Blue Ray Player Review: What is a Blu Ray Player?
The Blu Ray player owes its name to the blue-violet light beam of its laser. Its name is derived from the English term "blue ray", which translated means something like "blue ray".
Marketers found the Blu-ray spelling more concise, so they simply dropped the "e". Nevertheless, the name Blue Ray Player is still common.
Similar to a DVD Player, the Blu Ray player is also used to play external storage media. conventional DVD-Player however, have not been able to keep up with the excellent image quality of the Blu Ray players for a long time.
In addition, almost every Blu Ray player can also play CDs and DVDs. Most Blu Ray players can also be used as DVD players at the same time.
Blu-rays themselves look quite similar to their predecessor, the DVD. They are small round silver discs with a hole in the middle. In contrast to CDs and DVDs, however, they have much more storage space.
This advantage has a positive effect on the quality of picture and sound. Significantly more data volumes and thus information can be stored.
Good Blu Ray players also allow you to watch films in 3D format. In the Blu Ray Player Test you will find out what they are.
Blu-ray player bestseller
Blue Ray Player Review: The History of the Blu Ray Player
The Blu Ray Disc was born less than two decades ago. It was not until December 19, 2002 that the well-known companies in the industry agreed on a corresponding specification.
In January 2004, Hewlett-Packard and Dell joined the original nine parties: Hitachi, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and Thompson. Acer and Apple then joined in March 2005.
The end of the development of the hitherto still competitive HD-DVD was finally ushered in by Toshiba. Currently, many manufacturers of the so-called DLNA at. DLNA is the abbreviation for Digital Living Network Alliance.
This association is responsible for developing and updating new technical guidelines.
What can Blu Ray players do?
Blu Ray players can not only play Blu Rays, DVDs and CDs. If it is a device that is network-capable, you can also use streaming services such as Netflix and Maxdome to watch films.
In the Bluray Player Test, we show you which devices have suitable connections so that you can easily connect them to your TV or AVReceiver to be able to connect. In addition, the Blu Ray Player Test also plays the Resolution and the supported video formats matter.
If you use a home cinema system, these parameters can determine whether you can watch your films in the desired quality.
Blu Ray Player vs Blu Ray Recorder - What's the Difference?
A Blu Ray recorder or Blu Ray burner can do more than just play Blu Rays. With a Blu Ray recorder you can record videos from television or on a receiver.
The recordings can be burned onto a Blu Ray disc or stored on an internal hard drive integrated into the Blu Ray player. The purchase price of a Blu Ray recorder is significantly higher than that of a Blu Ray player.
After all, it also has significantly more functions. The power requirement is also significantly higher than that of a Blu Ray player.
Benefits
- Allows playing Blu Ray Discs, DVDs and CDs
- Videos can be saved
- Blu Ray discs can be burned
Disadvantages
- Relatively high acquisition costs
- Increased power consumption
Blu Ray players and DVD players in direct comparison
Blu Ray players offer many advantages that cannot be denied. In addition, the newer technology has pushed the good old DVD player more and more out of the market. Despite the higher acquisition costs, it is definitely a good recommendation to decide on a Blu Ray player when buying a new device.
A Blu Ray player has much better features than a conventional DVD player. It not only offers the possibility of enjoying high-resolution films in very good quality, but can also take over the tasks of a DVD player.
Playing DVDs and CDs is no problem for a Blu Ray player. If you don't mind the high acquisition costs, you can also look forward to quite good picture quality with a DVD player.
For many people that is to be expected Performance of a DVD player in terms of playback quality is completely sufficient.
Here is an overview of the advantages of both systems:
Pros and Cons of a Blu Ray Player
- Even high-resolution films are played back in good quality
- DVDs and CDs can be played
- Numerous features are available
- Long praised as the technology of the future
- High acquisition costs
Pros and cons of a DVD player
- Many people find the image quality to be sufficient
- Low acquisition costs
- Only DVDs and CDs can be played
- The technology was pushed further and further out of the market
How do the devices presented in the Blue Ray Player test work?
The Blue Ray Player test presents some of the recommended Blu Ray players. The comparison of the individual models in the Blueray Player test allows you to get an idea of the quality of the devices.
