Best Blu-ray Players

Oppo Blu-ray players are best in picture and sound quality

No Blu-ray player has drawn more praise than the Oppo BDP-93 (*Est. $500) . That's because its performance with Blu-ray Discs and DVDs is unsurpassed by anything near its price tag. Additionally, the BDP-93 is a universal player designed for compatibility with virtually all 5-inch audio and video disc formats, and it delivers sound quality that everyone says will please all but the most hard-core audiophiles.

Video performance is enhanced by the use of Marvell's Qdeo video-processor technology, though its benefits are only seen if you're using the player's primary HDMI port (HDMI1) -- other connections, including the second HDMI port, use a less powerful video chip. Upscaling of standard DVDs is stellar and Blu-ray video looks stunning, according to all reports. One of the main reasons to upgrade to the Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player over its predecessor is the inclusion of 3D support, and reviewers say the player excels at displaying the new format.

Audio support is comprehensive, and the Oppo Blu-ray player supports Dolby's TrueHD, Digital Plus and Digital 5.1 formats, as well as DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio. The BDP-93 also has support for SACD audio discs. Connectivity includes a 7.1-channel analog audio output as well as optical and coaxial digital audio outs.

A major drawback in previous Oppo Blu-ray players was the lack of Internet streaming. The Oppo BDP-93 includes Internet support, though not as much as many more moderately priced Blu-ray players. The content lineup includes Netflix, Blockbuster on Demand, Vudu, Pandora and You Tube. Those minimal streaming options -- which were more limited when the player first launched -- are a small downside to an otherwise exceptional player, experts say.

Like most Blu-ray players, the Oppo BDP-93 is BD-Live-compliant (see our What to Look For page for details on Blu-ray profiles) and contains 2 GB of internal storage, with the requisite 1 GB set aside for BD-Live use. Wired and wireless Internet (via an included dongle) are supported. The Oppo Blu-ray player handles discs from either side of the Atlantic, thanks to built-in PAL and NTSC support. An eSATA port and twin USB slots are available, and the BDP-83 can play back a variety of formats recorded onto a USB drive or streamed from a device compliant with the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), such as a personal computer.

Oppo also offers the step-up Oppo BDP-95 (*Est. $1,000) universal player; image quality and features are identical to the Oppo BDP-93. What you get for your extra $500 is superb audio performance, on a par with the finest audiophile-quality components. The review team at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity ran the BDP-93 and the BDP-95 Blu-ray players through an audio testing gauntlet, and the higher-end model's results were almost below the limits of the testing equipment. "At $999 for the BDP-95, I cannot come up with an adjective to describe the performance/value this product represents," reviewer John Johnson says.

Panasonic Blu-ray players tops for most users

Panasonic Blu-ray players have been hailed in past years as solid performers and good values, and that holds true for the company's 2011 offerings. Despite some small annoyances, such as requiring users to add their own memory via a 1 GB SD card (*Est. $5) if they want to access BD-Live features, reviewers find enough to like to say that Panasonic's Blu-ray players can hold their own and then some against any mainstream choice not carrying the Oppo brand.

Most praise is reserved for Panasonic's two top-of-the line Blu-ray players, the Panasonic DMP-BDT310 (*Est. $175) and the less expensive Panasonic DMP-BDT210 (*Est. $150) . The two 3D Blu-ray players are very similar, but the higher-priced DMP-BDT310 offers some extra connectivity options that might appeal to some users. These include 7.1-channel analog audio outputs for use with older receivers that can't accept a digital-audio input. There's also a second HDMI output that could be handy if you have audio components that lack the ability to pass-through 3D video.

Both Panasonic Blu-ray players perform similarly during testing. Videophiles might complain that the players aren't perfect when examined on the test bench. For example, CNET notes that the DMP-BDT210 it reviews failed several of the more esoteric video benchmark tests the site conducts. However, Matthew Moskovciak says that the Blu-ray player passed every real-world test that was thrown at it, holding up well against the competition in every way when watching actual program material instead of test patterns. Similarly, the exacting reviewers at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity agree that the DMP-BDT210 doesn't rise to the reference-level performance of the Oppo BDP-93 or BDP-95, but it is easy to recommend among more moderately priced players.

