The BDP-S480 Blu-ray is a new 2011-model Sony. The player falls under the category of mid-range, since it is a step down from the Sony BDP-S580. Cheaper than $ 40.00, low cost, but the only real difference between the two players is that the BDP-S580 has integrated Wi-Fi. So if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, and still wants very hi-def picture with great features, the BDP-S480 could be just what you're looking for. The BDP-S480 is a Blu-ray players with 3D streaming online, DLNASupport, USB playback, Quick Start / Load function and many others.
The slim design of the BDP-S480 is similar to most of the players of today. The design black finish metal is not likely to come out from the crowd. But the basic design should fit well into most home theater consumer. On the right side of the player, the DVD tray is located near the power button. On the left there are the basic controls, LCD display and a USB port. All other connections are onthe back of the player.
Video quality: Sony BDP-S480 is an excellent Full HD 1080p/24 video resolution of two 3-D Blu-ray and standard-definition Blu-ray. The up-scaling of DVD is also impressive. However, not only Blu-ray Disc playback media. The online streaming of movies and TV shows are just as important. Sony BDP-S480 with an I / P noise suppression, that the quality of streaming online content and improved features. Video connections include HDMIOutput, Composite Output and Component Outputs. (Component signals are capped at 480i and can not produce any HD images due to AACS rules.)
AUDIO QUALITY: Audio connections for the BDP-S480 include the HDMI Port, which gives you up to 7.1-ch of uncompromised surround sound. It has Analog Audio 2-ch Output and Digital Audio Coaxial Output as well. Dolby® TrueHD and dts®-HD Master Audio can be decoded internally or through bit-stream output via HDMI to an A/V receiver to be decoded. The BDP-S480 comes with the ability to stream audio from one room to another. This "PartyStreaming" feature when paired with Sony's HomeShare network speakers allows you to wirelessly stream music throughout your home. Either with a CD or from online sources such as Qriocity™, NPR, Slacker®, vTuner® or Pandora.
The BD-S480 has an Ethernet Port located on the back for your internet connection. If you want to have a wireless connection you will have to purchase a USB Wi-Fi Adapter. Once connected you have access to Sony Bravia Internet Video and an impressive array of online services such as Netflix, Panadora, Amazon Instant, Vudu, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Facebook and much more. It might be said there is too much choice because the user XMB interface does not make it easy to find what you are looking for. Especially if the service you are looking for, like Vudu, is buried deep in other sub menus.
On a more positive side, the BDP-S480 gives you access to Gracenote Metadra Services. Which provides detailed information on movies and allows you to search within certain internet apps like YouTube and Qriocity to find extra related content. The BDP-S480 is DLNA certified so if you want to stream movies from your PC instead of the internet you can. You can even turn your iPad, iPhone or a compatible Android phone into a uniquely versatile remote by downloading a free app. It will give you basic control functions and a full QWERTY keyboard to enter text commands and search options.
The BDP-S480 also includes USB playback. You can connect a USB memory device, a MP3 player or a digital camera to playback various media files such as MP3s, WMA, MPA, MKV, MPG, JPEG and more. Another unique feature of the BDP-S480 is its ability to playback Super Audio CDs. If you are playing back SACDs, make sure you use a HDMI connection, it is the only way to get the full multi-channel sound.
THE PROS: The Sony BDP-S480 from Sony will provide the user with excellent video and audio quality. It is capable of 1080p/24 fps playback on both standard blu-ray and 3D blu-ray discs. It can up-scale standard DVDs to near HD levels. Has support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. The player is equipped with many great features such as Bravia Internet video which supplies access to Netflix, HULU Plus, Amazon Instant, Twitter, VUDU, YouTube and a lot more. You can connect the player to your home network through an Ethernet port or with a wireless LAN adapter (Sold Separately). Has support for USB media playback and is DLNA Certified, so you can playback videos, music and photos from your computer. Very fast disc loading speeds.
THE CONS: The BDP-S480 does not have any internal memory, so if you want to download material from the internet through the BD-Live feature an external USB storage device is required. The player is capable of a wireless connection, but to do so you will need to purchase the USB adapter since it is not included with the player. To playback 3D content you will need to have a 3D HDTV and 3D Glasses.
THE FINAL WORD: The BDP-S480 is a very capable Blu-ray player. Providing you with all the necessary features of a great player, including 3D playback. Even if you do not own a 3D HDTV, the BDP-S480 will provide stunning images for both blu-rays and DVDs. Has the latest support for the HD Audio. Has many Online Streaming Media Services and is DLNA Certified. All these features add up to one very desirable and affordable blu-ray player that should fulfill all your HD needs. - Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 5.00
| Price : $139.00
