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Christmas Sony BDP-S1700U Blu-ray DVD Player Dolby Blu-Ray Player Review – Oemiu

Oemiu September 6, 2025 Christmas Review

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Christmas Sony BDP-S1700U Blu-ray DVD Player Dolby Blu-Ray Player Review

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to enjoy those classic Christmas movies or the latest blockbuster releases than with a high-quality Blu-ray player? The Sony BDP-S1700U is a popular choice, often found under Christmas trees, promising enhanced picture quality and immersive sound. But does it live up to the hype? This comprehensive review dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Sony BDP-S1700U, helping you decide if it’s the right Blu-ray player for your needs.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions: A First Look at the BDP-S1700U

The first impression is crucial, and the Sony BDP-S1700U presents a clean, minimalist design. The player is lightweight and compact, easily fitting into most entertainment centers. The unboxing experience is straightforward; the package typically includes the Blu-ray player itself, a remote control, and a power cord. Don’t expect any extravagant extras like HDMI cables; these are usually sold separately. This is a cost-saving measure that allows Sony to keep the price of the player competitive. The build quality, while not premium, feels adequate for its price point. The plastic casing doesn’t exude luxury, but it’s functional and doesn’t feel flimsy. The remote is small and intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for basic functions like playback, menu navigation, and disc ejection. Its small size might be a downside for those with larger hands, but its simplicity is a definite plus. Setting up the BDP-S1700U is a breeze. Simply connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable (remember to purchase one if you don’t already have one), plug in the power cord, and you’re ready to go. The on-screen setup wizard guides you through the process, allowing you to configure settings like language, screen resolution, and network connectivity (though this model is not Wi-Fi enabled). The initial boot-up time is reasonably quick, and the user interface is clean and easy to navigate. For anyone looking for a no-fuss, plug-and-play Blu-ray player experience, the Sony BDP-S1700U certainly delivers.

Delving into the Technical Specifications and Features

Beyond the initial impressions, understanding the technical specifications and features is critical to evaluating the BDP-S1700U’s performance. At its core, the player supports Blu-ray disc playback at resolutions up to 1080p Full HD. While it doesn’t support 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays, it does a commendable job upscaling standard DVDs to near-HD quality. This means your existing DVD collection won’t look grainy and pixelated on a modern HDTV. The BDP-S1700U supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience when connected to a compatible sound system. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi is a significant limitation. It means you won’t be able to stream content directly from online services like Netflix or Hulu without relying on external devices. However, it does feature a USB port on the front panel, allowing you to play media files (videos, music, photos) directly from a USB drive. This can be a convenient way to access your digital content. The player also supports various disc formats, including Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, CDs, and rewritable discs. The region code setting is worth noting, as it determines which regions’ DVDs and Blu-rays the player can play. It is possible to purchase region-free versions of this, or similar, blu-ray DVD players. The BDP-S1700U includes Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscaling technology, which aims to improve the picture quality of standard DVDs by analyzing and enhancing the video signal. While the results are not as impressive as native HD content, it does make a noticeable difference, especially on larger screens. The user interface is simple and uncluttered, making it easy to navigate through menus and settings. The remote control is also straightforward to use, with dedicated buttons for common functions like playback, pause, and chapter skip. While it lacks advanced features like voice control or a backlit keyboard, its simplicity is a definite advantage for users who prefer a more traditional experience. Here’s a summary of key specifications:

Picture and Audio Performance: Does the BDP-S1700U Deliver?

