Sony BDP S370 Review
May 17, 2010
The new CES brought slew of new consumer electronics. The much anticipated 3-D television sets stole the headlines. However, the Blu-ray disc players still dominated the overall attention for consumer dollars. The electronics manufacturers usually announce their new line up of Blu-ray disc players at the CES. The 2010 CES was no different. Sony offered up three new models, the BDP S370, BDP S470, and the BDP S570. Releasing three new models of Blu-ray disc players have become a standard affair for all the big manufacturers. The BDP S370 is the only player out of the three to not have a 3-D support. This seems little odd as Sony is the biggest supporter of the 3-D movement in home theater market. No manufacturer is betting more on 3-D technology than Sony. Their new line of television set as well as the Blu ray player capable of playing 3-D disc is clear sign that Sony is pushing hard for consumers to adopt to 3-D technology.
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Features
The BDP S370 boasts some nice specification for its price range. While the features and improvements aren’t as big as the leap from the first generation to the second generation players, it does offer up more features and performance upgrades. The predecessor BDP S360 was already a very capable player. The BDP S370 adds internet streaming via BRAVIA Internet Video service. Except for BDP N460, Sony chose not to include any internet streaming contents on their last generation player. The newest players will all include the BRAVIA Internet Video service. The audio decoding functionality doesn’t change much from the previous generation player. 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. As expected, the BDP S370 is fully compliant with Profile 2.0. The player rectifies the lack of internet streaming from the previous generation players. The BRAVIA Internet Video includes Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and Slacker for all the internet streaming needs. Also, it includes Gracenote Metadata service. Gracenote is a service where you can access detailed information about the movies you are watching. Also, Sony integrated the DLNA network into the BDP S370 model. With DLNA, you can share various media files across different compatible Sony devices.
Design
There is nothing too striking about the design of the player. 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 back includes all the connectivity. 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. And of course, you have your standard HDMI connectivity. As stated earlier, the player lacks 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog audio output ports.
Remote
Sony includes a basic remote control. It is fairly functional unit and most users shouldn’t have problem operating it. The real nice bonus is the iPhone/iPod touch app that can function as the remote. The owners of the Apple device will be able to download the app free and use it operate the player as well as search for detailed information on the movie and the cast. This is fairly nice integration of popular device into the overall function of the player.
Performance and Video
In terms of performance, Sony lagged behind Samsung and LG when it came to loading times on last generation players. This has been largely fixed with this player. The loading time was lightening fast with little delay. Most movies took only about 25 to 35 seconds from loading to viewing the movie. This is a nice improvement from the earlier players. The overall video processing of the player had no problem with any of the movies used to test the quality. The usual video processing errors like moiré and jaggieness were not found in any of the movie. The motion blurs were nonexistent as well. The BRAVIA internet service took little time setting up but was well worth the effort once you register with Sony. You have access to many streaming sites like Netflix and Youtube. While the picture quality can’t compare to Blu-ray high definition standard, it did look decent on the high definition television. One complain about the player from some users was the inability of this player to properly display 4:3 DVD in a proper ratio. If you own older DVD with this ratio, you will find that player will stretch to fill the wide screen format. Sony will most likely address this with future firmware update.
Audio
Audio processing had no hiccups. All the audio formats were tested via 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 Opinion
Overall, you will be hard pressed to find a more complete player for under $200. I’m sure Samsung, Panasonic, and LG will mount a good challenge for the entry level market with their latest offerings. Nevertheless, Sony heard the complaints about lack of internet streaming and rectified it with BRAVIA Internet Video. Also, Sony has added very nice features like DLNA and integration of remote apps on iPhone and iPod touch. This is definitely a solid entry level player in an increasingly crowded Blu ray disc player market.
Pictures
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Description
Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD1080p and improve the quality of DVDs to near HD with the Sony BDP-S370 Blu-ray Disc Player. Play your favorite movies faster than ever and access a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and music streaming from the Internet plus turn your Apple iPhone or iPod touch into a remote control by downloading a free app...
Features
- Blu-ray Disc player for enjoying Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p; upscales standard DVDs
- Quick Start/Load function enables you to watch movies faster than ever
- Access to BRAVIA Internet video; USB port for photos, music and video playback; Wi-Fi adapter ready
- DLNA wireless streaming of photos, videos and music; BD Remote app available for iPhone/iPod touch and select Android devices
- Connections: 1 HDMI, 1 component, 1 composite, 2 USB, 1 Ethernet, 2 digital audio (optical and coaxial)
- Access to BRAVIA Internet video and USB port for photos, music and video playback
- BD Remote app available for iPhone/iPod touch and select Android devices
- Blu-ray Disc player for enjoying Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p
- DLNA wireless streaming of photos, videos and music
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The best DVD player we have ever owned. Plays plain dvd’s with almost blueray picture. We bought this at Sears. Sony has really out done theirselves, it is internet ready, as well as netflix and other sites to many to mention already programed into the player. Very user friendly, easy setup as well. Paid 99.00 dollars for it.
