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Sony will launch five new Blu-ray players in 2011; including a first portable player. But the standout product in the line seems to be the BDP-S580 model. This mid-range player is packed with all the latest extras you want in a player, and at a very reasonable price ($200). Just below the BDP-S780 ($250) model, the BDP-S580 has Full HD 3D playback, built-in wireless for streaming online content, Gracenote metadata service, and many more cool features.
Simple in its design, the BDP-S580 has made a conscious effort to conserve energy and the environment. At the front is the disc loading tray, display screen, basic control buttons, and a USB port. All other connections are on the back of the player, including another USB port.
VIDEO QUALITY: The BDP-S580 supports video output resolutions of 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 via an HDMI connection. There are other video connections in the form of component and composite outputs. Unlike previous players, however, the component video outputs can only display SD resolution. This is due to restrictions related to copy protection. (All manufacturers are subject to this restriction.) Since most of us will be using an HDMI connection anyway, this shouldn’t pose any major issues. Video quality is excellent with the BDP-S580. It has options for preset picture modes and three different types of noise reduction. As well as IP noise reduction that significantly improves the quality of Steaming video content. All of these features should satisfy every high-definition home theater enthusiast.
SOUND QUALITY: Audio connections for the BDP-S580 include HDMI output, coaxial digital output, and 2-channel analog output. Like the Video outputs, HDMI will provide you with the best sound. Through the HDMI connection, the BDP-S580 can transmit high-resolution audio formats (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio) to be decoded by an Audio/Video receiver. Or you can let the player decode the audio formats internally. Whichever way you choose, you’ll get excellent lossless 7.1 channel surround sound. Unfortunately, the BDP-S580 lacks multi-channel analog outputs, so it won’t suit those with older A/V receivers without an HDMI input.
One of the great features of the BDP-S580 player is its ability to support many different types of media. Including playback of AVCHD, WMV, AAC, MP3, GIF, MKV, WMA, JPEG, PNG, 3D BD, BD, DVD, CD and even SACD. Internet streaming of movies, videos, music, and photos, as well as social media, are also available. Once connected to the Internet, either through the Ethernet port or through a built-in wireless connection, you have access to a wide range of services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, YouTube, Picasa and Sony’s Qriocity VOD service, which is a limited web browser.
Other great features that will appeal to consumers are Gracenote™ metadata service with Cross Search and remote control of iPhone/iPad and Andriod phone. With Gracenotes, you can access details about the movies you’re watching and search with certain online apps like YouTube and Qriocity. The free iPhone/iPad app turns your device into a remote control for the player and even supports a full Qwerty keyboard for commands. The BDP-S580 can also receive content from DLNA servers, just like a PC. And it has a feature called Party Streaming; when combined with Sony HomeShare network speakers, it will stream music to any room in your house.
THE PROFESSIONALS: The Sony BDP-S580 is a 3D Blu-ray Disc™ player with built-in Wi-Fi®. You get vivid Full HD 1080p clarity on Blu-ray Disc playback, plus you can instantly stream TV shows, movies, music, sports and more from over 30 Internet sources including Qriocity™, Netflix®, YouTube™, HuluPlus™ , Pandora® and many more. You can add compatible HomeShare® network speakers that allow you to take advantage of Party Streaming™ mode to sync up all your speakers to play the same song in every room. A free app is available to download that will transform your mobile device into an easy-to-use remote control. It also has USB playback support and is DLNA certified so you can access videos and music from your computer and display them on your HDTV.
THE CONS: The BDP-S580 does not have internal memory storage. This is a bit surprising since last year’s equivalent model, the BDP-S570, had 1GB of storage. Therefore, a USB memory device (at least 1 GB) must be connected to download BD-Live content. Fortunately, the BDP-S580 comes with two USB ports. To play 3D content, you must have a 3D HDTV and 3D glasses. It only has one HDMI port. Some of its competitors are equipped with two HDMI ports for more flexibility when connecting to a 3D HDTV.
THE FINAL WORD: The BDP-S580, like last year’s hugely successful BDP-S570, seems to be the highlight of Sony’s 2011 Blu-ray lineup. This mid-range player is packed with great features and has a list price of less than $200.00. This 3D Blu-ray player has Bravia Internet Video, DLNA capability, built-in Wi-Fi, USB playback, plus additional iPhone®/iPad® and Android™ phone features Remote control, quick start/quick charge, Gracenote™ metadata Service and Noise Reduction I/P. Don’t be surprised if the BDP-S580 ends up as one of the highest rated players by experts and consumers. – Price to look for when buying – Under $200.00