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Comment on UK Cheap Sony BDPS550 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player In Stock by C. Haddon

C. Haddon — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:51:26 +0000

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful

Plenty of punch and stunning quality, 14 Nov 2008

C. Haddon (London, UK) -

This review is from: Sony BDPS550 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player (Electronics)

I've obtained the S550 as an upgrade over a 60GB PlayStation3 system (which was very noisy for films), and have been impressed with the offerings. I am using it with a Sony STR-DA2400ES AC receiver which provides the surround sound decoding via the HDMI port - the sound is superb, and supports both the new HD audio systems (DTS HD and HD-MA).

Picture quality is better than that of the PS3, though this can be hard to notice. Obviously the S550 supports 24p True Cinema, and has an indicator light for when this is active. Obviously this system works best on a 1080p native display, and upscales DVD to this resolution very well.

Small things I like? The remote control has a backlight for some of the main controls, the front of the player is a dark blue gloss which fits into a home cinema set up nicely. Oh, and you get two free BD discs when you register - Casino Royale and Batman Begins.

Finally, there's the ethernet jack for updating the player over the Internet (currently Profile 2.0), and accessing BD-Live content. Shame Sony don't have a wireless adapter for this though, as it adds yet more cabling to make a mess.

The long and short? Highly recommended, especially if you have a surround sound system that supports the HD audio codecs. If you don't, you can still use analogue outs and let the S550 do the decoding.

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Comment on UK Cheap Sony BDPS550 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player In Stock by Mitul Parmar

Mitul Parmar — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:51:36 +0000

124 of 131 people found the following review helpful

I'm glad I waited!!, 29 Oct 2008

Mitul Parmar (London, UK) -

This review is from: Sony BDPS550 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player (Electronics)

As the title says - I'm glad I waited. I've been wanting to get on the BluRay bandwagon since it was first announced but with so many revisions made since the first players with regards to interactivity (Profile 1.0 & 1.1)it was pretty off-putting. Not to mention the high price and earlier models not having the ability to decode and send HD Audio streams via analogue outs.

This player does all that I wanted in a BluRay player:

DVD's - Upscaling DVD's are as good as my HTPC (consists of a Nvidia 8800GT). Watching The Matrix (DVD) I couldn't find any difference between my HTPC (using Zoom Player) and the Sony whilst using the light cannon.

CD's - sound very good (using it via the Stereo outputs on the player to the CD input on the T163). Sound is nice and warm with no discernible loss of the upper range where there is still plenty of detail. The lowend is "fat" yet fast.

BluRay - This is what the player was designed for and let me just say it is EXCELLENT!! From what I've seen around at local stores/demos, I doubt can be bettered without spending at least twice if not more than what this player retails for. PQ is excellent and pans are very smooth due to the 24p output (outputting to my JVC HD-1 projector) and there is not the slightest bit of artifacting. The picture is as smooth as can be with very nice natural colours. Watching "EARTH", narrated by Patrick Stewart, was simply breath-taking on my 6ft wide screen using the HD-1 - vibrant yet natural colours, smooth pans, very sharp and as I said earlier simply breath-taking. Sound-wise, I'm currently using the 7.1 analogue out to my NAD T163/T973 pre/pro which are connected to some old Aiwa 3 way speakers I've got on stands temporarily and the sound is detailed, separated and VERY dynamic (on my first BluRay, Die Hard 4.0). For the LF channel I'm using a JL Audio 13W7 with a 250w plate amp and the scene in DH4.0 involving the powerplant/gas lines was literally shaking the whole house (yet not overpowering the rest of the sound)

Regarding the build quality - it is pretty well built, but in all honesty I was expecting a tank in disguise but as the previous reviewer said - it's a tad too short in depth (shorter than my Sky+ box). It has a mirror like glossy finish on the front, top and sides and is very susceptible to fingerprints/dust but a quick wipe with a cloth will take care of that.

I highly recommend this to anybody who wants to finally go into the world of HiDef movie playback using BluRay and to not be scared of what the future holds as this player handles it all.