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Is this player compatible with apple computer? I mean, can it recognize apple network computer and display video and pictures stored in the apple.
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I’m trying to connect a BDP-S370/BX37 to Netflix and can’t find the activation code required by Netflix
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The Value is Off the Charts
I’m flabbergasted by how much entertainment $180 (or less) buys you these days, and the nits we find to pick nonetheless.
I paid $100 for a Roku media streamer back in 2007… this blu-ray player combines more streaming services with a better interface.
I paid $250 for a Panasonic blu-ray player in 2008… this player loads discs in less than half the time, has subjectively better picture quality on BDs and DVDs, and is quieter and more stable in daily operation.
I paid $300 for a SACD player in 2003… this unit matches its performance and combines the ease of HDMI for one-cable multichannel connections.
Spotting a trend? Sony hit it out of the park with this one. Any complaints I have are minor (iPhone app is pretty useless, some Netflix integration and searching with its keyboard seems like a gimme) and for the price it’s impossible to complain. The Slacker Radio interface alone is a Sirius-killer with no monthly fee.
Just think how far $179 will go in 5 more years…
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Will Play Avatar
If you have a Blu Ray player that won’t play Avatar ,for a modest investment, you can own this unit which does play the movie.
Other technical attributes are quite good. The picture is fine and the stereo sound output is good for those who are two channel fans.
I find no major drawbacks unless it is the playback of CDs. The remote does not function in the traditional sense in that the number buttons don’t choose your track. You must rely on a menu driven routine that requires the TV to be on. To reiterate though, two channel sound is superb through the audio DAC.
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Great performance
Bought this player a month ago and I am happy with it. This is my first BluRay player and I can see the difference between DVD and BR quality. Disc (Blu Ray) load is fast, takes merely 7-8 seconds. I connected the player to my router through the Ethernet cable and everything works. I don’t have any complaints at all. The player is very quiet. Netflix works great (both the discs and the streaming). Love it. Definitely would recommend this one to a friend.
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So far works great, could be better!
Pros:
- Open/Close/Load are pretty fast!!!
- GUI is very good
- As usual the picture quality is stunning
- light weight and less space consuming
Cons:
- US S370 models do not support divx/avi formats of USB files
- waiting for DLNA sync update
- could be wi-fi enabled
- all files played from USB do not resume to FULL 16:9 screen size
- last stop resume do not work all the time
- everytime when you change the episodes for watching TV blu-ray series the played goes to sleep and comes back
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Great player that works without hassle
I’ll start with the bottom line about this player-it just works! If you’re looking for a nice, fully functional Blu Ray player that’s going to just WORK as you’d expect it to, on anything you throw at it, this is a nice, safe buy. You’ll have no problems upgrading from a normal DVD player to it.
Like a lot of people, my first Blu Ray player was my Playstation 3, which I bought last year. If you don’t already have a PS3, that’s worth considering instead of a stand alone player, because it doesn’t cost much more, handles Blu Rays (and DVDs) well, and of course plays Playstation 3 games.
I even toyed with getting a second one, but decided a stand alone player would be a bit cheaper, and I didn’t really need the second Playstation 3. (I’ve also since bought a Blu Ray drive for my computer, so I can watch Blu Rays on it too.)
Impressions of the s370:
-Audio and video are excellent. I can’t notice any difference from my PS3.
-The unit is physically SMALL. It’s actually smaller than my two stand alone DVD players (though is the same width as normal stereo components, so fits in fine)
-The unit is very quiet in operation-quieter than my two stand alone DVD players in fact. I don’t think I can hear it at all except when it’s first starting up, loading up a disc (and that only if the room is dead silent). Interestingly, the disc drive’s seek sounds sound IDENTICAL to the drive in my Playstation 3! I’d be shocked if it’s not basically the same drive.
-Performance is very good. I think it takes SLIGHTLY longer than my PS3/PC to load the fancy interfaces some discs use (some discs replace the normal fast forward/rewind interfaces with their own themed interfaces, and loading that interface adds a few more seconds before the disc’s ready-so far I’ve only run across this on two discs, and it’s kind of pointless, but this player DOES seem to handle them just fine). Rewinding/fast forwarding on this isn’t quite as smooth as my Playstation 3, but it works as you’d expect a normal DVD player to.