Other reviewers say both Panasonic Blu-ray players render colors and textures in excellent detail while displaying few video flaws. There is no hint of crosstalk during 3D movies. One downside: Even though 2D to 3D conversion is included, reviewers found it lacking, providing little 3D effect and adding a hint of ghosting to the image.

Audio support is robust, especially in the Panasonic DMP-BDP310 with its aforementioned 7.1-channel analog audio outputs. All of the expected Dolby and DTS surround-sound formats are present. Some might like the Digital Tube Sound feature, which attempts to mimic the warm, full sound of tube-based electronics of yesteryear; either way, experts say it works fairly well.

Several reviewers remark on the fast disc-loading times of Panasonic's Blu-ray players. CNET's Moskovciak reports that the DMP-BDT210's loading times are the fastest he's tested, and BigPictureBigSound.com, which reviews the Panasonic DMP-BDT310, says "Panasonic is back out at or near the front of the pack" with load times. The simple interface and remote control are also praised.

Both 3D Blu-ray players offer a wealth of advanced features: built-in Wi-Fi, Internet streaming via Panasonic's Viera Cast service, Skype support -- though you'll need to buy the TY-CC10W Communication Camera (*Est. $170) separately -- and DLNA compatibility, which lets you stream media wirelessly from other DLNA-compliant devices. A hands-free sensor allows users to open the disc tray simply by swiping their hand over the top of the player. Owners of an iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone can download a free app that allows them to use their iOS device to control their DMP-BDT210 or DMP-BDT310. Reviewers suggest that this might be a good idea, as the app offers features that the remote doesn't, such as gesture-based control.

As well as both players are reviewed, some quibbles are voiced. Viera Cast includes several useful services, including Netflix, Twitter, Pandora, Amazon Instant and more, but it lacks the multitude of streaming options some other Blu-ray players provide. These are available via Panasonic's app-based Viera Connect that's offered on some of the company's TVs but not on its Blu-ray players. Reviewers also say that the players offer no AVI and minimal MKV support, so if you have an extensive collection of DiVX and Xvid videos, you may want to look for a Blu-ray player from another manufacturer.

User reviews are largely complimentary -- with one exception. Early on, owners reported major issues when trying to watch Netflix on the DMP-BDT210; many couldn't use the service. A firmware update has fixed the issue, leaving most now pleased. The newer DMP-BDT310 was unaffected by that glitch.

Sony Blu-ray players also perform well

While the Panasonic and Oppo Blu-ray players get the lion's share of positive editorial and user feedback, there are a bevy of other players that also earn some respect.

Sony's 2011 Blu-ray Disc player lineup includes several players, though most reviewers look at one or two models -- the Sony BDP-S480 (*Est. $130) and Sony BDP-S580 (*Est. $160) . The two players are nearly identical, with the key difference being that the BDP-S580 includes built-in Wi-Fi, while the BDP-S480 requires an optional dongle for Wi-Fi (*Est. $80). That makes the BDP-S580 an easy choice over its less expensive line mate, unless you are sure that you will never need a wireless link to your network router.

Like every major-model Blu-ray player on the market, Sony's BDP-S580 does a bang-up job with Blu-ray discs, reviewers say. It's also great at handling DVD content, and it passes nearly every test that CNET throws at it.

Several reviewers list the Internet options as a major selling point for Sony's Blu-ray players. "Sony's content portal, Bravia Internet Video, is absolutely jam-packed with services," CNET's Matthew Moskovciak says, noting that Sony's players are the only ones to offer access to Amazon Instant and Hulu Plus. However, CNET also says the sheer number of services available can make things hard to read and hard to find on the modified XMB interface (similar to the one found on the PlayStation 3) used by the BDP-S580.DNLA-compatibility means you can also stream content from your computer, though not all file types are supported.

