Customer Reviews

Sony BDP-S1 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

I am, as a rule, not one to buy first generations of any kind of product. I have a long history of owning problem-free Sony products, so I was willing to risk it with the BDP-S1 once I caught it on sale. Big mistake! While the picture quality is amazingly better than anything I've seen so far in a digital video format, the machine is glitchy as can be. Here's my thoughts:

Pros:

1. Much better audio than with any player I've ever owned. The channels are clearly separate and not muddy sounding as with other players I've owned. Some of that is the Yamaha receiver, but there've been other players connected to it recently and none match the BDP-S1 sound output quality.
2. The picture delivers as advertised when played with the Blue Ray discs. The 1080i upconversion (my TV doesn't support 1080p...another wait-and-see attitude for me) is not remarkable with standard DVDs, but there is a difference.

Cons:

1. Does not play CD audio discs. Not a big thing to me since I never played CDs in any of my previous DVD players, but for the price (see #5 below), this machine should have zero problems handling any previous digital data formats.
2. The boot-up speed is, in a word, awful. It takes a LONG time for the player to get to the point where the tray can be opened to insert a disc. After I'd first bought the player, I pressed the open/close button and, once the player had finished it's boot-up process, it opened and then immediately closed the tray, scratching the disc. I learned to wait until I see the "CLOSE" indication on the player before pressing the open/close button. This con sounds a bit trivial, but after several foot-tapping delays, it becomes insane.
3. The menu access is hit-and-miss with standard DVD discs. Some discs will allow you to go back to the previous menu when the MENU button is pressed on the remote, others will display the message "This operation is prohibitied by this disc" and then you're forced to stop the disc and either restart it again for this power cycle or reboot the entire player (see #2!).
4. Following the argument in #3, if you are able to restart the disc without rebooting the player, this process sometimes hangs the play mode into scan mode. When this happens, it's back to rebooting the player and, you guessed it, see #2.
5. There is no resume function that bookmarks your progress after power is removed from the player. So, if you have to reboot because you tried to access the menu with a standard DVD, you'll have to find where you were at manually once you are able to return to the movie. The resume works only on the current power cycle.
6. Even on sale, this player is enormously expensive.

I broke my own rule of avoiding first generation products based on brand loyalty and performance history. It's why I don't own a 2005 Mustang while I absolutely loved the redesign and my mouth watered every time one drove past. But in this instance, I turned a deaf ear to my better judgment, so I deserve what I got for having ignored my own cardinal rule. Don't make the same mistake. Wait and see what's next. It's my understanding that the next generation of Sony Blue Ray players will play CD audio. Save your money and frustration budget and wait.

I have used my BDP-S1 for over two months with outstanding results. The picture quality on blu-ray disc such as Casino Royal, The Prestige and Deja Vu is outstanding. The player also upscales standard definition DVD's to 1080p, resulting in much improved video quality. While the BDP-S1 lacks the capability to play music CD's, the primary reason I purchased the player is for movie video and sound quality. The BDP-S1 delivers outstanding results in both areas.

I have owned this Sony Blue Ray for just about 6 weeks. I hooked it up to a Bravia 40" via HDMI and used optical for sound. Once you have seen 1080 HD nothing else looks right. It is truly amazing. It was pricey and the DVDs are too. However if you want to see your favorite movies the best way possiable, this unit does it all better than even a theater visit. Old DVDs are upgraded and very passable, better but not like the new disk. The new stuff looks better then it would if it were happening live outside in your backyard.
WONDERFUL, except for a few "blues".
Every once in awhile my player will lock up. The picture freezes and the only way to move on is to shut down and reboot. This seem to only happen with the Blue Ray disk. It is slugish to command when this happens and the reboot process as mentioned before takes about 30 seconds. Like a microwave, this seems forever. I was concerned enough that after 2 weeks I bought the extended warrenty to help save this $1000.00 player just in case I can not clear up the problem at home when it locks up. Knock on wood, Best Buy can and will back this new generation of DVD player. Other then that have fun and marvel at the movies you love. It is one great experience.

I now own a SONY BDP-S1 Bluray player. It was worth the wait. This is a well built machine, very similar to the TOSHIBA HD-A1 in quality and workmanship (see my review of the TOSHIBA). It has added features such as customized video controls (color, brightness,contrast, hue, etc). The quality of the Blue-ray movies is just as good as the HDDVD discs. The early reports of substandard picture quality may have been due to the first SAMSUNG Blueray players which had some bugs which were resolved with a recent firmare update.I have also tested the SAMSUNG player, and it has excellent picture and sound quality, but I preferred the SONY because of its better built frame and features, and thus, the higher price.Regarding the uncompressed PCM 5.1 channel sound option in the Blueray movies, if you can connect the SONY player to your receiver via 6 channel individual RCA connectors, you will enjoy the most spectacular sound.

Before purchasing the Sony Blu-ray player, I purchased the Philips Blu-ray player. I wasn't very impressed with it's quality; in terms of appearance or operation. The setup menus weren't organized, and the operation of the Philips unit was like operating a standard $150 DVD player. The Sony Blu-ray player is all together different and definately shines in terms of good looks and great operation. It, it's remote, and it's menus are very well laid out, and upon initial setup, it takes you through a setup menu which sets it up just perfectly for whatever HDTV you are using as well as for whatever sound system you are using. I'm not sure what they could do to make it any easier. Also, when you get this player, you also get access to Sony's web site where you can download (for free) any future updates and/or features. This is expensive equipment, but it is QUALITY equipment. Believe me, you won't be disappointed! If you want the best Blu-ray player, this is it.

