Sony will launch five new Blu-ray players in 2011; including a first portable player. But the standout product of the range seems to be the BDP-S580. This mid-range player is packed with all the latest extras you want in a player and at a very reasonable price ($ 200). In line just below the BDP-S780 ($ 250), the BDP-S580 has Full HD 3D playback, built-in wireless for streaming content online, Gracenote metadata service, and many more great-looking features.
Simple in design, the BDP-S580 has made a conscious effort to conserve energy and the environment. On 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 is capable of supporting 1080p / 60 and 1080p / 24 video output resolutions through an HDMI connection. There are other video connections in the form of component and composite outputs. However, unlike previous players, the component video outputs can only display SD resolution. This is due to restrictions on 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. You have options for preset picture modes and three different types of noise reduction. In addition to IP noise reduction that significantly improves the quality of Steaming video content. All of these features should satisfy every HD home theater enthusiast.
AUDIO QUALITY: Audio connections for the BDP-S580 include HDMI output, coaxial digital and 2-channel analog outputs. 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 7.1-channel lossless surround sound. Unfortunately, the BDP-S580 lacks multi-channel analog outputs, so it won’t follow 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 AVCHD, WMV, AAC, MP3, GIF, MKV, WMA, JPEG, PNG, 3D BD, BD, DVD, CD and even SACD playback. Internet streaming of movies, videos, music, and photos, as well as social media, is also available. Once connected to the Internet, either through the Ethernet port or through a built-in wireless connection, you will 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 browser. limited web.
Another great feature that will catch the eye of consumers is the Gracenote ?? Remote control and cross-search metadata service for iPhone / iPad and Andriod phone. With Gracenotes, you can access details about the movies you are watching and search with certain online applications such as YouTube and Qriocity. The free iPhone / iPad app turns your device into a gamer remote and even supports a full Qwerty keyboard for taking commands. The BDP-S580 can also receive content from DLNA servers, such as 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 home.
THE PROFESSIONALS: Is Sony’s BDP-S580 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 more than 30 Internet sources, such as 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 all your speakers to play the same song in every room. There is a free app available for 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 any internal memory storage. This is a bit surprising since last year’s equivalent model, the BDP-S570, had 1GB of storage. Therefore, it is necessary to connect a USB memory device (at least 1GB) 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 greater flexibility when connecting to a 3D HDTV.
THE FINAL WORD: The BDP-S580, like last year’s successful BDP-S570, appears to be the highlight of Sony’s 2011 Blu-ray lineup. This mid-range player is packed with a lot of great features and has a price list of under $ 200.00. These 3D Blu-ray players have Bravia Internet video, DLNA capability, built-in Wi-Fi, USB playback, plus the additional features of iPhone® / iPad® and Android. phone remote control, quick start / fast charge, Gracenote? Metadata Service and I / P Noise Reduction Don’t be surprised if the BDP-S580 ends up as one of the highest rated players by experts and consumers alike. – Price to look for when buying – Less than $ 200.00