Nine Popular Blu-ray Players Compared - A Glimpse of the Future

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Going beyond the strict definition of the Profile 2.0 standard, the following players contain a range of enhancements and features that have the potential to elevate Blu-ray to a new level.

• Pioneer Elite BDP-09FD
  As an acknowledged leader in optical disc technology, this round up would hardly be complete without the inclusion of a product from Pioneer. We've chosen the Elite BDP-09FD because it promises to set new standards for audio processing in a standalone Blu-ray player. 
  
  The player contains dedicated D/A converters for each channel in its 7.1 surround system, which is almost wire-free, all the audio connections being mounted directly on the 50 pound solid metal base. As if that wasn't enough, the player also up-converts not just DVD but even Blu-ray video to 16-bit output, effectively doubling the available color data.
  
  This is an impressive piece of future-proofing on the part of Pioneer, as although no TV currently offers greater than 10-bit processing, the 16-bit era is sure to arrive. It almost goes without saying that the Elite BDP-09FD also includes BD-Live functionality via Ethernet, but perhaps surprisingly no Wi-Fi option is available. It's just about the only thing missing from this $2,000+ behemoth that sets the current Blu-ray high water mark for quality if not value.
  
  

• LG BD300
  LG's publicity materials describe the BD300 as a "Network Blu-ray Disc Player." It lives up to its billing by allowing instant streaming of online movies and TV programs from Netflix, the Internet content provider, via its Ethernet port. Netflix members will have access to all the site's content via an on-board menu. According to LG, this makes the BD300 "the next step in a truly personalized entertainment experience."
  
  This convergence of home-based entertainment and online content is almost certainly a pointer towards a future in which home appliances will increasingly utilize broadband to access online information, integrating the Internet seamlessly into the domestic environment.

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