Sony UBP-X700 4K UHD Blu-ray player

[CYMBOL]

Looks like a decent player at a decent price. I am looking for a player with DV, preferably with a $350 or less price point, but that is a good quality.

However, I'm still waiting for the Sony DV update for my TV. I will no longer be buying products with promises up firmware updates. Just done. So tired of being charged for features at the checkout counter... then waiting half a year wondering when I'll get the features I already paid for.

I will put this player on the back burner for consideration, but most likely, a player coming out of the gate with DV will get my money. I'm no longer ok with buying promises.

[E6AtmosVuduDV]

AVForums video states A1e is still Sonys flagship model OLED. Not AF8 OLED.

Z9D is still the Flagship LCD.

SONY 1000es, x800 are still the flagship Player models. Not x700. Make sense for its not a "x900".

Note Sony's 900F TV is also not flagship model.

This all leads to IFA in September...

When Z9F, 940F, 930F can be presented. And A1F can be presented. These are the Flagship Lines. And guess what!
They probably will be showcased with Dolby Vision already on board!

Cource Sony did say x700 will get DV FW by August. Which is the month before IFA.

So all this make sense for also Sony's new Flagship Player to be introduced at IFA. In September. The Sony UBP-X900 with DV already on board. Yes. And likely with the power transformer built into its original larger case.

Until SUMMER 2018 which could mean August the x700 is basically a 4K HDR10 player. Like the x800. Which BTW the x800 have been on sale for as low as $150.

Other Opinions anyone?

Disclamer: I'm looking to buy a new model high-end Sony TV 55-65inch. That will be likely the Z9F, A1F or 930F. Unless I go really Big Sized... the Sony 940F(But then I would have to convert a Bedroom into a TV room which I'm not happy to do). Gosh why can't Sony make the FALD 940F in a size 65 inch! ?

[mar3o]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

[Show spoiler]Some differences between the 2017 Sony UBP-X800 and the 2018 Sony UBP-X700

[Show spoiler]



The new 2018 Sony UBP-X700 has not been released yet, therefore there is no professional review or end user to compare the two players. However one can get a fairly accurate estimate of the differences between the two 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players by comparing the player specs.



The only major advantage of the Sony UBP-X700 is that the hardware is capable of playing back 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs that are encoded with Dolby Vision HDR (Sony promises to offer a Dolby Vision HDR firmware update, possible around the Summer of 2018 they might release a firmware update to make Dolby Vision HDR playback possible).



However according to the existing specs on the Sony website, the Sony UBP-X800 is a better 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player for audiophiles, since the UBP-800 plays back both Super Audio CD’s and DVD-Audio discs. While the Sony UBP-X700 does also playback SACD’s with DSD output, the problem is according to the existing spec sheet on the Sony website the UBP-X700 does not playback DVD-Audio discs. The Sony UBP-X700 might offer better compatibility with BD-RE and BD-RE dual layer discs since those discs are official mentioned in the specs but are not mentioned in the specs for the UBP-X800 (however most BD-RE and BD-RE dual layer discs should playback fine on all modern Blu-ray players even if those discs are not official mentioned in the spec sheet).



The Sony UBP-X800 has a list price of $299.99 and can sometimes be found on sale for $149.99 with free shipping (The Sony UBP-X800 might be out of production but that would need to be verified and is only a theory). The Sony UBP-X700 in theory will have a list price lower than the UBP-X800, but it is unknown what that USA list price will be. However just because the new model has a lower list price does not mean that player is a better player. There is evidence that the Sony UBP-X700 has a lower build quality when compared to the Sony UBP-X800 (for example there is evidence that the power supply is lower quality on the new UBP-X700). The UBP-X800 has a standard AC outlet with a built in AC to DC transformer inside the Blu-ray player. However, the UBP-X700 instead uses an external AC to DC wall style transformer that is normally found on lower end Blu-ray players. The only advantages I see to the Sony UBP-X700 external power supply is that the power plug can be unplugged from the Blu-ray player and replaced if the power cord were to get damaged by the consumer, and also for people that own boats and campers they can get an optional 12 volt universal DC cigarette lighter adapter that plugs directly into the back of the Blu-ray player. Both players have the exact same quality connection jacks like 100Mbps Ethernet, front USB 2.0, coaxial audio, and two HDMI outputs.