With the informative Blu Ray Player test, you will find out which model deserves the title "best Blu Ray Player" and which device is your personal "best Blu Ray Player". But how does a Blu Ray player actually work?
Storage miracle thanks to laser technology - the Blu Ray Player Test reveals which device is recommended. Technically and optically, the devices examined in more detail in the Blu-ray player test hardly differ from their predecessors, DVDs and CDs, which are still widespread today. The systems are very closely related.
With a Blu Ray player, the data on the medium is scanned and read Laser deployed. This laser has a very small wavelength. This enables it to read even very fine layers of data.
A lot more information can be accommodated on a Blue Ray disc than on a conventional DVD or DVD CD. Blu Rays offer much more storage space, so it is not only possible to significantly increase the quality of the image playback, but also the sound quality.
Although all three formats - Blu Ray Disc, DVD and CD - have the same diameter of exactly 12 cm, the Blu Ray Disc offers many more options for storing important, convenience-enhancing information. You can find the best devices in the Blue Ray Player test.
In the test: Blu-ray player with optimal playback of image and sound material
In addition to the purely physical space advantage, the devices presented in the Bluray Player Test offer further advantages. Blu Ray players have the ability to achieve powerful improvements through software customization.
This makes the devices in the Blueray Player Test a medium that is superior to other technologies. The connection to the Internet allows the Blu Ray Player software to be updated regularly. The device is always up to date with the latest developments.
The highest possible compatibility with all further developments of the software is guaranteed at all times. This also includes the Copy protection. Modern video formats can be played back with devices from the Blu Ray Player Test.
This guarantees a reproduction of picture and sound information that is characterized by a quality not previously possible with other technologies such as DVDs and CDs.
How to operate Blu Ray Player?
Anyone who connects a Blu Ray player for the first time is often confronted with one or the other confusing operating manual. Here we give some important, mostly valid tips for the correct operation of the devices presented in the Blue Ray Player Test.
The remote control
Activating the remote control is very easy. All you have to do is insert the batteries that are usually included in the scope of delivery into the compartment provided.
The control panel
Although the devices presented in the Blu Ray Player test can be controlled via the remote control, there is usually an additional control panel on the front of the device. For example, the sensor for the remote control and the power indicator, which shows whether the Blu Ray player is switched on, are located here.
The power button is also available here, i.e. the button with which the device can be switched on and off. There is also a button to open and close the disc tray. Some devices also have a USB slot on the front.
The disc tray
The devices presented in the Blu Ray player test usually have a drawer that opens and closes again by pressing the "Open" button. The drawer can also be operated from the remote control.
Some models offer a feeder instead of a drawer. Here the Blu Ray disc is pushed a little way into a small slot until the mechanism automatically draws in the disc. Ejection is done with a button.
Both variants allow the Blu Ray disc to be inserted or removed with just one movement.
The connections
Depending on the device, there may be some differences here. They all have one thing in common Connection to the power grid. Connect to the included power cable the appropriate socket to a power outlet near the device.
The connection to the television can, for example, via a HDMI cable. If both the Blu Ray player and the television have a corresponding socket, they are connected with the appropriately marked cable.
If your television still has one Scart connection, it may be that a connection is not possible here. Modern Blu Ray players do not support the outdated technology of Scart connections.
There might be one here Cinch Adapter necessary. Also connecting to one amplifier should ideally be via an HDMI cable.
Playback from discs
To play a Blu Ray Disc, DVD or CD, open the disc compartment by pressing the Open or Close button. Insert the disc and press the button again.
Most Blu Ray Discs, DVDs and CDs start automatically. For some, you have to confirm the start by pressing a button.
The menu
There are many fine-tuning functions in the Blu-ray player's menu. It is also possible to play back and forward a recording. You can easily make all the settings you want using the remote control.
A valuable contribution to environmental protection
If you are not using your Blu Ray player at the moment, you should refrain from using it in stand-by mode. Disconnect the device from the power supply by pressing a button. This not only protects your wallet, but also the environment.
What can the devices from the Bluray Player Test offer and what are the differences?
The most important function has already been explained. All devices from the Blu Ray Player Test give picture and Ton with a particularly high resolution. A few years ago, a real cinema experience was only possible in the cinema.
