The Good, The Bad & The Mediocre - The Sony BDP-S360
Sony won the format wars with Blu-Ray, and 2009 is the first time Sony's tried to move this format downmarket with more affordable Blu-Ray players, most notably with the BDP-S360. It replaces the popular BDP S350 model that came out in the spring of 2008. It's a basic player with some added features, like Sony's Picture N' Picture features, and BDLive Web capabilities. The Audio system is the same as the prior model, with DTS HD and Dolby True HD outputs. Missing is a wireless n connection, and compatibility with streaming content mavens Netflix.
The Sony BDP-S360 has two types of video outputs. HDMI video output is the first that is featured on this BluRay player. HDMI outputs range from Auto, 480p, 480i, 720p, 1080p, 1080p-24 and 1080p-60. The menu has an option that enables a 1080p-24 connection (if your television supports this signal). If your television supports 1080p-24, it will automatically play that output (if the BluRay disc has a 1080p-24 signal). Second video connection is component video and the output range from 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. This player has three different picture modes (brighter, theater and standard). Each picture mode includes a noise reduction feature.
The audio outputs that are included are, optical, 2 channel analog, coaxial digital and HDMI. Audio filters (slow or sharp) are used for analog signaling. A/V Sync and Dynamic Range Compression are also included. The Dynamic Range Compression has several options you can choose from. As mentioned above, this BluRay player does not support 7.1 channel audio. The 7.1 channel is in an analog format.
As to what it can play back, just about anything. DVDs, CD, MP3, BlueRay, and more. It's got an Ethernet port for the BDLive Web feature set, though it lacks internal memory or a harddrive. Buying a commodity external USB hard drive is necessary - and for the market they're aiming at, it's a reasonable requirement.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The player can output playback via HDMI to 1080p-24
If your audio system is digital, it's got enough to keep you happy, provided your audio works over HDMI.
BDLive Web and Sony Picture N' Picture content is part of the package.
Cons:
BluRay player does not support the analog audio 7.1 channel output resolution. Not a great choice if you own an A/V receiver that is older.
BluRay player does not have internal memory. You have to purchase an external USB thumb drive. Also, the USB port will not play music or photos.
No streaming media service, or wireless support for home network streaming media play. (This is supposedly coming in next year's model.)
Summation:
The Sony BDP-S360 lacks the BluRay features of other BluRay players that are on the market. Sony did not want to compete with other companies and they have failed miserably. This product is not recommended if you want the best out of BluRay. If you want a standard BluRay player, this player is for you. If you want a more advanced player, purchase another BluRay player. - 23806
The Sony BDP-S360 has two types of video outputs. HDMI video output is the first that is featured on this BluRay player. HDMI outputs range from Auto, 480p, 480i, 720p, 1080p, 1080p-24 and 1080p-60. The menu has an option that enables a 1080p-24 connection (if your television supports this signal). If your television supports 1080p-24, it will automatically play that output (if the BluRay disc has a 1080p-24 signal). Second video connection is component video and the output range from 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. This player has three different picture modes (brighter, theater and standard). Each picture mode includes a noise reduction feature.
The audio outputs that are included are, optical, 2 channel analog, coaxial digital and HDMI. Audio filters (slow or sharp) are used for analog signaling. A/V Sync and Dynamic Range Compression are also included. The Dynamic Range Compression has several options you can choose from. As mentioned above, this BluRay player does not support 7.1 channel audio. The 7.1 channel is in an analog format.
As to what it can play back, just about anything. DVDs, CD, MP3, BlueRay, and more. It's got an Ethernet port for the BDLive Web feature set, though it lacks internal memory or a harddrive. Buying a commodity external USB hard drive is necessary - and for the market they're aiming at, it's a reasonable requirement.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The player can output playback via HDMI to 1080p-24
If your audio system is digital, it's got enough to keep you happy, provided your audio works over HDMI.
BDLive Web and Sony Picture N' Picture content is part of the package.
Cons:
BluRay player does not support the analog audio 7.1 channel output resolution. Not a great choice if you own an A/V receiver that is older.
BluRay player does not have internal memory. You have to purchase an external USB thumb drive. Also, the USB port will not play music or photos.
No streaming media service, or wireless support for home network streaming media play. (This is supposedly coming in next year's model.)
Summation:
The Sony BDP-S360 lacks the BluRay features of other BluRay players that are on the market. Sony did not want to compete with other companies and they have failed miserably. This product is not recommended if you want the best out of BluRay. If you want a standard BluRay player, this player is for you. If you want a more advanced player, purchase another BluRay player. - 23806
About the Author:
Michael Woods is an expert on electronics. He now provides DVD players for sale at prices that everyone can afford. See his website today and find out about alternatives to the BDP-S360.
posted by X - Men at
2:42 AM
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