Those that own or who plan on getting a 4K Ultra HD display with built in Dolby Vision HDR, would be better off getting either the OPPO UDP-203 or getting the new Sony UBP-700 that promises the Dolby Vision HDR feature with a future firmware update. However for those people that own a 1080P display or a 4K Ultra HD display with no Dolby Vision HDR, then they might prefer the Sony UBP-800 since it plays DVD-Audio discs (The current specs for the UBP-700 does not list DVD-Audio playback).



I know family members that own both the OPPO UDP-203 with Dolby Vision HDR and they also own the Sony UBP-X800. Since their two Sony UBP-X800’s will be connected to displays without Dolby Vision HDR, these family members have no plans on switching out their players until they upgrade their display to one that offers the Dolby Vision HDR feature.

Something you failed to mention is the x800 is a 1st-gen player for Sony, and there are many reports in the x800 thread and elsewhere of players locking up and freezing. The x700 is now their 2nd player so hopefully it will iron out some of the 1st-gen issues the x800 had.

Also, just because the specs don't list something before it's even released doesn't mean it's not supported. Specs are frequently incorrect or incomplete on sites, even manufacturer sites. A firmware update could also enable DVD-audio I would imagine.

Thew build quality is more troubling, but just because the frame is plastic instead of metal doesn't mean the player will not be a top-notch player. I agree lightweight does seem to translate to cheap quite often, but it's just too early to tell yet how this player will compare. I do wish they kept the build quality up, but I'm not at all surprised.

I hate that it won't get an update until "summer" for Dolby Vision. That will leave a lot of people doubting if it will actually happen, or when. Summer could turn into fall or winter. Why is it just not built-in at this point?

[mar3o]

Originally Posted by Archivy

Just imo, I don't care about the loss of DVD-Audio compatibility (I don't have any such discs). I also don't care about the non-industrial design since I take good care of my electronics, and my current Sony BD player is doing just fine, and this has the same build quality. When the time comes when this player dies, it will have been time to upgrade the player anyway. Sure, it would be nice to have HDR10+ support, but that format is still a ways off, and who knows how that will shake out. Let's cross that bridge when it's actually time to do so. For now, it supports Dolby Vision, so it covers the essential bases.

I am saddened that it doesn't support Bluetooth; that's the biggest loss over the 800, imo.

Thanks to everyone for the comments on other players with Dolby Vision. This one seems tailor made for people like me (apartment dwellers). It would be great if this went for around $200; $250 seems a bit high, but presumably there will be some markdowns before too long.

Thanks, guys.

I agree the loss of bluetooth is disappointing.

[Archivy]

Originally Posted by E6AtmosVuduDV

AVForums video states A1e is still Sonys flagship model OLED. Not AF8 OLED.

Z9D is still the Flagship LCD.

SONY 1000es, x800 are still the flagship Player models. Not x700. Make sense for its not a "x900".

Note Sony's 900F TV is also not flagship model.

This all leads to IFA in September...

When Z9F, 940F, 930F can be presented. And A1F can be presented. These are the Flagship Lines. And guess what!
They probably will be showcased with Dolby Vision already on board!

Cource Sony did say x700 will get DV FW by August. Which is the month before IFA.

So all this make sense for also Sony's new Flagship Player to be introduced at IFA. In September. The Sony UBP-X900 with DV already on board. Yes. And likely with the power transformer built into its original larger case.

Until SUMMER 2018 which could mean August the x700 is basically a 4K HDR10 player. Like the x800. Which BTW the x800 have been on sale for as low as $150.

