When unpacking the very good quality and the classy appearance is striking. The entire front panel consists of a glass plate, the first slide after pressing the Open button down, then the tray will eject. Since the mechanism of the front end while gently works and as well as not to be heard is excited each disk change.
The equipment of the device is very good: silent drive, virtually inaudible fan, HDMI 1.3, Bitsteam edition all new HD formats (though currently still with the exception of DTS-Master Audio HA, which is output as DTS, but it should lt. Sony followed an update), very solid remote control with good tactile feedback on the keys (though unlit), firmware update via DVD possible.
In operation, the player works perfectly. No picture or sound problems when playing BD or normal DVDs. Both the image quality and the sound quality BDs is really great. Compared to a previously genutzem Samsung BD-1400, the image appears even finer and drawn, it looks very sharp and clear with natural colors. The Samsung has since voted differently, the colors are more intense there, but the picture looks a little softer. However, there is the Sony, as opposed to Samsung, the ability to customize the image by means of a video-EQ. The setting, however, is limited to four parameters and are sometimes a bit rough graded, but at least, with the video EQ can be in particular in terms of the depth and color representation of the image definitely still get out a whole lot.
In addition to the currently still missing bitstream format, only the long load times of the unit are to criticize as negative points. Compared to the Samsung, the Sony much more time can at boot time and reading the BDs. But if the movie started, the drive reacts very quickly, especially when changing chapters or playback after stop or pause. However, very slowly, the menus for picture and sound setting during playback. After pressing the button for the menu on the remote control to do once 2- 3 seconds nothing that you need to know, otherwise press button again and has the function unknowingly off again so that in result then nothing happens. As regards the boot times but should be considered in any case, that the technology of HD DVD players and Blu-ray players is different from that in a regular DVD player. Contrary to normal DVD players, the HD player (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray) have an operating system with corresponding software (incl. Java), which first must be uploaded as with a PC. And that has lasted even much longer than a simple DVD player. Again, I go but on the assumption that future firmware updates will reduce the load times.
Another tip: Lt. a press release from Sony (see homepage of Sony), the player comes with 5 Blu-ray discs. Two of the discs should be in the package, 3 are sent from Sony, if the device is registered (or have to run the included CD in the PC). When I missed the two supplied discs. After Reklamtion Sony discs but replenished by Sony.
Conclusion: Great BD player with exceptional design, great handling and excellent image and sound (especially in BDs). Currently still minor flaws, but which are well fixed with firmware updates (hence a total of 4 3/4 stars = 5 stars as a rating)
Positives:
- Nobles appearance and processing
- Great image and sound very good especially in BDs
- Unit runs very reliable
- HDMI 1.3
- Bitstream output of the new HD formats (. At the time with the exception of DTS-HD Master Audio, an update to Sony but LT follow).
- Video EQ
- Firmware updates via CD / DVD possible (for US models already offered)
- Very good remote control, but unlighted
- Contain 5 BDs currently in the price
Negatives:
- Slow boot the player
- Menus sometimes very slow
- Fairly high price, considering the quality but reasonable mE
- Currently no bitstream output of DTS-HD Master Audio (to follow)
