Design: The LG BD 390 has gone for a conventional and refined look complete with a glossy, reflective faceplate accented by silver trimmings. The player offers an LCD screen near the center along with four playback controls. A removable plastic cover hides a USB port on the front. While the footprint remains more or less standard the player looks thinner and sleeker, allowing it to fit well in both home and office. The remote control was very good with simple to use and large sized controls.

Specifications: The LG BD 390 is Profile 2.0 compatible and with its 1GB of on-board storage you won’t need a USB flash drive to access BD-Live features and content. As the player is equipped with both an Ethernet port as well as IEEE 802.11n WiFi this isn’t a problem. Thankfully the player also supports 802.11b/g networks as well. Through its USB port the player can also handle MP3, JPEG, PNG, AVI, WMA, DivX-HD, XVID and even MKV file formats. With a fast connection the player can stream media to PCs on your network. The player also offers onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio along with support for bit stream output. It can also play DVDs in legacy DTS formats, like DTS 96/24, ES, ES Matrix, and Neo:6. Connection wise, the player offers a HDMI output, a component video output, a legacy composite video output, 7.1 analog outputs, optical and coaxial digital audio outputs as well as analog stereo output.

Features & Performance: With support for Netflix streaming and built-in Wired and wireless connectivity the LG BD 390 offers plenty of new features. The player also offers support for YouTube and CinemaNow. The interface is simple but surprisingly responsive with super fast loading times. Performance for video quality was also top notch with almost no jagged edges. DVD performance was also excellent. Overall, with so many extra features, the LG BD 390 still delivers great quality as a Blu-ray Disc player. The extra features like the Netflix support and wireless connectivity make the player perfect for the HD viewer who likes to stay connected.

By: Tim Pecunia

About the Author:

Bluray Player Reviews

Panasonic DMP-BD50K Blu-Ray Player is designed with full black colour and available with table top form. It supports media type such as DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, BD-ROM, DVD-R, BD-RE, CD and has the functionalities such as DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-ROM. This blu ray disc player is equipped with audio decoders such as DTS-HD decoder, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. It is designed with tray type media load and support  AVCHD and DivX digital video standard with MP3 digital audio standards. This blu ray disc player is made with infrared remote control and comes with additional features such as JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning with BD Live. You can view BD live contents and store your favourable programmes from BD live.

This DVD player has one Ethernet – Rear, one Component video output, one S-Video output, one Composite video output with Audio line-out. It is built with 3:2 pull down compensation and comes with one HDMI output connector type and has two SPDIF output. It is built with versatile decoding technology that does great job in decoding full suite of high resolution soundtrack formats. It offers impressive video quality with on board decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio Essential and Dolby TrueHD. It has sleek body that looks slimmer and comes with automatic flip door for disc tray. This blu ray disck player has SD card slot and has USB port connection.

It feature minimal playback controls and available with complete remote control. This Panasonic DMP-BD50K Blu-Ray Player has ethernet port that lets you to access BD live content and enabled with VIERA link HDMI output.

It can handle full HD 1080p resolution and support for 5.1 multichannel analog outputs. This blu ray disc player has advanced audio visual signal processing, which is made up of silicon and comes with  P4HD pixel processor for detail retrieval facility.

It produce high resolution soundtrack for Dolby TrueHD and this blu ray disc player is made with SD memory card slot for viewing photos and videos.

By: Victor Thomas

About the Author:

Blu Ray Player Reviews

Blu-ray is a new optical disc standard based on the use of a blue laser rather than the red laser of dvd players. It is not just a format for high-definition video and audio, it’s a higher-capacity disc format. This format is currently supported by more than 180 of the world’s leading consumer electronics, personal computer, recording media, video game and music companies.

Blu-ray players capable of showing picture-in-picture – a feature called “bonus view” – have only just started to appear. The discs will not play on current cd and dvd players, because they lack the blue-violet laser required to read them. The disc players (BDPs) are available from a number of manufacturers, including Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung and Sony.

Sony led the fight for blu-ray dvd players. Sony is a rare company that may actually benefit from it’s success, mainly because higher production of the players could reduce component costs for the playStation 3, driving improved profitability for Sony’s all-important video-game unit. Also adding to the momentum was the gradual increase in sales of Sony’s playStation 3 home video-game console, which also works as a blu-ray player.

Blu-ray delivers crisp, clear high-definition pictures and sound, which are more detailed and vivid than existing video technology. Like the rewritable dvd formats, blu-ray uses phase change technology to enable repeated writing to the disc. It has has already won backing from major Hollywood studios, such as MGM Studios, Disney, and Buena Vista,as well as top technology firms like Dell, LG, Samsung and Phillips amongst others. But the absolutely genius part about Sony putting PS3 games on blu-ray disk (and they know this and planned it all along) means that the disk production ramped up very quickly to high volumes, thus softening the blow of the higher manufacturing costs of the new technology. Although the disc specification has been finalized, engineers continue working to advance the technology.

