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Why Buy Sony BDP S580? Read our review

Sony BDP-S580 replaces the BDP-S570 from 2010. The BDP-S570 was the high end model back in 2010. The BDP-S570 was full featured player with all the decoding options as well as some limited internet streaming contents. Sony was one of the last manufacturers to fully jump on the internet streaming contents on the Blu ray players. While it did add internet streaming contents, it was not as varied as other manufacturers. The BDP-S570 took a step in the right direction adding more contents. Even with limited internet streaming contents, the Sony players have always had great picture qualities. The BDP-S580 adds more features as well as some improvement in performances.

Features

It is very hard to differentiate the 2011 Blu ray models in terms of performances. You will be hard pressed to find one that has any artifacts or defects in video or audio processing. The main differentiation comes from the features and prices. The BDP-S580 does offer up very nice array of features for around $200 MSRP. With BDP-S380 as an exception, all other Sony Blu ray players are 3D capable. Like other 2011 models, the BDP-S580 comes with Sony’s own BRAVIA internet Video platform. You have access to Netflix, YouTube, HuluPlus, Pandora, and many other streaming contents. According to Sony, you have access to over 30 internet streaming contents via BRAVIA Internet Video. Unlike the BDP-S380, the BDP-S580 comes with built in WiFi capability. This should be a big plus for anyone who wants less clutter around their home theater system. Like other Sony players, Gracenote metadata service is included to provide full information on the movie you are watching. This is handy little to use if you have any question about the content while watching the movie. The BDP-S580 has onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Also, it is capable of decoding the standard Dolby and DTS audio formats. It is also capable of playing the standard MP3, AAC, WMA, and DTS standard audios. As with BDP-S380, the BDP-S580 lacks 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog audio outputs.

Design

The overall dimension and design of BDP-S580 is identical to that of BDP-S380. The front face has glossy finish with LCD located on the right side with playback function buttons located right beneath it. The USB port is located on the right side as well. The loading tray is located on the left side of the player. The overall dimension of 17 x 1.4 x 7.8 Inches is exactly same as the BDP-S380. The BDP-S580 comes with basic output options like component and composite output as well as coaxial audio outputs. The Ethernet, USB, and HDMI ports are standard as well. As noted earlier, it does not come with multi channel analog outputs. Extra HDMI port is conspicuously missing. If you have older receiver, you might need to output audio via digital audio output if you want to watch 3D contents. The included remote control should be sufficient for most people. The button lay out are well thought out and the buttons are large enough for most people. Sony added remote app for Iphone and android phones to control their Blu ray player for extra convenience.

Performance and Video

As noted in BDP-S380 review, Sony has dramatically improved the average load time on their 2011 Blu ray player models. It is significantly faster than the first or second generation Blu ray players. The longest loading time for a Blu ray movie was less than 15 seconds. The overall video processing was excellent as expected. The movies showed no processing defects like jaggieness, motion blur, or moiré. While the Blu ray movies and DVD movies played flawlessly, the internet streaming contents weren’t as nice even with high speed internet. While this is not Sony’s fault, I would love to see more high definition contents from the internet streaming services. After watching Blu ray movies, the internet streaming quality seems very average at best. The problem of playing MKV and Divx files are still present on the BDP-S580 as it did on the BDP-S380 model.

Audio

The audio processing was flawless as well. All the audio formats decoded properly without any hitch. The MP3, AAC, and WMA all played without any problems. I did not test DVD audio or SACD as I do not have them for compatibility test. Only downside of this player was the lack of multi-channel output and the lack of extra HDMI port.

Final Thoughts

As of this review, this player can be purchased for around $170 at most retailers. This is fairly good price for a high end model. The 3D capability and inclusion of WiFi makes this a big improvement over the BDP-S380. While BDP-S380 is capable of WiFI, you had to buy extra equipment to make it truly wireless. For extra $30 or so, you get 3D as well as built in WiFi. This is pretty good value for a solid Blu ray player.

