01.Introduction
We review 22 Blu-ray players, priced from $129 to $950.
Through our rigorous testing, we reveal which Blu-ray players:
- Have the best picture quality
- Are the easiest to use
- Are the most versatile
- Have the fastest load time.
On this page:
The arrival of the DVD over a decade ago heralded a new age in home entertainment and marked the beginning of the end for the VHS videotape. Now we’re told DVD is no longer good enough and we need high-definition (HD) digital video on Blu-ray (BD) to truly enjoy video in the home.
This round of new Blu-ray players includes some extended tests on damaged disc handling and we’ve decided to remove BD-Live from the versatility score (all models on test had this feature), because it is so dependent on the movie provider’s offer.
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CHOICE looked at a range of Blu-ray players to see if their performance lived up to the hype. We tested ease of usability, how long they took to recognise and start playback, how the picture compared to DVD and how well the player would play a damaged disc. We also measured the standby energy of the players.
None of the Blu-ray (BD) players in this test can record content, but many can stream video from the internet as well as play multiple formats, including most CDs and DVDs – and, of course, Blu-ray discs.
• Denon DBP-1611UD
• LG BD660
• Marantz UD5005
• Onkyo BD-SP309
• OPPO BDP-93
• Panasonic DMP-BD75
• Panasonic DMP-BDT110
• Panasonic DMP-BDT310
• Philips BDP5200/12
• Philips BDP3200/12
• Pioneer BDP-LX54
• Pioneer BDP-430
• Samsung BD-D6500/XN
• Samsung BD-D5500/XN
• Samsung BD-D5300/XN
• Samsung BD-D6900A
• Sony BDP-S780
• Sony BDP-S580
• Sony BDP-S480
• Sony BDP-S380
• Toshiba BDX1200
• Yamaha BD-S671
Before testing, we record all the main features and functions of the player, check that it has the latest firmware and assess the user manuals and any other supplied documentation.
Picture quality is assessed by three testers using two identical reference screens. We watch three BD movies and a 1080p movie shot on a high-quality consumer video camera with each player. We view a DVD movie in its native format and then upscaled to 1080p.
Ease of use We check to see how easy the player’s remote control, menu system and other functions are to use.
Error correction We use a specially made DVD with gradations of errors to check how well each player handles faulty DVDs.
Versatility is scored on the number and type of formats the player supports, its connections and networking ability as well as any interactive functions. Each claim is checked and where a player doesn't perform as described its score is reduced and we comment on the specific failing in the comments section of the comparison table.
Load time is the time it takes for each player to load a DVD and two different Blu-ray discs. Each disc is loaded into the player three times and the average time recorded.
Power consumption Each player’s consumption is measured when the disc is spinning, in standby mode with power save off and quick start on (if possible) and again with power save off and quick start off.
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