Thanks to modern Blu-ray players, such as the devices presented in the Blue-ray player test, it is possible to enjoy films of a similar quality from the comfort of your own sofa. The prerequisite for this is that the test Blu Ray player is supplemented with correspondingly high-quality technical components.
HD playback is impossible with an old tube set. The TV must also have a corresponding feature. Also when choosing Loudspeakers should be taken to a certain level.
If you want an experience comparable to that in the cinema, you need a relatively large television. On a small screen, the effect of the test Blue Ray Player is quickly lost.
Which Bluray Player Test is there?
In the Blu Ray player test, we present some of the devices available on the market in detail and show which is currently the best Blu Ray player worth recommending.
There is a Blu Ray Player Review 2018, a Blu Ray Player Review 2017, a Blu Ray Player Review 2016, a Blue Ray Player Review 2015 and a Blu Ray Player Review 2014.
There is also a Blu Ray Player Stiftung Warentest test. The test Blu Ray Player Stiftung Warentest is a Blu Ray Player Test 2015. The ratings of Test Blu Ray Player Stiftung Warentest are very popular with consumers.
However, the Blu Ray Player Stiftung Warentest test dates back a few years. As a result, the Blu Ray Player Stiftung Warentest test no longer reflects the latest technical developments.
A Blue Ray Player Test 2015 is no longer meaningful enough. For example, some of the test Blue Ray players may no longer be available.
What types of Blu Ray players are there?
In the Blue Ray Player Test, we present different devices that stand out from the broad mass of offers due to their good properties.
Basically, you can choose between different types of Blu Ray players. This applies to the respective playback format. For example, there are HD, 3D and 4K Blu Ray players.
In total, there are seven different types of Blu Ray players
- HD Blu-Ray Player
- HD Blu Ray Player with Upscaler
- 3D Blu Ray Player
- Blu-ray player software
- 4K Blu-Ray Player
- 4K Blu Ray Player with Upscaler
- Blu Ray Recorder
A Blu Ray player with upscaler is a device that plays normal HD Blu Rays or DVDs in Full HD. Upscaling makes it possible to enjoy films on DVDs and older Blu-rays in better quality.
These devices are particularly suitable for those who have a larger collection of films in HD Ready format.
Today, Full HD is a matter of course for Blu-ray players. In addition, Blu Ray players offer some additional interesting features in 3D or 4K quality.
Here is a small overview of the available resolutions:
- Description of the resolution Resolution in pixels
- SD = Standard Definition 720 x 576 classic definition without HD
- HD Ready (High Definition Ready) 1366 x 768 lowest HD resolution
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 common standard for Blu Ray players
- UHD (Ultra High Definition) or 4K 3840 x 2160 high-end resolution for cinema films
- The picture quality of a Blu Ray Disc
Commercial DVDs usually have a resolution of 720 x 576 pixels. Depending on the country of origin, there may be deviations here. With a conventional Blu Ray disc, the resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels.
In a direct comparison, this corresponds to about five times the number of pixels that are shown on the television display.
The image sharpness achieved in this way clearly shows the difference between Blu Ray quality and DVD performance. If you access a UHD Blu Ray Disc, also known as 4K Blu Ray, the number of pixel to 3840x2160.
This corresponds to twenty times the number of pixels. If the right equipment is available, an image quality can be achieved that is equivalent to the cinema feeling.
The sound quality of a Blu Ray Disc
Blu-ray discs also have a lot more to offer than DVDs when it comes to sound quality. High-quality HD soundtracks come up with more powerful bass and much finer sampling. The sound sounds more spatial and therefore much more realistic.
A DVD player has a maximum of DTS or DTS HD formats. DTS or Digital Theater Systems as well as the rarely used DTS HD equipment can keep up with the technology of one of the test Blu Ray players.
Systems such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD and DTS:X are used here. With the right audio components, a test Blu Ray player delivers sounds and tones that ensure maximum audio enjoyment.
Blu Ray player with 3D technology
These Blu Ray players are devices that have modern 3D technology. This means that the playable content can be displayed spatially, provided the additional technology allows this. However, test Blu Ray players with 3D technology can also play conventional formats.
