Group test: Blu-ray players

Having seen off the challenge of HD-DVD, Blu-ray has become the High-Definition media format of choice for all the major movie studios. This CD-sized optical disc can hold up to 50GB of data, over five times the amount of a standard DVD – space enough for a movie in astoundingly clear 1080p HD quality, plus a side order of next-gen extras including picture-in-picture commentaries and lossless, 7.1-channel Dolby and DTS surround sound.

You’ll need two things to watch Blu-ray, though: an HD-ready television or projector and a Blu-ray player. We’ve assembled five top pieces of Blu-ray playing hardware to see how they fare.


Samsung HT-BD2

If surround sound is your bag, the Samsung is the Blu-ray system for you. With no fewer than seven satellite speakers (four of which are giant floorstanders) and a subwoofer in the box that’s got more woof than a doberman on heat with rabies, it spreads powerful audio effects around your living room with all the accuracy of Phil “The Power” Taylor. Aside from that, it’s fairly run of the mill with limited connectivity, no LiveView and a build quality that’s more plasticky than Joan Rivers’ face. Still Blu-ray movies do look pleasingly sharp.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Samsung HT-BD2 product page >>

JVC NX-BD3

Combining compact dimensions with solid build quality and a desirable design, this entry-level system delivers a fine Blu-ray experience without really making the most of the format’s sonic capabilities. So it’s not exactly a home cinema experience to spill your popcorn over, but that said, many users will find the addition of media streaming to be a handy added bonus, as it means you can listen to MP3 music and view DivX movies from the comfort of your sofa. And relax…

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the JVC NX-BD3 product page >>

Panasonic SC-BT100

While it might have one or two audio issues, and looks-wise it’s more Croydon side walk than Milan catwalk, the SC-BT100 is a high quality all-in-one that gives you an instant High-Definition home cinema. Just plug it into your HDTV and you’ve got razor-sharp Blu-ray pictures that are so good-looking you’ll feel like Paul Scholes standing next to them. You also get decent surround sound and a gaggle of useful extras like an integrated iPod docking station and an SD card slot capable of playing footage from AVCHD-compatible camcorders. A top effort, then.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Panasonic SC-BT100 product page >>

Sharp BD-HP20

While the BD-HP20 shows you don’t have to spend big to get Blu-ray into your life, it’s not one of the best examples of a player we’ve ever seen. Okay, so it’s a little unfair to pitch it against the other products here, as they’re all home cinema systems with audio included, but even on its own merits Sharp’s player is something of a disappointment. Hopefully the newer BD-HP21 (which we haven’t had a chance to get our hands on yet) has addressed most of the issues that have plagued the HP20 like a Biblical swarm of locusts. That said images are still excellent, but then you almost expect them to be on a Blu-ray player, now.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Panasonic SC-BT100 product page >>

PriceRunner recommended
Pioneer LX01BD

It’s a shame the LX01BD costs more than an F1 supremo’s divorce settlement to his ex-wife (okay, it doesn’t, but you get the comparative expense we’re trying to portray), because this is the sort of home cinema system that everyone should own. Easy to set up and reasonably compact, it still manages to produce eye-poppingly beautiful HD pictures and punchy, clear and tightly controlled surround sound. The £2,000ish price, however, will put it out of the reach of most buyers – but if you’ve got money to burn and a desire for excellent design and sparkling performance, this package will not let you down.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Pioneer LX01BD product page >>

Like these Blu-ray players? Why not get chatting about them on the PriceRunner forums.

Related Articles:

1. Group test: Home cinema soundbarsSetting up a home cinema needn’t be a hassle: if you want to avoid a mess of cable that makes your lounge look like a plate of spaghetti from your local Italian, and a load of hulking speaker boxes that make you feel like you’re in a night club, then you can opt for an [...]...
2. Panasonic SC-BT100The Panasonic SC-BT100 is tooled up and ready to take on the rest of the Blu-ray home cinema world. With 1,000W of power behind it, can it provide the sonic and audio performance that we’ve come to expect from such systems? Or will it fall down on its Hi-Def-toting rear? Let’s find out… Pros Like JVC’s [...]...
3. Hi-Def projector group testHi–def projectors are the kings of home cinema gadgets. If you’ve got a dedicated room for watching the latest Blu–Rays, then you’ll need one. We’ve pitched five of the best HD projectors in the listings against each other to see which one is the best pick for you. As well as crisp clear pictures, with [...]...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Rate this article