See All Blu-ray Players

Sylvania NB500SL9

*Est. $185
Email
Sylvania NB500SL9

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Great high-def image quality
  • HDMI cable included
  • Strong SD performance with DVDs
Cons
  • Slow disc-load times
  • No on-board audio decoders for high-definition audio
  • No Internet connectivity
  • Poor deinterlacer
 
 
Where to Buy
 
See All Stores
 
 
 

The Sylvania NB500SL9 is one of a group of similar budget Blu-ray players manufactured by Funai. Other examples include the Magnavox NB500MG9 (*est. $300) and Insignia NS-BRDVD (*est. $300). Despite the 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 bitstream them to a compatible receiver. Deinterlacing performance is sub-standard, but high-def images can look excellent if you let your HDTV handle that task. If you have a little more to spend and don't mind getting a free videogame console in the bargain, the Sony PlayStation 3 (*est. $400) is a more capable performer and can retrieve additional content from the Internet.

Reviews of the Sylvania NB500SL9 and other Funai players aren't particularly plentiful, but we did find some useful guidance. CNet.com reviews the Insignia NS-BRDVD instead, but the two players are so similar that the review's conclusions apply equally to the Sylvania version. User reviews at BestBuy.com and Amazon.com, and user forums at Blu-ray.com and AV Science Forum are also quite helpful.

Where To Buy
 
 
Sylvania NB500SL9 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player with HDMI Cable

 (63 reviews)
Buy new: $199.99   8 Used & new from $65.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CNET

This comprehensive single-product review covers the nearly identical Insignia NS-BRDVD. Reviewer Matthew Moskovciak notes that the Funai-built player "is competent as a relatively cheap, barebones Blu-ray player," but 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. Blu-ray.com

The Blu-ray Players and Recorders sub-forum at Blu-ray.com is a particularly useful resource for user feedback on specific Blu-ray players. All Funai players are reviewed collectively in a thread specifically designated for feedback from owners. Several Funai players also receive standalone user reviews in the "Players" area of the site.

Review: Blu-ray Players and Recorders, Contributors to Blu-ray.com

3. AVSForum.com

You'll find lots of far ranging -- and sometimes heated -- discussions about everything and anything Blu-ray on this popular site. The primary Funai Blu-ray player discussion thread contains over 600 postings, and the players are discussed in other threads as well.

Review: Blu-ray Players, Contributors to AVSForum.com

4. BestBuy.com

The Insignia NS-BRDVD, which is nearly identical to the Sylvania NB500SL9, gets an enthusiastic reception here, with an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars after 40 reviews. The low price and good image quality are its most frequently cited strengths.

Review: Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player with 1080p Output, Contributors to BestBuy.com

5. Amazon.com

While the Sylvania NB500SL9 doesn't get a ton of reviews at Amazon.com (only four), all seem at least relatively pleased with the player. Several of the postings are detailed, and some include the results of testing.

Review: Sylvania NB500SL9 1080p Blu-Ray Player with HDMI Cable, Contributors to Amazon.com

Blu-ray Players Runners Up:

Panasonic DMP-BDT310 *Est. $175

5 picks by top review sites.

Sony BDP-S580 *Est. $160

3 picks by top review sites.

Oppo BDP-95 *Est. $1,000

3 picks by top review sites.

Sony NSZ-GT1 *Est. $200

2 picks by top review sites.

LG BD630 *Est. $85

2 picks by top review sites.

     
 
image
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 Integrated-Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray DVD Player
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 
     
 
image
Sony BDP-S580 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 
     
 
image
Oppo BDP-95 Blu Ray DVD Player
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 
     
 
image
Sony NSZ-GT1 Wi-Fi-Enabled 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Featuring Google TV
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 
     
 
image
LG BD630 Network Blu-ray Disc Player
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 

Back to top