Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc Player

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.4 x 16.9 x 4.9 inches ; 22 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 29 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001J6N8BW
• Item model number: BDP-S5000ES
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,399 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

(July 6, 2009)
Add more muscle to your home theater with the Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc/DVD player, which not only plays Blu-ray Discs in stunning full 1080p high definition, but also upscales standard DVDs. It features Sony's new 14-bit HD video processor, which improves standard definition and high-definition picture quality with the help of HD Reality Enhancer and Super Bit Mapping technologies, enabling extraordinarily smooth and detailed picture quality. And with its BD-Live capabilities, you can access BD-Live features and easy firmware updates through the Internet via an Ethernet connection.

Enjoy full High-Definition 1080/60p, 24p True Cinema output and Full HD Audio decoding and bitstream out with the Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc Player.

The rigid frame-and-beam chassis adds durability and stability for optimum performance.

Check out the latest previews, download special scenes and exclusive features, and participate in online communities or games with BD-Live.

Blu-ray Disc's Full HD 1080p resolution produces over 2 million pixels per frame to produce a razor-sharp picture with unmatched depth and clarity.

Key Features

• True 1080p Output (Learn more)
• HD Reality Enhancer/Super Bit Mapping: By analyzing every pixel of the video on the disc, the player can automatically adjust the picture and enhance it to provide the optimum image quality. HD Reality Enhancer continually analyzes bit by bit of the original source, sharpening edges and reproducing detail, while reducing the effects of film grain. Super Bit Mapping delivers smoother color gradation and realizes true 14-bit equivalent color tone from 8-bit sources connected via HDMI.
• Isolated Audio Circuit Board and High Quality Parts: By keeping the Audio Circuit Board separate from other circuitry, interference from the video processor and other components is mitigated and can be kept clean. The high quality parts of the player allow for uncompromising performance.
• Rigid Beam Chassis and Dual Shield Construction: The combination of Frame and Beam increases rigidity and controls the fundamental resonant frequency of the frame panels.
• Dolby TrueHD and dts HD- 7.1 Analog: In the past, most audio codecs used compression that actually removes some sound data to transmit audio from the disc to the audio circuitry. This means that what you hear is a subset of the original audio. However, newer formats allow the audio to be compressed, but not discarded, allowing the original audio to come through once it has been decoded. This player allows you to stream the audio out via HDMI to a capable receiver or through analog 7.1 outputs for maximum compatibility with high end receivers. (Learn more)
• R-Core Transformer: Because of the unique design of this transformer, there is an inherently low radiated hum and noise ratio compared to other types of transformers. This translates into a better power supply for creating cleaner and better sound.
• RS-232C & IR Input for Flexible Custom Installation: By having an RS-232C and IR Inputs, this player can work with a wide range of Sony and other third party custom integration solutions.
• BD-Live Technology allows you to download and stream bonus content such as additional scenes, shorts, trailers, movie-based games, and more. And with Bonus View, you can enjoy "picture-in-picture" capability with select Blu-ray titles.
• Backwards Compatible and Upscaling: All existing Blu-ray Disc players will play your standard DVD collection without a problem. And with built-in 1080p video upscaling, they'll look even better.
• Emmy-Award Winning Xross Media Bar Interface: Sony's exclusive xross media bar user interface makes it simple and intuitive to navigate television menus, controls, and user settings. (Learn more)
• x.v.Color output plays AVCHD-format discs with support for the international xvYCC color standard, producing images with nearly twice as many viewable colors as the existing RGB color standard. (Learn more)
• Dimensions: 17 x 14.37 x 4.92 inches (WxDxH)
• Warranty: 5 years parts and labor

Connections

• HDMI audio/video output: 1
• Component video (Y/Pb/Pr) output: 1
• S-Video output: 1
• Composite video output: 1
• Optical digital audio output: 1
• Analog audio output: 1 (2-channel, 7.1 channel)
• RS232 control: 1
• IR input: 1
• Ethernet networking: 1

