Blu-Ray Player Reviews

Up for review: The Panasonic DMP-BD10 Blu-ray Player

With its clean, glossy, and bezel black sleek outlook that’s free of buttons, the new Panasonic DMP-BD10 is a definite stand-out in the crowd. The DMP-BD10 is one of the first few stand alone Blu-ray players in the market. Apart from playing the Blu-ray discs, this model also supports DVD Video, CD, jpeg, and MP3. This is the only Blu-ray player available in the market currently that offers DVD-Audio playback.

The startup, disc loading and disk ejecting time is a bit slower in Panasonic DMP-BD10. Also as there is no Ethernet port, future firmware updates directly through online is not possible. Any future updates can only be transferred to the Blu-ray player via a CD-R. Absence of Ethernet means no more access to web-based interactivity features.

The picture quality is superb in this Blu-ray player. The on-screen setup menus of Panasonic DMP-BD10 supports output resolutions up to 1080p from its HDMI output with the only exemption of 480i. However, the high definition BD and HD DVD doesn’t appear in its original 24p format. Moreover, the new Panasonic DMP-BD10 can’t upconvert the standard DVD’s to a resolution higher than 480p. The graphics quality also hasn’t been upgraded much here since its predecessors. Another major drawback of Panasonic DMP-BD10 is the lack of HDMI 1.3 compatibility feature.

When it comes to soundtrack support, the DMP-BD10 supports the standard Dolby Digital and DTS, and also the new higher-resolution sound track formats, such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution, and Dolby Digital Plus. Audiophiles can take advantage of these formats through the PCM signal or through the 7.1 multichannel analog outputs.

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Up for review: The Panasonic DMP-BD10 Blu-ray Player

With its next-generation technology, stunning picture quality and remarkably beautiful sound, the new Panasonic DMP-BD10AK Blu-ray Disc Player promises a whole new world of entertainment. As compared to its earlier compatriot, the popular DMP-BD10, the new DMPBD10AK comes with a firmware upgrade feature.

The startup, disk loading and disk ejecting time is pretty fast(less than 30 seconds) in this model. For finest and detail oriented image quality, this Blu-ray player is loaded with Panasonic’s proprietary P4HD technology which does the IP conversion at the pixel level. This advanced video processing of DMP-BD10AK samples over 15 billion pixels per second and 16-level motion detection to create a lifelike image quality which stays blur-free.

The Panasonic DMP-BD10AK supports the latest surround sound format, the Dolby Digital Plus with sound effects up to eight discrete channels of surround sound. You can enjoy a complete home theater experience if you add a 7.1-channel analog input receiver to this Blu-ray player. What’s more, the Panasonic DMP-BD10AK is completely backward-compatible. Hence along with regular Dolby Digital tracks, you can play a variety of optical discs including DVDs and CDs. You can even up-convert video playback from DVDs to 1080P, through the HDMI input. The firmware updates even allow downloading the latest BD live.

Only hitch is the high definition content such as the Blu-ray disc and HD DVD’s can’t be played in their original 24p format. But if you watch them with a 1080i/720p native resolution Plasma TV, you could hardly identify the movies not being in their original 24 frames per second. The flip-down front panel doesn’t give this Blu-ray player the most attractive look, but it covers all the unsightly buttons that are otherwise seen typically on other Blu-ray models.


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Up for review: The Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray Player

The all new DMP-BD30K from Panasonic is one of the first Blu-ray players to have Final Standard Profile, better known as Blu-ray Profile 1.1. Apart from all benefits of Blu-ray technology, full high precision digital audio and video performance and digital photos in high-definition is also enjoyable through the SD card slot of this Blu-ray player. As Profile 1.1 standard, the new DMP-BD30K player allow audio mixing, PIP commentary, and other interactive content that are generally not available with standard DVD players.

One of the most striking features of the new Panasonic DMP-BD30K is the UniPhier® precision technology, which facilitates high-quality images in true 1080p format. This high-performance Blu-ray player is the latest in both video as well as audio optimizing technology. The great thing is, you don’t require any extra peripherals to such as AVCHD camcorder or specialized speakers to enjoy the features. Another major plus point of this Blu-ray player is its faster load times as compared to some other brands of Blu-ray players.

The Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray player can decode DTS-HD Master Audio and the standard Dolby TrueHD soundtracks in bitstream format, which is a boon especially for audiophiles as they can enjoy high definition sound quality in the decoded format.

On the downside, there is no Ethernet port. Hence, there is no facility for direct firmware update. Updates can only be loaded on the Blu-ray deck through the downloaded CD’s. Another annoying feature is while the Blu-ray player shows the DVD’s total time; it doesn’t display the amount of remaining time. The remote control is also not very user friendly.

