Sony BDP-S1E - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The Sony BDP-S1E is a medium to high-end Blu-ray player leading the way with sublime performance, exceptional picture quality, fine detailing, rich colours and crisp fluid motion. It has a sturdy build, good audio with hi-fi levels of quality and has supp

Pros: Marvellous picture quality; sturdy build; 1080p/24 support; good audio

Cons: Not compatible with BD Profile 1.1; no HDMI 1.3 input; slow to load discs; full of operational glitches

Verdict: In many ways, the Sony BDP-S1E is a perfect snapshot of the current state of Blu-ray play. On the one hand, it shows to breathtaking effect just what awesome audio and especially video treats Blu-ray can deliver. But on the other hand, there are just too

Review summary: Finally the long wait for Sony's first dedicated Blu-ray player is over and initial appearances suggest that our patience has paid off

Pros: Stunning colours, 1080p 24 True Cinema mode, Competitive price

Cons: Slow startup, Incompatible with BD profile 1.1, Lacks support for DTS-HD

Verdict: However, the fact that there is no ethernet port or compatibility with the industry-standard BD profile 1.1, which would have futureproofed it, makes it a tough player to endorse whole-heartedly

Review summary: Finally the long wait for Sony's first dedicated Blu-ray player is over and initial appearances suggest that our patience has paid off. Cosmetically, at least, the BDP-S1E is far removed from the Blu-ray-spinning PS3

Pros: Extraordinary black level, Lengthy features and connections list, Hi-fi-quality sound, Stunning colours, 1080p 24 True Cinema mode, Competitive price

Cons: Slow startup, Incompatible with BD profile 1.1, Lacks support for DTS-HD

Verdict: Capable of delivering excellent sound and pictures, but we'd suggest waiting for the next generation model to iron out the failings

Review summary: The debut standalone Blu-ray disc player from the format's chief protagonist has hit the UK. And despite its slightly brutish appearance and tedious loading time, in terms of pictures the Sony BDP-S1E is a hands-down winner

Pros: Brilliant pictures, Impressive features, Good sound

Cons: Tediously slow loading time, Uninspired styling

Verdict: Sony's debut Blu-ray deck is here. And what an incredible visual experience it delivers when you eventually set it up