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Sony BDP-S1
Reviewed by
David Rudden
on 03/29/2006
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  • Quick specs
  • DVD type: Blu-Ray disc player
  • Form factor: Tabletop
  • Remote control type: Universal remote control
  • See full specifications

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CNET editors preview the Sony BDP-S1, the company's first stand-alone Blu-ray player for the U.S. market.

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CNET editors' take

  • Reviewed by:
    David Rudden
  • Edited by:
    David Katzmaier
  • Reviewed on: 03/29/2006
  • Updated on: 09/28/2006
Like Toshiba with HD-DVD, Sony has a vested interest in helping the competing Blu-ray format take off. With plans to incorporate the technology into the PlayStation 3 so that it can play Blu-ray movies, Sony has a lot riding on the format's success--so much so that it's not delivering any Sony-owned films to HD-DVD. To help its cause, Sony also needs a luxury-priced, first-generation statement product, and to that end, the company announced it will release its first dedicated Blu-ray player, the Sony BDP-S1, on October 25 for $1,000.

Upside: The Blu-ray format enjoys a few advantages over HD-DVD, but for the full rundown, we'll direct you to "CNET's quick guide: HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray." The Sony BDP-S1 and other Blu-ray players' biggest early advantage over HD-DVD players from Toshiba, the HD-XA1 and HD-XA1, is the ability to output 1080p resolution via the HDMI jack, besting the 1080i delivered by first-gen HD-DVD decks. In reality, this isn't a huge advantage because even on the few 1080p-resolution sets capable of accepting and displaying a 1080p input, you'll have a difficult time distinguishing between 1080i and 1080p sources.

Compared to other Blu-ray players announced so far, the BDP-S1 has the advantage of the Sony nameplate--it invented the format, after all. Sony will also produce the only "Blu-ray approved" HDMI receiver, the $800 STR-DG1000. We know the player will have HDMI and component-video outputs and that it will be able to convert standard DVDs into higher resolutions (including 1080p) via HDMI, an ability shared by some standard DVD players on the market as well as other Blu-ray players.

Downside: The most affordable first-gen Blu-ray players, the Sony BDP-S1 and the Samsung BD-P1000, are expected to sell for $1,000. While that's a big chunk of change for any player (no, they don't record), it's double the price of the entry-level Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player. Sony is also missing out on the potentially lucrative Blu-ray launch window, as its October release lags behind the late-June release of the $1,000 Samsung BD-P1000. The Pioneer BDP-HD1 offers one feature the Sony does not: home networking courtesy of an Ethernet jack and some fancy software. The BDP-S1's release date is also precariously close to the PS3's November 17 launch is yet another reason to wait before you buy. The console promises to play Blu-ray discs in 1080p resolution and will come in $500 and $600 models.

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Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

  • alaTest.com

    Editors' rating: 83

    Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 170 reviews of Sony BDP-S1E from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 75/100 and users 75/100. Comparing these reviews to 108013 other DVD Players reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 83/100 = Very Good.

    Read full review

  • whathomecinemamag.com

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: Sony's debut Blu-ray deck is here. And what an incredible visual experience it delivers when you eventually set it up

    Read full review

  • techradar.com

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: However, the fact that there is no ethernet port or compatibility with the industry-standard BD profile 1.1, which would have futureproofed it, makes it a tough player to endorse whole-heartedly

    Read full review

  • pcworld.com

    Editors' rating: 80

    Read full review

  • goodgearguide.com.au

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: This is the product to watch for Blu-ray enthusiasts. It's not cheap, but the exceptional quality of its features and functionality easily justify its price.

    Read full review

Sony BDP-S1

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