For a connected, 3D compatible Blu-ray player, the Sony BDP-S570 can be purchased for under $200, and it appears to be a very good buy right now. Setup is a snap—only one cable (HDMI) to connect to your HDTV and it’s off and running. It finds your home Wi-Fi network automatically and even has a security encryption option. By the way, there have been reports of streaming problems with home networks using 802.11g routers. If you’re going to be doing a lot of streaming, it might be time to consider a wireless router upgrade.
Pandora Reveals Audio Deficiencies
Getting Pandora and Netflix running is straightforward and only requires a quick visit to the web on a computer (or phone) to enter a couple of activation codes. Once connected, you can pick a Pandora station or a Netflix movie from your queue and start streaming—Blockbuster stores must be struggling to stay in business. The only drawback with Pandora and Netflix is they both make you realize how inadequate the audio is on your HDTV set (but soundbars can fix this on the cheap). Streaming movies load fast and look fine in 720p resolution. The connected TV looks like the future, and Netflix seems to have it together in this department.
Choosing the fast load option on the Blu-ray player makes a real difference, and it’s true to its name. You no longer have to tap your foot waiting for a DVD movie to come up on the screen. Playback through HDMI is just what you’d expect from Blu-ray and that is a big step up from DVDs, especially upconverted DVDs.
Sony Is Coming Back
Sony draws a large fan base with owners raving about Trinitrons and Walkmans over the years. But lately they’ve been slipping behind competitors like Apple and a few others. It’s promising to witness a comeback emerging from Sony with this new Blu-ray player.
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