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Up for review: Panasonic DMP-BD35K Blu-ray Player

The latest low priced Blu-ray disc player, Panasonic DMP-BD35K, seems to be a perfect choice for those who want to upgrade their DVD player. The image quality is excellent both on Blu-ray movies as well as standard DVD’s. Unlike its predecessors, the new Panasonic DMP-BD35K is Profile 2.0 compliant, which means you can enjoy BD-Live content. That includes connecting through the Internet via its Ethernet port, downloading updated content, such as ringtones and trailers for your cell phone. The SD card in the front panel slot can also be used for connecting to the Internet and you can also play JPEG and AVCHD files through the SD slot. You can even enjoy special games and watch exclusive commentaries through this Blu-ray player. As this model is Profile 2.0, you can also go for onboard decoding for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Any future firmware updates can be possible via the Ethernet socket available on this Blu-ray player. There’s no manual setting in the Panasonic DMP-BD35K Blu-ray player. This Blu-ray player automatically detects the aspect ratio and displays the movie in the appropriate format. It can even handle nonanamorphic wide-screen DVD’s correctly. With great color reproduction and plenty of picture detail, the picture quality is outstanding.

With the availability of all high-resolution soundtrack formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, the soundtrack quality of the new Panasonic DMP-BD35K is pretty good. You don’t need a new receiver to enjoy the improved audio quality. The AV receiver of this Blu-ray player can handle the decoding of high-resolution soundtracks in bit-stream format.
Although PlayStation 3 have much more functionality and faster navigation options, their cost is much more. Hence, at an affordable range, the Panasonic DMP-BD35K is a feature-packed and exceptionally talented Blu-ray player.


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Up for review: The Samsung BD-P1200 Blu-ray Player

The Samsung BD-P1200 is the first second-generation Blu-ray player on the market. With an all-black finish, a sloping-front design and the blue-ringed power button; the new BD-P1200 from Samsung is not much different than its predecessors as far as appearance is concerned. However, there are certain deviations from the standard designs especially in the setting of rear panel connectors. There are several digital to analog output connectors at the rear end. The digital connectors are the coaxial optical SPDIF audio and HDMI 1.3 input while the analog connectors are S-video, YPbPr component, stereo audio out, composite, and 5.1 analog audio outputs. For future upgrades, there’s even a LAN connector.

The BD-P1200 supports BD ROM, BD-R (recordable), BD-RE (rewriteable), CD, DVD-RAM, red laser DVD, DVD-RW, DVD-R formats and also JPEG and MP3 files on CD and DVD format discs. The digital audio formats it supports include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS. The Java runtime environment is also supported by the Blu-ray player. The image quality on Blu-ray discs and DVDs is brilliant. With its HQV true 1080i to 1080p HD deinterlacing process, the BD-P1200 delivers the sharper and detailed HD images in its original 24p formats. However, it can’t play HD DVD discs.

There are advance features for better audio quality in the Samsung BD-P1200 Blu-ray disc player. Starting from the built-in decoding for standard Dolby Digital and DTS, this Blu-ray player also has the higher resolution format, Dolby Digital Plus. But highest-resolution next-gen soundtrack formats such as DTS HD-Master and Dolby TrueHD are absent in this model.

The easy top menu and user friendly graphic interface of the new Samsung BD-P1200 allow users to change the font & color of subtitles and menu titles as well as the background color and menu too. Pricewise it’s competitive, but with so many advanced features; it’s not a bad deal.


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Up for review: The Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player

The all new Samsung BD-P1400 has many similarities including the UI with another model of the same group, i.e. the BD-UP5000. However, this Blu-ray player has certain advanced features. The BD-P1400 detects the maximum resolution your screen automatically and configures accordingly for the players to use it.

Both design wise and spec wise the new Samsung BD-P1400 has shown lots of improvement. Even though not as slim as its predecessor, with a sloping outlook, glossy black finish, subtle blue lighting and a silver strip along the bottom, this Blu-ray player looks absolute stunning.

The BD-P1400 can be easily connected with 1080p HDTV set even from other brands apart from Samsung. With an approx. 19 seconds of disc loading and 18 seconds of disc ejecting time, this Blu-ray player seems quite fast.

One of the most noticeable features of the new Samsung BD-P1400 is that it can internally decode multi-channel Dolby TrueHD and output it via HDMI or the discrete analog outputs. This means only except DTS-HD MA, you can take advantage of every next-gen codec even if you have an older AV receiver. Despite the fact that this is a profile 1.0 Blu-ray player, it does have the best codec support. However advanced features such as BonusView can’t be accessed through it. But firmware update is possible through the LAN Ethernet port from Samsung’s online FTP site. After the update, you can enjoy Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA bitstream output.

