The Sony BDP-S1 Review Thread

[Jim L]

Overall, I like this player. I've had the Panny and I think this one is a more refined piece of equipment, definitely beautiful looking.

Response to the remote can be a little slow at times, but I wonder if that will be fixed with the planned firmware updates.

My one disappointment is that for now I cannot watch The Descent which I just got and was really looking forward to. I'll just have to save that one for later. (I have plenty to watch for now)

I am planning on replacing my Denon DVD-2200 with a PS3 when they are available at a retail outlet locally. It will fulfill my CD/SACD playback needs as well as give me gaming/multimedia/web capablity.

I'm still playing with the settings for output resolution to see which looks best for different kinds of content. For DVD's, at first I thought Direct mode was best but now I'm not sure. What is everyone else's opinion on that?

[jgaepi]

Kierre,

I am in Sicily, which base are you at? I want to price match if our NEX will do it. Plus, having both tvs in stock, did you notice a difference between the KDL vice the KLV. The KLV is really nice but only has one HDMI port vice 3. Although not sure when/how I would use more than 1 HDMI.

[Kierre]

Originally Posted by jgaepi

Kierre,

I am in Sicily, which base are you at? I want to price match if our NEX will do it. Plus, having both tvs in stock, did you notice a difference between the KDL vice the KLV. The KLV is really nice but only has one HDMI port vice 3. Although not sure when/how I would use more than 1 HDMI.

I work out of the Patch Barracks Base in Stuttgart. Incidentally, I just purchased the non-multi system Sony 40" for 1350 on a sale as they were doing the "out with the old and in with the 1080p" sale. If you think NEX will price match with AAFES, I'm sure I could get the info for you if you'd like. I don't see why they wouldn't, because with the shoe on the other foot, AAFES' policy is that they will match "any" local retailer's advertisement. I've had a 50/50 success rate with price matching online retailers as it depends on who is in charge any given day.

Hands down the XBR series is making every other TV installed with similar set ups look bad. The price difference is substantial between the two though, about 1000,00.

The XBR series is no longer on display, and the unit that is on display I mistakingly thought it was XBR. The model number is KDL-46V2500, and it is the one that put all the others to shame (2999.00). The XBR sold out before they were able to place it on the rack against the other TVs.

[Kierre]

Originally Posted by Jim L

Overall, I like this player. I've had the Panny and I think this one is a more refined piece of equipment, definitely beautiful looking.

Response to the remote can be a little slow at times, but I wonder if that will be fixed with the planned firmware updates.

My one disappointment is that for now I cannot watch The Descent which I just got and was really looking forward to. I'll just have to save that one for later. (I have plenty to watch for now)

I am planning on replacing my Denon DVD-2200 with a PS3 when they are available at a retail outlet locally. It will fulfill my CD/SACD playback needs as well as give me gaming/multimedia/web capablity.

I'm still playing with the settings for output resolution to see which looks best for different kinds of content. For DVD's, at first I thought Direct mode was best but now I'm not sure. What is everyone else's opinion on that?

I'm with you! I'm sure everyone else here is feeling your pain as well. Since I'm overseas, my update disc will go to my home stateside, and I would pick it up the next time I'm there. I just vented on the Sony eSupport site and requested an answer as to why won't they make the firmware update available for download. I would burn it to DVD if I had to, since the player has no support for CDs. I just purchased several new Blu-Ray discs and fortunately they all play, however "The Descent" was supposed to be one of them! So, "Kung-Fu Hustle", "Lady in the Water", "MI3" and "Kingdom of Heaven" all work fine. One of them stated that before playback specifically on the Panny, it required the firmware update 1.1 or more. It was either KoH, or LITW. I am frustrated at this point, and I really don't know how I'm going to receive the update, once it ships from Sony, and I made this frustration quite clear to Sony.

[bferr1]

Originally Posted by Kierre

I am frustrated at this point, and I really don't know how I'm going to receive the update, once it ships from Sony, and I made this frustration quite clear to Sony.