The next generation of dvds will hold high-definition video and sound. Likewise, consoles rely on single discs, so dvds that can hold six times more data mean much better,high-resolution games. Basically, blu-ray is a newer format of dvd with superior visual quality and storage space compared with standard dvds. While it is not compulsory for manufacturers, the Blu-ray Disc Association recommends that the disc drives should be capable of reading standard dvds for backward compatibility.

Entertainment decided to release movie discs only in the blu-ray format, joining Sony Pictures and Walt Disney Co. Blu-ray is the next-generation digital video disc. The next-generation dvd format blu-ray is winning more supporters than its rival, according to its backers. Just a few short weeks into 2008, blu-ray is now the dominant player in the game.

By: Albert Mirwald

About the Author:

Bluray Player Reviews

It’s been going on for a couple of years now. Stores have been carrying both Blu-Ray and HD DVD disks, manufacturers have been making both types of drives, and people have been talking about them both.

However, Blu-Ray players can’t play HD DVD’s, and HD DVD players can’t play Blu-Ray discs. At the end of the day, they both do the same thing (play a high-definition movie on an HDTV), so why the feud? Well, it’s a matter of who got their first. Two companies developed and successfully marketed a working high definition delivery system, and they both took off! But, as we all know, only one can survive, and in the battle of Blu-Ray vs HD DVD player computability, it seems Blu-Ray has won the fight.

The major movie rental chains have decided on Blu-Ray as their high definition disk of choice, and electronics retailers are selling Blu-Ray players instead of HD DVD players. The battle is over, and a victor has been decided: Blu-Ray won.

However, that leaves a little bit of a dilemma. Thousands of people have already bought an HD DVD player, and some movies have come out on it already. Though as many newer movies may not be coming out on this format, it is still an alive and kicking video format, even if it has lost the battle.

Though it might make more sense to choose Blu-Ray so that you’ve got more choice in movie selection, when looking at a Blu-Ray vs HD DVD player, the choice really is up to you. The price of HD movies and players has recently took a dive, so it can be a great time to buy and watch some great movies with the family in HD!

By: Victor Thomas

About the Author:

Blu Ray Player Reviews

The LG BD370 is a Blu-ray Disc Player with a plethora of impeccable features. The consumer will truly be impressed with the LG BD370 after making the affordable investment in this highly advanced, state-of-the art device. The consumer will find that the LG BD370 is relatively inexpensive, and nicely priced. The initial purchase of the disc player includes the device which comes with an output of 1080p, two triple A batteries for the included remote control, and a full, easy to understand user’s guide.

Dimensions of the LG BD370:

Depth: 9 8/9 inches Height: 2 1/5 inches Style: Single Player DVD Weight: 6 pounds Width: 17 inches

Features of the LG BD370:

BD Live Inclusion AVCHD Compatible Capacity: One Disc Player CinemaNow Feature Coaxial Audio Output: 1 Component Video Output: 1 Composite Video Output: 1 Decoder: Dolby Digital Integration Energy Star® Certification EthernetPort Inclusion MPEG-2 Compatible MPEG-4 Compatible Netflix Feature Optical Audio Output: 1 Output HDMI: 1 Output Resolution: HD 1080p Maximum Standard Remote Control USBPort YouTube Streaming Feature

Expanded Features:

This Blu-ray disc player is fantastic for supplying the consumer with impressive high definition playback of movies and the quality of images presented is improved as much as five times over standard DVD presentation. This disc player is fully compliant through its HDMI interfacing too. A variety of formats for playback ensure that the consumer can watch just about any style of disc for playback, and this player is fully compatible with AVCHD, MPEG 2 and MPEG 4 formats as well.

Gaming access is possible since the LG BD370 has an Ethernet port, and consumers can also access updates from online access. Sound quality of all discs played back is superior, thanks to the integration of DTS decoders and Dolby Digital down mix functions. Consumers will love the options for entertainment supplied as well seeing that this device is ready for Netflix, has support for CinemaNow, and streaming YouTube programs are equally accessible. Plenty of outputs are further integrated into the device increasing the device’s connectivity too. Consumers control the device with a convenient standard remote control device.

By: Rony WS

About the Author:

Bluray Player Reviews

Blu-ray players have been around for quite some time. Bluray did win its battle with HD-DVD a while ago and is now the standard HD media definition. A lot of blu-ray players allow you to watch high definition movies in HD and enjoy your HD experience, but there are only a few that go beyond that and allow you to do more with your player. LG BD 370 is one of of those.

