High-Definition DVD Player Reviews
Pioneer Elite BDP-HD1
High-Definition DVD Player
 Pioneer’s
Blu-ray high definition DVD player was released early in 2007.
In a preview, the
Xbit Laboratories website commented:
Pioneer’s new Elite
BDP-HD1 Blu-ray disc player will be able to playback various, both
single-layer and dual-layer, Blu-ray discs and various DVD media. The device
is capable of decoding of H.264 (MPEG4 AVC), WMV and MPEG2 (standard DVD)
video streams. The BDP-HD1 will process audio in DTS-HD, Dolby Digital, WMA,
MP3 and LPCM formats. The players can output video in up to 1080p
(1920x1080) resolutions using HDMI interconnection and multi-channel audio
using the same method.
For those operating a
networked home, the Elite BDP-HD1 was designed with Digital Living Network
Alliance (DLNA) guidelines. When utilizing the IP networking capability,
users will be able to access and easily load protected content currently
stored on a DLNA compliant server or Windows XP PC using Windows Media
Connect. In addition to photos, music and movies, users can download new
content straight to their computer for immediate viewing on a television
through the player. The unit’s playsforsure compliance provides
compatibility with all existing Microsoft software.
In a lengthy review,
CNET concluded:
The good: Excellent picture quality on Blu-ray movies; plays
movies, music, and photos over home network via an Ethernet port; DVD
upconversion to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.
The bad: Very expensive; DVD upconversion isn't as good as the
competition's; doesn't play CDs; no HDMI 1.3.
The bottom line: The high-priced Pioneer BDP-HD1 offers top-notch Blu-ray
image quality and some nice home networking features, but inferior DVD
upconversion and no CD playback curbed our enthusiasm.
Gizmodo wrote:
If you read the
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player review, you'd have a good idea of what the
Pioneer BDP-HD1 player could do. Because, strangely enough, they are
identical. HDGuru found that the back panel, disc drive, menus, format
support, and capabilities were exactly the same between the two players,
down to the time it takes they take to boot and load a movie.
When asked, Pioneer said they manufacture the player itself, so does that
mean they make Sony's as well? Is that the reason for their massive delays?
Does Sony not even make their own Blu-ray players, something they've been
pushing like crazy?
Hard to say. But that's the way it looks now. Fortunately for Sony, their
version of the player is $1000 compared to the Pioneer's $1500. But for the
extra $500 you get an ethernet port, a longer warranty, a more conventional
black finish, and BD-R/RE recordable playback.
HD Guru said:
The Pioneer’s updatability via the internet is a big plus. All other
current players require you to wait for it to arrive via mail. While looks
are subjective, the HD Guru prefers the Pioneer’s more conventional
appearance. Add the Home Media capability and two-year warranty (double that
of competitors) and for many buyers, the $500 price premium ($1500 retail
compared to Sony’s $1000) will be well worth the added expenditure. The
Pioneer Elite BDP-HD1 earns the top ♥♥♥♥ HD Guru rating.
Pioneer's
website provides a little information.
February
11th,
2006
Updated: March
10th, 2007
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