Video Specifications

• BD-R/RE Read Compatibility: Yes (BDMV & BDAV) DVD-Video
• BD-ROM: Yes
• CD (CD-DA): Yes
• CD-R/RW: Yes (data & CD-DA)
• DVD Playback: Yes
• DVD+R Read Compatibility: Yes (Video) supports VR mode as well
• DVD+RW Read Compatibility: Yes (Video supports VR mode as well as 8cm
• DVD-R Read Compatibility: Yes (Video) supports Dual layer and VR mode as well as 8 cm
• DVD-RW Read Compatibility: Yes (Video) supports VR, VR with CPRM modes as well as 8cm
• JPEG Playback: Yes from: BD-R/RE, DVD+RW/+R/-RW/-R, CD-R/RW
• HD 24Hz to 60Hz conversion: Yes
• Picture Parameter Adjustments: Contrast, Brightness, Color, Sharpness, HUE, Gamma, Playback Memory
• x.v.Color Technology: Yes

Audio Specifications

• Dolby: Built in Decoder & Bit-Stream (via HDMI and Coaxial and Optical) output
• Dolby Digital plus Decoding: Built in Decoder & Bit-Stream (via HDMI) output
• Dolby TrueHD Decoding: Built in Decoder & Bit-Stream (via HDMI) output
• Individual Speaker Setting: Large/Small; Existence or Nonexistence; Distance
• LPCM: 2ch & 6 Ch (192kHz/96kHz/48kHz); 8 ch (96kHz/48kHz) output; 2ch (96kHz/24bit) over Coaxial & Optical
• dts Decoding: Built in Decoder & Bit-Stream (via HDMI and Coaxial and Optical) output
• dts-HD Decoding: Built in Decoder & Bit-Stream (via HDMI) output

What's in the Box?
Sony BDP-S5000ES BD player, 1 GB of flash memory, remote control (with 2 AA batteries), composite video cable, stereo audio cable, printed instruction manual

Learn More

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More Picture

See Everything Your HDTV Can Show You with Full HD. 6 Times the Picture Data on DVDs See everything your HDTV can show you. Blu-ray Disc's Full HD 1080p resolution produces over 2 million pixels per frame to produce a razor-sharp picture with unmatched depth and clarity that takes full advantage of the capabilities of today's 1080p HDTVs. That's six times the picture data contained on DVDs, which are encoded at only 480p. 24p True Cinema Video Output Most of all Hollywood movies are shot at 24 frames per second, and Blu-ray Disc movies are mastered at 24 frame per second, so it is only fitting that the Sony Blu-ray Disc Players can output your films at 1080/24p for a true film-like experience at home. Of course, Sony Blu-ray Disc Players can also output at 1080/60p for more traditional HDTV sets on the market. Either way, Sony has you covered for the best picture possible in Full 1080p. Backwards compatible and Upscaling All existing Blu-ray Disc players will play your standard DVD collection without a problem. And with built-in 1080p video upscaling, they'll look even better.

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More Sound

This Sony BD player is compatible with Dolby TrueHD, Dolby’s next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media. Dolby TrueHD delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs. When coupled with high-definition video, Dolby TrueHD offers an unprecedented home theater experience that lets you enjoy sound as stunning as the high-definition picture.

• Delivers studio-master-quality sound that unlocks the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs.
• Offers more discrete channels than ever before for impeccable surround sound.
• Compatible with the A/V receivers and home-theaters-in-a-box (HTIBs) of today and tomorrow.
• Dialogue normalization maintains the same volume level when you change to other Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD programming.
• Dynamic range control (Night mode) enables you to customize audio playback to reduce peak volume levels (no loud surprises) while experiencing all the details in the soundtrack, which is perfect for late-night viewing of high-energy surround sound without disturbing others.

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Xross Media Bar

Xross (pronounced Cross) is Sony's Technical-Emmy award-winning graphic user interface for Sony WEGA and BRAVIA televisions and PS3 and PSX game systems. The interface features category icons spread horizontally across the screen that organize the viewing options (TV, Music, Internet, Tools, etc.). When a category icon is selected on the horizontal bar, a vertical bar appears showing the viewing options within that category. Using the directional pad on your remote, you can easily maneuver horizontally from category to category, then scroll vertically through individual viewing options to navigate easily through the wide range of programming available on today's televisions.

