I just purchased two of these - one for myself and one for an out-of-state friend. I'm using mine with a Sony Bravia 1080p flat screen; my friend is using hers with an older 30 inch CRT TV (4:3 aspect ratio) until she gets around to taking her flat screen out of its box.
I was thinking about getting a unit with built-in WiFi, but before making the purchase(s), I did some research online and heard (read) some horror stories about streaming via WiFi that were, let's say, somewhat less than complementary (glitches, disconnects, freezes requiring reboots, etc.), so I decided to purchase this unit BECAUSE it didn't have WiFi (why pay for a feature that I'm not going to use?). I already have a Sony BDP-S370 (using it with a Samsung flat screen) and like it a lot; I would have bought two more of them, but they weren't available directly from Amazon when I ordered, so I got these - I prefer buying from Amazon for their returns policy. Also, the BDP-S380 supports 'vudu' AND it has an on-screen digital throughput speed readout (in Mbps) which appears when streaming is starting up - both welcome additions!
My setup took about 15 minutes from the time I opened the box until I was watching discs, Amazon VOD, and Netflix (the only ones that I've set up so far). I connected the BDP-S380 to my TV via HDMI, and my LAN via Ethernet cable and everything just worked (of course, I had to set it up for my Amazon and Netflix accounts, but that took less than five minutes each). After going through the on-screen quick start menus, the unit told me that there was a firmware upgrade available, so I told it to do it, and a few minutes later, it finished and turned itself off (normal when upgrading firmware).
My friend's setup took a bit longer, since she had never set one up before and I couldn't see what was happening while I tried to talk her through everything (from memory). She connected to her TV using the (supplied-in-the-box) AV cable. Because her TV was 4:3 aspect ratio, some of the menus didn't display legibly, which is probably what made things take a bit longer. Anyway, we got everything working properly within about 20-25 minutes.
One thing of note I would like to mention is this: all BD players manufactured after 01/01/2011 have DRM firmware which prevents HD signals from using any output other than HDMI. For me, that was no problem since I was using HDMI; since my friend was using AV, everything was displayed on her TV in SD (not really a problem since that is all it's capable of displaying anyway, and she'll be using HDMI if she ever sets up her flat screen *:^).
I'm very pleased with this unit (and so is she). Its outputs are crisp and solid, its user interface is staight-forward and easy to understand, and its physical size, shape, and appearance should fit in anywhere.
Definitely a 5-star device.
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NETFLIX Note (04/15/11):
It seems that Netflix is no longer limiting selections to your Instant Queue! There is now a choice entitled "Top Picks For You" -- also, you can now press "Options" on the Remote and when you select "Categories >" you will be presented with a Category list from which you can search and select movies! Yay!! Sony BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)
I purchased this to replace an older blu-ray that had trouble commuinicating with my receiver. It was first gen and I couldn't wait but it still had some bugs.
So far at playing discs this has been awsome, the sound and the picture quality couldn't be better. The load time is much faster than with the older players.
If you're looking for streaming then I think we need to give these guys a couple more years to work out the bugs. Before I purchased this I bought the best rated top of the line model that was supposed to be the best at streaming and I was dissappointed. So I waited six months, bought this and the streaming is a little improved but do not expect to sit through anything uninterupted from Netflix or Hulu. So I still default to my labtop for anything streaming.
Anyway I will not return it as I am very happy with the way it handles my blu-rays.
I really like this player. I've had it about a month now and can't think of anything I dont like about it. It's nice and quiet. Great picture, seems to upconvert well enough. It loads very quickly even with the "quick start" turned off. I have it hard wired to the internet so I have no wireless problems to speak of. Its slim, sick and shiny; goes great with my Sony Bravia LED. I have a PS3 so the whole Netflix "in queue only" thing that others have complained about doesn't bother me. The other internet apps are basically a rehash of whats already on my Bravia. But, Oh Well. I bought it to play Blu-Rays and that it does just fine. This player actually replaced a Samsung BD-C6500 that I had in my possession for less than an hour before taking it back to the store. It was scary awful. Seriously. Overall, I am very satisfied and actually will be buying another in the near future for my bedroom. I have no problems giving this 5 stars and would recommend it to my friends and family. If your looking for an inexpensive, quality, entry level Blu-Ray player, look no further, you just found one.
Boy am I behind times. Finally, a way to watch TV the way you should; when you want to and what you want to watch. Yeah, I'm talking about the "streaming video" feature of this player. Not only is the DVD quality great, but the streaming is awesome! After just 30 minutes of trying this player out, I returned my cable box, canceled all my channels, and for a fraction of what I was paying for cable, that I never watched (due to such lame channels) I'm watching all the programs I want, either via NetFlix or even better, via Amazon's Prime service. To anyone wondering if the Prime is worth it, I can say, YES. Not only do you get free two day shipping, you get a ton of free streaming videos. Movies, TV shows and the such, and many are in HD.
Some may say "what does this have to do with the DVD player", but if you read the description, you will find that this is way more than just a DVD player.
The only fault I have about the player, as of now, is that the remote is so darn small!! Yes, I have fat fingers and the "home" button and the "arrow down" button are so close together that I often hit the home key trying to scroll down and hence, I have to start all over again. ARG!
Other than that, again, WOW!
OH yeah, I forgot.... my first month's savings on cable will pay for the cost of this product...
I recommend this to anyone that is tired of paying outrageous prices for cable when what you really like to watch is either free or really cheap via the Internet and a device like this.
Update 06/12/11.. Beware of replacing your cable with Netflix. Seems they are the masters of "bait and switch". Yes, for three weeks, the streaming was great, now all they will stream me is very LOW quality. Even if I choose a HD movie. They will blame it on your ISP, even Sony, but if you Google them, you will find that they "down stream" all their video, and not just in Canada.
Buyer beware of Netflix if you want to use them to stream video. As of today, Amazon's Prime still streams flawlessly! - Streaming Video - Netflix - Blu-ray Player - 1080p'
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