If there is no television available that supports this format, the films can be viewed in classic mode. In order to be able to enjoy 3D playback, a connection via an HDMI cable is required.
It goes without saying that playback with three-dimensional representation is only possible with a Blu-ray disc with 3D technology.
Blu-ray player with wifi
The internet is very important to most people and it is hard to imagine our everyday lives without it. So it's no wonder that the WLAN connection is becoming an absolute must for more and more manufacturers.
Music and videos can be easily streamed via the wireless connection to the Internet. Accessing websites is also possible thanks to WLAN. A simpler variant is a LAN connection via Ethernet cable.
Be it the Blu-ray player test winner 2017 or the device that was awarded as the best Blu-ray player from the Blue-ray player test 2015 - it runs like a red thread through all Blu-ray player test procedures - acoustically and visually Blu-rays deliver significantly better results than DVDs .
Nevertheless, DVDs still have a relatively high market share. Blu Ray players were originally intended to completely replace DVD players. Despite the much better picture and sound quality of the Blu Ray players, this plan didn't work out.
According to a report by the American business magazine Forbes, more DVDs are still being sold in the USA than Blu-ray Discs. The respective proportion of discs sold is said to be around 58% DVDs and only around 5% Blu Rays.
In Japan, on the other hand, a Blu Ray player is said to be available in every second household at 52%. For Germany, a study by GfK Entertainment from 2017 determined a market share of around 37% for the Blu-ray Disc. Similar figures were also obtained for Austria and Switzerland.
In the meantime, technological development and the preference for streaming and virtual clouds have ushered in a new dimension. Nevertheless, the devices presented in the Blue Ray Player test are by no means obsolete.
The Blue Ray Player Test presents models at relatively low prices that, like high-end devices, can still offer years of enjoyment when watching high-resolution films. Even the blu ray players from the Blu Ray Player Stiftung Warentest test are not necessarily bad devices, as long as they are still commercially available.
Ultimately, it only plays a subordinate role whether the device chosen as the “best Blu-ray player” comes from a Blu-ray player test 2015 or from a current Blu-ray player test.
The features that the test Blue Ray Player has to offer are important. As everywhere, rapid technical development can also be observed in the field of Blu Ray players. A new 2019K format was presented at CES 8 in Las Vegas, which once again outshines the previous maximum 4K.
Whether these resolutions will ever be visible to the human eye at all cannot be foreseen. A Blu Ray player from a Blu Ray Player Test 2014, a Blue Ray Player Test 2015, a Blu Ray Player Test 2016, a Blu Ray Player Test 2017 or a Blu Ray Player Test 2018 can deliver very solid results.
The Blu Ray player test winner 2017 does not necessarily have to be worse than the model awarded as the best Blu Ray player 2019. A comparison of the properties listed in the Bluray Player test can help to save a few euros.
The previous model will usually be much cheaper than the latest device. It is clear that many of the devices presented in the Blueray Player Test 2015 are no longer available in stores. It is also clear that some features did not even exist at the time of a Blu Ray Player Test 2015. You won't find a 4k Blu Ray player in the Blu Ray Player Test 2015.
A major difference between the test Blue Ray players and the DVD is the 3D playback option. If you only own a DVD player, you have no way of watching a film in the "third dimension".
Of course, not just any Blu Ray player can do this either. It is advisable to pay attention to whether the personally favored device presented in the Bluray Player Test has this function. This makes it possible to watch almost every newer blockbuster in the fascinating 3D format from the comfort of your own couch.
Leading Manufacturers of Blu Ray Players
There are some manufacturers of high quality devices. Models from Samsung, Panasonic and Pioneer can be found in almost every Blu Ray player test. Whether in a Blue Ray Player Test 2015, a Blu Ray Player Test 2016, or a Blu Ray Player Test 2017 - these brands are actually always represented.
Sony, Philips, Yamaha and LG can also be found time and again in the front ranks of the test Blue Ray players. The Blu Ray Player test winner 2017 also came from the ranks of these renowned brands.
Test blu ray players from Samsung
Samsung is one of the largest and most well-known manufacturers of Blu Ray players. Samsung has taken a leading role in the development of new technologies. This does not only apply to the devices presented in the Blueray Player test.