LG BD 370 is the most recent LG Blu-ray network player that allows you to go beyond movies and bring more content to your HDTV through your high-speed Internet connection. The device comes with NetCast for YouTube and CinemaNow. That means you can use your gadget to watch YouTube videos right on your TV.

LG BD370 provides you with full high definition (1080P) capability. It also up-converts your non-HD media. You can also take advantage of Netflix HD-BD to play Netflix content right on your HDTV. All that can be done through your high speed Internet connection. All you have to do is connect your gadget to your Internet connection via Ethernet, and you are all set.

LGBD370 is not for everyone. If you don’t have an HDTV or don’t want to break the bank on high definition movies, you should look elsewhere. It’s true that you can watch Netflix BD using this device, but it would be hard to justify the price of the device without proper content. But if you are looking for an innovative gadget that allows you to get more content on your HDTV using your broadband internet connection, you should try this player. The picture is crisp and the sound quality is top notch. Add to that the fact that you can watch thousands of YouTube videos on your TV, and you will have enough content to consume for years.

By: Panah C Rad

About the Author:

Bluray Player Reviews

Specifications: For very long now, many have touted the LG BD 390 as the best Blu-ray player in the market. That is all set to change with the new OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray player. This model has received many accolades from many leading tech publications, receiving up to 4 ½ stars in many instances.

First of all, the OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray player does not only play Blu-ray, DVD and CD formats. It also supports various older media formats such as the SACD and DVD-audio format. On the back, you will find almost any form of AV connectors there is, including a 7.1 analog audio output and IR connectors. There is also 2 USB ports (one of the front of the player).

Design: The OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray player is overall black in color with a brushed-metal finish on the front. It measures at 16.9 x 13.2 x 3 inches and weighs 11.2 pounds. It is a little larger and heavier than most Blu-ray players out there, but would nevertheless fit well into your home theater set due to its subtle design. It feels sturdy and looks very durable.

Features & Performance: The highlight of the OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray player would have to be in its performance and video playback quality. Of all the models that we have tested, this model has the fasted loading time. When the player is on, it takes just about 14 seconds to load a Blu-ray movie.

Another notable feature is that is also plays DVD movies really well. Its DVD up scaling is much better than many leading Blu-ray players in the market. Most importantly, the Blu-ray movie playback was stunning. Although it is not light years ahead of its competitors, its slight edge in Blu-ray movie quality will satisfy even the most demanding of video fans. At the time of writing, it costs around $499 each. It may be a little more expensive than usual, but due to its superb video quality and performance, I say it will be worth the investment!

By: Tim Pecunia

About the Author:

Blu Ray Player Reviews

Market is flooded with numerous digital versatile disc (DVD) players, small devices that play video and music for us. Most DVD players have to be attached to a TV to show video but now some players are arrived with an attached LCD screen and stereo speakers. DVD players play both audio and video format discs.

The quality of any audio or video output on a screen is highly influenced by the format of the disc which is being played in the player. There are some optical disc formats which are supported by one or other disc players and DVD players. They are compact disc (CD) formats, DVD formats, MP3 formats and others. These days some companies are coming up with a next generation optical disc format players. These next generation optical disc formats are known as Blu ray or Blu ray Disc (BD). These are high density optical disc formats. Blu ray Discs store digital information and also High Definition (HD) Videos.

The name ‘Blu ray Disc’ is quite unusual, this name is derived from the Blu violet laser which used to read and write this type of disc. More data can be stored on a Blu ray Disc than on a DVD. This is because of the shorter wavelength of Blu-violet laser, which is 405 nanometer. Almost 25 Gigabytes (GB) can be stored on a single layer BD. This is over 5 times the capacity of a single layer DVD which can store almost 4.5 GB only. On a dual layer BD we can store up to 50 GB data.

BD optical disc format was jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). BDA is a group of the world’s leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers. These include Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson. Blu-ray is supported by 180 of the world’s leading technology companies. These companies are major names in consumer electronics, personal computer, recording media, video game and music companies.

The BD format has broad support from the major movie studios. In fact, majority of the prominent movie studios have released movies in the Blu-ray format. These are Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM. Six studios are releasing their movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format; they are Disney, Fox, Sony, Warner, Lionsgate and MGM.

Several electronic companies are offering products that can read and write CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. Companies like Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp and LG are coming up with players with BD/DVD/CD compatible optical head. BD players are becoming popular due to that simple reason which is quality. On BD players we can play DVD also, it looks even better than before. So Blu ray DVD players are the latest buzz word in the entertainment scene, it produces clear picture with vivid colours and sharp sound.

Due to the quality it is offering, BD players are on high demand. Day by day, the demand of this next generation technology is increasing. This makes its production cost to fall. Sony Company is taking advantage from this fact and is reducing the price of its BD players. Several companies are coming ahead in manufacturing next generation BD players. Electronics Company Toshiba sells its high-definition (HD) DVD player in much less price than BD players of Sony. Now Sony is trying to get ahead in the market so it has cut £50 off the price of its BD player.