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New Samsung Review: BD D6700 Blu Ray Player

Samsung BD-D6700 set itself apart from other 2011 Blu ray players with its stylish design and extra HDMI output port. With most Blu ray players performing on even level, manufacturers are trying very hard to differentiate their player from other Blu ray players. Along with other manufacturers, Samsung has loaded up on the additional features as well as a very stylish design. As with most other 2011 players, the main feature/upgrade from previous year is the ability to play 3D contents as well as the traditional 2D discs.

Features

The BD-D6700 does not skimp on any features. It is a BD-LIVE compatible player fully compliant with Profile 2.0 specification. As with other Samsung Blu ray players, it can natively decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS HD, and DTS. You will not need separate receiver for audio decoding. The extensive internet app seen on other Samsung players are present in the BD-D6700. With Samsung Apps, you can customize which contents you want to access via internet. Samsung Apps cover news from ESPN and various other news feeds. Also, you have access to Hulu, YouTube, Vudu, and Netflix for movies and television series. As with other Samsung players, you can play simple games like Monopoly and poker. There are various other apps you can download and customize. The inclusion of built in WiFi was nice upgrade from the earlier models. Samsung periodically adds and update the list of apps. The BD-D6700 comes with built in WiFi for easy access to the internet if you have wireless network.

Design

The overall design and finish is very atypical. Instead of standard black finish, the BD-D6700 comes with silver finish to go along with its stylish design. Instead of loading tray, the BD-D6700 comes with slot loading mechanism. The LCD is located beneath the slot loader with touch sensitive buttons located on the right side of the LCD. You also get a front USB port with its own door to keep the slick appearance. The back of the player houses the dual HDMI port along with component video out. On the audio side, it comes with regular audio out as well as optical and digital audio output.

Performance and Video

As most Blu ray players handle video processing without any hitch, it is becoming very difficult to see any video processing errors in today’s Blu ray player. The main focus is on the loading speed as well as few other features like video processing. The BD-D6700 is quite fast compared to older generation players when it comes to load time. However, it is little slower than few other competitors. If 5 to 10 seconds is to long of wait for Blu ray disc, you might want to consider other brands that support faster load times. Other than below average load time, the BD-D6700 is a flawless player when it comes to video processing. I’ve spot tested 2 different Blu ray movies with no apparent processing defects like moiré, jaggieness or motion blurs. There were no issues with colors or any other video processing when tested against different player on same television. The ability to decode almost any formats was another big plus. Some players have hard time decoding MKV formats as well as different divx formats. However, the BD-D6700 handled them without any difficulties or needing a fix on my personal computer. The overall DVD upscaling was spot on without losing too much video quality.

Audio

All the audio formats properly decoded. The high definition audio format had no problem with onboard decoding. The lack of multi channel audio output shouldn’t be problem for the targeted consumer. The inclusion of 2 HDMI is designed specifically for the people with an A/V receiver. Samsung knew their target audience and designed this player with them in mind.

Final Thoughts

The inclusion of 2 HDMI should be a big bonus for the people who cannot pass HDMI 1.4 signals through their receivers. You can output the video via one HDMI and the audio to receiver via another HDMI port. As of this review, the BD-D6700 is still one of the more expensive main stream Blu ray player on the market. Most other players can be had for significantly less than the BD-D6700. For around $150.00, you can buy another Samsung player with same features minus the extra HDMI port. However, if you want a slick looking player with extra HDMI port, this might be the right player for you.

Video

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Sony BDP S380 Review: Better than S370?

Sony BDP-S380 replaces the popular BDP-S370 model from 2010. The BDP-S370 was a solid entry level Blu ray player. Sony introduced the BD-S370 at 2010 CES and it quickly became a great performer at a modest price. As with 2010 models, Sony upgraded all their Blu ray players from entry level to high end models. The BDP-S380 is the direct successor to the BDP-S370. As with BDP-S370, the BDP-S380 model is not compatible with 3D contents. This is somewhat disappointing as other manufacturers have decided to include 3D playback on their entry level models as well as their high end models.