In addition to Blu Ray players, Samsung also brings high-quality televisions and smartphones onto the market. Innovation is always the focus of the South Korean company. The Blue Ray Player test shows again and again the good picture and sound quality of the devices developed by Samsung.
In addition, Blu Ray players from Samsung score with their extensive equipment. Samsung demonstrates a great diversity. The varying possibilities from model to model ensure that the right device can be found for every requirement.
The range of Blu Ray players offered by Samsung is correspondingly extensive.
Panasonic Blue Ray Player in the Blue Ray Player Test
Panasonic can't match Samsung's variety of products, but it can in terms of quality. Panasonic Blu Ray players are characterized by their modern equipment and their innovative technical features.
Blu-ray players from Panasonic always take the top spots in a Blu-ray player test. Panasonic's test Blu Ray players support different playback and file formats.
Not only series and films can be played back in excellent quality via Blu Ray Disc, but also using external media such as a USB stick. Panasonic Blu Ray players are ideal for easy and fast playback.
In addition, almost all Panasonic devices have the option of accessing the Internet.
Pioneer in the Blue Ray Player Test
Although Pioneer Blu-ray players only have a slightly smaller market share, they can still convince in the Blu-ray player test. Pioneer devices can be found in almost every Blu Ray player test.
Whether a Blu Ray Player Test 2014 or a Blu Ray Player Test 2018 - one of the Blu Ray Player models from Pioneer is almost always among the best devices. Pioneer stands for high standards. Unfortunately, this is also reflected in the prices, which are usually well above the level of other providers.
However, buyers also receive state-of-the-art technology and a very extensive range of equipment. The somewhat higher acquisition costs are also reflected in the evaluation in the Blue Ray Player test. Blu-ray players from Pioneer usually perform well above average. The numerous interfaces and the high-quality equipment deserve special mention here.
Here is an overview of the main features of the three most important providers:
Samsung blu-ray player
- Diverse model selection
- Comfortable equipment
- High quality technology
Panasonic Blu-ray players
- Good equipment
- Innovative technology
- Playback via external media, eg USB possible
- Pioneer Blu-ray players
- Extensive equipment
- State-of-the-art technology
- High end quality
How are Blu Ray players tested?
In order to determine the Blu Ray player test winner 2017, 2018 or 2109, there are certain parameters that are included in the evaluation. Of course, these do not only apply to the Blu Ray Player Test Winner 2017, 2018 or 2019, but also to all other years.
In order to achieve a top mark in the Blu Ray player test, the device has to meet a number of requirements. For example, the size, the weight, the available connections and of course the picture and sound quality are evaluated.
Does the device have a WLAN function? Are there pre-installed apps? Or can the device play movies in 3D? The price/performance ratio is also particularly important. Multiroom support may also be included in the ranking.
Quality and durability also play an important role. The individual properties are clearly presented in a tabular view, so that it is relatively easy to compare the individual models in the Blu Ray player test.
Here is an overview of the possible parameters that are included in the evaluation
- product dimensions
- Product weight
- item colour
- Warranty
- Available ports
- WiFi available?
- Multiroom support available?
- Are there pre-installed apps?
- Is there a smart tv function?
- Quick start mode available?
- 3D playback possible?
- picture quality
- sound Quality
- Remote control available?
- quality and durability
- Smart functions present?
- Price-performance ratio
- Customer ratings on Amazon
- What are the special features?
- Cleaning a Blu Ray player
If the lens of the Blu Ray player is dirty or the laser is dirty, playback may be impaired. This can affect picture and sound, or even lead to the Blu Ray player no longer being able to read the inserted disc.
This is usually caused by small dust particles. Cleaning is required to make the device functional again. The easiest way to do this is with a special cleaning disc. A cleaning disc is available in electronics stores or can be purchased on the Internet.
It is not only suitable for Blu Ray players, but also for all other devices with a console drive, such as DVD players. If inserting the cleaning disc does not help, you should consult a specialist or open the drive to find the source of the error.
However, it should be noted that opening the drive will void any warranty claims.
What should you pay attention to when buying a Blu Ray player?
