This page contains information on all of the current U.S. model Blu-ray A/V players. Use the Terms/Specs link above to view a detailed explanation of what all of the player specs mean.
Current Players:
Profile 2.0 Players
These players are compatible with both BD-Live (internet) and BonusView (Picture-in-Picture) features.
Sony PS3 (MSRP: 40GB for $399) -- System Software Updates: Link
Sony's PS3 game console features built-in Blu-ray disc playback support at a great price. The system also supports BD Profile 1.1, as of System Software 2.10, and BD-Live and DTS-HD decoding as of System Software 2.30. Oh yeah, it plays games, too!
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | N/A | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 2 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | No | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | No | |
| Plays PS3 Games | DTS-HD MA | No |
Samsung BD-P2500/2550 (MSRP: $499) -- Firmware updates: Link
The step-up model to the already released BD-P1500, the BD-P2500 adds internal decoding of most advanced audio formats, built-in BD-Live functionality, and a Silicon Optix Reon processor for high quality HQV upscaling of DVDs.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 7.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| HQV Upscaling | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Panasonic DMP-BD50 (MSRP: $699) -- Firmware Updates: Link
Announced at the 2008 CES, the DMP-BD50 is set to become the higher-end model in Panasonic's 2008 Blu-ray line-up. The BD50 adds BD-Live (Profile 2.0) internet features and decoding of advanced audio formats to the already excellent BD30 player. For those fans of special features who are reluctant to buy a PS3, this should become the player to get.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Sony BDP-S350 (MSRP: $399) -- Firmware updates: Link
Given that Sony's name is considered synonymous with Blu-ray, it's surprising how long it is taking Sony to come out with standalone players that support the latest BonusView and BD-Live functions. That said, the ability to bitstream out all advanced audio codecs combined with a low-cost should make this a very popular player.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | No |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 2-channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Profile 1.1 Players
These players are compatible with BonusView (Picture-in-picture) features, but not BD-Live (internet) features.
Pioneer BDP-51FD (MSRP: $599) – Firmware updates: Link
Pioneer is set to release their first non-Elite Blu-ray disc player this summer, as the BonusView enabled BDP-51FD. Featuring nearly identical specs to the more expensive BDP-05FD Elite player, the 51FD forgoes touch sensitive buttons and gold-plated connectors for a $200 savings.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD (MSRP: $799) – Firmware updates: Link
Pioneer's next player will continue their line-up of higher-end "Elite" players but will incorporate the new BonusView feature as well as decoding of all audio formats.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Yamaha BD-S2900 (MSRP: $999) -- Firmware updates: Link
Although they are entering the market at the high end of the spectrum, Yamaha’s knack for audio quality and the 12-bit deep color upsampling in the BD-S2900 could make the new unit a winner.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | No |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | ??? | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Philips BDP-7200 (MSRP: $399) -- Firmware Updates: Link
![bdp7200_thumb1_thumb[1]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/JadedRaverLAblog/SBKA25sO_2I/AAAAAAAACXA/iLgHFT0CgAY/s1600-h/bdp7200_thumb1_thumb%5B1%5D%5B6%5D.jpg)
Philips second Blu-ray player is hitting the streets at a new low price for a BonusView-enabled player. Those seeking a Profile 1.1 player with bitstream audio outputs will be happy with the new offering, especially given its price point.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | No |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Divx playback | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Samsung BD-P1500 (MSRP: $399) -- Firmware Updates: Link
Samsung churns out yet another player refresh, adding Profile 1.1 (BonusView) features to its latest Blu-ray player. Previously, this feature was only available in their BD-UP5000 BD / HD DVD combo player. Reports also indicate that Samsung will provide a firmware update at some point to provide Profile 2.0 compatibility, though users will need to add a USB flash drive to provide the required local storage.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 2 channel only | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Possible update to | Profile 2.0 | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Panasonic DMP-BD30 (MSRP: $499) -- Firmware Updates: Link
Panasonic's new BD30 is taking the world by storm right now, as the first player to be released with BD Profile 1.1, allowing PIP secondary video stream playback on upcoming titles. The unit also allows bitstream output of all the various HD audio formats.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | No |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Denon DVD-2500BTCI (MSRP: $999) -- Firmware updates: Link
The first Blu-ray "transport" has now hit stores from Denon. Maintaining the superb build quality of the DVD-3800BDCI, the DVD-2500BTCI lacks the audio decoding, analog outputs, and Realta video processing of its older sibling.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | No |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | none | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Transport only | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Denon DVD-3800BDCI (MSRP: $1999) -- Firmware updates: Link
Although Denon enters the Blu-ray Disc player market with the highest entry price of any model, they bring with them a track record for superb audio/video components and the most fully featured and future-proof player yet announced.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 7.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Realta Processing | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Marantz BD8002 (MSRP: $1999) -- Firmware updates: Link
