http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:10:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83SE_FLThe Oppo BDP-83SE is a "Special Edition" version of the Oppo BDP-83 Universal Blu player. For an extra $400 (yes, that almost doubles the price of the original) you get upgrades only a connoisseur could love. Namely, you're getting an upgraded audio section, a better power supply, RS-232 support, and a faceplate with the words "Special Edition" on the front. This player should surely be a hit with the esoteric crowd. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:10:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83SE_FLBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/jvc-xv-bp11-first-lookJVC's new XV-BP11 entry level Blu-ray player has many of the bells and whistles you'd expect from a current generation Blu-ray player except for BD-Live. While $200 may seem like a lot to pay for a Profile 1.1 player, that doesn't mean it isn't without its merit - like our supposition that the price will drop like a stone come Black Friday.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:40:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/jvc-xv-bp11-first-lookBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/dvd-a1udciThe Denon DVD-A1UDCI Universal Blu-ray player exemplifies flagship performance and status from a company that continually strives to be the leader in high performance audio gear and transports. It flawlessly plays every disc format currently relevant in the marketplace. The fact that every output is always active on this player gives an end user and/or installer almost endless configuration options on how one could utilize this player. Whether I played back a Blu-ray, SACD, DVD-A or standard DVD, I was always in shock and awe at the end result. During this review process, I got a glimpse of a feeling professional car reviewers get when they have the opportunity to test drive that $300k Ferrari, only I didn’t have change my pants at the end of the test drive. Awesome product!Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/dvd-a1udciBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/denon-dbp-4010udciThe DBP-4010UDCI isn't cheap unless all you have to compare it to are the top of the line Denon, Marantz or Lexicon players. Still, for the added money, you are getting top of the line components, cutting edge technology, and the piece of mind that you could have spent thousands more. While we don't expect the DBP-4010UDCI to fly off the shelves at this price point, for the user that has to have (almost) everything, this is the player for them.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/denon-dbp-4010udciBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/sony-bdp-n460-network-blu-raySony kind of stunned me with their new BDP-N460 networked Blu-ray player. What was most impressive was the amount of network features available to the player and it's almost mouth-watering price of just $250. Beside playing Blu-ray discs and DVDs, the device instantly streams one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment from the BRAVIA Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:00:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/sony-bdp-n460-network-blu-rayBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lexicon-bd-30-universal-blu-ray-playerLexicon is touting their new BD-30 Blu-ray player as "future-proof." We've heard that claim before from a number of manufacturers. The BD-30 is a true universal player in that it can play CDs, DVDs, SACDs, DVD-As, and Blu-rays. At $3500, it's everything you could ask for... except for a bargain. One thing that is clear is that Lexicon is not really marketing this player to the common man (or woman). If you didn't get that from the price, then you will from the language of the release. There are constant references to custom installers specifically in relation to the RS-232 support but also in general. It it obvious that Lexicon expects this product to be marketed to those with the money to afford a home theater installation specialist. Upon closer inspection it looks as though Lexicon simply repackaged the Oppo BDP-83, and got it THX certified. At roughly $3k more than the Oppo its a hard sale for all but those loyal to the brand.Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:05:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lexicon-bd-30-universal-blu-ray-playerBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lg-bg390-wi-fi-netflixLG Electronics is bringing networking video to its consumers in droves through the use of BD Profile 2.0 players like the BD390. This player boasts wireless n technology which means that users can enjoy Netflix, YouTube and CinemaNow movies with simple wireless connectivity. With the LG BD390, now you can bring all of this functionality to your flat screen television while also playing back standard DVD’s and Blu-ray discs.Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lg-bg390-wi-fi-netflixBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/harman-kardon-bdp-1Harman Kardon enters the Blu-ray market with the BDP 1, their first entry. With BonusView and BD-Live, this player has just about everything you might expect from a player these days except for analogue audio outputs. They also have included the ability to simultaneously play images and music from a disc or USB key for family slide show fun. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:10:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/harman-kardon-bdp-1Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83-universal-blu-rayLast year we reviewed the Oppo DV-983H universal DVD player which, while a couple years too late to market, was still an impressive product that redefined the price points for universal players. Now, with the only other universal Blu-ray/DVD player coming in at almost 10x the price, Oppo has finally beat the market and brings a true universal disc player to the home theater market that not only plays Blu-ray discs, but also DVD-Audio, SACD and, of course, DVD videos and CDs.Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:25:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83-universal-blu-rayBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/denon-bdp-2010ci-1610ciDenon surprised us this week by releasing two new Blu-ray players. It wasn't so surprising that they had new offerings - just that they were almost value conscience, something Denon Blu-ray players have long been lacking. The BD-Live (Profile 2.0) $500 DBP-1610 and $700 DBP-2010CI sound downright bargain basement compared to the flagship universal $4500 DVD-A1HDCI.Wed, 13 May 2009 04:15:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/denon-bdp-2010ci-1610ciBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/vizio-to-ship-199-blu-ray-playerVIZIO's new $199 VBR100 Blu-ray player is outfitted with a 108MHz/11-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and provides 720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for standard definition DVD discs via HDMI. A 24-bit/192kHz audio Digital to Analog Converter delivers audio playback from all of the latest surround sound formats and the VBR100 decodes uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio. We don't know which video processing is included, but this marks a lower-than-typical price point for Blu-ray and that's got to be good news for consumers.Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:10:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/vizio-to-ship-199-blu-ray-playerBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/pioneer-elite-bdp-23fdAt CES 2009, Pioneer’s home entertainment group is introducing three new Blu-ray Disc players and one new upconverting DVD player. Pioneer is expanding its current line of BonusView Blu-ray Disc players to now offer a complete lineup of models with full BD-Live capabilities. Two Pioneer-brand players and one Elite-brand unit take full advantage of HDMI 1.3a output capabilities along with unique feature sets that give consumers a choice for interactive home theater source needs. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:15:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/pioneer-elite-bdp-23fdBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lg-bd370LG announced their update to the very exciting BD300 player. When it hit the shelves, it was one of the first Blu-ray players (nay, devices in general) that could stream Netflix content. The BD370 takes this to the next level by offering not only Netflix streaming, 1080p upconversion, and other standard Blu-ray features, but also CinemaNow and YouTube streaming. There are also plans to include Yahoo! Video (via their widgets software) and LG is calling the whole package its Netcast entertainment system, which it plans to roll out not only in set-top devices, but also in its new LCD and plasma televisions.Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:55:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lg-bd370Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/ezgear-blucobra-ez3000Here comes the flood... ezGear, known for their AV gadgets, cables, iPod accessories, power adapters and more, announced the introduction of the BluCobra EZ3000 Blu-ray disc player. The EZ3000 is the first in the new BluCobra line of products from ezGear. BluCobra Blu-ray players aim to include a full host of features you get with higher end models at a more affordable price. With the recent rush of competition that's going to be a tough job indeed!Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:55:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/ezgear-blucobra-ez3000Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/memorex-mvbd2510-blu-rayThe MVBD2510 is one of the most inexpensive Blu-ray players to hit store shelves in 2008. The trouble is this player offers only mediocre playback quality of both DVDs and BD content. It will certainly play back your new high definition Blu-ray discs, but will do so with sloppy video processing that will leave you wishing you had paid more for a more capable player.Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:14:58 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/memorex-mvbd2510-blu-rayBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-playerWe got our hands on some information about the pending release of Oppo Digital's universal Blu-ray player, due late December or early January to a handful of "guinea pig" early adopters/beta testers. That's right, we said "Universal" Blu-ray player. Except for Denon's ultra-high-end $3800 DVD-A1UDCI, this is the first universal BD player that will hit the market able to play DVDs, CDs, SACDs and DVD-Audio discs. And the best part is that it will hit the streets at a price somewhere between $499 and $599. Oh, and it will include Anchor Bay's VRS video processing... and do 1080p/24Hz output for both DVD and Blu-ray. And... and...Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:15:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-playerBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/denon-dvd-a1udciSince Blu-ray hit the scene, one question has been on the lips of every serious Audioholic - When are we going to see a true universal player? Denon has the answer - February 2009. The DVD-A1UDCI ‘Universal’ BD Player not only plays DVD's and Blu-ray, but also SACD and DVD-A. Finally, you can get rid of all your other transports while retaining access to your entire content library. Except for those HD DVD discs of course...Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:10:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/denon-dvd-a1udciBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/state-of-blu-ray-cedia-2008What is on the forefront of many consumers' minds is Blu-ray. Sure, it is all the talk on the forums and with enthusiasts, but when will John Q. Public start to care? We'll tell you when - when prices come down. At CEDIA this year we took a look at some of the newest Blu-ray players that are either already in stores or will be soon. Some companies seem to be pushing for as many features as possible at the lowest price while other seem to be skating along thinking that a Profile 1.1 player should sell just fine at $600 - $1000. Hey, don't forget that you can pay up to $2200 for a player if you really want a flagship model.Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:50:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/state-of-blu-ray-cedia-2008Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83-blu-rayLast year Oppo discretely showed off a prototype of its DV-983H flagship universal DVD player at the DVDO booth. This year they didn't disappoint. Unannounced, we got wind of a non-functioning prototype Blu-ray player that was sitting at DVDO's CEDIA booth. What's this? An Oppo Blu-ray player? Could this be the holy grail so many were hoping and waiting for? Apparently yes - though Oppo was not releasing information about availability or pricing as of yet. Here's what we do know.Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:00:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83-blu-rayBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/ps3-and-bd-2.0Is PS3 and BD 2.0 for you? Last week, Sony released the 2.20 firmware update for the PlayStation 3. Among the list of features was BD Profile 2.0, the coveted Holy Grail of Blu-ray playback. Is BD 2.0 really that useful? Will the guys with the BD 1.0 and 1.1 players be left wanting more? Can the PS3 work well as a standalone Blu-ray player for the masses who aren't into gaming?Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:13:58 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/ps3-and-bd-2.0Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/toshiba-hd-a35Some may say that the Toshiba HD-A35 is the last of a dying breed as it is the current top-of-the line HD DVD player. With the Warner’s recent shift over to the Blu-ray camp, it may very well be. Of course, HD DVD will live on for a while longer and there are still a couple of larger movie studios backing the format. If you have a small library of HD DVDs, and are looking for a 1080p player that supports 24p or deep color, look no further. Since this format looks like it just might fade away, we’re guessing you’ll probably find a pretty good deal on the HD-A35, as well.Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:43:39 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/toshiba-hd-a35Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/bd-live-ps3All PS3 owners can rejoice as Sony announced that the PS3 will get an update that will enable BD Live functionality in the best selling Blu-ray player on the market. When will that update come? Um... sometime?Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:34:22 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/bd-live-ps3Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/samsung-bd-p1500-f1080Samsung Electronics unveiled its 2008 line of DVD and Blu-ray players at CES. Leading this year’smodels are the BD-P1500 fourth-generation Blu-ray player and the DVD-F1080 Ultra Compact High-Definition 1080p Upconversion DVD Player. Featuring the latest in highdefinition as well as advanced connectivity with other digital devices, both players offer consumers exceptional functionality, compact sizes and remarkable viewing quality. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:59:22 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/samsung-bd-p1500-f1080Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/sony-bdp-s300While the Sony BDP-S300 is an entry level Blu-ray player, entry level doesn't necessarily mean cheap. At $500, you're getting a capable high definition video player and that's about it. The unconversion ability of standard DVD's is lackluster at best and it only decodes Dolby Digital Plus. If you already have a capable upconverting DVD player and don't care about the decoding of Dolby TrueHD and the myriad of high definition DTS formats, this may be the Blu-ray player for you.Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:55:57 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/sony-bdp-s300Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/toshiba-hd-a2-hd-dvd-playerThere are numerous other reviews for the A2 floating around the Internet, but sometimes a new perspective is a good thing, especially when this will surely be at a great price point very soon (rumor has it at under $200 by Thanksgiving) when the new A3, A30, and A35 come out the door. The Toshiba HD-A2 is the second generation of Toshiba’s HD DVD players. It is the entry level player and provides output of up to 720p or 1080i. It does NOT however output 1080p. Then again, with 1080i no picture information or resolution is lost or missing from a 1080p/24 source.Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:16:57 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/toshiba-hd-a2-hd-dvd-playerBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/toshiba-vardia-hd-dvd-dvr-first-lookIf you thought the format was was confusing, consumers are in for a surprise when Toshiba releases its new HD DVD recorder dubbed the RD-RX7. The recorder features the ability to write to HD DVD recordables as well as DVD-Rs. What makes it truly unique is that it has a special mode allowing users to record HD video to standard 4GB DVD-R/RW/RAMs. The way it does this is through a proprietary format that squeezes 2 hours of "HD" material onto that regular DVD.Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:32:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/toshiba-vardia-hd-dvd-dvr-first-lookBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/samsung-bd-p1000-high-definition-dvd-player-reviewNot a day goes by that I don’t get inundated with emails or news reports of something going on in the new high resolution DVD “format war”. I am determined to avoid the tendency to break into loquacious bouts of opinion regarding the formats and simply stick to reviewing this rather fine looking piece of machinery. Believe me, it’s easier and it makes my job a whole lot more pleasant if we keep the comparisons to their own articles where they belong. With that being said, Samsung is the first product to market for Blu-ray Disc and, as such, carries the burden of taking heat for anything not yet performing up to snuff with respect to the player’s capabilities. As we go through the various functions and utilities of the BD player, you’ll get to experience what I did and perhaps get a glimpse inside what makes this $1000 high resolution player tick.Mon, 28 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/samsung-bd-p1000-high-definition-dvd-player-reviewBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Players