Home entertainment set-ups have become increasingly popular as technology has improved and people have become more discerning with the viewing experiences they expect. With the addition of Blu-ray players, viewers now have access to incredibly crisp, vivid visuals alongside a vast library of content. When searching for the right Blu-ray player for their home entertainment set-up, consumers should consider factors such as price, features, design, and performance. Here we outline the best Blu-ray players for your home entertainment set-up so that you can have the best viewing experience possible.
Blu-ray
Before diving into which players are the best for your home entertainment set-up, let’s take a quick minute to define and explain Blu-ray. Blu-ray is an optical disc storage format released in 2006 and made to replace the popular DVD format. Whereas DVDs had a storage capacity of 4.7 gigabytes (GB), Blu-ray discs can store up to four times as much data (up to 25 or 50 GB depending on the disc type). This means that Blu-ray can now deliver incredibly detailed images and audio, making them a highly sought-after format for home entertainment enthusiasts.
Types of Blu-ray Players
As you shop for the perfect Blu-ray player for your home entertainment set-up, you will find there are several different types of players available. The most popular types of Blu-ray players include:
-
Standalone Players: These are the most common type of Blu-ray players, and they tend to be the most affordable. Standalone players have the most basic features and are designed to connect directly to TVs, offering the picture and sound capabilities of Blu-ray without much else.
-
Networked Players: These Blu-ray players all have the basic features, with the added bonus of being able to connect to your home’s network. This means that you can access streaming services like Netflix and can download apps like YouTube and Hulu.
-
Smart Blu-ray Players: Smart Blu-ray players offer all of the features of networked players, but with the added advantage of being able to run apps and streaming services directly on the device itself.
Now that you know the different types of Blu-ray players available, let’s look at what each type has to offer when it comes to your home entertainment set-up.
Standalone Players and Home Entertainment Set-Ups
Standalone players are, quite simply, the most basic type of Blu-ray player, offering basic audio and video playback capabilities. Although they are not as full-featured as networked or smart Blu-ray players, they can still be a great option for home entertainment set-ups.
The picture quality you’ll get from a standalone player is the same as with any other type of Blu-ray player. However, audio performance varies from model to model, so it pays to shop around for a player with the best audio capabilities for your set-up. Additionally, it’s important to look for a standalone player that is compatible with the latest audio formats (such as Dolby Atmos), as this will allow you to hear the best-quality sound for your home entertainment environment.
When it comes to features, many standalone players offer basic functions such as playback of Blu-ray, DVD, and 3D Blu-ray discs, as well as DVD upscaling. They typically don’t offer other streaming services, but many models will let you access them on your TV through an HDMI connection.
All things considered, standalone players can offer an excellent home entertainment experience while keeping costs relatively low, making them a good option for budget-minded shoppers.
Networked Players and Home Entertainment Set-Ups
Networked Blu-ray players provide additional features and functionality, such as the ability to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and access streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. This means that you can browse and stream your favorite shows and movies with no additional devices or hardware.
Other features of networked players include playback of Blu-ray, DVD, and 3D Blu-ray discs, as well as various features such as picture-in-picture and the ability to access your home network’s digital media library.
Networked players tend to provide the best picture and audio performance when compared to standalone players, but this will depend on the model and brand of the player. It’s important to consider a model’s audio capabilities, as well as its compatibility with the latest audio formats (such as Dolby Atmos).
Additionally, you’ll want to pay attention to audio/video output options when considering a networked player. Some of the more advanced models have options such as HDMI audio output and 3D video output.
Overall, networked players offer a great selection of features in comparison to standalone players, and can be a great choice for those looking for the most features and flexibility from their Blu-ray player.
Smart Blu-ray Players and Home Entertainment Set-Ups
If you’re looking for the ultimate in home entertainment set-ups, smart Blu-ray players are probably the best solution. Smart players offer all of the same playback capabilities as networked players, but with the added bonus of being able to run apps and streaming services directly on the device itself.
For example, some models of smart Blu-ray players offer access to streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as additional online content through the device’s app store. This means that you can quickly and easily access all of the content you want, without having to worry about connecting your device to your home network.
When looking at a smart Blu-ray player, consider the player’s processing speed and memory capacity, as this will determine how quickly it can access and run apps and streaming services. Additionally, it’s beneficial to look for a model that offers HDMI audio output and 3D video output, as this will help you experience the best picture and sound possible.
Although these players come with a slightly heftier price tag than standalone and networked players, smart Blu-ray players offer superior features and performance, making them an excellent choice for those looking for the best home entertainment set-up.
Top 5 Picks for Home Entertainment Set-Ups
Finding the perfect Blu-ray player for your home entertainment set-up can be overwhelming, as there are many options to choose from. To help you make the right decision, here is our list of the top five Blu-ray players for your home entertainment set-up:
-
Sony UBP-X700 Home Theater 3D Blu-ray Player: This player is a great choice for those who want an advanced home theater experience. It offers 4K playback, HDR support, and built-in Dolby Atmos decoding. It also has Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, so you can easily access the Netflix, Hulu, and Sony Picture Store.
-
LG UP870 Blu-ray Player: This model offers full HD resolution, built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and access to over 300 streaming apps. It’s also equipped with advanced features like 4K upscaling, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
-
Samsung Smart Blu-ray Player: This player offers 4K UHD resolution and advanced features such as HDR and smart functions that let you access the Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps. It also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy streaming.
-
Panasonic UB420 UHD Blu-ray Player: This player offers 4K UHD resolution, HDR10, and built-in Wi-Fi. It also has a selection of apps such as YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, as well as advanced features like Dolby Atmos and built-in Chromecast.
-
Sony BDP-S6700 Home Theater Blu-ray Player: This player offers full HD resolution, 3D support, and built-in Wi-Fi. It also has a selection of apps such as Netflix and YouTube, and advanced features such as Dolby TrueHD and 4K upscaling.
Selecting the perfect Blu-ray player for your home entertainment set-up can be tricky, as there are so many factors to consider. While standalone players tend to be the most affordable and require the least setup, more advanced players such as networked and smart players offer additional features, such as the ability to access streaming services directly from the device itself.
The best way to pick the perfect player for your set-up is to carefully consider your needs and budget, and then read reviews and compare features. We hope our list of the top five Blu-ray players for your home entertainment set-up has given you some ideas to help you find the perfect player for your needs.
