Buy Now...

click image to enlarge

The BDP-S360 measures 43x22x5.5cm and weights less than two kilos. It is matt black with the exception of the drop down front and top front edge that are both shiny black plastic that of course shows every finger mark. Somewhat surprisingly you do have to visit the unit not only to insert and remove DVD’s or Blu-ray discs but also to open the door to insert and remove as much to my surprise there is no open/close button on the remote control.

This is a very compact unit in comparison to earlier units, not that it is likely to move around much but it is also light.

The top front edge on the left has on/off and on the right open/close. On the drop down door that runs the whole front of the unit are also play and stop buttons. The 6x1.5cm display is behind the door but shines through so you can tell elapsed time etc. The sides, top and base are clear with all other connections on the back.

These are from left to right, Ethernet, HDMI, seven colour coded sockets that make up both Coaxiel and Component, Digital out, USB and finally AC in.

See also: Blu-Ray

more

While to get the very best out of the unit as far as Blu-ray goes you will need an full HD-TV (not so called HD-ready) this will normally mean a recent 37inch TV but do read the small print. There are a few 32 inch full HD-TV’s but they are few and far between. However the technology in this Sony box will give better reproduction of DVD’s than a standard DVD player.

For instance 24P 24p True Cinema This mode allows films to be watched as intended by the director for the big screen, at 24 frames per second. Until now, movies watched at home play back 'faster' than they do in the cinema. When a film is shown on TV or sold on DVD it has to be adjusted to be compatible with the PAL format. The difference is that films are shot at a rate of 24 frames per second, whereas standard TV uses 25 frames per second.

Another feature is x,v colour that enabled what is shown to be more like what your eye sees. The USB port allows you to connect a memory stick and therefore play back your photos on your TV, ideal should your TV not have a USB port.

At the risk of being boring Blu-ray is not simply about picture quality (this is stunning on any TV showing 1080P) but also about sound and should you connect external speakers there is no reason why you should not enjoy the full cinema experience. However it is still good through your TV speakers.

So what apart from the ability to upgrade firmware is the Ethernet port for? You can with a lot of recent movies view extra content downloaded from the WWW. This is then seen in context with the DVD or Blu-ray. This can using ‘Bonus View’ be seen as a Picture In Picture experience.

This unit boasts a start up time of only six seconds and is certainly faster than other Blu-ray units I have reviewed.

I always enjoy reviewing Blu-ray players if only because I have several Blu-ray movies and do not as yet own a player myself. I must admit that DVD’s played did seem to look better as well certainly the colour, I am not sure I noticed the one frame a second speed difference though.

Doing my Internet searches found the Sony Blu-ray BDP-S360 at a best price of £136.09 including free delivery from the first link below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0027FFX4O?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

The Sony Blu-ray BDP-S360 is available for $152.95 including free delivery from the link below.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001URWAYG?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a5-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789

The Sony Blu-ray BDP-S360 is available for €181,37 including free delivery from the link below.

http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B0020RNNQY?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge04-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1642

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/blu-ray-disc-player/bdp-s360