Just to note - I was also looking at the Panasonic DMP-BD55 but I couldn't justify spending an additional £150 on top of what I paid for the Sony from my local Sony Style store where as far as I'm concerned they both perform almost identical, with the same feature-set (Panasonic has DIVX support, Sony doesn't). Why spend more when you can get the same for less?

Highly recommended player!

Some things to note: The analogue out LF channel is weak - I've lowered all channels in the player (except the LF) by -3.0db and left the sub-level at 0.0db. I've increased the sub-level on the BluRay preset on my T163 to +3db. This levels out the base nicely and integrates it nicely for all my listening.

Speed of the player is greatly improved over what I've seen with past players - starting the player takes around 15 seconds (almost the time for you to pull the disc out of it's case) and loading takes another 10 seconds (enough time for you to sit down).

My only gripes are: No MP3 CD/DVD playback; No official PHOTOCD support although it plays back photo's stored as JPEGS on DVD/CD; No DIVX support but who wants to listen to MP3's or watch DIVX movies on a quality hi-def player anyway?

I'm expecting Transformers tomorrow as well as a copy of Vantage Point via a promotional offer from LoveFilm. Sony also have a promotion ongoing where by registering the player you get a copy of Casino Royale and Batman Begins to get you started, although it takes 28 days to come through from what I understand. I'd highly suggest buying a copy of EARTH (mentioned above) to use as a demo disc as it will definitely make the player flex it's muscles with regards to PQ.

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Comment on UK Cheap Sony BDPS550 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player In Stock by P. White

P. White — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:38:15 +0000

143 of 146 people found the following review helpful

Fast and accurate - A finished product., 11 Oct 2008

P. White (Cambridge, United Kingdom) -

This review is from: Sony BDPS550 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player (Electronics)

This is my second Blu-Ray player, the first being a SONY-BDP-S300. This player far exceeds the S300 in many ways. Firstly speed, the S300 was very slow to start up and load discs. The S550 is as fast as a DVD player.
Audio is much improved, the HD codecs can be bit-streamed via HDMI to an amp or sent to the amp through analogue cables with the S550 doing the decoding.
The machine uses an ethernet connection to update its firmware and also for the BD-Live function that supplements disc features with online content. The system set up my network connection automatically and very quickly. No problems. A cheap 1Gb card is included for this feature.
Build quality is good but the depth of the machine is possibly too slight. It looks like a set top box.
The setup menus are excellent and intuitive.
The 24p output is improved and seems smoother on my 1080p TV.
This machine feels like a finished Blu-Ray player rather than a prototype like my S300. Recommended and great entertainment.

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Comment on UK Discount Toshiba 46TL963B 46-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p LED 3D Smart TV with Freeview (New for 2012) In Stock by Benbow Clan

Benbow Clan — Sat, 19 May 2012 02:10:16 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Good TV - Excellent UK support, 18 May 2012

Benbow Clan -

This review is from: Toshiba 40TL963B 40-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p LED 3D Smart TV with Freeview (New for 2012) (Electronics)

We got this as a replacement from Toshiba UK for our original 3.5 year old TV that developed a vertical stripe fault - a recognised fault it seems...

The TL963 is an excellent TV generally speaking:
- great picture, rock solid, bright & colourful
- HD in 3D as well 2D
- great connectivity (so far tried: Wi-Fi, BBC iPlayer, Media-browser, etc)
- improved audio (over previous 40TL8xx)
- good case, swivel base (silver bezel is OK, matt finish)
- Toshiba Wi-Fi dongle works well, fast.
- Good, clear remote

Great UK support from Toshiba UK:
- based in UK
- relatively quick response (and friendly too!)
- dealt with original faulty TV (3.5 year old, 40in, vertical stripe)
- offered replacement deal (ie the TL963)!

Possible issues - all minor (depending on your expectations):
- sound is somewhat 'thin' (symptom of thin LED TVs - small speakers)
- TV Guide is annoyingly slow at times, but clear
- 3D requires ACTIVE glasses (£50 per pair!)
- Have NOT tried 3D with Toshiba glasses - waiting del
- UeroTek glasses (Active shutter) gave awful flicker (possibly incompatible or faulty)
- Fixed list of names for inputs ("DVD", "Game", etc. confusing is say you have PS3 and Wii)

If TV is arriving by courier - do check the packaging prior to opening as ANY external damage is likely to damage the TV itself: the packaging is alarming lacking! Good for the environment etc, but needs a careful courier! If you have any issues, Toshiba UK should should sort it all out very efficiently.

