Many users prefer Blu-Ray players for the opportunity to watch and record high-quality video. In this case, a large assortment of these devices invariably raises questions over the final version for purchase. That it is essential to take into account when choosing a Blu-Ray players?
Content:
- Criteria for selection of Blu-Ray players
- Top 10 Blu-Ray players
Criteria for selection of Blu-Ray players
The cost of Blu-Ray players is high enough, so the buyer needs to understand what he pays the money. To invest wisely and enjoy finance the acquisition, it is necessary to get acquainted with the main criteria for choosing this technology.
Format HD signal
Standard resolution and video formats, which are oriented manufacturers, conventionally divided into 3 generations. When selecting a specific player model, you need to know which of the formats it can support.
SD
SD format is presented in the lowest two resolutions: 720x576 and 640x480 with aspect ratio 4: 3. Despite the quality is not the highest level, this format is still common.
HD
This format contains the higher rates of permissions: 1280x720 and 1920x1080 with a proportion of 16: 9. More recently, this format was a rarity and a delight, but with the development of technical capacity has ceased to be the best, although it remained one of the most popular.
Ultra HD
This is by far the most comprehensive format, which is presented and permissions 3840h2160 7680h4320. It is considered the best for a truly immersive video.
To get the best effect for the definition UHD formats need a big screen of 55 inches.
File formats supported
The more coverage extensions that takes Blu-Ray player, the better for the consumer, but also the higher cost of equipment. In order not to face the problem of a "File not supported by the device" after the economical purchase, it is better to choose a model with support for a wide range of digital formats:
- MP3;
- AAC;
- WMA;
- APE;
- MKV;
- MPEG2;
- MPEG4;
- VideoCD;
- JPEG;
- DivX;
- SACD and others.
Almost all video formats are compatible with Blu-Ray players, unlike audio and photos.
If there is a desire or need to use any non-standard size (for example, DSD, DVD-RAM, or MPO), better to clarify this nuance in the characteristics of the specific model of the player.
Audio decoding formats
When choosing a Blu-Ray players is equally important to pay attention to the provision of multi-channel uncompressed audio. There are several standard formats that characterize the desired option.
LPCM
A representative standard for uncompressed audio stream, which boasts a number of channels from 1 to 8. LPCM is not very good for watching movies with multi-channel sound. Basically it is selected for the music lovers fidelity sound in stereo.
Dolby Digital
Features depend on the version of the product:
- Dolby Digital: Strong compression, sampling frequency and extremely low bit rate, the quantity of channels may 1-5.1;
- Dolby Digital Plus: Higher bitrate MP3 sound reminiscent of quality, channel quantity 1-7.1;
- Dolby TrueHD: Lossless compression format, high frequency sampling worthy bitrate indicator channels 1-8.
DTS
Also, there are several versions:
- standard DTS: The value of 1-5.1 channels, a strong loss of sound, the lowest bitrate and a weak indicator of the sampling frequency;
- DTS-HD HR - also data loss occurs in the encoding, but it has a good quality indicator of channels 1-5.1;
- DTS-HD MA - in contrast to previous generations represented by high bitrate and format lossless channel from the value 1-8.
When you work with Dolby Digital or DTS settings for transmission to the receiver must be HDMI-connection.
Channels of analog audio input
Characteristics of analog audio input channels is important for those users who are planning to connect the audio system to the player. Figure 2.0 shows the possibility of connecting only two speakers, 5.1 or 7.1 provides outputs 5 or 7 speakers in speaker system with subwoofer.
USB-ports
Depending on the intended use of Blu-Ray players have to take the model with the desired number of ports that allow you to connect the useful functions, such as an external Wi-Fi adapter, or a USB flash drive. This is important in the absence of built-in memory of the player.
Wi-Fi and Internet port
Availability of Wi-Fi allows you to connect your device to the Internet without a wired network. It lets you watch TV online, transfer to the screen content from social networks and YouTube, and receive software updates. If there is a port for direct wired network will output a stable signal which will not be limited distance from the router or thick walls in the rooms.
high-end players are equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11n standard.