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x.v Color

RGB Color Range

xvYCC Color Range

Thanks to the adoption of a newly approved international color standard called xvYCC (an option in the HDMI v1.3 spec and which Sony participated in creating), the color space has been greatly expanded. All Sony XBR HDTVs support the xvYCC color profile (Extended YCC Colorimetry for Video Applications), or "x.v. color" for short. Standard RGB color space allows the display of a portion of the colors that are viewable to the human eye. The next generation "xvYCC" color space actually offers an available range of colors that exceeds what the human eye can recognize. Next-generation "xvYCC" color space supports 1.8 times as many colors as existing HDTV signals Lets HDTVs display colors more accurately Enables displays with more natural and vivid colors

Product Description

BonusView and BD-Live (1GB Flash Memory Included). Full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema Video Output. HD Reality Enhancer (14 bit video processing). Super Bit Mapping (Smooth color gradation). Precision Cinema HD Upscale. Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD bitstream out via HDMI ver.1.3. Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD decoder built-in. 7.1ch Analog Audio Output. Quick Start Up Mode. BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC). Xross Media Bar. Ether port for Network Update / BD-Live. Back Lit Remote. RS-232C/IR IN.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a Bluray player that meets the hype, November 26, 2008

By 

Edgar Betancourt "HD Lover" (WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc Player (Electronics)

This player is the promise of Bluray fully delivered. As before, video is spectacular. Audio is spectacular in every codec as well. DTS master audio (not included in previous sony products except PS3)and Dolby HD are fantastic. The internal decoding and full bandwith 7.1 PCM output is a great plus for all of us that have audiophile equipment that does not include internal decoders for the new formats. This also ensures that users of HDMI version 1.1 equipment don't have to fret about having 1.3 compliant equipment to enjoy the rewards of completely uncompressed 7.1 surround. Works beautifully with my Rotel 1069 preamp through HDMI. However, best of all, the player is finally fast. For those that have owned previous generation bluray players the most annoying thing about the technology was the patience testing load times. That was the bad old days, welcome to the good days, plop in the disc and go. In my expirience, even with the fast load feature set to off it is at least twice as fast (if not faster) as my departed BDPS2000ES. The menus and additional features work seamlessly and instantly, no more "processing time" hastle. I'm using it with an Elite pro110 plasma and can attest that its video fidelity is reference quality, it simply doesn't get better than this, for any price. Build quality is impressive, the player feels like its built from a ton of bricks and its completely silent in operation, the fan is inaudible (at least I have never heard it). The internet connection is excellent, just plug and go. In fact, this player has essentially zero negatives from any performance standpoint, NONE. Its not a particularly attractive piece of gear, simply a box with a tray in the front, but that is fine. Which, of course, leads to the only negative, its price. For those that want the very best in videophile equipment, the price is justified simply because its performance is, for the time being, second to none in all parameters, better yet, it demonstrates that the technology has finally reached fruition. This player is the first evidence that bluray is now a mature technology with no performance or functional compromises. Hopefully all its funtional advantages will trickle down to more affordable players soon. BTW, anyone that dismisses this player as an expensive alternative to a PS3, has not used it, or at least has not used with gear that will plainly show the significant differences in audio and video performance. Very highly recommended.
One more thing...... The picture of the player is inaccurate that is the BDPS2000ES, Cheers!

47 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Blu Ray player...period!, November 21, 2008

By 

M. Skop (Norcross, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc Player (Electronics)

I just got my BDP-S5000es yesterday. I had been using Sony's original BDP-S1 in our home theater and have enjoyed its picture and audio quality for the past 2 years. I have auditioned other Blu-ray players including the Pioneer Elite series, but never really saw or heard any clear cut reason to spend $$$$ to upgrade - until now.

The BDP-s5000es is an enormous improvement in both video and audio quality of any of the units that I have tried.

First, the picture. Stunning is the only way I can describe it. I am veiwing Blu ray movies through a 1080p projector on a 120" screen. If there are any problems with the image in terms of color, saturation or clarity, you'll see it with the picture that large. It is flawless. The few scenes I have been able to play so far all have better contrast, greater depth and more intensity than my previous player. In short, it looks as good as film to my eyes.

