUOS BD-HP50U

With the release of their Blu-ray players, Sharp has tried to leverage its popular Aquos television line’s success into selling their Blu-ray players. Sharp named all three of their Blu-ray player with Auqos as part of the name. Sharp didn’t just use the Aquos name for the sake of using the name. Instead, they created Aquos Link function to integrate the Blu-ray players with the Aquos television sets. When you connect the television set and Blu-ray player with HDMI cable, you can control both units with single remote. Also, many functions and features are integrated for easier access with the Aquos Link. The two predecessor models, BD-HP20U and BD-HP21U, both had this feature. The BD-HP50U is definite upgrade from the BD-HP20U. However, BD-HP21U seems to have some advantage when it comes to audio options.

Design

The BD-HP50U comes in a very pleasant design. The basic design can’t really deviate too much when it comes to Blu-ray players. All of the players have basic rectangle/box shape. However, Sharp adds nice touch with motorized front face plate. Even if it’s another feature that might malfunction down the road. The front face feature nice looking logo for DVD and Blu-ray in the middle. The left side features the power button with LCD space on the right. The player has glossy finish for most of the surface. Not much has changed for the remote control. It looks exactly like the one shipped with BD-HP20U. At simple glance I could not find any difference.

What's New?

BD-HP50U’s features are similar to the BD-HP21U model. Both are Profile 1.1 players with ethernet port missing. The main difference seems to be in the area of audio output options. BD-HP50U supports analog 5.1 channel output whereas the BD-HP21U does not. Curiously, the BD-HP50U lacks the onboard decoding for the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio with only bit stream support for these audio formats. And, BD-HP50U retails for about $100.00 more. However, BD-HP50U does come with RS-232 port which might come in handy for HTPC users.

Sharp has always boasted the operating time of their Blu-ray players. And, it is not an idle boast. This player as well as the older model boasts great time in power up and loading Blu-ray disc movies. Some players are plagued with slow response time loading time. Not this unit. You can literally pop in movie and enjoy them in less than 10 seconds like Sharp’s advertisement. However, this was with power off and with disc in the player. With power on disc loading time was not as fast. The response time between remote action and player response is seamless.

Audio and Video Features

The BD-HP50U supports most of the audio options. It can decode Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus. As stated earlier, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD MA can be bit streamed. If you want better onboard decoding option, you might want to look at BD-HP21U model. Regardless, the sound quality is nothing short of excellent. This player produced excellent sound for Blu-ray disc, DVD, or any music CD. If you own 5.1 or 7.1 channel speaker system, you will definitely appreciate the audio quality even without a top of the line receiver.

The BD-HP20U had some problem with video processing as well as sluggish performance on detailed menus. It didn’t do too well with the moire and jaggie problems present in some sequences. The java based menus gave it hard time with stuttering issues. It was like trying to run a program on a very outdated computer. This player seems to have solved most of that problem. The java based menu did not trouble this player as it moved around without any noticeable stutters. As for moire and jaggies, it was less noticeable than the previous model. However, I could definitely detect them watching The Dark Knight. I doubt most users will notice these few defects as they were rare. Few scenes failed to process the picture cleanly without these defects. The standard definition DVDs looked as they should in upconversion, which is less than Blu-ray quality but definitely better than their native resolution. Overall, the picture quality was very good.

Pros

• Aquos Link
• Decent audio options
• Good design
• Good remote
• Good upconversion
• Fast operation time

Cons

• Not Profile 2.0 compliant
• Lacks ethernet port
• Few visual defects
• Lack of divx or xvid support

Rating:

 

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