Karaoke
Many models of Blu-Ray players are equipped with a personal microphone input. Some units offer a number of functions that may be called amateur singing (e.g., evaluation of accuracy or performance of the echo effect).
DLNA
For exchanging information between devices intended DLNA function, via which create a uniform digital home system. In the presence of such a property you can watch the downloaded movies on your computer on the big screen without the stick.
DLNA function allows the wireless and wired supply signal.
upscaling
The presence of the scaled image function allows dorisovyvat poor image to the desired HD format. For example, the original image is 720x576 pixels while upscaling is of the order of 1280x720 with a complete and clear picture. There are televisions, which have a similar function in the basic facilities, but the well-established system in upscaling Blu-Ray players holding image scaling much more productively.
Upscaling function in Vlu-ray players will come in handy to fans recording home video camera or pirated discs.
Smart TV
This option allows you to view Netflix content, YouTube, Amazon Video, play online games, and listen to audio via a big screen TV. In addition, the manufacturer may provide for the Android and iOS web browsers and application that gives you access to all information on your tablet and phone.
Top 10 Blu-Ray players
On the world market for many manufacturers who offer a quality range of Blu-Ray players. Based on feedback from customers and digital technology expert opinions compiled a list of the best models of players, which is examining possible to opt for a model you like.
Sony UBP-X800
UBP-X800 model from Sony producer was released much later than their counterparts in the category of Ultra HD Blu-ray. This gave the opportunity to combine the basic qualitative characteristics and low price.
Streaming services, which are supported by the player: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video. The company is known for high quality products, and this player is no exception, offering superior image quality and a large assortment of audio formats. The disc is loaded quickly, there is support Mirracast Screen Mirroring and 2 HDMI outputs.
One of the few drawbacks that distinguish shoppers model Sony UBP-X800, was the lack of support for Dolby Vision, which is often provided in other devices.
The average price of Sony UBP-X800 is $ 440.
Denon DN-500BD
The main characteristics for which the chosen model Denon DN-500BD - reasonable price and a decent set of features. It is possible to connect a multi-channel acoustics due to the analog output 7.1 and viewing videos in a cyclic mode, which is important for the training programs.
Adequate set of video and audio formats, allows to perceive and process any files with no problems. It is possible to connect to additional content via the LAN interface due to BD Live system, remote access over LAN and RS-232C through. During viewing movies in 3D format internal decoder effectively suppresses noise.
The cost of Denon DN-500BD - from $ 450.
Panasonic DP-UB9000
Panasonic has taken its place in the production of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players, and DP-UB9000 player has become one of the best flagship models. The attractiveness of the player is not only an ideal design, which combined strong metal style and luxury, but also a set of functions. This option - one of the few enclosing almost all the major HDR formats: HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10 +.
Due to the high quality TsAPam, dual-channel and multi-channel 7.1 outputs with the function Hi-Res Audio Player provides perfect sound quality. The video quality is considered one of the best representatives of this class of equipment.
Cost Panasonic DP-UB9000 starts from $ 1135.
Panasonic DP-UB820
Model Panasonic DP-UB820 immediately attracted the attention of experienced users of its access to the world market. Decent picture quality with excellent support 3D-image is worth the attention of movie lovers. Model copes well with 24-bit sound and supports playback from USB-drives.
7.1 multi-channel output allows the connection of a complete acoustic system. There support MKV, MPEG4, FLAC and DSD, outputs Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
Bit upsetting the absence of Dolby Vision in this model, but this is offset by a pleasant price among peers with similar characteristics.
Cost Panasonic DP-UB820 - from $ 620.
Oppo UDP-203
Oppo best work among 4K UHD Blu-ray is considered a model UDP-203. Decent color palette, detail and clarity pictures in 4Q deserve attention and make watching movies, not looking up from the screen. Support for a full set of audio and video formats (including niche SACD and 3 HDMI ports) features a player from peers.