Hang tight. I am sure that someone will post it either here, at AVS Forum, or somewhere else.

[blitz6speed]

Originally Posted by bferr1

Hang tight. I am sure that someone will post it either here, at AVS Forum, or somewhere else.

Yah, no doubt about it, im sure it will make the rounds. Heck, if it doesnt, i will go to Sony Style myself, get the update and make a ISO image for you personally.

[Kierre]

You guys are A-OK!

[jgaepi]

Kierre,

I gave the price match request to the NEX manager here but it probably would be helpful for any supporting info. Like if the price was a Holiday Sale that no longer is happening, etc. Thanks for your assistance. I would love to save that extra cash.

[KC-Technerd]

My apologies. Please disregard my prior post concerning variance in black level on the BDP-S1. I apparently made an error, as now all blu-ray discs and DVDs are exhibiting consistent black level.

[jgaepi]

Kierre,

My friend. You saved me $600 on that television. Even though I didn't get the follow up details, the fact that you let me know that your AAFES had it cheaper, they caved and gave me the price match. But they told me to tell no one else ... hint, hint, anyone else in Sicily, you can get the TV for $1999.
If you want, and can either send me your shipping address or email for privacy, I am happy to buy you a Blu-Ray movie of your choice from Amazon. Just let me know. It is worth it for the $600 savings!!!

[Kierre]

Originally Posted by jgaepi

Kierre,

If you want, and can either send me your shipping address or email for privacy, I am happy to buy you a Blu-Ray movie of your choice from Amazon. Just let me know. It is worth it for the $600 savings!!!

Not necessary my friend, but thanks. I'm just glad to hear that they ultimately did the "right" thing. I was going to hit you again today to ensure the model numbers and everything were the same. I had also spoken with the management here, and they advised that the price was actually the entry price with no sale at all. They had 6, and they are all gone. He also offered to speak with the manager of the facility if they called, to bring them into the light. Either way, I believe the end state would be the same which means savings for you.

Enjoy!

[GP1]

About a week ago, I got my BDP-S1 that I ordered last May. Works great, except that I can not get it to work through any switch for connecting multiple HDMI sources to my Sharp projector (DVI input). I purchased the first three switches locally (including Geffen). None of them worked. Either no signal or extensive video noise. I thought it might be the electronics in these remote control switches. So I ordered a fully mechanical HDMI/DVI switch. Unbelievable!! More video noise than any of the other switches. I am baffled. Mostly, I am frustrated. Any suggestions before I give up on the whole Blu-Ray thing and return the BDP-S1?

[theknub]

well, it wouldn't be the bdp-s1 causing this. yes, it is the only one having problems according to you, but introducing anothing link in the chain isn't the best solution.

how is it directly connected?

[bferr1]

Originally Posted by GP1

About a week ago, I got my BDP-S1 that I ordered last May. Works great, except that I can not get it to work through any switch for connecting multiple HDMI sources to my Sharp projector (DVI input). I purchased the first three switches locally (including Geffen). None of them worked. Either no signal or extensive video noise. I thought it might be the electronics in these remote control switches. So I ordered a fully mechanical HDMI/DVI switch. Unbelievable!! More video noise than any of the other switches. I am baffled. Mostly, I am frustrated. Any suggestions before I give up on the whole Blu-Ray thing and return the BDP-S1?

I had no video signal when playing a movie over HDMI through my Pioneer Elite receiver. I saw the player setup menus, the disc's startup FBI warnings, but no main menus and no movie. Just a black screen. When I directly connected to the TV, bypassing the receiver entirely, I suddenly had video. Returned the player the next day.

[Kierre]

Originally Posted by GP1

connecting multiple HDMI sources to my Sharp projector (DVI input). I purchased the first three switches locally (including Geffen). None of them worked. Either no signal or extensive video noise. I thought it might be the electronics in these remote control switches. So I ordered a fully mechanical HDMI/DVI switch. Unbelievable!! More video noise than any of the other switches. I am baffled. Mostly, I am frustrated. Any suggestions before I give up on the whole Blu-Ray thing and return the BDP-S1?