LSR, Norwich, UK

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Comment on UK Discount 12V 19″ LCD TV with Freeview and Multi Region DVD plus USB Record for Sale by Gtc

Gtc — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:40:35 +0000

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

Shame about Ariel connection, 14 July 2011

Gtc -

This review is from: 12V 19" LCD TV with Freeview and Multi Region DVD plus USB Record (Electronics)

Just received the tv, can't fault delivery time or service.
Shame Ariel connection does not have power supply from tv for external Ariel, meaning Ariel requires additional power. Most other tvs have menu setting to send power to the external Ariel's, this model does not have this feature which means if you want to use in real 12v environment (caravan/camping/boating) then be aware!

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Comment on UK Discount Toshiba 46TL963B 46-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p LED 3D Smart TV with Freeview (New for 2012) Lowest Price by Benbow Clan

Benbow Clan — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:33:00 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Good TV - Excellent UK support, 18 May 2012

Benbow Clan -

This review is from: Toshiba 40TL963B 40-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p LED 3D Smart TV with Freeview (New for 2012) (Electronics)

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Comment on UK Discount 12V 19″ LCD TV with Freeview and Multi Region DVD plus USB Record for Sale by Jess

Jess — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:30:49 +0000

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

great tv, 19 April 2011

Jess (Ireland) -

This review is from: 12V 19" LCD TV with Freeview and Multi Region DVD plus USB Record (Electronics)

Purchased for motorhome!! works perfect, picture excellent and other functions like usb for displaying pics and for playing music is great. Speedy delivery too from supplier.

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Comment on UK Low Price Sony BDPS470B 3D Ready Blu-ray Disc Player with Full HD 1080P Best Price by JKG

JKG — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:30 +0000

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful

Outstanding Product, 13 July 2010

JKG (UK) -

This review is from: Sony BDPS470B 3D Ready Blu-ray Disc Player with Full HD 1080P (Electronics)

Right off the bat I'm going to tell you this Blu Ray player is superb. I've owned a PS3 since launch day, and, up until now, have used that for my HD movie experience. Lately, the noise of the onboard fan has been annoying me. With also using the PS3 as my media server and for occasional gaming, I thought it was time to lessen the load and opt for a standalone HD player. After a lot of to and fro, I finally decided to opt for this player here. I have to admit, access to iPlayer HD and LoveFilm (as I have an unlimited account there already) was a factor.

Ok, there's no in-built Wi-Fi, contrary to what another reviewer has stated. There's a Lan port which you can plug a cable into or a USB slot you can use to upgrade the player with a seperate Sony dongle to turn it Wi-Fi. Since I already have a cable running all the way into the living room, spending an extra £50 for the next model up just for wi-fi seemed a bit silly.

As soon as the player's connected you're prompted to update. Once that's done (all automatically) the player can stream most types of media files from a PC or laptop. It's outstanding at this. A lot of people find MKV's don't stream. I found this as well, despite them being encoded in H264, a codec this blu ray does support. I found that if I changed an H264 encoded MKV to an .mpg extension, suddenly the player could see and stream it, smooth as silk.

Internet streaming is flawless, and gaining access to your LoveFilm account couldn't be easier. With over 3,000 films to watch online as part of an unlimited subscription package, opting for this player becomes a no-brainer. YouTube is also a lot of fun. On top of iPlayer, there's also support for channel 5's catch-up service. Quality is as good as the over air transmission.

The Blu Ray player itself is a step up from the PS3. RGB support doesn't offer the kind of black-crush associated with PS3 playback. Images are rendered a little sharper. Where you will notice a difference, however, is in audio. Audio is much more open than the PS3. And, finally, I have HD audio playback via Bitstream (note, to get Bitstream playback enabled you have to go into the BD Audio Mix setting and set to 'off'). DVD upscaling is incredible. Previously I owned a fairly highly regarded Philips dvd upscaler. Trust me, it has nothing on this. I couldn't believe what I was looking at. Almost HD quality, Sony claim. They're not joking.

