I had the following things are important:
- BluRay disc play without distracting drive noise
- Fast loading disk (whether CD, DVD or BluRay)
- DLNA Support
- Formats such as .mkv, .avi, .mp3, etc. to be able to play both on the device itself (DISK, USB), and through DLNA
- Bitstream function for TrueHD and DTS-HD MA for my amplifier
First, my test system (living room):
Beamer: SANYO PLV-Z4000 (Full-HD, not 3D)
Amplifiers: Denon AVR-1911 (TrueHD and DTS-HD MA support and dissemination of 3D signal)
Server (DLNA): SYNOLOGY DS212 +
Connection: BP420 or BDP5500 / 12 -> HDMI (1m) -> AVR-1911 -> HDMI (10m) -> PLV-Z4000
Network speed: 100 Mbit (everything wired)
Test device: LG BP420 vs. Philips BDP5500 / 12
First, a few words to losers Philips BDP5500 / 12:
The player is very appealing design. It has front and rear USB port, an SD card slot for BD-Live content as a temporary storage and Wi-Fi in addition to board.
Menu and control is good and playing music, DVDs, and the available apps like YouTube and co are all wonderful.
According to the manufacturer, the player also TrueHD and DTS-HD is supported. From Blu-ray disc from playing this he also readily. The amplifier displays TrueHD or DTS-HD. Unfortunately, this is not supported on the network (DLNA). While it is sound, but this is - although Bitstream has been set - only output stereo to the amplifier. Under normal DTS or AC3 tracks he has no problems in the network.
Thus, the Philips BDP5500 / 12 was for me out of the race.
But now the good LG BP420:
The boy can what the Philips promises, but does not react. Here TrueHD and DTS-HD also works via DLNA.
Have been able to test the following things in order:
- BluRay / DVD / CD (only 2D): The drive is in operation very pleasant and smooth. When opening and closing, he makes noise. But is logical and does not interfere.
- USB: Plays far everything I've given him (MP3, KV, AVI, WMA, AVCHD, etc.). Whether USB flash drive or HDD in FAT32 or NTFS.
- DLNA: Fast loading time and on-screen menu. Plays like I said everything (incl. Sound track).
Yet small clues:
I could see the 3D functionality not test because I do not own a 3D TV. But also custom not me.
BD-Live, the player also. But he need (just like the BDP5500 / 12 Philips) min. 1GB storage via USB for caching.
The lack of wireless function does not bother me, because you can not do anything if you try to play with DLNA Full HD incl. HD sound (approx 4-5MB / s, depending on the bit rate is already very difficult to achieve via WLAN ).
In addition, you can also buy the BP620 otherwise. The has then additionally.
The apps from LG are quite nice and look what is still so nice in the LG App Store are ;-).
I currently following version on the BP420:
Firmware Ver .: H12IM2N0370 - Date 10.10.2012
Software Ver .: BD7.697.00 - Date 11.21.2012