Sony’s Blu-ray discs are supported by companies like Samsung, Dell and Apple, while NEC, Sanyo and others are supporting Toshiba’s HD DVD. We can say that the war of formats is on. Both HDD and Blu-ray systems have almost equal functionalities, both stores large amount of data, both produce high quality image and audio, and both use a blue laser to read information. Only one difference is there, that is of price. So the price cutting step of Sony can be one added advantage of Sony BD players.

By: Jayson Pablo

About the Author:

Bluray Player Reviews

Take the bad with the good… To get that improved fidelity, you have to decide between either a Blu-ray player or an HD DVD player, and you won’t be able to play certain studios’ movies on either one. For example, if you’re a sci-fi fan and want to watch 2001: The Space Odyssey (Sony Pictures), you’ll need a Blu-ray player, but if you want to watch Van Helsing (Universal) you’ll need an HD DVD player. Yes, there are combo players available, but they currently cost more than actually purchasing two players, one for each format!

Blu-ray and HD DVD unfortunately are not incompatible formats. What does this mean to you? It means that no standard Blu-ray player will be able to play HD DVD discs, and no standard HD DVD player can play Blu-ray discs (with the exception of pricy combo players of course). If a movie comes out in one format, there’s no guarantee that it will be available in the other. Certain studios could release movies in both formats, but you’ll still have to be careful not to buy the wrong version of the movie. Adding to the frustration is the fact that the capabilities and features of the two formats are far more similar than they are different

HD DVD
The Upside: Entry-level players are much more affordable than Blu-ray units; tighter specification means that all players have a more consistent feature set; some movies include standard-DVD version on the same disc.

The Downside: Studio support limited to just Universal and Paramount, which means no HD DVD movies from Columbia, MGM, Fox, Disney, or Warner (after May 2008); Xbox 360 requires an add-on accessory to play HD DVD discs.

Blu-ray
Upside: PlayStation 3 plays Blu-ray movies; Blu-ray has support of 70 percent of movie studios; Current Blu-ray discs can hold more data or video than HD DVD counterparts.

Downside: Blu-ray players are more expensive than their HD DVD counterparts; support for audio can vary from player to player; different profiles can cause confusion over special feature support.

Winner?
The format war was essentially tied until Warner Studios decided to become Blu-ray exclusive in early 2008. Now Blu-ray has the support for 70 percent of movie studios, including; Sony Pictures- MGM/Columbia TriStar, Disney- including Touchstone and Miramax, Fox, Warner, and Lions Gate.

Blu-ray also has an advantage in raw capacity (50GB vs. HD DVD’s 30GB), and while that hasn’t made much of a difference in the vast majority of titles, the special features of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix were in HD on Blu-ray, but only in standard-def on HD DVD. We can only expect more of this as high-def special features, which demand much more capacity on the disc, become more prevalent.

Conclusion
Wait it out, there is no true winner until one backs down. Plus, we all know how technology can change on a dime!

By: Dennis Ogilvie

About the Author:

Blu Ray Player Reviews

The Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-Ray disc player is one of the latest models from Samsung and is highly anticipated by many Blu-ray enthusiasts such as myself. Although it was Sony who developed the Blu-ray movie format, players from other brands closely rival (if not surpass) the performance of Sony players.

The first thing you will notice about the Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-Ray disc player is its refreshing design. It has a jet-black exterior with a glossy finish. Instead of the usual rectangle shape, the sides of the player are tapered off at an angle. The buttons are located on top of the player instead of the front. This model uses touch-sensitive buttons instead of the usual tactile buttons.

The Blu-ray movie playback on the Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-Ray disc player was pretty impressive. Fast action sequences were smooth and crisp and the audio quality was also very good. One of the biggest improvements that can be seen is its blazing fast loading time. The DVD up-scaling was good, but could be better. We found that the Panasonic DMP-BD60 did a better job in playing DVDs.

The Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-Ray disc player is interne- ready and can be connected to the internet through the use of the LAN cable or a wi-fi USB adapter (that is included with the player). When connected to the internet, you can watch movies from Netflix and listen to music from Pandora. Setting up the internet connection was not really a straightforward task so it is best to refer to the manual for its setup.

This model has pretty good connectivity as it comes with 2 USB ports, a HDMI output, a digital audio output, analog outputs, an Ethernet port and a non-HDMI receiver. The pricing of the Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-Ray disc player is a little on the steep side, probably due to the wide variety of features and improvements that comes with it. All in all, this model is a well-rounded player, perfect for anyone who is looking for a ‘high-end’, feature-filled Blu-ray player.

By: Tim Pecunia

About the Author:

Blu Ray Player Reviews