-Power usage is very low-the unit says it draws a *MAX* of 22 watts in operation
-It has all the features and ports you’d expect from a unit like this, and has an excellent menu system, that’s ripped straight off of the Playstation 3 and Portable (of course once you’ve set it up with the settings you want, you’ll probably never really use the menu again, but it’s easier than any DVD player’s menus I’ve ever used).
I’m probably forgetting something I’d like to mention, but honestly I could have quit after the first paragraph. If you’re like me and just want something that WORKS without hassle, this is a great choice.
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Good Blue Ray Player but bad for DVD playing
Just purchased one of these from the Sony Store and chose this model because we had great experience with our Sony Bravia TV. It works great for Blue Ray disks, but playback on DVD’s is horrible. It horizontally stretches DVD video to fill a 16:9 aspect ratio screen. That means if you watch DVD’s with this unit, particularly older DVDs that are are in 4:3, you will get a stretched, pixelated image. If you can tolerate such an image, then it is a great player, but if you get seasick from watching distorted video, then avoid this player. There is no way to turn off this feature. The only work I found around was to zoom in on the TV and clip the top and bottom of the image so proportions appear correct but this makes the image more fuzzy. I am very dissappointed Sony forces DVD’s into 16:9 aspect ratio and did not include an option for watching DVD’s in 4:3 aspect ratio.
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This is my first blu-ray player, and I love it!
This is my first blu-ray player. Well, technically, it’s my third, but I returned the other two and decided on this one. I returned the Samsung BD C6500 and got this one, for cheaper. Anyway- here’s a review for my fellow technophobes:
What I love:
1) I had it set up in just a few minutes.
2) It automatically detected all of my connections and cables, and I confirmed them in the set up.
3) Connecting to the internet via ethernet cable was so much easier than the Samsung!
4) I updated the software, and after entering a code on Sony’s site, I was given a Netflix activation code and was watching netflix in minutes.
5) This works with my older non-High Def system and will allow me to slowly upgrade.
6) There were other Sony apps I haven’t had an opportunity to check out (except I did check out some Michael Jackson videos.)
One minor annoyance found thus far:
Netflix Streaming- you can only access your instant queue.
And for all those hesitant to upgrade to Blu-Ray because your system is old, here’s my system:
My set up:
Tube television (Toshiba 36AF4I, 9 years old), 3 piece stereo acting as a receiver (Panasonic something or other- 15 years old), Sony Blu-Ray S370 connected to ghetto TV via component video, and to internet via ethernet cable to a router.
What I was looking for:
To replace my dead DVD player and would work on my old system but would work on a flat screen in a year or so. Also, streaming netflix a bonus.
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Another solid, basic player from Sony
I already own a Sony BDPS-360 downstairs as our main Blu-Ray player, but wanted a streaming player for upstairs (an Xbox360 takes care of that downstairs). Since I won’t have a 3D TV for quite some time, and have wired ethernet running to the appropriate room, the 470/570 offer me nothing over this player, so I bought the 370.
Blu-Rays are very quick to load. Checked out Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and the biggest delay in getting to the movie was skipping the previews up front. Menu was up in just a few seconds, and the movie launched very quickly after that. Maybe 30 seconds from putting the disc in until I was watching the movie.
The remote does have an Open/Close button on it. That was not a big deal for me with the 360, but others complained about it so I thought I’d mention it.
Streaming takes a bit of setup, with the biggest item of note being that you need to register your Blu-Ray on internet.sony.tv before activating the streaming features. I had fits trying to create an account directly on that site, but creating a SonyStyle account first and then activating here worked much better. This works similar to Netflix activation in that you get a 4 symbol code from the player, enter it into your account, and now the Blu-Ray is activated. I then needed to go through the typical Netflix activation, getting another code from the player and entering it into my Netflix account. Amazon VOD linked directly to the Sony account and was then available on the player. Instructions for each of these are included in the screens on the Blu-Ray player, where it will provide the codes and the website address, and you then go the computer and finish linking from there.
Netflix works only off your Instant Queue, so you need to add movies to that queue on the website (or from the Xbox360 or other device with a full browser). Amazon VOD seems to have a fairly complete browser included. Netflix HD quality was reasonable, but most importantly about what I get on the computer or Xbox360; the player does not interfere in any way. This player was my first experience with Amazon VOD, and I must say the Sample HD clip (Superman Returns) was a lot higher than I expected, and actually better than most OnDemand offerings I get from my cable company (TWC NC).