Features

Even as an entry level model, the BDP-S380 boasts impressive amount of features. In the past, Sony lacked some of the extra features found on other players. Even as a driving force behind the Blu ray technology, Sony lagged behind other manufacturers in terms of features. However, Sony always delivered quality video and audio playback functions. While older Sony models lacked the internet streaming contents, the 2010 and 2011 models all come with internet streaming features. The BDP-S380 is able to stream Neflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora and other internet streaming contents. On top of the streaming contents, Sony has added iPhone and Android remote application. The remote application allows you to control the Blu ray player as well as displaying movie information. Also, Gracenote metadata service is included to provide full information on the movie you are watching. At first, I didn’t think it was useful tool. However, you can instantly look up all the information about the movie without having to go to your computer to look up the information. As expected, the BDP-S380 is fully compliant with Profile 2.0 and BD-LIVE contents. The BDP-S370 has onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Also, it is capable of decoding the standard Dolby and DTS audio formats. It is also capable of playing the standard MP3 files as well as SACD format discs. While the player is capable on audio options, it does not have any 5.1 or 7.1 analog audio outputs.

Design

The overall design is fairly similar to the BDP-S370. The front of the player is finished in glossy material. The LCD is located on the right side with few playback function buttons right below it. It also houses a USB port on the right side of the player. The left side of the player houses the loading tray for the disc. The overall dimension and weight is very close to the BDP-S370 as well. The connectivity option is identical to the BDP-S370. The player includes basic analog audio output as well as coaxial audio digital output. For the standard definition television owners, you can connect the player via component or composite outputs. You also have Ethernet and another USB port. It is lacking the second HDMI output. Sony includes a basic remote control. It is fairly functional unit and most users shouldn’t have problem operating it. The buttons are large enough with good layout. Nothing seems to be out of place and few dedicated function buttons are convenient as well.

Performance and Video

Sony has once again delivered a very fast player. The average load time is significantly faster than the older generation models. The BDP-S370 was light years ahead of first and second generation models in terms of loading speed. The BDP-S380 is no exception. It delivers a very fast performance in terms of loading times. The video processing showed no processing defects like moiré, jaggieness, or motion blur. Most of today’s Blu ray player will deliver flawless video processing. I’ve yet to see any significant video processing errors in 2010 or 2011 models from major manufacturers. Spot tested with an action movie, the BDP-S380 handled the movie without any problem. The aspect ratio problem seen on BDP-S370 in DVD playback is corrected. I’ve yet to see any defects when playing DVD in the BDP-S380. The BRAVIA internet streaming contents were acceptable at best. Compared to Blu ray quality, the streaming quality is not as crisp. This is same on other player as well. Unlike some of its competitors, the BDP-S380 had problem playing some of the file formats like MKV and Divx encoded files.

Audio

As with BDP-S370, audio processing had no hiccups. All the audio formats were tested via Blu ray discs and they all played without any hitch. Even the MP3 formats played without any problem. I could not test the SACD compatibility as I didn’t have a disc on hand to test them. However, I don’t expect any problem playing the disc if you have a collection of SACDs. The lack of 5.1 or 7.1 channel shouldn’t be a big problem for most users.

Overall

As of this review, the player can be bought for under $150. While this represents fairly decent deal for a fast Blu ray player, the lack of 3D support makes it hard to justify buying this model. For $150 or little more, you can easily purchase a Blu ray player with all these features and 3D compatibility. Also, the lack of WiFi means you’ll need to buy an adapter for extra money. If you want a quality non 3D Blu ray player, this is definitely a great buy. However, you’ll definitely want to avoid this player if you intend to purchase a 3D television set in the near future.

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