The sound is equally as impressive. Up until now, I have been using the audio processor in my Krell preamp to decode the 5.1 and 7.1 soundtracks with results that were far superior to the analog output of my older player. The downside was that I couldn't decode the Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD signals that many of the discs now have. The BDP-s5000es has and outstanding built in decoder for these HD formats and an equally impressive analog output stage that allows for the most realistic recorded audio presentation I have ever heard. The difference isn't subtle, but it is difficult to describe. An example of what I am talking about is in the the James Bond movie "Casino Royale". In one scene, James and Vesper walk out onto a terrace after losing a poker game to his rival. In the Dolby Digital soundtrack, the sounds of the city are all there in the background - clear, clean and pristine - a well recorded sountrack. However, when I played same scene using the Dolby TrueHD soundtrack through the analog outputs of the 5000es, it sounded like - correction - it felt like the walls of my room disappeared and I was outdoors. It was startling. It didn't sound like a great recording, it made me feel like I was there. The subtle spatial and sensory information that is lacking from many recordings was all there to be heard and felt.

As for the setup, it was very quick and easy. There was one small quirk that I noticed. Because I am using the players decoder and analog outputs, I needed to go into the audio setup of the Sony to adjust speaker levels and positions. The setup process went quickly enough as I was able to match all of the speaker levels up or down in 1/2dB increments except for the subwoofer. I needed to boost the output to the sub by 1.5dB but the Sony would only allow me to turn it down, not increase the level. I had to start over using the sub's output as the reference level and match the other speakers to it. Not a big problem, but a bit strange.

The network connection went without a hitch. I plugged in the cable and it immediately checked to see if there was an update for the firmware. This is an important reason to consider Sony when making a purchase. As I mentioned, I have the original Sony Blu Ray player and after 2 1/2 years, they are still offering software improvements which allow it to work flawlessly with the latest BD titles. I have updated that machine at least 7 times (from v1.1 to v4.2), all for free, and each time the machine works faster and better. There are not many companies out there that continue to support their products with free upgrades and for such a long period of time. Most just want you to buy the newest model rather than improve your current one.

Also, I saw a previous review about the loading time and thought I'd respond. There is a setting in the setup menu that decreases the time to boot up and load a disc dramatically by leaving the machine in kind of a standby mode. I didn't time it, but I'd say the few discs I've tried to play so far loaded in under 10 seconds with this mode turned on. The downside is that the unit uses more power to do this because it keeps the fan and processor running even when the power switch is off. My guess is that the previous reviewer has not turned that feature on (the default setting for this feature is "off").

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Video Enhancement is Genuine, March 15, 2010

By 

Gary (Saratoga, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc Player (Electronics)

I can share that for my situation the video enhancement of the BDP-S5000s was very real. My raw video material was from a Canon XH-A1s used to shoot an orchestral performance. Adobe Premiere, Adobe Encore, Verbatum blank DVD discs, and a new LG burner were used to make a 1080p/24 Blu-Ray DVD. When my resulting DVD wouldn't play on my Sony BDP-S300 player, I went to a Sony Store to compare new players.

What I cared about foremost was image quality. The short answer is that players absolutely are not the same. However before I get specific I hope you will please indulge me in a little background theory. Blu-ray encoders compresses video by approximately 50x, which the players then need to uncompress (decode). Encoding at a studio can be slow and methodic, however decoding in a DVD player needs to happen in real time, which invites compromises. If the player has a powerful processor as does the 5000s, a beautiful video stream more free of artifacts will result when you play a DVD.

Compared to the 5000s, the lesser DVD players I tried at the store sacrificed some image quality when the picture moved; i.e., they would pixelate to various degrees. For example a person's face would become slightly blotchy for a fraction of a second and then resolve itself. With the lesser players this would happen even on slowly moving images, and I would expect the problem to be more pronounced with fast moving scenes such as with sports. A related shortcoming is that the lesser players had some noise in their images. For example a dark suit that appeared smooth when the person sat still would become grainy when the person moved slowly. Neither of these defects were apparent on the 5000s.

These shortcomings of the lesser players would probably never be noticed by a casual viewer who rightly thinks that any Blu-ray just looks pretty fabulous no matter what. Nonetheless, there is a curse in knowing what to look for, because it is easy to see, and certainly doesn't require a "golden eye". Whether or not they are objectionable is up to the individual. I'll remark that I have no reason to suspect the other video (and audio) claims to not be accurate. In summary, the 5000s player employs a very powerful image decoder, and it buys you playbacks that are seemingly free of artifacts.