Quick Review of Sony’s New 3D Blu-Ray Disc Player – BDP-S470
Not surprisingly, the new Sony Blu-ray players coming out this year are mostly 3D-capable. They include the BDP-S570 player and home theater systems: BDV-E770W and BDV-E570. The BDP-S470 is no exception. It is 3D ready and will be fully functional in 3D via a firmware update later this summer. Available now at SonyStyle and Amazon.com.
In addition to 3D capability, the BDP-S470 can connect to the Internet and provide online media such as movies, music videos, music. From online sources Netflix, Amazon-On-Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Pandora (coming soon) NPR, Sony Pictures, Sony Music and over 25 more via the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video platform.
Something unique that Sony is adding to these newer models, including the BDP-S470, owners can use their Blu-ray players with their iPhone or iPod Touch device. These devices can operate the Blu-ray player with an application called “BD Remote”. It can be downloaded for free through the Apple App Store. With this App you can use your iPhone or iPod Touch as a remote control. And you will be able to get access to the details of a Blu-ray disc including video clips.
Specs:
* Region A / Profile BD-Live (2.0)
* Full High Definition 1080p
* BRAVIA Monolithic Design
* BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE
* Entertainment database browser powered by Gracenote
* Wireless LAN Ready (USB Wireless LAN Adapter sold separately)
* BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch remote control – free app)
* Play photos/music/video via USB and DLNA (with firmware upgrade)
* DVD upscaling to 1080p with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling
* Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding
*Availability: Now
* Blu-ray 3D ready (with firmware update available this summer)
* Price: $199.99
THE PROFESSIONALS: Sony’s BDP-S470 provides excellent video quality with Blu-ray movies. It is 3D Ready (firmware available Summer 2010), Wi-Fi Ready adapter and online streaming media: Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Slacker, YouTube. You can use your iPhone or iPod touch as a remote control via Bluetooth. Relatively fast loading times.
THE CONS: Sony’s mid-range Blu-ray player is very similar to its predecessor BDP-S460 and the newer BDP-370. The main difference is the 3D capability of the BDP-S470. Since it has no internal memory, an external USB storage device is required for BL-Live Content.
THE FINAL WORD: The Sony BDP-S470 Blu-ray Disc Player is a highly stable Blu-ray Disc player that provides high picture quality, fast operating speed and is 3D ready. 3D playback seems to be the big trend that movies are taking. The BDP-S470, with its Wi-Fi and online streaming media services, is a very good investment if you want to enjoy 3D movies at home. — Price to look for when buying — Under $200.00