If you want to buy a good Blu-ray player, you will find some recommended models in the Blue-ray player test. These criteria should be considered:
- Which connections are available?
- Which video formats are supported?
- What is the resolution?
- Is the device internet enabled?
- Is it possible to play in 3D?
In the end, personal demands are decisive. Choosing a review Blu Ray player based on color or design is not a good recommendation. The “content” is clearly important here. In order to find out which model scores as the personal “best Blu Ray player”, you should objectively compare the criteria required in each case.
If you only have a very small television set, a 4K Blu Ray player will not bring the desired effect. With a large-format television, however, this is a sensible purchase. If you have an extensive film collection in the reduced HD format, you should pay attention to an upscaling function in order to be able to enjoy the cinematic treasures in better picture quality.
If you want a three-dimensional cinema feeling, you can't avoid a Blu Ray player with 3D function. The TV is not smart? Then an Internet-enabled Blu Ray player is just the thing.
Which properties are required for your own needs can therefore be very different. The details are clearly compared in the Blu-ray player test. This makes it very easy to find the individually suitable device.
What Formats Should Blu Ray Player Support?
There are hardly any significant differences between Blu-ray Discs and DVDs – this is different for content accessed via an external hard drive or the Internet. Here the device should be at least next to MP3 the formats DivX, DivX-HD, XVID as well as MPEG2 and MPEG 4 support.
Better Blu Ray player models also support the audio formats DTS-HD and Dolby True HD.
Formats such as MP4, MKV and FLV are required to play home-made films. Also photos. typically JPEG files, should be played back.
The connections
In addition to a LAN or WLAN connection for Internet access, the port for an HDMI cable is important for optimal connectivity. In order to be able to access films or data from an external hard drive, the Blu Ray player requires a USB connection.
In addition, it is important that the audio connections match the existing devices. Newer equipment has a digital audio output, older equipment can have one analog output to be required.
What else matters?
In addition to the technical features, easy handling also plays a major role. An incomprehensible menu can spoil the joy of film enjoyment significantly. Whether one or the other offered extra is required is up to your own taste.
There are definitely small special features that are worthwhile. Worth mentioning here are video upscaling, CD ripping or playing external HDD data. It should be borne in mind that these extras are unfortunately always reflected in the price.
Accessories for the Blu Ray player
A cleaning disc is a valuable recommendation as a useful accessory. If the Blu Ray player is cleaned regularly, unpleasant consequences such as cracks or hangs during playback or impairment of the sound quality can be avoided.
If necessary, an HDMI splitter can also provide valuable services. It ensures that there are enough slots available and that the entire home cinema system can be connected accordingly.
Longer journeys are the rule. In addition, there are confusing departments and a very limited selection of products. The specified opening times also set barriers. Buying online offers many advantages.
It is open around the clock and the variety on offer really leaves nothing to be desired. A Blu Ray player test also provides information about the qualities of a device on offer. A wide range of comparison options are available here that local retailers cannot offer.
Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of a purchase in retail or an online purchase:
Retail
Benefits
- Counseling from person to person
- haptic experience
- Trying out the device on site
Disadvantages
- Annoying journeys
- Restricted opening hours
- Tight crowd
- Objectively higher prices
- Significantly limited selection
- Higher prices
online trade
Benefits
- Fast access XNUMX/XNUMX
- Good comparison possibilities
- Convenient purchase from home
- Broad selection
- Competent online advice, also by phone
- Secure payment methods
- Fast delivery
- Easy returns
Disadvantages
- No haptic experience
- Device cannot be tried
Blu Ray Player Review FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Blu Ray Player review:
1. Which is the best Blu Ray player for me?
Essentially, this depends on your own requirements. A Blu Ray player test provides information about the available features of the individual devices.
2. How much can a Blu Ray player cost?
Prices range from around EUR 60 to several hundred euros. A device suitable for everyday use is already available for little money. If you want to be happy about many extras, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket.
3. How do I connect a Blu Ray player?
As a rule, only a few cable connections are required. The exact connection options can be found in the operating instructions for the respective device.
4. Where can I find a quality device?
The Internet not only offers an almost unlimited variety of products to choose from, but also great opportunities for comparison.