Sony BD player "BDP-S370" that can be operated on the iPhone

　Blu-ray Disc, which is expanding space even in rental stores.Although it is far from replacing the DVD, the shipment of the video market in July is about 20 % (19) (19).The recognition and dissemination have been considerably promoted, including 2%).

　In the recorder market, the majority has already become a BD recorder since the first half of last year.BD players have increased significantly to 128,000 units in 2009, as the number of players of less than 30,000 yen has increased.However, it is still expensive, and there are some dissatisfactions due to BD from DVD, such as "good quality but slow, but slow operation".

　Sony announced the BDP-S370, which appeals to the high speed of the operation despite the entry model.The actual selling price is inexpensive at 25,000 yen, but functionally enhances USB and SACD playback.In addition, it has been significantly improved the operation speed such as loading from the conventional model.

　The major feature is that Android devices such as Xperia (SO-01B), iPhone, and iPod touch can be made as remote controls.In terms of iPod remote control, there are cases such as the pioneer BD player "BDP-LX53/330" and the AV amplifier "VSA-LX53" and "VSA-1020/920", but it is newly supported for Android.In addition, Sony's iPod touch/iPhone -compatible product is also a big point.

　Sony's audio products had many iPod/iPhone -compatible products in overseas markets, but have not been released in Japan, which has a high Walkman share.However, in July, the number of compatible products in Japan, such as the launch of iPhone/iPod compatible speaker products, is also increasing in Japan, and BDP-S370 is considered a part of such a trend.

　With the high speed of the operation, a new BD player who claims to support smartphones has been tested.

■ "Thinness" with impact

　BDP-S370 is a product that will be the entry model of Sony BD player.The feature of the main unit is a thin body, and the height is about 35%down compared to the conventional model S360, which is the thinnest in the industry.Suppose it adopts a "monolithic design" common to LCD TV Bravia.The external dimensions are about 430 x 219 x 36 mm (width x depth x height).The weight is about 2kg.

　When I actually opened the package, I was surprised at the thinness and the short depth.I feel like "BD players have become commodities (daily necessities)".The finish of the body is not bad, but it does not have that much luxury, and the texture is appropriate for the price.After all it is an impression of an entry machine.However, the number of parts such as the screw on the back is large.

　Renewable disks include BD video, BD-R/RE, DVD video, DVD ± R/RW, DVD ± R DL, music CD, SACD (stereo), DTS-CD, CD-R/RW, etc.SACD compatible in this price range is attractive, and it is one of the advantages for the current PlayStation 3 that is likely to be compared.Unfortunately, it does not support Blu-ray 3D playback.

　There are also two USB terminals (front 1/back 1), and videos/music/still imaging files in USB HDD and USB HDD can be played.Looking at the back, the HDMI output is one system, which is compatible with 1080 60p/24p.We also support Deep Color.HDMI CEC braving links are also available.Supports HD audio decoding/bit stream output.Ethernet and also support BD-Live.Wireless LAN connection is also possible with the USB wireless LAN adapter "UWA-BR100" sold separately.

　Output terminals other than HDMI are equipped with component/composite images, light/coaxial digital audio, and analog audio (RCA 2ch).The power consumption is 22W.Waiting power consumption is 0.1W (at high -speed start/HDMI equipment control "cut").A remote control is included.

■ Speed startup speed and loading

　The UI is a familiar XMB (cross media bar).Items such as video, music, and photos are also available, and in addition to disks, it is also possible to play videos and music files in USB memory connected to the USB terminal on the front.The compatible format is AVCHD, MPEG-1/2, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VC-1, WMV, music for linear PCM, MP3, AAC, WMA, and still images for still images.

　The feature is that the loading time and startup time are reduced, along with a thin design.In particular, the loading has been reduced by about 50%compared to the conventional model BDP-S360.

　In fact, the loading time was compared to Playstaiton 3 (first generation) and Panasonic's "DMP-BDT900".The discs used for the test are Blu-ray 3D (not for DMP-BDT900 buyers) of "Ice Age 3" and Michael Jackson "THIS IS IT", but the BDP-S370 is the most BDP-S370.It was early.

[Operation speed comparison]

　In the BD video, the processing speed of BD-Java often varies, especially in BD-Java, and some BD players in the old days have been waiting for a few minutes to start playback.I would like to welcome that the points that seemed to be "deteriorated" due to the transition from DVD to BD as the S370 was speeded up, is steadily improving.The loading of CDs and DVDs is quick, and it is also a good impression that it moves.

　Another major point is that it is faster than PS3 (29,980 yen ~), which is close to the price.In June 2009, we compared the latest low -cost players at the time, but there were no faster products than PS3, except for LG BD players.I can feel the evolution of BD players in the past year again, and above all, I would like to welcome the function to improve the ease of use.

　About startup, about 5 at high -speed startup ON.4 seconds, about 18 in OFF.It was 4 seconds (the average value of the three -time measurement, from the power button ON to the XMB outlets).In particular, the good response at high speed startup seems to be useful when used as a SACD/CD player.