Although the Marantz BD8002 is basically a rebadge of the Denon DVD3800-BDCI, it is still nice to see more high-end players being released. As with the Denon player, the Marantz player features Realta processing and decoding of all audio formats.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Realta Processing | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Panasonic SC-BT100 Home-Theatre-in-a-Box (MSRP: $999) -- Firmware updates: Link
The 1250-watt SC-BT100 HTIB features a simple all-in-one design with 5.1 channel surround speaker system, and a receiver with built in BonusView-capable Blu-ray player. The svelte design looks good in any decor and the rear-channel speakers are wireless for easy installation.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | ??? | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | N/A | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | N/A | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | N/A | |
| Built-in receiver | 5.1 channel speakers | DTS-HD MA | N/A |
Funai NB500 Series (MSRP: $349) -- Sold as Magnavox, Sylvania, Emerson, Insignia, Pye -- Firmware updates: Link
Although many won't have heard the name Funai, they are actually the world's largest DVD player manufacturer (and leading supplier to WalMart), releasing players under the brand names Magnavox, Sylvania, and Emerson, among others. Unfortunately, not much is known at this time about how firmware updates will be handled and distributed, as well as whether the players have the ability to decode advanced audio internally.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | ? |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | ? |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | ? |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Profile 1.0 Players
These players are not compatible with either BD-Live (internet) features or BonusView (Picture in picture) features.
Sony BDP-S500 (MSRP: $699) -- Firmware Updates: Link
The high-end sibling of the BDP-S300 is finally out to replace the original BDP-S1 as Sony's higher end Blu-ray disc player model. Sadly, this player is still be a BD Profile 1.0 player, released just before the cutoff date. Still, the player features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding, as well as support for bitstream output TrueHD and DTS-HD HR output to compatible receivers.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.0 | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | No |
Sony BDP-S2000ES (MSRP: $1299) -- Firmware Updates: Link
Answering the calls of fans of Sony's ES (elevated standards) series of A/V products, Sony has released their first ES series Blu-ray Disc player, the BDP-S2000ES. Building on the BDP-S500 model, the ES variant adds separate audio and video circuit boards for the cleanest signal paths possible, a heavier build quality, and an ir input port.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.0 | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | No |
Sony HES-V1000 (MSRP: $3499) -- Firmware Updates: Link
If you're the type of person who has everything... and just wants MORE, Sony's got a toy for you! The intriguing HES (Home Entertainment Server) design stands upright and includes a BD/DVD/CD burner connected to a 200-disc changer-mechanism, along with a 500 GB hard drive for additional media storage. The device features an ethernet port to allow functioning as a DLNA server, and uses the PS3 XMB interface.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.0 | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Media Server | 200-disc changer | DTS-HD MA | No |
Sharp Aquos BD-HP20S (MSRP: $499) -- Firmware Updates: Link
Sharp comes out of the gate swinging with their first Blu-ray player. Though always a Blu-ray supporter, Sharp enters the game late, but does so with some tricks up it's sleeve. Based on an original design, the BD-HP20S supports 1080p24, Dolby TrueHD, and HDMI 1.3. Add to that mix a proprietary "Quick Start" system that can have discs playing in as little as 10 seconds loading them, and Sharp delivers a pretty interesting player.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.0 | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | No | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | No | |
| Quickstart system | DTS-HD MA | No |
Samsung HT-BD2T Home-Theatre-in-a-box (MSRP: $1499) -- Firmware updates: Link
The 1100 watt HT-BD2T was the first Blu-ray Home-Theatre-in-a-Box to hit the market. It includes 7 speakers including 4 full-tower speakers, and can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD HR sound formats.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.0 | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | ??? | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | N/A | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | N/A | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | N/A | |
| Built in receiver | 7.1 channel speakers | DTS-HD MA | N/A |
Samsung HT-BD2S Home-Theatre-in-a-box (MSRP: $999) -- Firmware updates: Link
The smaller sibling of the HT-BD2T aboce, the BD2S still includes the same base unit for Blu-ray disc player and 1100 watt receiver, but includes smaller satellite speakers.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.0 | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | ??? | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | N/A | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | N/A | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | N/A | |
| Built in receiver | 7.1 channel speakers | DTS-HD MA | N/A |
Goldmund Eidos 20BD (MSRP: $18,900) -- Firmware updates: Link
No, the price is not a typo. In their own words, however, this player is designed for use "in the most extreme high end Goldmund Media Room systems." I assume that you know if that means you. If not, you'll probably want to save $18.5k and look at a more "mass-market" solution.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | ??? |
| BD Profile | 1.0 ? | DTS-HD HR | ??? |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | ??? |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Latest Update: 9/7/08
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