Sony BDP-S1 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

• Full HD 1080/60p,24p Video Output via HDMI connection
• DVD Upscaling to 1080p
• Uncompressed Multi Channel Linear PCM Output
• Build Quality with Rigid Beam Construction
• BD-Java Interactive Capability

I am, as a rule, not one to buy first generations of any kind of product. I have a long history of owning problem-free Sony products, so I was willing to risk it with the BDP-S1 once I caught it on sale. Big mistake! While the picture quality is amazingly better than anything I've seen so far in a digital video format, the machine is glitchy as can be. Here's my thoughts:

Pros:

1. Much better audio than with any player I've ever owned. The channels are clearly separate and not muddy sounding as with other players I've owned. Some of that is the Yamaha receiver, but there've been other players connected to it recently and none match the BDP-S1 sound output quality.

2. The picture delivers as advertised when played with the Blue Ray discs. The 1080i upconversion (my TV doesn't support 1080p...another wait-and-see attitude for me) is not remarkable with standard DVDs, but there is a difference.

Cons:

1. Does not play CD audio discs. Not a big thing to me since I never played CDs in any of my previous DVD players, but for the price (see #5 below), this machine should have zero problems handling any previous digital data formats.

2. The boot-up speed is, in a word, awful. It takes a LONG time for the player to get to the point where the tray can be opened to insert a disc. After I'd first bought the player, I pressed the open/close button and, once the player had finished it's boot-up process, it opened and then immediately closed the tray, scratching the disc. I learned to wait until I see the "CLOSE" indication on the player before pressing the open/close button. This con sounds a bit trivial, but after several foot-tapping delays, it becomes insane.

3. The menu access is hit-and-miss with standard DVD discs. Some discs will allow you to go back to the previous menu when the MENU button is pressed on the remote, others will display the message "This operation is prohibitied by this disc" and then you're forced to stop the disc and either restart it again for this power cycle or reboot the entire player (see #2!).

4. Following the argument in #3, if you are able to restart the disc without rebooting the player, this process sometimes hangs the play mode into scan mode. When this happens, it's back to rebooting the player and, you guessed it, see #2.

5. There is no resume function that bookmarks your progress after power is removed from the player. So, if you have to reboot because you tried to access the menu with a standard DVD, you'll have to find where you were at manually once you are able to return to the movie. The resume works only on the current power cycle.

6. Even on sale, this player is enormously expensive.

I broke my own rule of avoiding first generation products based on brand loyalty and performance history. It's why I don't own a 2005 Mustang while I absolutely loved the redesign and my mouth watered every time one drove past. But in this instance, I turned a deaf ear to my better judgment, so I deserve what I got for having ignored my own cardinal rule. Don't make the same mistake. Wait and see what's next. It's my understanding that the next generation of Sony Blue Ray players will play CD audio. Save your money and frustration budget and wait.

Buy Sony BDP-S1 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Now

I have used my BDP-S1 for over two months with outstanding results. The picture quality on blu-ray disc such as Casino Royal, The Prestige and Deja Vu is outstanding. The player also upscales standard definition DVD's to 1080p, resulting in much improved video quality. While the BDP-S1 lacks the capability to play music CD's, the primary reason I purchased the player is for movie video and sound quality. The BDP-S1 delivers outstanding results in both areas.

Read Best Reviews of Sony BDP-S1 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Here

I have owned this Sony Blue Ray for just about 6 weeks. I hooked it up to a Bravia 40" via HDMI and used optical for sound. Once you have seen 1080 HD nothing else looks right. It is truly amazing. It was pricey and the DVDs are too. However if you want to see your favorite movies the best way possiable, this unit does it all better than even a theater visit. Old DVDs are upgraded and very passable, better but not like the new disk. The new stuff looks better then it would if it were happening live outside in your backyard.

WONDERFUL, except for a few "blues".

Every once in awhile my player will lock up. The picture freezes and the only way to move on is to shut down and reboot. This seem to only happen with the Blue Ray disk. It is slugish to command when this happens and the reboot process as mentioned before takes about 30 seconds. Like a microwave, this seems forever. I was concerned enough that after 2 weeks I bought the extended warrenty to help save this $1000.00 player just in case I can not clear up the problem at home when it locks up. Knock on wood, Best Buy can and will back this new generation of DVD player. Other then that have fun and marvel at the movies you love. It is one great experience.

Want Sony BDP-S1 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Discount?

I now own a SONY BDP-S1 Bluray player. It was worth the wait. This is a well built machine, very similar to the TOSHIBA HD-A1 in quality and workmanship (see my review of the TOSHIBA). It has added features such as customized video controls (color, brightness,contrast, hue, etc). The quality of the Blue-ray movies is just as good as the HDDVD discs. The early reports of substandard picture quality may have been due to the first SAMSUNG Blueray players which had some bugs which were resolved with a recent firmare update.I have also tested the SAMSUNG player, and it has excellent picture and sound quality, but I preferred the SONY because of its better built frame and features, and thus, the higher price.Regarding the uncompressed PCM 5.1 channel sound option in the Blueray movies, if you can connect the SONY player to your receiver via 6 channel individual RCA connectors, you will enjoy the most spectacular sound.

Before purchasing the Sony Blu-ray player, I purchased the Philips Blu-ray player. I wasn't very impressed with it's quality; in terms of appearance or operation. The setup menus weren't organized, and the operation of the Philips unit was like operating a standard $150 DVD player. The Sony Blu-ray player is all together different and definately shines in terms of good looks and great operation. It, it's remote, and it's menus are very well laid out, and upon initial setup, it takes you through a setup menu which sets it up just perfectly for whatever HDTV you are using as well as for whatever sound system you are using. I'm not sure what they could do to make it any easier. Also, when you get this player, you also get access to Sony's web site where you can download (for free) any future updates and/or features. This is expensive equipment, but it is QUALITY equipment. Believe me, you won't be disappointed! If you want the best Blu-ray player, this is it.