Ultimately, the most important aspect of any Blu-ray player is its performance, and the Sony BDP-S1700U delivers a solid picture and audio experience for its price range. When playing Blu-ray discs, the picture quality is sharp, clear, and vibrant. Colors are accurate and well-saturated, and the level of detail is excellent. The player handles fast-paced action scenes with ease, without any noticeable motion blur or artifacts. The upscaling performance of standard DVDs is also impressive. While it can’t magically transform DVDs into Blu-ray quality, it does a good job of reducing noise and improving sharpness. The result is a more watchable experience, especially on larger screens. The player also handles various video formats, including MKV, AVI, and MP4, making it a versatile option for playing media files from USB drives. Audio performance is equally commendable. The BDP-S1700U supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which provide a rich and immersive audio experience when connected to a compatible sound system. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand, and the sound effects are well-defined. The player also supports standard audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, ensuring compatibility with older sound systems. One potential limitation is the lack of analog audio outputs. The player only features an HDMI output and a coaxial digital audio output, which means you’ll need a receiver or amplifier with digital audio inputs to enjoy the full audio experience. If you have an older sound system with only analog inputs, you’ll need to purchase a separate digital-to-analog converter (DAC). However, for most users with modern TVs and sound systems, this shouldn’t be an issue. The BDP-S1700U also supports bitstream output, which allows you to send the raw audio signal to your receiver for decoding. This can provide a more authentic and immersive audio experience, especially with high-resolution audio formats. The player’s performance can be enhanced by adjusting picture settings on both the Blu-ray player itself and your television. Experimenting with settings like contrast, brightness, and sharpness can help you fine-tune the picture to your liking. Overall, the Sony BDP-S1700U delivers a satisfying picture and audio performance for its price range. It’s a great option for users who want to enjoy Blu-ray movies and DVDs in high quality without breaking the bank. It handles a wide range of disc formats and video files, making it a versatile addition to any home entertainment setup.

Comparing the Sony BDP-S1700U with Competitors: Value for Money

In the crowded market of Blu-ray players, the Sony BDP-S1700U faces stiff competition. To truly assess its value, it’s crucial to compare it with similar models from other brands. A key competitor is the LG BP250. Both players offer 1080p Blu-ray playback and DVD upscaling, but the LG BP250 often comes with a slightly lower price tag. However, the Sony BDP-S1700U arguably has a more refined upscaling algorithm, providing a slightly better picture quality with standard DVDs. Another contender is the Panasonic DMP-BD94. This player is known for its robust build quality and user-friendly interface. It also offers similar features to the Sony BDP-S1700U, including 1080p Blu-ray playback and DVD upscaling. However, the Panasonic DMP-BD94 typically costs more than the Sony model. A significant difference between the BDP-S1700U and some other players is the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity. Many competing models offer built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream content from online services like Netflix and Hulu. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for everyone, it’s a feature worth considering if you rely heavily on streaming services. The Sony BDP-S1700U’s strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. It’s a no-frills Blu-ray player that focuses on delivering a high-quality picture and audio experience without unnecessary features. This makes it an excellent choice for users who primarily want to play Blu-ray discs and DVDs and don’t need built-in streaming capabilities. When comparing prices, it’s essential to consider any bundled deals or promotions that may be available. Retailers often offer discounts on Blu-ray players during the holiday season, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal. In terms of value for money, the Sony BDP-S1700U strikes a good balance between performance, features, and price. It may not be the most feature-rich Blu-ray player on the market, but it offers excellent picture and audio quality for its price range. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and reliable Blu-ray player, the Sony BDP-S1700U is definitely worth considering. Here’s a brief comparison table:

Practical Applications and Real-World Scenarios

Understanding the practical applications of the Sony BDP-S1700U can help you determine if it’s the right choice for your specific needs. Imagine a family gathering during Christmas. With the BDP-S1700U, you can easily play classic Christmas movies on Blu-ray, enjoying enhanced picture quality and immersive sound. The simple interface makes it easy for even non-tech-savvy family members to operate the player. Or consider a scenario where you have a large collection of DVDs. The BDP-S1700U’s upscaling capabilities can breathe new life into your DVD library, making them look better than ever on your HDTV. This can save you the expense of replacing all your DVDs with Blu-ray versions. The USB port on the front panel also offers a convenient way to share vacation photos or videos with family and friends. Simply load your media files onto a USB drive and plug it into the player. The BDP-S1700U supports a wide range of video formats, so you shouldn’t have any trouble playing your files. For users who are building a home theater system on a budget, the BDP-S1700U is an excellent choice. It provides a high-quality Blu-ray playback experience without breaking the bank. The player’s compact size also makes it easy to integrate into any entertainment center. However, it’s important to consider the limitations of the BDP-S1700U. If you rely heavily on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, you’ll need to use a separate streaming device, such as a Roku or Apple TV. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi can be a significant inconvenience for some users. Also, if you have a 4K Ultra HD TV, the BDP-S1700U won’t be able to take full advantage of its capabilities. You’ll need a 4K Blu-ray player to enjoy 4K content. For users who primarily want to play Blu-ray discs and DVDs, the Sony BDP-S1700U is a reliable and affordable option. Its simple interface, solid performance, and versatile media playback capabilities make it a valuable addition to any home entertainment setup. It’s particularly well-suited for families, budget-conscious consumers, and those who prefer a traditional Blu-ray player experience. Many enjoy using this device to watch older Blu-ray DVD movies they find at flea markets and yard sales. The BDP-S1700U is a great option for those who enjoy watching physical media.

The Verdict: Is the Sony BDP-S1700U Worth Buying?

In conclusion, the Sony BDP-S1700U Blu-ray player offers a compelling combination of affordability, performance, and simplicity. Its strengths lie in its excellent 1080p Blu-ray playback, commendable DVD upscaling, and user-friendly interface. The player is easy to set up and operate, making it a great choice for users of all ages and technical abilities. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi is a significant limitation, but it’s a trade-off that helps keep the price down. If you primarily want to play Blu-ray discs and DVDs, this shouldn’t be a major issue. The Sony BDP-S1700U faces stiff competition from other Blu-ray players in its price range, but it holds its own thanks to its solid performance and reputation for reliability. It’s a great option for users who are building a home theater system on a budget or who simply want a no-frills Blu-ray player that gets the job done. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, the Sony BDP-S1700U provides excellent value for money. It’s a reliable and affordable Blu-ray player that delivers a high-quality picture and audio experience. Consider your specific needs and budget when making your decision. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and reliable Blu-ray player, the Sony BDP-S1700U is definitely worth considering. For those interested in expanding their physical media collection, purchasing a high-quality blu-ray DVD player such as this is a great idea. It is a great addition to any home entertainment system. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Sony BDP-S1700U depends on your individual needs and preferences. But if you’re looking for a solid, affordable, and reliable Blu-ray player, it’s definitely a strong contender.

FAQ

What kind of discs does the Sony BDP-S1700U play?

The Sony BDP-S1700U is designed to play a variety of disc formats, making it a versatile addition to any home entertainment setup. Primarily, it excels at playing Blu-ray discs, delivering stunning 1080p Full HD resolution for a visually immersive experience. It’s also fully compatible with standard DVDs, and thanks to its Precision Cinema HD Upscaling technology, it can enhance the picture quality of your existing DVD collection, bringing them closer to HD quality. In addition to Blu-ray and DVD, the player supports standard CDs, allowing you to enjoy your music collection through your home theater system. It also supports playback of rewritable discs, such as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW, giving you the flexibility to play content you’ve burned yourself. This wide range of disc format support makes the BDP-S1700U a great all-in-one solution for playing your favorite movies, music, and home videos.

Does the BDP-S1700U support 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays?

No, the Sony BDP-S1700U does not support playback of 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays. This player is designed for Full HD 1080p Blu-ray discs. If you’re looking to watch 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays, you’ll need a dedicated 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. These players are equipped with the necessary hardware and software to decode and output 4K content. While the BDP-S1700U can upscale standard DVDs to near-HD quality, it cannot upscale Blu-ray discs to 4K resolution. If you have a 4K TV and want to take full advantage of its capabilities, investing in a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player is the best option. However, if you’re primarily interested in watching standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs, the BDP-S1700U is a great choice for its price range.

