First things first: The BDP-S185 (or S186 with white trim) brings a decency-free image on the screen. BDs are reproduced as sharp, rich in contrast and color fidelity in direct comparison to my PS3. Even with DVD playback, I can not see any difference to the Sony console. A clear advantage of the S-185: Electricity consumption. While the PS3 for BD / DVD playback swallows around 170 watts (thick PS3) or 80 watts (PS3 slim), the little Sony consumes just 10 watts. That is crass. The consumption of other BD players is around 20 watts approximately twice as high as the power consumption of the Sony player.
HARDWARE & OPTICS
You have to cut back accordingly in the performance of the hardware make: Even the menu of Sony jerky easy, even worse, it is during BD playback. Does the reading time yet in order to respond in particular pop-up menus, and much more slowly than about halting at the PS3. Clear: more powerful hardware is more computing power, but also higher power consumption. From my perspective, combines well with the lower performance of Sony Life as the navigation is not to unbearable puzzle.
As other reviewers have noted, the comparison is with the PS3 certainly close. Because both outer appearance and menu structure and operation of the S185 are modeled on the Sony console. Owner of a PS3 can be found so immediately familiar, but also other users expected the clear layout of the menu system present no significant problems.
ONLINE & PROCESSING
Quite interesting and extensive are the online features of the BDP-S185. Here you have on the one hand the possibility of resorting to free services like YouTube and Co. as well as the (quite modest offer) some TV channels. Examples: Tagesschau, Switch reloaded, Judge Barbara Salesch. In addition, the chargeable services from Sony are available (Music and Video Unlimited). Both can be linked to an existing PlayStation Network account.
The processing of the device acts mediocre: The shell of the player is made of plastic, which snaps on the device are quite stiff. Both are in my eyes but still ok. Despite the fairly cheap outfits the player acts not necessarily ugly. The shape is very unique and looks like a small PS3. Just next to its "big sister" results in a harmonious visual effect.
REMOTE CONTROL & MULTIMEDIA
I was pleasantly surprised by the remote control: it is easily and know a good range and a sufficient radius. As a thought, I feel the opportunity to also control the TV with the remote. By simple code entry around televisions from around ten different manufacturers can be controlled. Are possible: on / off, change the external inputs and volume control. In my Tohsiba that works absolutely without objection and makes my TV remote when BD / DVD look obsolete. Very nice!
Other multimedia capabilities of the Sony I have not been thoroughly tested. Except DivX he should but can play all popular formats. The connection of 2.5-inch hard drives is critical because the power supply via the USB port is often insufficient. Audio CDs are the device of course without hesitation again. One disadvantage I feel that title can not be dialed directly via numeric print on the remote control. The missing display I miss, however, not particularly.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I can the Sony BDP-S185 lay each warmly, looking for cheap, energy-saving and uncomplicated BD player with good online functionality. Because optical and operation of technical similarities it should be particularly for PS3 owners of interest. But even non-Konsoleros should find joy in the Great Player. In my eyes, the little Sony is to use not only as a second, as well as primary FR.
--- EXCURSUS drive noise ---
In order to add a few words on the subject of "drive noise" come: Clearly hear the device while reading the discs. When playing well, I heard a high whistle, but that (a) is not particularly loud or intrusive, and thus hardly disturbing and (b) is the quieter the longer the BD runs. The sound has something to do with the running speed of the disks.
Compared to my PS3, whose fan is clearly audible during BD playback - I find the S185 as quieter overall. Imputed when not manically on the initial drive noise and turning the film-sound on "normal" volume, is at least my machine no longer be heard after a few minutes. Completely quiet it is in the Online / USB playback. Waste heat can be found at the device by the way hardly - no comparison to "console Grill" PS3. ;-)
--- SUPPLEMENT: TIP FOR DRIVE hum ---
Granted: The (quite quiet) high-frequency whistle is unlikely to be to deal with. Who perceives, however (as some other reviewers) additional "ripple-noise" in the BD / DVD playback, which can be helped.
In my experience, the hum comes from the fact that the device (a) is built very light and not very stable, and (b) his feet are not well damped. Remedy: in addition abdämpfen The four feet of the appliance. After my player began to hum, I just attached four small round chair leg dampers (conventional type, available from DIY stores etc) at the feet of Sony. And lo and behold: Gone is the hum and the player is much quieter. Except for the very first minutes of the film the little one is perceiving little more.