On the down side, disc loading times aren't the fastest, though the player isn't terrible. Like Panasonic, Sony requires you to add your own memory (a 1 GB or larger USB thumb drive in this case) if you want to access BD-Live features. User reviews have been largely solid thus far.

Sony continues to offer the NSZ-GT1 \"Sony Internet TV\" Blu-ray Disc player (*Est. $200) , which was introduced in late 2010. It lacks 3D capabilities but adds Google TV support. Features include the Google Chrome browser, which lets surfers visit almost any website, although BigPictureBigSound.com notes that many top websites like Hulu.com and ABC.com block access to Google's service. You can also use Google search to seek out videos at websites, and the Sony Internet TV comes with several top streaming apps, including Netflix, Pandora, Picasa, Twitter and Qriocity. The remote is a somewhat bulky affair, but it does include a full QWERTY keypad that makes using the Internet features quite a bit easier. Wi-Fi is built in.

Reviews are mixed. PCMag.com awards the NSZ-GT1 an Editors' Choice award, while CNET says that its "frustrating controller, the high price (since lowered), and Google TV's content issues make it a tough sell." That mirrors user feedback. At Amazon.com, nearly as many owners give the Sony Google TV Blu-ray player a bottom 1-star rating as give it the top score.

Other Blu-ray players get good reviews

The Samsung BD-D6700 (*Est. $220) includes many of the top features you'd expect out of a high-end Blu-ray player, including 3D, dual HDMI outputs and some of the most comprehensive Internet streaming content around. Most of the major streaming providers are accounted for, including Netflix, Hulu Plus and Pandora, but there are also some holes -- Amazon Instant, for example. Wired and wireless (Wi-Fi) links to the Internet are built in, and the BD-D6700 is DLNA-compliant, so you can stream content from your personal computer. The USB 2.0 port is another way to get content to the player. Unlike the Panasonic Blu-ray players, the required memory for BD-Live features is built-in.

Nothing but good things are said about the BD-D6700's video playback. Performance is excellent when it comes to viewing Blu-ray content in either 2D or 3D, and the 2D to 3D conversion is surprisingly effective. Crosstalk issues that were seen in 2010's Blu-ray players seem to be a thing of the past.

Audio support is good and includes all of the expected Dolby and DTS surround formats. Those that need or want 7.1-channel analog audio outputs will need to look elsewhere as those are not on-board the Samsung BD-D6700. CNET says disc loading times are pokey, though users posting at Amazon.com seem satisfied. Value is a question mark in the eyes of some because you can get as much Blu-ray player -- or more -- for less with other options; that remains true though prices have dropped. User reviews indicate that the usability issues that plagued some Samsung Blu-ray players have been overcome.

Samsung also offers the step-down Samsung BD-D5700 (*Est. $130) . Though it is less expensive than the BD-D6700, it also is lacking on the features front -- notably 3D support, built-in memory for BD-Live (you have to add that yourself) and a single HDMI output (as opposed to the dual outputs found on the BD-D6700.) Still, video performance is excellent, and Samsung's well-regarded Internet streaming features, including built-in Wi-Fi, are present. That's more than enough to earn the BD-D5700 some expert accolades, including an Editors' Choice award by PCMag.com. However, user reviews at Amazon.com are more mixed, with several owners complaining about the player's wireless streaming performance.

We've also seen some good reviews for some LG Blu-ray players; examples include the LG BD670 (*Est. $150) . Like most of the competition, Blu-ray playback is excellent. While some defects are noted in bench testing, reviewers at sites such as BigPictureBigSound.com and CNET say that those will show up only rarely when watching actual program material.

Streaming Internet content is a strong point. Although some say the interface is not as polished as on some competing players, it is simple and easy to use. The roster of content providers is comprehensive. Though Hulu Plus is missing, it is slated to be added in 2011. On the down side, disc load times, while not bad, lag behind the best in the eyes of most reviewers. You'll also need to budget a couple of extra dollars for the required memory if you want to access BD Live features. Users find more quibbles than professional reviewers -- in particular Wi-Fi performance that's spotty at best.