Pioneer BDP-51FD vs. Sony BDP-S550

[defunder]

Pioneer BDP-51FD vs. Sony BDP-S550

Hello, everyone. I have been trying to find definitive evidence of which of these players is the better. The Pioneer seems like a better player, but lacks an ethernet port and obviously certain features b/c of that.

I have been wavering on the decision since last week and I finally found this forum. Can someone please convince me to buy one or the other already! (Or another blu-ray player in the $250-300 price range.)

I cannot make up my mind.

[onehothemi]

What kind of TV is it getting hooked up to first? Unless you need the 7.1 analog out's the 550 is the same core level chip as the 350 so save the money, what amp are you using? if you are letting the amp doing the processing bitstream direct into the amp then get the BDP-S350 I thought the sound and picture was flawless. I had the 51, and had nothing but problems with it. Returned for repairs 3 times to Pioneer as Best Buy wouldn't even touch it. All my Sony units since then have been spot on. I own or have owned, BDP-S300, 301, 350, 550, and the PS3 on different levels, and I WOULD NOT recomend the 51FD. I have also owned Samsung models 1000, 1400, and 1500 and personally feel that right now, Sony is the brand to beat. Unless you move to the uper echelon Elite series I would stay clear of Pioneer. Great name shitty product, as in recent years the quality control in my opinion has gone to the birds. In addition to the size, power consumption, and HEAT level the Pioneer unit creates, the Sony BDP-S350 is SOOOooo tiny and quiet, and quick loading. The features are great and the updates plenty.

[defunder]

Thank for onehothemi for the response. I will be getting a Sony player b/c you took the time to respond.

The Sony 550 is the same price as the 350 on Amazon. Are they both better than the 500?

[defunder]

By the way, the TV is the Panasonic TH Viera 50PX80U, if that matters at all.

[onehothemi]

I feel like this, it's bluray, the differences between players is minimal, it's still 1080p, its the color and processing that makes the difference. In addition, it's SONY's technology, why not go with the people who created it, and know it inside and out. I think either or the S350 or S550 if the price is the same where you found it are far superior to the 51FD. I like to use Crutchfield for references, as their information is usually spot on and they list all the references and infomation right down in a clear and easy to read list. Personally I think the 51FD will upconvert DVD's slightly better, but as far as the S350 and S550 units go, I feel the both out perform the 51FD in bluray, there is a reason the Elite series cost that much, the processors and mechanics and software are much more advanced. I also know the 51FD has a few more customization features such as noise reduction and so on, but if that's the stuff you really want instead of tru bluray power, get a PS3. The tv is a great Panasonic so with the x.v. Color and Deep Color, I'd go with the BDP-S350 for great value, compatibility, and picture quality, as the TV is a true 720p TV I think the Pioneer just won't give you what the Sony unit will as far as picture performance and load times. Hope this all helped. BUT PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, my opinion is one of thousands. The best thing you could do, is go to a store that has friendly staff, see if your tv is on display there, if not, something as close as possible, and tell them you'd like to see a bluray demo on it with a BDP-S350 floor model, shit even bring your own disk in a regular black case (so they don't think you stole it lol). I refused to leave the store and not but anything unless the staff is willing to help, and not feed me BS just to buy something. Also if you are making the purchase at Best Buy check the Magnolia section they usually have impressive bluray demo's going on. Cheers!!! HEMI

TV
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13350PX...50PX80U&tp=161

BDP-S350
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158BDPS...DP-S350&tp=171

BDP-S550
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158BDPS...DP-S550&tp=171

BDP-51FD
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...1FD.Kuro?tab=B

[didihala]

Originally Posted by onehothemi

I feel like this, it's bluray, the differences between players is minimal, it's still 1080p, its the color and processing that makes the difference. In addition, it's SONY's technology, why not go with the people who created it, and know it inside and out. I think either or the S350 or S550 if the price is the same where you found it are far superior to the 51FD. I like to use Crutchfield for references, as their information is usually spot on and they list all the references and infomation right down in a clear and easy to read list. Personally I think the 51FD will upconvert DVD's slightly better, but as far as the S350 and S550 units go, I feel the both out perform the 51FD in bluray, there is a reason the Elite series cost that much, the processors and mechanics and software are much more advanced. I also know the 51FD has a few more customization features such as noise reduction and so on, but if that's the stuff you really want instead of tru bluray power, get a PS3. The tv is a great Panasonic so with the x.v. Color and Deep Color, I'd go with the BDP-S350 for great value, compatibility, and picture quality, as the TV is a true 720p TV I think the Pioneer just won't give you what the Sony unit will as far as picture performance and load times. Hope this all helped. BUT PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, my opinion is one of thousands. The best thing you could do, is go to a store that has friendly staff, see if your tv is on display there, if not, something as close as possible, and tell them you'd like to see a bluray demo on it with a BDP-S350 floor model, shit even bring your own disk in a regular black case (so they don't think you stole it lol). I refused to leave the store and not but anything unless the staff is willing to help, and not feed me BS just to buy something. Also if you are making the purchase at Best Buy check the Magnolia section they usually have impressive bluray demo's going on. Cheers!!! HEMI