Can I connect the Sony BDP-S1700U to the internet?

Unfortunately, the Sony BDP-S1700U does not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and does not have an Ethernet port. This means you cannot directly connect it to the internet to access online streaming services or download firmware updates. This is a key difference compared to some other Blu-ray players in the market. If you wish to stream content from services like Netflix, Hulu, or Seller Prime Video, you’ll need to use a separate streaming device, such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast, and connect it to your TV alongside the BDP-S1700U. While the lack of internet connectivity might be a drawback for some, it also helps to keep the price of the player down. The BDP-S1700U focuses on providing a high-quality Blu-ray and DVD playback experience without unnecessary features.

What audio outputs does the BDP-S1700U have?

The Sony BDP-S1700U offers a couple of audio output options to connect to your home theater system. Primarily, it features an HDMI output, which transmits both video and audio signals to your TV or receiver. HDMI is the most common and convenient way to connect the player, as it delivers high-quality audio and video in a single cable. In addition to HDMI, the BDP-S1700U also has a coaxial digital audio output. This allows you to connect the player to a receiver or amplifier that supports coaxial digital audio inputs. The coaxial output can transmit multi-channel audio, such as Dolby Digital and DTS, providing an immersive surround sound experience. It’s important to note that the BDP-S1700U does not have analog audio outputs (e.g., RCA). This means you’ll need a receiver or amplifier with digital audio inputs (HDMI or coaxial) to enjoy the full audio experience. If you have an older sound system with only analog inputs, you’ll need to purchase a separate digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to connect the player.

How do I play media files from a USB drive on the BDP-S1700U?

Playing media files from a USB drive on the Sony BDP-S1700U is a straightforward process. First, ensure that your media files (videos, music, or photos) are stored on a USB drive formatted in either FAT32 or NTFS file system. Then, simply plug the USB drive into the USB port located on the front panel of the BDP-S1700U. Once the USB drive is connected, turn on the Blu-ray player and navigate to the main menu. You should see an option to browse the contents of the USB drive. Select this option, and you’ll be able to browse through the folders and files on your USB drive. Choose the media file you want to play, and the player will start playback. The BDP-S1700U supports a wide range of video formats, including MKV, AVI, and MP4, as well as various audio formats, such as MP3, AAC, and WMA. This makes it a versatile option for playing your digital media collection. The USB playback feature provides a convenient way to share photos and videos with family and friends on your TV screen.

Does the Sony BDP-S1700U have parental control features?

Yes, the Sony BDP-S1700U includes parental control features that allow you to restrict access to certain content based on its rating. This can be especially useful for families with young children. The parental control settings can be accessed through the player’s setup menu. You can set a password to prevent unauthorized access to the settings. The player allows you to block playback of DVDs and Blu-ray discs based on their rating. You can also set a region code restriction to prevent playback of discs from certain regions. In addition to disc-based content, you can also restrict access to media files played from a USB drive. The parental control features provide a way to ensure that children are not exposed to inappropriate content. It’s important to set a strong password and keep it confidential to prevent children from bypassing the restrictions. While the parental controls are helpful, they are not foolproof. It’s still important to supervise children’s viewing habits and discuss appropriate content with them.

What is the warranty on the Sony BDP-S1700U?

The Sony BDP-S1700U typically comes with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. The standard warranty period is usually one year from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. If the player malfunctions during the warranty period, Sony will repair or replace it free of charge. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. To claim warranty service, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase, such as a sales receipt or invoice. It’s important to keep your purchase documentation in a safe place. The warranty is typically valid only in the country where the player was purchased. It’s always a good idea to read the warranty information carefully to understand the terms and conditions. You may also consider purchasing an extended warranty from the retailer or a third-party provider for additional protection. Check the Sony website for the most up-to-date warranty information.

Price: $93.00
(as of Sep 06, 2025 03:01:49 UTC – Details)