Other Opinions anyone?

Disclamer: I'm looking to buy a new model high-end Sony TV 55-65inch. That will be likely the Z9F, A1F or 930F. Unless I go really Big Sized... the Sony 940F(But then I would have to convert a Bedroom into a TV room which I'm not happy to do). Gosh why can't Sony make the FALD 940F in a size 65 inch! ?

I can see this happening, and with these new models you mention having the X1 Ultimate chip. What they're doing is bumping up the processor of each of their TV lines one level above what its 2017 counterpart had.

[E6AtmosVuduDV]

Archivy

I would gather if the aforementioned models with the X1 Ultimate processor were presented at IFA in September..

All those many new models would be in the Stores in time for the Christmas Month. At which time Retailers make 60-70% of their annual sales.

Hmmmm. When, what month, was the Z9D introduced in year 2016?

Note-

IFA is the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances. IFA 2018 takes place from 31 August to 5 September, in Berlin.

[goeagles5039]

So when it says this player doesn't do dvd-audio does that mean I can't play dvd's on the x700?

[Bradman]

Originally Posted by goeagles5039

So when it says this player doesn't do dvd-audio does that mean I can't play dvd's on the x700?

No, DVD-A is a hi-res audio format. DVD video playback is part of the Blu-Ray spec, so this player will play those.

[DJR662]

People keep mentioning other high end Sony gear (including a Z9F) being announced at a later date.

Wishful thinking or...

[Ben_UK]

I have one of the Sony S790 BD players and boy is it cheap. This looks a lot like that. The 790 is a fine player, however its as noisy as hell. I was so glad the Sony X800 UHD player barely makes a sound and it feels solid too.

[mar3o]

Originally Posted by Ben_UK

I have one of the Sony S790 BD players and boy is it cheap. This looks a lot like that. The 790 is a fine player, however its as noisy as hell. I was so glad the Sony X800 UHD player barely makes a sound and it feels solid too.

If the x700 is a noisy player it's a deal-breaker for me and I suspect many others too. I hope they realize that. I liked that the x800 was a solidly built and quiet player.

[HDTV1080P]

If the Sony UBP-X700 ends up having a list price of $249.99, then most likely around November of 2018 this player will sale for $99.99.

[E6AtmosVuduDV]

DJR662 ask...

People keep mentioning other high end Sony gear (including a Z9F) being announced at a later date.*

Wishful thinking or...

From the CES thread...

the X1U is designed for 8K, but they'll also be equipping 4K LCD/OLED models with it. Sony had 4K demos with the new processor too, and they were noteworthy. I expect that next year they'll announce an 8K replacement to the Z9D. I'm confident that the new SoC, the X1U will launch in at least some of the highest end 2019 models, because a Sony rep at CES mentioned to expect the new chip "sooner rather than later". Can't say for certain that any of their first consumer 4K/8K LCD versions will hit 10,000peak nits, but certainly that's within the scope of the X1U's capabilities.*

What we know is...

With Japanese broadcaster NHK having announced its intention to broadcast the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics in 8K, Samsung and Panasonic have pledged to bring 8K sets to market in the country in time for the games. That is probably a more realistic timeframe for when we'll see the first mass-market 8K TVs.

Understand
Sharp is projecting selling 200 8K Sharp TV's per month in 2018.

So what does all this mean?
Expect by or before year 2019 from Sony a more significant DV Player than the UBP-x700. Something with a larger, heavier case with DV on board.

[JimDiGriz]

Originally Posted by mar3o

If the x700 is a noisy player it's a deal-breaker for me and I suspect many others too. I hope they realize that. I liked that the x800 was a solidly built and quiet player.

Yeah I previously had the blu-ray player top of the budget range (5500 I think) and it was a bit noisy. I was intending to carry on using it just for blu-rays. The X800 is so nice and quiet though that I just got rid of the 5500.