■ Use wireless LAN remote control

　The operation is simple and the BD video play quality is good.The image quality mode is available in three modes: standard, bright room, and dark room.Mosquito, frame, and block noise reduction (NR) can be applied.When connecting to HDMI, each NR is basically off, but I want to apply it according to my preference.

　I looked at the DVD "Red Pig", but the upscaling quality is also excellent, and it can be said that there is almost no dissatisfaction as a BD/DVD player at a low price of 20,000 yen.

　The attached remote control "RMT-B107J" is simple but easy to use.Especially convenient are the [10 seconds return] and [15 seconds sending] buttons.It is useful for applications such as returning for 10 seconds when you miss a line or choosing an arbitrary scene, and calling the scene while pressing the sending button.Furthermore, it supports multiple presses of the button, and in the case of 15 seconds, a skip up to 135 seconds can be specified in 15 seconds.

　The corresponding smartphones are Xperia (SO-01B) and iPhone.This time I downloaded the iPhone app and tested it.I searched for Android apps from SO-01B and HTC Desire Android Market, but as of the 10th, it seems to have not yet been published in Japan.The iPhone is registered in the App Store, and the version of the app tested this time is 1.21.

　The setting of the app is simple.After setting the Wi-Fi connection, launch the application registration menu, and at the same time, register the device used as a remote control in [Settings]-[Communication Settings]-[BD Remote Equipment Registration] on the player side.Then, the registration information is completed on the app side.

　When the app is launched, "Simple Remote Concon], [Full Remote Concon], [Disk Information], and" Settings] appear at the bottom of the screen.

　The simple remote control is available in four -way cursor, Return, Option, and Home buttons.This screen is easy to use for XMB control.Trace the cursor with a touch panel, select any item, and tap the center to set it.Furthermore, since the image quality setting of the option can be called from here, most basic operations are possible on the simple remote control screen.

　The full remote control is a regenerative form operation with buttons such as playback/stop, skip/back, fast -feed/return, 10 seconds return/15 seconds, and 4 colors buttons, subtitles and audio settings that can be used for BD games.You can select three screens on the possible screen and the number key screen.If you need frequent playback operations, use this mode.

　It is not an infrared connection like a normal remote control, but a connection using a wireless LAN environment, but the operation response is good.Sometimes I feel a slight delay in response than a normal remote control, but it's very small.There are few mistakes in operations such as "Select any XMB item while using a touch panel with a simple remote control".If you were used to operating the iPhone, I felt that there was no problem.

　In addition, it seems that there are many scenes that can be used, such as using a smartphone to become a remote control, for example, for backup when a remote control (infrared light) is not found.

　What is unique is the [Disk Information] screen.The S370 has a function to connect to the Gracenote database and acquire and accumulate regenerated disk information, but this screen allows you to check information about the director and performers of the work.

　Of course, it is also described in the BD benefits and the staff roll in the main story, but it can be checked on a different screen from the TV, so it feels high.While watching a movie, you can check such peripheral information with a smartphone without disturbing the main part of the movie, such as when you can't remember the actor's name.In addition to the performers, you can read directors, producers, playback time, rating, genre, and simple explanations here.

　In addition, the title information is a keyword, and it is also equipped with a function that allows you to search videos on YouTube.If you search for the movie title "Surf's Up", it doesn't always match Beach Boys songs, but it's interesting that you'll meet new content on the app.

　The played disk can be accumulated by downloading information from Gracenote.You can also check the information of the past regenerated disk at a later date.The S370 has a substantial network function, but does not support DLNA.

■ Ideal as an easy -to -use and inexpensive disk player.How to evaluate 3D

　It also supports SACD playback, and can play multi -channel SACD when connected to HDMI.It also has a DSD output mode that outputs the SACD DSD signal without converting PCM.

　In terms of prices, in addition to the introductory BD players of other companies, I think that PS3 (29,980 yen or more) will be competing, but in the latest model of PS3, the SACD playback function may be omitted, so those who value SACD playback.This is also an important point for.

　Despite the entry model, the function is substantial, and it can be said that there are clear advantages compared to BD players and PS3s that are one year ago in "ease of use", such as high -speed startup/loading.For those who want to enjoy BD aggressively, it can be said that it is the appearance of an entry model of the 20,000 yen range that is the easiest to pick up.

　However, if you have only anxiety, it will not support 3D.Although 3D BRAVIA was released in June, I am worried that Sony does not have Blu-ray 3D compatible players from Sony.This fall, the top player models and recorders will be released, and the PS3 will also be able to support 3D by updating this year.Overseas, the $ 400 3D-compatible BD player "BDP-S1700ES" has also been announced, so the price difference with the product around this will be the point that will affect the purchase in the future.However, if you do not take 3D into account, it can be said that it is one of the easiest and easy -to -use players now.