The Panasonic DMP-BDT320 is a truly special
deck, with a spec that’s an intriguing combination of the old and the new. The
new? Try Wi-Fi, a touchpad-equipped remote, DLNA support, two USB inputs and
the Viera Connect online streaming portal, complete with iPlayer, Netflix and
Skype. And the old? Check out the Digital Tube Sound mode, meant to simulate
the ‘distinctive, warm, comforting sound’ of a valve amplifier, as beloved by
cardigan-clad audiophiles the world over. Ok, so it’s a little odd – but the
Pana’s brilliant all-round performance shoots it straight to the top.
Killer
feature
The hybrid button/ touchpad remote, unlike
anything else in its class
Our
Ratings: 5/5 stars
So good, it’d get five stars at twice the
price. A fantastic Blu-ray player in every regard
Ploneer BDP-LX55 $423 5/5 stars
With its upmarket build, high-performance
upscaling and extensive spec, the new Pioneer is perfect for home cinema
enthusiasts. Its streaming services need improvement, but we’ve no complaints
about either picture or sound quality
Samsung BD-D8500 $374.5 5/5 stars
Samsung’s much-delayed combination deck
includes both a twin-tuner Freeview HD PVR and a 3D Blu-ray player. Picture
quality is great either way, while Samsung’s Smart Hub portal provides you with
a massive reserve of online entertainment to play with.
Panasonic DMP-BDT110 $203.5 5/5 stars
The BDT110 offers much of the ability of
the outgoing BDT-310, but at a steal of a price. You’ll have to do without
built-in Wi-Fi and a second HDMI output, but then again, it’s only $146.5. this
Pana is on its last legs, with the new DMP-BDT120 available for a little more.
Sony BDP-S480 $130 5/5 stars
Our favorite of Sony’s 2011 decks is on its
last legs, but its picture performance and flexibility still pass muster. It
can’t be upgraded to handle Netflix, though – that’s only available on Sony’s
2012 models, which we plan to test very soon.
Cambridge Audio Azur 651BD $813.9 5/5 stars
Most Blu-ray decks sell to movie
enthusiasts which helps to explain their relative lack of talent with CDs. Not
so this Cambridge Audio system: it handles 3D and all the latest home cinema
formats, but its Pure Audio mode ensures it can churn out a tune, too.
Denon DBP-2012UD $748.5 5/5 stars
Of course, the Denon’s fearsomely
expensive, but use it with a massive TV or a projector and it really does
deliver a better picture than anything else out three. It’s beautifully made
and lavishly equipped too – as it ought to be, given the price…
Sony PS3 Slim from $309 5/5 stars
If you’re into gaming you might question
whether you need a separate Blu-ray player at all. The PS3’s performance is
excellent even with 3D Blu-ray discs, and its extensive range of streaming
service now includes full access to the BBS Sport app. That’s nice
Sony BDP-S380 $113.9 5/5 stars
As with its ’480-series big brother
(above), the BDP-S380 is on the way out. It’s a basic deck, but its array of
smart features is largely impressive, while picture and sound are exceptional
for such a modestly priced performer. It does lack 3D capability, though
Panasonic DMP-BBT01 $406.9 4/5 stars
This sleek player brings a welcome touch of
style to the hitherto conservative Blu-ray category, but you’ll a premium for
the privilege. Pana’s DMP-BDT320 at No.1 is a better all-rounder and a better
deal, but won’t win you any aesthete friends
Instant expert
Will
Findlater thinking Blu-tiful thoughts
Denon’s Blu-ray players have long been
among the best but like many higher-end designs, they’ve struggled to rival the
networked flexibility of their cheaper, more mainstream rivals. The new DBT-1713UD
($732) retains all of the serious home cinema cred of its forebears, but it’s
also a little more accommodating: for example, it comes preloaded with Netflix
support, and its Ethernet and USB ports cater for a decent range of video and
audio formats. Heck, you can even control it with an Android/ iOS app. Yet for
all that, this is still a performance-orientated deck at heart, able to play
almost any disc out there, including SACD and DVD-Audio discs. You’ll still
want to pair it with a receiver for best results – but what results they are.
“Denon’s player has high-end cred but
mainstream flexibility”
What to look for
1.
BD-Live and Profile 2.0
These will give you access to extra Blu-ray
disc features via the internet, either wirelessly if the player has built-in
Wi-Fi or through a wired Ethernet connection. Some players also offer access to
streaming video provides such as BBS iPlayer and LoveFilm.
2.
HD Audio
Make sure your player or AV amp can cope
with hi-def audio formats. There are various flavor (including Dolby TrueHD and
DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as uncompressed PCM), which will give you a much
more immersive experience with a suitable sound system.
3.
3D
The most up-to-date players feature HDMI
1.4a and can output 3D video at 1080p quality. Whether you think you’ll use it
or not, it’s worth having for the sake of future proofing
4.
Decent cables
In a high-end AV system, there are gains to
be had from buying a better HDMI cable. Make sure yours is rated for HDMI 1.4a