Multi-region dvd playback is possible. Simply Google 'Sony bpd-s370 multi region' and you'll immediately find out how to do it. The 370 model is cheaper and more popular, so Googling that gets a quicker result -- both models are the same, except the 370 doesn't have 3D support. When you've found out how to multi-region the 370, you've found out how to do the 470 (it involves buying a One for all remote with a magic button). I performed the unlock and everything works sweet, with all my multi-region films now upscaled to near perfection.

I have one SACD disc which I've given a spin. It sounds incredible. So, if you have a large collection ...

Oh, and 3D. I don't have a 3D TV as yet, so I can't tell you what it's like. I opted for this model to be that little bit more future-proof, should I decide to go down that road.

Hopefully I've answered all the questions I had running around my brain before buying this player. It's utterly superb, and a steal at the price (I was fortunate enough to get it with the 10% discount promotion). If you have no need for 3D and have a wired internet Lan connection close by, opt for the £99 Sony BDP-S370. It's exactly the same player, and the steal of the year.

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Comment on UK Low Price Sony BDPS470B 3D Ready Blu-ray Disc Player with Full HD 1080P Best Price by Mr. John Gardner "JGG"

Mr. John Gardner "JGG" — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:50:34 +0000

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Sony BDPS470B-3D Blu-ray Player, 22 Sep 2010

Mr. John Gardner "JGG" (England) -

This review is from: Sony BDPS470B 3D Ready Blu-ray Disc Player with Full HD 1080P (Electronics)

I brought this unit to replace my old Samsung, and what a diffrence this player is it loads the disc much quicker than the samsung picture quality is excellent and the online features are a bonus, the unit look great very sleek, as I am a person who likes to find out how to use new things without reading the manual first the unit is easy to setup and easy to understand what the diffrent buttons do, the unit is excellent value for what the player delivers, I would recommend this to my family if they were in the market of one.

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Comment on UK Low Price Sony BDPS470B 3D Ready Blu-ray Disc Player with Full HD 1080P Best Price by Kif

Kif — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:34:20 +0000

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

Nice piece of kit, however, some caveats, 6 July 2010

Kif -

This review is from: Sony BDPS470B 3D Ready Blu-ray Disc Player with Full HD 1080P (Electronics)

I've taken a gamble and an investment on the future that 3D tech will take off as currently I do not own anything larger than a 22inch monitor.

The unit itself comes fairly standard, the power cable is connected to the base, it comes with a remote and batteries and some instructions. Assembly is straight forward, however, if your TV / monitor's native resolution is not able to cope with 1080p you may end up with a black screen like I did.

The instructions are very clear and in this instance were able to help straight away in telling me how to adjust the setting manually without a display to follow. It's working at 720p via an HDMI to DVI cable perfectly happily on my monitor and bluray looks stunning. I cant say there's a vast improvement on DVD's but maybe the DVD software on my PC has upscaling too. I've tested some other formats and it seems to cope well with the usual XVid / DivX type avi.

The interface is easy to navigate, it can be a bit slow to respond at times though there seems to be a method to speed it up in the menus at the expense of extra fan usage. It's quiet the unit is closer to me than my speakers and I can't hear it when a movie is playing. The I/O options are varied and useful for people like myself who have filled up virtually every slot this thing uses my last coax connection.

The build quality is a little flimsy and the remote is quite bulky but aesthetics don't bother me so much as it's hidden away.

BUT the big big issue for me is not so much a blemish on the device and more on Sony's tactics. The unit comes prepared with an ethernet port for you to connect to a router with a cable, however, I would guess not many people are close enough to their routers to warrant a cable connection for their entertainment centres. At nearly £80 you can buy a wireless adapter purpose built for this machine, it's a huge price and personally I will be using a shared internet connection with my laptop to get the online functionality without having to shell out that much for a USB wireless dongle.

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