Nine Popular Blu-ray Players Compared - The Players (Page 3 of 4 ) Profile 1.0 players
Sony BDP-S300
This is one of very few serious choices for a Profile 1.0 player. Available from Amazon.com for just a shade over $200, it offers excellent value for those who only require basic Blu-ray disc playback. Like virtually all players, it can also upscale standard DVDs to 1080p, for a better viewing experience of your existing DVD collection.
Sharp Aquos BDHP20U
For a Profile 1.0 player, the Sharp Aquos BDHP20U has much to recommend it: in particular, fast disc loading, and excellent picture quality. However, where this player once offered value for money, it now looks a touch expensive, considering that you can pick up a good quality Profile 1.1 player for around the same price.
It also lacks a number of desirable features, such as support for DTS-HD audio decoding. Nonetheless, the player has a comprehensive selection of connectivity options, including USB 2.0, and a reputation for image quality and reliability. It might be worth considering in situations where Profile 1.1 functionality is definitely not required.
Profile 1.1 players
Panasonic DMP-BD30K
Panasonic was the first manufacturer to market with a Profile 1.1 player, the DMP-BD30. This high quality machine is Amazon's top selling Blu-ray player, having a received a five-star rating from over 60 people. The player's key feature is its extraordinary image quality, which is due to Panasonic having used a PHL Reference Chroma Processor in combination with P4HD imaging technology and Diagonal Processing.
This results in faithful color reproduction, smooth motion and sharp diagonal lines. Audio is also of the highest quality due to the use of Dolby TruHD, DTS-HD and real time audio remastering. The BD30K is equipped with an SD memory card slot, allowing the machine to be used to view HD videos and photos.
Samsung BD-P1500
With the BD-P1500, Samsung has created a player for today and for the future. One of just a handful of Profile 1.1 players that has the capability of being upgraded to Profile 2.0 in the future, this represents a sound and, to some extent, future-proofed investment.
However, that would count for little if the player wasn't up to scratch in other respects. Fortunately Samsung hasn't failed in this department, providing extended gamut YCC technology for rich and vibrant color reproduction, DD+ and Dolby TrueHD for top quality audio output, and built-in Ethernet and USB 2.0 connectivity options for upgrading the firmware and storage expansion.
This player is less fully featured than some, however, lacking surround sound and S-video outputs (although many would question the value of these on a high definition player), and with no built-in DTS-HD audio decoding. The missing features are reflected in the price - under $300 from amazon.com - which makes the BD-P1500 exceptional value
Profile 2.0 Players
Sony BDP-S350
A significant step up from the Profile 1.0 BDP-S300, Sony's S350 is their breakthrough Profile 2.0 player. An Amazon best seller, it boasts the kind of stunning image and sound quality you would expect from Sony, plus a full complement of connectivity options. These include analogue and digital audio outputs, Component, composite and S-video outputs, a USB 2.0 port to provide for external storage, and an Ethernet port for software upgrades and BD-Live online interactive features. Sony has included both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio decoding options, and the player conforms with the xvYCC color standard, which allows for an expanded color range, and the Deep Color specification for added color depth.
Panasonic DMP-BD50K
Like its Profile 1.1 sibling, Panasonic's DMP-BD50K achieves the highest standards for quality and reliability. It incorporates the same UniPhier digital video processing engine for vivid, faithful color and image reproduction, alongside comprehensive audio decoding options including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. But Profile 2.0 is all about BD-Live, and the DMP-BD50K delivers fully in this respect with its Ethernet-based content download, gaming and interactivity options. Although not cheap, with this player Panasonic has raised the bar.
Sony PS3
Perhaps bizarrely, one of the best value Profile 2.0 Blu-ray players performs double duty as one of the most advanced gaming consoles on the market. At a price that is comparable to other dedicated Blu-ray players, the PS3 offers the advantages of extensive built-in storage -- 40GB or 80GB models are available - and comprehensive audio decoding options, not to mention the ability to play top quality games. On the down side, the PS3 has received some criticism for occasional glitches in movie playback mode, but this might be a small price to pay for the overall value of the package.
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