So for Blu-Ray playback and Internet streaming, the box does a really good job. I wish the Netflix interface was more robust like the videogame consoles have, but actual playback and access to the Instant Queue works fine.
The big disappointment, and the one that keeps it from getting 5 stars, is that the SonyStyle page for the player lists DLNA as a feature. This is the standard for letting media devices connect to your computer and stream video / pictures / music over the network. Services like PlayOn also support this. DLNA, however, is not actually active on the player. From checking other sites, no one knows yet if this will be available in a future firmware update, or if the site is incorrect. If DLNA support is critical to your decision making, you may want to hold off until there is some answer on the DLNA picture.
Aside from that, I’m really happy with it as Blu-Ray player and Netflix/Amazon VOD streamer.
I have not yet tried a standard DVD, or any of the music streaming services. I’ll update this review if anything changes as I use the player more.
UPDATE MARCH 1, 2010: Sony has updated the product page and changed the footnote for DLNA support. It is now due in a July 2010 firmware update. That’s good news, and once the firmware ships I’ll try to remember to report back on how well it works. If it works well the review will probably bump to 5 stars, as this is a pretty full-featured, fast, stable Blu-Ray player for under $200, especially if like me wireless and 3D are just not important to you.
One other bit of info for those who buy the player: if you have a Vizio TV, the remote code to use appears to be “04″. It’s not in the manual, but I tried this after a web search revealed others using the code for other Sony remotes, and this works for turning the TV on and off and changing the volume. The INPUT button does not work for me, though. The manual also seems to be missing the instructions for changing the TV code, but thanks to the manual for the S360 I have downstairs, the instructions are to hold the TV power button on the remote, enter the code, then release the TV power button on the remote.
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Sony got it right with this BD player/line!
I just went to my local Sony Style store and tested/played with this new BD player (S370 model) and I must say I was/am very impressed! Before looking at the player in person, I was thinking, what did Sony strip down from the previous models (S350 & S360) to make this one thinner and less expensive? But after going in the store and playing around with this BD player, I was pretty blown away with the quality, quick loading times, looks/size, and price. I actually brought in with me a few discs to try (I brought “The Dark Knight” Blu ray, “Resident Evil” DVD, & also a few burned CD’s & DVD’s just to make sure the player would read them). I wanted to try “The Dark Knight” Blu ray because on my old S350 Sony BD player, the load time for this Blu ray is quite long (about 30-45 seconds). So I first turned off the S370 player, then turned it back on. Start up time was very fast (about 3-5 seconds at most). I hit the eject button, put “The Dark Knight” BD in, closed the tray, and the load time for this player was maybe 10 seconds max! I couldn’t believe how fast it loaded up and began playing the movie ( and “Dark Knight” is a BD that usually takes a while to load up). Next, I put in my “Resident Evil” DVD, to see how fast it loaded & most importantly, how well it up-converted. Load time was obviously extremely fast, since it was fast on a BD, it’s even faster on a DVD (although, not by too much, that’s how quickly the BD’s load up). Now, I purposely selected the older/original/first “Resident Evil” DVD as I knew that the picture quality was not as good. Of course, up-converted, on this older movie, it did not look like a BD would, but nevertheless, it was decent/watchable. Another notable thing to consider here is that Sony had this player hooked up directly to their TV (the new NX800 model) with a HDMI cable (of course). That’s it. The S370 was not connected to a high end receiver or anything (just directly to the TV), so keeping this in mind, if you have a high-end A/V receiver or video processor, the up-converting will end up looking even better! Lastly, the burned CD’s, DVD’s. They worked flawlessly. Again, since Sony didn’t have this player hooked up to a receiver/speakers/etc (just to the TV), I was not able to tell how good the sound quality of the CD was, but I just wanted to be sure the S370 would play burned discs. The other things I looked at were the menus. Very nice X-Bar menu system (a bit more colorful than before). I was not able to check any of the streaming/Internet options since Sony did not have it hooked up the the Internet (kind of a bummer). I wish Sony had the player hooked up to their network as one other thing I really wanted to try was the iPod touch/iPhone BD remote app. I brought my iPod touch in, but sadly, the player was not connected to the network for me to try this feature out. Because of the fact that I was unable to check out this feature and the streaming/online features, I am unable to give this player the full 5 stars at this point. But for the features I was able to check/test, it passed with flying colors and easily takes the 5 star rating. Hopefully I’ll be able to test out these other features and update this review soon. However, if anyone that actually owns this unit & tries these other features, please let me know.
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