Blu-ray players with built-in Netflix streaming
Matthew Moskovciak, November 23, 2009
Blu-ray was originally all about pristine, high-def video quality, but--somewhat ironically--the format is spurring the popularity of low-resolution streaming services like Netflix. Samsung and LG have included Netflix streaming on all of their standalone Blu-ray players this year, making it easy to mix the eye candy of Blu-ray with the instant gratification of streaming video.
The ratings of these players reflect their overall capabilities as Blu-ray players. If we were judging them strictly based on Netflix performance, they'd get identical scores, as we've found the Netflix streaming experience to be virtually identical on all the products we've tested. In other words, if you just want a basic Blu-ray player that streams Netflix, feel free to go cheap.
As for the Netflix experience overall, we're generally fans, although be forewarned that the selection of movies available for streaming is much smaller than Netflix's DVD catalog. That being said, the selection of TV shows is improving, with content deals from ABC and CBS bolstering an already strong library.
Image quality ranges from mediocre to near-DVD (the "HD" content comes closest, but it's still a minority of the selections offered), assuming your Internet connection is fast enough to stream at full quality. It doesn't come close to Blu-ray, but for most people we'd say it's well within the critical "good enough" marker.
If paying a monthly subscription fee for Netflix isn't your style, Panasonic features the pay-per-view Amazon Video On Demand streaming service on its recent Blu-ray players. LG also offers CinemaNow and Vudu streaming.
If you're still not ready for Blu-ray, but want to get Netflix streaming, you can get the service on both the Roku Digital Video Player and Xbox 360--though the latter requires an additional yearly Xbox Live fee above and beyond the Netflix subscription.
| Product name | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Pricing not available | $464.00 | $99.95 to $218.05 | $507.59 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||
| Average user rating | ||||
| Review date | April 02, 2009 | August 19, 2009 | March 31, 2009 | December 18, 2009 |
| The Bottom Line | The Samsung BD-P3600 is a huge leap ahead for standalone Blu-ray players, with blazing-fast operational speed, tons of features, and excellent image quality. | With a smaller design, more energy-efficient operation, lower price tag, and built-in Blu-ray and multimedia capabilities, the PS3 Slim delivers a compelling package for an affordable price. | The Samsung BD-P1600 has a great mix of features and performance for a standalone Blu-ray player, with only its annoying design holding it back. | The Sony BDP-N460's attractive mix of Blu-ray performance, relatively low price, and streaming media options--including Netflix--make it a solid midrange pick, despite some missing features. |
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| Features | ||||
| Product Description | Samsung BD-P3600 - Blu-ray player | Info unavailable | Samsung BD-P1600 - Blu-ray player | Sony BDP-N460 - Blu-ray player |
| Product Type | Blu-ray player | Info unavailable | Blu-ray player | Blu-ray player |
| Network Connection | Ethernet | Info unavailable | Ethernet | Ethernet |
| Internet Streaming Services | Pandora Netflix | Info unavailable | Netflix | Slacker Personal Radio BRAVIA Internet Video YouTube Netflix |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 17.3 in x 9.8 in x 2.2 in | Info unavailable | 17 in x 7.8 in x 2.1 in | 16.9 in x 8.1 in x 2.2 in |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs | Info unavailable | 4.9 lbs | 4.6 lbs |
| Media Type | DVD+R BD-ROM BD-R BD-RE CD-R DVD CD DVD+RW DVD-R DVD-RW CD-RW | Info unavailable | DVD+R BD-ROM BD-R BD-RE CD-R DVD CD DVD+RW DVD-R DVD-RW CD-RW | DVD+R BD-ROM BD-R BD-RE CD-R DVD+R DL DVD CD DVD+RW DVD-R DL DVD-R DVD-RW CD-RW |
| BD Profiles | Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) | Info unavailable | Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) | Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) |
| Upscaling | Yes ( Up to 1080p ) | Info unavailable | Yes ( Up to 1080p ) | Yes ( Up to 1080p ) |
| Remote Control | Universal remote control - Infrared | Info unavailable | Universal remote control - Infrared | Universal remote control - Infrared |
| Sound Output Mode | Surround Sound | Info unavailable | Stereo | Stereo |
| Power | AC 120 V | Info unavailable | AC 120 V | AC 120 V |
| Form Factor | Tabletop | Info unavailable | Tabletop | Tabletop |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | Pricing not available | | | |