It most likely boils down to HDCP being the culprit in your case. Via HDMI, the interface is asking for authentication from the end device; in this case your projector. If the end device is not HDCP compliant, the authentication cannot be resolved, thus your problem. I personnally am not aware of a way around this yet, however I recommend to vist the Gefen Forum as it is quite informative, and if there is a way around it, they certainly know it or are working on it. So basically the Sony is asking for something, the switch box is simply passing the question along, but the end device can't answer the question because it doesn't speek the language. One question though... have you connected the Sony directly to the projector to see if that worked? It should not work, but if it does we are troubleshooting the wrong part. I just tried a HDMI to DVI direct connection to my projector and it worked, but I'm pretty sure the projector is HDCP compliant as is also has a HDMI input.

[KC-Technerd]

I figured out what was causing the black level changes on my BDP-S1. This may be of interest to those who are using a connection similar to mine. I am using a HDMI-DVI cable to connect to the DVI input on my Sony KDF-70XBR950 HDTV.

According to the manual (pg 45) the correct setup for connecting to a device with a DVI input is in the video setup menu, item "YCbCr/RGBPC" should be set to RGB (16-256). I've found that sometimes despite still showing "RGB (16-256)" under item "YCbCr/RGBPC", that sometimes the unit will be set for "RGB (0-256)" which is the setup for an RGB device rather than a DVI input. This drops the reference black level several steps below video black (DVI level), and causes darker details of the picture to disappear below black level on a properly cailibrated display.

I recommend that those using this unit with a DVI input be observant for changes in picture quality, particularly a loss of near black picture detail. If this happens, stop the disc, go to the video setup menu, and reselect RGB (16-256) although it already appears to be selected. If you notice a slight increase in brightness or any disruption in the video as you make the selection the unit was not set to RGB (16-256). If there is no change at all when making the selection, RGB (16-256) was already set.

At present I have to occasionally "remind" the unit that I've previously selected RGB (16-256). The occurances of this resetting I've noticed seem to correlate with turning on the unit.

[Greggles]

Hi, (First Post)
I've recently imported a BDP-S1 into the UK and have been blown away by the player. The one problem I have is, due to my location, I am unable to register it for firmware upgrades on the Sony US website. Unfortunately I do not know anyone in the States whose address I could use for this purpose. I therefore will be unable to play the advanced BD-J discs. Anyone have any ideas?

[john_1958]

Originally Posted by vick vega

Well I hooked my bdp-s1 up to my brothers hdila 1080p tv and watched mission impossible 3. I must say I was throughly dissapointed. Sending it back to amazon for a refund not worth 1,000 dollars IMO.

What exactly was wrong with M-I-3?
HD-ila 1080p is a great HDTV

[Kierre]

MI3 actually helped me with my purchase choice... it also made me realize I didn't need to see Tom Cruise with that sort of clarity. HD will be realistic, but in can also be cruel!

[Kierre]

I know we have scraped over this subject a few times, but I'm not aware of anyone posting success, or lack there of with the new sound formats. All documentation I have read concerning this player point to it recognizing the new formats, however only outputting regular DTS or Dolby Digital. Plus, I'm currently connected via HDMI directly to my projector and fiber to my receiver. I believe the only movie in my vast blu-ray library of 5 with DTS-HD, is Kingdom of Heaven. Has anyone actually attempted to output to their receiver via separate analog channels or directly via HDMI with any success other than regular Dolby and DTS? I'm sure you have guessed by now that I do not currently have a receiver that accepts HDMI, but I have invested a lot of time and resources into my theater sound system. I spend a lot of time tuning and tweaking DD 5/6.1 and DTS-ES 6.1. All my friends say it's perfect, but I'm my worst critic.