[Croweyes1121]

Originally Posted by DJJez

I just think the build quality and design looks horrible man. Not arguing about this

Are you buying it?

Not trying to argue...just saying that I'm reserving judgment until I actually see this in person. You really can't tell build quality until you do that. As far as buying it, I won't know that until I see it. If, as you suspect, it's a cheaply made player, then I will likely go for a more expensive, well-built one. It all depends.

[E6AtmosVuduDV]

20th Century Fox and Warner Bros will be carrying the HDR10+ dynamic metadata format for some of their 4K Blu Ray Disc Movies.

Everyone should understand that you will need a HDR10+ Disc Player as well as a HDR10+ TV. If your TV is only rated for HDR10 and can't be FW updated to HDR10+ you are out of luck. You will only be able to watch the HDR10 version of the disc.

Everyone must think carefully on what kind of TV they wish to purchase in the future. If you decide to buy the Sony UBP-X700 you must buy a Dolby Vision TV. And your AV receiver must have DV pass-thru.

The same goes for Broadcast or Streaming boxes. I gather its the same for Gaming boxes.

The Crazy Thing is...

Some TV's like the Sony Z9D been promised DV FW since 2016.

The Sony UBP-X700 is promised its DV FW by August 2018.

[elwaylite]

Sony is punting on the 940E successor and ZD9 successor until the X1 Ult and HDMI 2.1 hardware can be implemented IMO.

[mar3o]

Is DVD-audio something that can be enabled with firmware, or is that something that needs to be supported by the drive itself and the x700 just won't have a capable drive? Maybe they just forgot to list it under the specs?

[weberrygt]

Originally Posted by E6AtmosVuduDV

[Show spoiler]20th Century Fox and Warner Bros will be carrying the HDR10+ dynamic metadata format for some of their 4K Blu Ray Disc Movies.

Everyone should understand that you will need a HDR10+ Disc Player as well as a HDR10+ TV. If your TV is only rated for HDR10 and can't be FW updated to HDR10+ you are out of luck. You will only be able to watch the HDR10 version of the disc.

Everyone must think carefully on what kind of TV they wish to purchase in the future. If you decide to buy the Sony UBP-X700 you must buy a Dolby Vision TV. And your AV receiver must have DV pass-thru.

The same goes for Broadcast or Streaming boxes. I gather its the same for Gaming boxes.

The Crazy Thing is...

Some TV's like the Sony Z9D been promised DV FW since 2016.

The Sony UBP-X700 is promised its DV FW by August 2018.

Why do all these companies have to make it so difficult? I am a simple videophile - I love movies, and I love watching them. I know enough to follow what you are outlining, but what about the average consumer? How many people are going to buy TVs, players, receivers, only to find out that they are missing something? This can't be good for the market overall.

Why is there such a competition? Is this always the case when it comes to something new? I was not aware of this world when Blu-rays and HD-DVDs began, but was it the same situation back then?

I have not had the opportunity to watch DV yet from physical media. I have the TV, but not the player. Reviews seem mixed - some swear by it, some don't see much difference, and some have complaints. But why can't there just be one standard, or will there ever be one? And now we are talking about HDR10+, HLG, etc.

From those who have some insight/knowledge, is this getting out of hand?

(Please forgive my ignorance with any comments or questions that don't make sense.)

[E6AtmosVuduDV]

I have like 30 DV Movies. 10 of them or so are Physical DV Disc.

If a DISC has DV, Atmos and is a wonderful movie I am All over it. If Disc has DV but no Atmos and is a wonderful movie I get Excited too.

If a Disc have no DV but its 4k UHD Redeem Code allows me to get its Streaming DV version FREE.. im Excited to.

If Disc is only HDR10, No DV, no free DV Redeem code... I will tend to pass on it and then just buy its DV Streaming. version. No buying the Disc. Will just wait for its Dv disc to come out next year.

DV is Tremendous