I don't usually care about aethetics, picture quality is what I want. This player scores exceptionally high in both categories for me. It is a beauty, and more importantly, the picture at 1080p is astounding. You can flip through the resolutions (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p) and through each progressive increase in resolution there is a VERY noticeable difference in picture quality as you're watching.

Upscaling was very impressive at 1080p (1080i and 720p looked good as well). I tested some 10 year old SDVD's and some brand new SDVD's and I can't understand how anyone would tell you the picture is not amazingly better upscaled than at a native 480i or 480p depending on your DVD player.

Pros:
- Produces astounding picture quality
- Beautiful device

Cons:
- I find command response time slow, hopefully this can be fixed via firmware upgrade, minor issue.
- Pricy and impending format uncertainty

Anyone that pretends to think they know more than anyone else about the end result of the HD-DVD, Blu Ray format "war" is full of it in my opinion and simply wants to push their format of choice. You're taking a risk, either way. I made my choice and I'm sticking with it.

I highly recommend this product. Look for it on sale.


Sony 60" 1080p SXRD Rear Projection KDS-60A2000
Sony BDP-S1 Blu Ray DVD Player 1080p
Monster 4' U2 V1000 H cables

I purchased this unit 3 yrs ago for $250.00. Orig: $1,000.00. I had heard about and read about all the issues that plagued this player. I have enjoyed pristine blu ray video and audio, and outstanding upconversion with this unit. For some reason, about a year ago I got the itch to replace with something better, maybe with DTS-Master audio. I have tried and tried many players, hoping to top the performance of this unit, but it just isn't there. Oppo Bdp-83 video was a tad better but not the audio. Pioneer Bdp-05fd, had average video and audio and poor upconversion. My point is I still go back to my Sony Bdp-s1 everytime and I always say that it is simply the best. I will wait,read, research, but I am sticking with Sony when it comes to blu ray. Don't get me wrong, I have tried the lower end Sony players, 300 series, 500 series, etc. None of them compare to the Bdp-s1. I keep up with all the firmware upgrades by down loading, and burning to a disc, and have zero ploblems watching any disc.

Sony's BDP-S1 Bluray player's built quality is like other flagship products (in the ES series) they built: SCD-1, DVP-S7000, DVP-S7700, DVP-S9000 etc. (Sony tends to build their first generation machines with every tools they have, but...)

After V3.7 firmware update, I would like to report the following (seen on my LG 32LC2D LCD TV set at 720p):

1. booting procedure is a little faster: about 50 seconds (not the first time booting).

2. disk loading takes about 20 seconds.

3. the machine responds to the remote control much faster: "almost" instantaneous, with at most 1 second of latency.

4. no glitches on most regular DVD playback I have tried so far (>100), and the up-conversion picture quality is as good as PS3, in certain area, it even surpasses that of PS3.

5. it still does not support CD playback! It cannot play SACD is quite strange to me, since its audio DAC (BB/TI PCM1738E, after that 2 dual OPs amps for using as L/R channel current output low-pass fileter and I/V conversion, plus another dual OP used as the second stage stage of LPF, with 3 PCM1738E in this configuration to handle 5.1 audio outputs) is capable of both DSD and PCM decoding. With the design out the output stage, it is very easy to modify the analog output signal to be fully balanced one. However, with PCM recorded red book CD, why BDP-S1 cannot decode? I am not sure whether this "problem" is due to the hardware limitation (first generation BD ROM drive does not read CD pixels), or Sony disabled CD playback in its firmware. Please SONY: enable red book CD playback, if it is disabled in the firmware!

Lots of people are debating whether they should get the new BDP-S300/350, BDP-S500/550 or the first generation BDP-S1 or even PS3. The decision depends on what you really want/afford to buy. All-in-one player: PS3 period. For people hunting for a dedicated bluray/DVD up-converting player: S3000/3500, S5000/5500 with warranty or you can buy S1 at really low price off e-bay (with/without warranty). Audiophiles need to keep away from BDP-S1! If you really want the top-of-the-line Sony Bluray player, get BDP-S2000ES (MSRP $1200). From technical side, BB/TI already discontinue the PCM1738 and the suggested replacement is its top-of-the-line PCM1796. Probably that audio DAC will be in BDP-S2000ES. Usually, not too many machine under 3K are using BB/TI PCM179X series DAC chips, stay tuned!

(Video equipments using: Sony BDP-S1, Sony PS3, Toshiba HD-A30, XtremeMac 4-1 HDMI switch, XtremeMac HDMI cables, LG 32LC2D LCD TV.)

Pictures do not do it justice.You will have to see Sony's BDP-S1 in the flesh to appreciate the fit and finish.Unfortunately when the market catches on, Blu Ray players will weigh about the same as an average laptop and feel flimsy.Just compare Toshiba's current Hd dvd players to their earlier models(HD-XA1 /HD-XA2)and you'll understand.In the meantime give yourself a treat;get one these before it's too late.And did I mention that the picture quality is excellent?

Just a post to say that people must realize there are many people who are unhappy with the demise of hd-dvd, so much so that they are crowind the blu-ray reviews and threads with terrible reviews, when they probably have never even owned a blu-ray player. I owned this model and it played blu-ray discs perfectly. If you're in the market for a play, though, buy a newer model. This is the first blu-ray player and there are many features it lacked due to it being released so early on in the format. Just remember, usually the terrible reviews are from angry hd-dvd fanboys whose format died a miserable death, as well it should have because Blu-ray holds more on a disc (20gb), has much better bitrate possibilities and now has the support of every major movie studio. Blu-ray is simply the high definition dvd.