TV
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13350PX...50PX80U&tp=161

BDP-S350
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158BDPS...DP-S350&tp=171

BDP-S550
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158BDPS...DP-S550&tp=171

BDP-51FD
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...1FD.Kuro?tab=B

The only negative thing about S550, and to me is a BIG negative, is that they removed the Frame Advance/Slow Motion button!! Why on earth did Sony do that? They have replaced it with 10 second advanced forward which is useless since if you want to advance you just push the FF button! I have asked this question on other S550 related forums and no one responds!

This feature was extreamly useful and important, at least tome. Great feature where you want to see how a fast action scene is played frame by frame.

As for the BIG negative thing about 51FD, they do not support playing photo albums of .JPG pictures and .MPEG home movies. Aagain I am scrathing my head, why Pioneer did not incoporate this feature? Sony does.

Any opinions?

TIA

[stumpy]

Ihave a pioneer bd51fd could someone tell me why its called pioneer Elite in the US
in aus pioneer is a top shelf product and sony is only average

[onehothemi]

The BDP-51FD is not an Elite series unit from Pioneer anywhere. Pioneer's Elite line of products is top notch, but Sony's populatiry stems from the units tiny size, cost and affordability, and features like bitstream, and video settings. Again, I really think it's personal preference.

[budkole]

Originally Posted by onehothemi

The BDP-51FD is not an Elite series unit from Pioneer anywhere. Pioneer's Elite line of products is top notch, but Sony's populatiry stems from the units tiny size, cost and affordability, and features like bitstream, and video settings. Again, I really think it's personal preference.

Well actually the 51fd and the 05 are pretty much exactly the same except for cosmetic differences, see below:

Internal differences:
-05FD has higher quality analog component video DAC. (most use hdmi anyways, not many people use componet video out anymore))
-05FD can use HDMI for audio WITHOUT using HDMI for video. 51FD requires you use HDMI for video in order to support HDMI for audio.

Cosmetic differences:
-05FD has touch capacitance controls vs. buttons on the 51FD
-05FD has glossy black metal front plate (likely to enable touch cap.) vs. glossy black plastic front plate on the 51FD
-05FD has gold plated rear terminals vs. standard terminals on the 51FD
-05FD has primarily gold highlights vs. silver highlights on the 51FD
-05FD has amber LED display vs. white LED display on the 51FD
-05FD remote has metal buttons vs. plastic buttons on 51FD - enter button feels cheap on both, however.
-05FD has Elite badge, 51FD does not.

Other differences:
-05FD has a 2yr warranty, 51FD only has a 1yr warranty.

Non-differences:
-Both have the same analog audio DACs
-Both have identical output quality over HDMI (Audio & Video)
-Both have the Pioneer-specific PQLS jitter-elimination circuit
-Both have a general jitter-reduction circuit
-Both support the same sound formats, have the same outputs, and support the same features in software
-Both are of the same general build quality
-Both use the same firmware

[budkole]

btw, i dont think they make the "elite line" bp players for europe. Its all about marketing in the US(a gimmick for the most part, as far as the bd players go). Someone please correct me if im wrong.

[didihala]

Originally Posted by budkole

Well actually the 51fd and the 05 are pretty much exactly the same except for cosmetic differences, see below:

Internal differences:
-05FD has higher quality analog component video DAC. (most use hdmi anyways, not many people use componet video out anymore))
-05FD can use HDMI for audio WITHOUT using HDMI for video. 51FD requires you use HDMI for video in order to support HDMI for audio.

Cosmetic differences:
-05FD has touch capacitance controls vs. buttons on the 51FD
-05FD has glossy black metal front plate (likely to enable touch cap.) vs. glossy black plastic front plate on the 51FD
-05FD has gold plated rear terminals vs. standard terminals on the 51FD
-05FD has primarily gold highlights vs. silver highlights on the 51FD
-05FD has amber LED display vs. white LED display on the 51FD
-05FD remote has metal buttons vs. plastic buttons on 51FD - enter button feels cheap on both, however.
-05FD has Elite badge, 51FD does not.

Other differences:
-05FD has a 2yr warranty, 51FD only has a 1yr warranty.

Non-differences:
-Both have the same analog audio DACs
-Both have identical output quality over HDMI (Audio & Video)
-Both have the Pioneer-specific PQLS jitter-elimination circuit
-Both have a general jitter-reduction circuit
-Both support the same sound formats, have the same outputs, and support the same features in software
-Both are of the same general build quality
-Both use the same firmware

budkole, the sales person at the Pioneer store told me the sane as you said above, mostly cosmetic diffs.

They are both good on BD and DVD. Watch it side by side, the one apeals to you the most by your ear/eys take it.