The input and output panel are pretty standard with component, composite and S-video outputs, an HDMI 1.3 output, plus optical, coaxial digital audio outputs and no RS-232. The 5.1 discrete analog output of BD-P1400 can also decode 7.1 PCM via HDMI input. The UI and scrub bar of this player is not only attractive but is easily accessible.


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Up for review: The Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player

The new BD-P1500 with its elegant high-gloss and piano-black finish definitely looks a stand-out as compared to other Blu-ray players in the market. This latest model is Samsung’s fourth generation Blu-ray player. This Blu-ray player has Multi-Format Playback capabilities which means you can run DVD-Video, CD/CD-R/CD-RW, DVD-R/RW, BD-ROM, AVCHD and BD-R/RE. It can even up-convert DVDs to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolutions.

Currently available on Profile 1.1, it facilitates accessing picture-in-picture commentary tracks available on some Blu-ray Discs. However, as the Blu-ray player is not upgraded to Profile 2.0 as of now, certain BD-Live features can’t be accessed on this new Samsung BD-P1500. But Ethernet Port has been provided for direct online firmware update access and future firmware updates to make it Profile 2.0 compatible. Since the BD-Live require 1GB of onboard memory, you need to insert a flash drive with at least 1GB into the USB port while updating the firmware.

Compared to some other Blu-ray Disc Players, the start-up, disc loading, and disc ejecting time of this new Samsung BD-P1500 is very fast. With HDMI 1.3 output, the new Samsung BD-P1500 supports advanced video features such as Deep Color and x.v.Color.


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Up for Review: The Sharp Aquos BDHP20U Blu-Ray Disc Player

Joining the competition, Sharp introduced the Sharp Aquos BDHP20U Blu-ray disc player. Glossy black and mirror-reflective, the player definitely isn’t boring. There is a LED display in the center and another to the right, both of which can be turned off. This leaves a small green LED glowing on the Sharp Aquos BDHP20U player. There is only a power button and an open/close button on the player which means that the remote is indispensable. The remote is well-designed and easy to use.

The Sharp Aquos BDHP20U conforms to Profile 1.0 indicating that the picture-in-picture feature is missing. The player supports high-resolution audio with onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. It does not have bit-stream audio support for high resolution formats, making audio support incomplete. Connectivity is not a problem with the Sharp Aquos BDHP20U Blu-ray player. The HDMI output is capable of producing 1080p video at 24 frames per second with high resolution audio. There are component video, S-video and composite video outputs which can produce high-definition video. Audio is taken care of by 5.1 multi-channel analog audio outputs, standard stereo analog audio outputs and both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. The Ethernet port is given a miss in this player.

The most special feature of the Sharp Aquos BDHP20U is the “Quick Start” which upgrades the load times. An average of 10 seconds is enough to load any movie. This is especially true for Blu-ray discs. Enabling “Quick Start” leaves the player on all the time, even after turning it off. However, this player is unable to pass the Film Resolution Loss test. There was a lot of strobe-like flickering in the images


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Up for Review: The Sylvania NB501SL9 Blu-Ray Disc Player

Sylvania unveiled the Sylvania NB501SL9 Blu-ray Player in the market to fuel competition by Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and the likes. The Sylvania NB501SL9 is equipped with HDMI Deep Color which reduces the posterization effect of the playback image. Progressive color in all modes is produced by this player. An optional Surround Audio system can provide great home theater sound.

This player supports the 1080p video resolution offered by Blu-ray discs. These discs offer 54 Mbps bandwidth which is more than any other format. The Sylvania NB501SL9 indulges in multiple full frames resulting in beautiful and crystal clear images. It even up-converts existing DVD’s for enhanced picture quality. Standard definition DVD is converted to high definition up to 1080p over a HDMI connection. This also enables your current library of CD’s and DVD’s to run on the Sylvania NB501SL9 as the player is backward compatible. You can also view JPEG images with this Blu-ray disc player.


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Up for Review: The Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray Disc Player. The BDP-S550 is the latest offering from Sony, which uses the Blu-ray Disc technology. It is the upgraded version of the BDP-S350. An extra gigabyte of onboard memory has been added to give access to BD-Live interactive features. BD-Live can help you download trailers, scenes and movie-based games. There is a built-in Ethernet port too which allows you to view BD-Live content and Bonus View features. The BDP-S550 is Profile 2.0 compliant. It supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and has 7.1 analog outputs.

A USB flash drive has been integrated in the player. This helps to access the Internet enabled features. The audio quality is impressive on the BDP-S550. No extra receiver is needed for improving sound effects. There is great connectivity on the Sony BDP-S550 too. HDMI handles the high definition video output up to 1080p resolution. The existing component video can output Blu-ray discs at 1080i and DVDs at 480p. A host of other connections like the composite video and S-video also exist in the player.


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