DAC supporting 32-bit / 384 kHz works with files Hi-Res-audio to 24-bit / 192 kHz. The Oppo UDP-203 has a standard premium, which is represented by Dolby Vision HDR. Availability of Wi-Fi and wired connection requires the perfect sound broadcast from the NAS-server or other device. Despite the fact that this model does not support the popular streaming service, it is more than makes up for this lack of other functionality.
Cost Oppo UDP-203 - from $ 1200.
Pioneer BDP-180
Among Pioneer BDP-line model 180 is optimal for this budget. The player is equipped with a 4K scaler, which is based on the old DVD files reproduces the video of the new quality, making the format of FullHD full UltraHD. Technology x.v. Colour, applies 36 bits for encoding outputs bright and vivid picture on a screen.
Due to the property recovery Sound Retriever Audio Player is able to analyze and recreate the information that was compressed, in spite of the damaged areas of the file. It has the ability to view YouTube videos. Sharp sound and unpleasant distortions go using the fast and slow rewind with the effect of smoothing the audio.
Price Pioneer BDP-180 - from $ 230.
Sony UBP-X1000ES
This Japanese good value for money, with 2 HDMI output with Audio Return Channel, USB-devices and a great variety of media servers: BBC iPlayer, Amazon Video, YouTube, Netflix, Demand 5 and Spotify. In addition to the Ethernet-port has a dual-band wireless channels in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. The player receives DTS formats: X and Dolby Atmos, supports Hi-Res-sound to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
The player allows you to view Blu-ray, even if the TV is not working 4K-3D discs. Members noted the high quality of the video, detailed drawing and realistic images. player design standard, an ideal assembly with a gold-plated analog audio output.
Among the shortcomings - the lack of varieties of HDR and Dolby Vision.
Cost Sony UBP-X1000ES - from $ 620.
OPPO UDP-205
OPPO UDP-player 205 is able to meet the demanding quality of film fans and the audiophile. The device receives the carrier discs in all formats, including Blu-ray, at the same time accepts any video and audio files over a wired network, and from the stick.
2.0 and 7.1 surround sound is perfect thanks to the scheme on a pair of digital-to-analog converters of high level. In addition to the basic functions of Blu-ray player device operates as a DAC chips Sabre ES9038PRO for other signal sources. For their connection provided coaxial, optical and USB outputs.
Formats DTS-HD Master and Dolby TrueHD perfectly accustomed to this model with built-in decoders. Quad-core processor OPPO UDP-205 together with the signal decoder process different media files, including 4K format. 3D sound for video and audio files, DTS provides support: X and Dolby Atmos. Chassis reinforced with metal, provide anti-vibration operation of the player.
The estimated cost of 205 OPPO UDP-high - from $ 2200, but is justified by the perfect set of functional parameters.
Marantz UD5007
This model Blu-ray Blue Ray player is compatible with the 3D format that allows you to watch video in perfect quality. Direct access to content Netflix and YouTube allows you to watch it, not only from a USB drive or computer to 24fps format.
Marantz UD5007 is support for DivX playback, DivX Plus and DivX plus HD. It is possible to listen to high-resolution music files, including FLAC HD. Durable housing design and the lack of fan reduce vibration during operation of the player.
Price Marantz UD5007 - from $ 830.
Yamaha BD-A1040
Player Yamaha BD-A1040 provides playback of most formats: DVD, DVD-A, Blu-ray 3D, CD and SACD. Worked improvements audio portion due ALAC format and digital audio 192 kHz for 24 bits. Image Picture traced clear color when viewing a realistic and vivid.
Access to YouTube content and data to the phone through Miracast technology. Separate analog output, the silence when reading files and drive the opening features a Yamaha BD-A1040 from analogues.
Price Yamaha BD-A1040 - from $ 610.
Understanding the basic characteristics and criteria for choosing Blu-Ray player allows you to purchase the device with the necessary set of functions for any user. Based on the top-10 players, you can choose the best model.
