The BDP-S480 is a new 3D Blu-ray Player from Sony. A part of its 2011 line-up, the BDP-S480 is one of the more affordable 3D players but still has many great features such on online streaming, DLNA, fast loading speeds and USB playback. Find out all the details here in this BDP-S480 review.
The BDP-S480 Blu-ray Player is a new 2011 model from Sony. The player falls into the mid-range category,
as it is a step below Sony's BDP-S580. Priced about $40.00 cheaper, but the only real difference between the two players is that the BDP-S580 has built-in WI-FI. So, if you desire a cheaper option, and still want great hi-def image with great features; the BDP-S480 might be just what you are searching for. The BDP-S480 is a 3D Blu-ray Player with online streaming media services, DLNA capability, USB playback, QuickStart/Load feature and much more.
The slim down design of the BDP-S480 is similar to most of today's players. The black metal coating design probably won't make it stand out from the crowd. But the basic design should fit nicely into most consumer's home theater. To the right of the player there is the disc loading tray along with the power switch. On the left you have basic controls, the LCD display screen and a USB port. All other connections are located at the back of the player.
VIDEO QUALITY: The Sony BDP-S480 provides excellent Full HD 1080p/24 video resolution on both 3D blu-rays and standard blu-rays. The up-scaling of DVDs is equally impressive. However, blu-ray players are not just about playing media discs anymore. Online streaming of movies and TV shows are just as important. Sony has equipped the BDP-S480 with a I/P noise Reduction feature that improves the quality of streaming online content. Video connections include a HDMI Output, 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 $175.00
