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- Inexpensive
- Great image quality with Blu-ray Discs
- Bonus View compliant
- Can stream HD audio
- Slow disc-load times
- No on-board audio decoders for high-definition audio
- No Internet connectivity
- Poor upscaling of standard-definition DVDs
December 2008. The Insignia NS-BRDVD is one of a group of similar budget Blu-ray players manufactured by Funai. Other models include the Magnavox NB500MG9 (*est. $200) and Sylvania NB500SL9 (*est. $185). Despite their relatively low cost, experts and users say that these players deliver top-notch picture quality with Blu-ray Discs and are able to handle interactive disc features without a hitch, but load times aren't the speediest. There are no on-board decoders for high-definition audio formats, but the players can stream them to a compatible receiver. Upscaling performance with standard DVDs falls short of other Blu-ray players. If you have a little more to spend the Samsung BD-P1500 (*est. $200) is a more capable performer and is BD-Live ready, meaning it can be upgraded to retrieve additional content from the Internet.
We found a handful of reviews for the Insignia NS-BRDVD and other Funai players. The best can be found at CNET and PCMag.com. All three Funai players are also included in the latest update by Consumer Reports, though discussion is sadly lacking there. BestBuy.com -- the exclusive retailer for the Insignia NS-BRDVD -- is the best place to read user reviews.
Our Sources
1. CNET
Reviewer Matthew Moskovciak says that the Insignia NS-BRDVD "is competent as a relatively cheap, barebones Blu-ray player." However, he adds that for those who can afford them, more expensive players may be better choices.
Review: Insignia NS-BRDVD, Matthew Moskovciak, Aug. 18, 2008
2. PCMag.com
Robert Heron finds some shortfalls in the Insignia NS-BRDVD, but says that value and Blu-ray playback make it worth considering. The biggest negative is poor performance when upscaling standard DVDs.
Review: Insignia NS-BRDVD, Robert Heron, Oct. 27, 2008
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports tests 11 Blu-ray players for this update, including the Insignia NS-BRDVD, Magnavox NB500MG9 and Sylvania NB500SL9. Testing is reasonable, but discussion is skimpy and you must be a subscriber to read the report.
Review: DVD Player Reviews, Editors of Consumer Reports
4. BestBuy.com
The Insignia NS-BRDVD gets a relatively enthusiastic reception here, with an average rating of 4.3 out of five stars after more than 50 reviews. The low price and good image quality are its most frequently cited strengths.
Review: Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player with 1080p Output Reviews, Contributors to BestBuy.com
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