51fd = $275 / S550= $300 on Amazon

Good luck


================================================== =======
Pioneer PDP-5050HD 1080i
Sony STR-DA5300ES 7.1 HDMI DTHD & DTS-HD MA decoding
Sony STR-DA3100ES 7.1 non-HDMI
Sony BDP-S300 (sold it to a buddy)
Sony BPP-S550 (returned to store for lack of frame/frame advance )
Pioneer BDP-51FD (testing it before the 2 weeks return policy runs out) - lack of .JPG and MP2 decisions, decisions!

[stumpy]

i have had my pioneer for six weeks and have had no problems it cost me $630 aus with 6 blu movies compared to the sony bdp s550 for $550 aus

[KCLARK]

If you set on getting or even considering a Pioneer Blu Ray then you should wait until the newer models come out in April.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/p...lu-ray-player/

[cbm1965]

Originally Posted by stumpy

Ihave a pioneer bd51fd could someone tell me why its called pioneer Elite in the US
in aus pioneer is a top shelf product and sony is only average

Pioneer Elite is the name use only in North America.

[cbm1965]

Originally Posted by onehothemi

The BDP-51FD is not an Elite series unit from Pioneer anywhere. Pioneer's Elite line of products is top notch, but Sony's populatiry stems from the units tiny size, cost and affordability, and features like bitstream, and video settings. Again, I really think it's personal preference.

Your definetly a pioneer hater and sony lover. As far as picture quality the Sony ES blue ray players compare to Pioneer Elites. BDP-51FD suppose to have a little softer picture. Than the 05. Neither one of them are better than the 95/94. Thats why I bought a Denon 2500btci. For all that money Pioneer should a faster loading time and the other options.

[jaydaman]

there are two different models. The standard pioneer bdp51 and the elite is the bdp05fd. the 05 has a longer warrenty and back lit remote( I think). The pionners typicaly work best with there own gear. On blu ray you wont see much of a difference. The big difference is on standard def dvd's. it was also designed to be an awesome cd player to match up with there sc05/07 receivers.

[onehothemi]

Originally Posted by cbm1965

Your definetly a pioneer hater and sony lover. As far as picture quality the Sony ES blue ray players compare to Pioneer Elites. BDP-51FD suppose to have a little softer picture. Than the 05. Neither one of them are better than the 95/94. Thats why I bought a Denon 2500btci. For all that money Pioneer should a faster loading time and the other options.

I'm not a Sony lover, they make good products and in comparison to my experiences with the other equipment I have found in my case that Sony makes a better product.

[cbm1965]

Originally Posted by onehothemi

I'm not a Sony lover, they make good products and in comparison to my experiences with the other equipment I have found in my case that Sony makes a better product.

Majority time they do. I had a sony 350 & bought a pioneer elite bdp-94fd and it was clearly the better player. But the sony ES was at one its level, including price level

[kostiko]

Originally Posted by defunder

Pioneer BDP-51FD vs. Sony BDP-S550

Hello, everyone. I have been trying to find definitive evidence of which of these players is the better. The Pioneer seems like a better player, but lacks an ethernet port and obviously certain features b/c of that.

I have been wavering on the decision since last week and I finally found this forum. Can someone please convince me to buy one or the other already! (Or another blu-ray player in the $250-300 price range.)

I cannot make up my mind.

I would steer away from this model...I passed through two units with firmware bugs. Initially they were loaded with version 1.08 but just trying to switch from HDMI to S-Video will freeze the unit and a hard reset would be necessary. So I downloaded the latest update (1.25a) which solved the initial problem... but it created other 'monster'. If you play a bluray disc and feel the necessity to go to sleep before the end of it, do not power off the machine. It will resume the disc without any sound. It won't do this if DVD discs are played. So I thought that it is something wrong with the TV set. Packed everything and went back to the dealer and performed the same scenario at his location with a different TV brand. Of course that the result was the same meaning bad. I was a Pioneer lover (I still have three strong playing DV-410). To add insult, today Pioneer Electronics North America, removed any firmware support from their support page. I called Customer Support and 'surprisingly' they seemed blank and the only response was to bring the machine at their location. Oh yeah.. Like I would spend $500+ (I live in Canada) and my time for this kind of experiment. All I needed was a nice player (see the amount spent) with the least problems based on Pioneer reputation. So finally, again after I passed through two units, and a Panasonic BD-55 returned after one week because of random picture freezing (laser problems) I ended up with Sony S550. And I hate Sony but it was the only option left in this range of price/quality. I keep my finger crossed but until now, no obvious problems. The up converting of Pioneer and the sound quality were great but I don't expect to hard reset the unit every time when watching a bluray disc. And as specified in this forum, when comes to picture quality in bluray playing, is really hard to make a difference in-between Pioneer and Sony. So my message as stated, steer away while you can... Maybe in the future they will do a better job and win again confidence...

[Blacklac]

And my Pioneer 51 has been perfect since I got it. I love the damn thing.