Sony BDP-S780

The Sony BDP-S780 is Sony’s 2011 flagship blu-ray player. It replaced the excellent BDP-S770. However some features were removed, and Sony dropped the list price by $50 but added Skype and Super Bit Mapping. Key features like 3D playback, Wi-fi connectivity, DLNA compliance and video streaming are all available. Improvements were made in key areas like audio/video performance and making it more user-friendly.

Sony BDP-S780

Design & Connectivity

The BDP-S780 comes in gloss black finish and is much more compact than the S770.  However we felt Sony took a step backwards in terms of design. The previous minimalist look had more class.

The remote is easy to navigate but there is no backlight unlike last year’s model.

Connectivity wise it comes with one HDMI output, 2 USB ports (one in front and one at the back), component video, composite video, digital and analog audio stereo outputs and an Ethernet LAN port. Built-in Wi-Fi is included. There is no onboard memory. If you need to access BD-Live features you will need to plug in a 1Gb USB thumb drive. A fan is provided at the back to keep the unit running cool.

Click here to view a detailed back panel layout

Features

The Sony BDP-S780 comes with a well rounded set of features that will please everyone in the family. A new Skype feature is added. By connecting a webam (not included) you can enjoy Skype-to-Skype video calls/voice calls for free.

Video quality is also enhanced with the latest generation Super Bit Mapping for Video processor. Color gradations are a lot smoother giving more depth to the picture. It’s like going from 8-bit to 16-bit colors on your monitor.

For the Apple generation of users, there’s a free app available from iTunes called “Media Remote” which allows your iPhone/iPad (or Android based phone) to act as a remote.

Here are the other features that you may like to explore:

• Upconvert standard blu-ray discs and DVDs to 3D.
• Plays SACD and outputs multi channel bitstream through HDMI
• DLNA compatibility allows you to hook up your PC to stream videos, music and pictures.
• Using Gracenote technology, the Entertainment Database Browser lets you view information about the cast of movie and other related entertainment.
• BD-Live feature.
• Sony BRAVIA Internet -Stream movies from Netflix, Amazon on demand, videos from YouTube plus music from Slacker and Pandora.
• Browse the internet using the browser menu.

Setup & Performance

Setting up the player was easy and straight-forward. The factory pre-set options are set for 1080p and 3D playback. On initial bootup we found that the Wi-Fi reception wasn’t as strong as we’d like it to be. However firmware updated smoothly. Netflix is easy to use through the menu but we encountered buffering on two occasions when streaming movies from Netflix. Moving the router nearer solved the problem, after which it streamed 1080P HDX content from Vudu beautifully.

First we put the BDP-S780′s 2D performance to the test, using Iron Man 2 on blu-ray.

Startup time is fast even without the quick start mode, and the disc loaded very quickly. Video quality was absolutely top notch, in particular the stunning clarity and depth of images. This could be due in part to the Super Bit Mapping function. Detailing was intricate, giving every object an amazing lucid definition. Right from the beginning, the poor dilapidated state of the Moscow apartment was vividly brought to life with cockroaches scurrying around in the shadows and the abrasions on the walls. More prominent were the elaborate effects inflicted on Iron Man’s armored body by a lash of Vanko’s whip. Each scratch, damage on his suit was visible in near flawless clarity. Colors were another standout element with its boldness and vibrancy, particularly the metallic red and yellow of Iron Man’s armored suit. From the brightest to the darkest of shade, the BDP-S780 was able to handle it effortlessly. Black levels were deep and inky while flesh tones were well balanced.

The audio department was certainly a match for its visual counterpart with its decoding of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. The engaging sound effects of the action packed scenes were brilliantly executed. In the racetrack sequence, from the roaring engines to the explosions and slicing of the cars, the effects took over the listening area. During the ending action scene, the relentless firing of bullets and explosions bombarded the soundstage, rounding off a highly immersive audio experience. Dialog was immaculate, well prioritized and sharp.

To find out the BDP-S780’s 3D feature was on par with its 2D performance, we used the animated film Coraline in 3D.

To start off, the 3D elements were the outstanding aspect. The highlight of it was when Coraline entered the door and crawled into the other world. The tunnel seemingly begun at the foremost of the screen and went right through and way out behind the back of it. Depth levels were aplenty in the images. Detailing was excellent as well; close-ups and distant objects could be seen with stunning clarity. Textures of the elements were intricately and realistically rendered, such that even individual strands of hair were wonderfully detailed. Colors were rich and vibrant, and Coraline’s bright yellow jacket provided a good contrast to the darkness of the surroundings. Black levels, which were crucial to the theme of the film, were deep and did a fantastic job of outlining in the dark shadows.

To see if it’s worth its salt as a flagship player we want to see how it handles pure music playback. Since this player plays SACD, we decided to pop in Johann Stamitz’s Early String Symphonies on SACD. The recording was made in a church in high resolution surround sound. Ambiance of the huge space was well portrayed so is the delicate lightness of the strings. Mass string tones were a shade thin and constricted, but a musical presentation on the whole. It however showed its mettle in pop music. On Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and Brown Dirt Cowboy also released on multi channel SACD, the S780 resolved the front and back channels superbly and made you feel like you are in the middle of the band. Snare drums had bite and the bass lines clear and punchy.

Conclusion

Although there are some reservations about the new design and patchy Wi-fi, on the whole the Sony BDP-S780 excels where it matters. With outstanding video enhancing features designed to optimize every pixel on your display, the end result is amazing. Furthermore, with a comprehensive array of social connectivity and internet streaming options, it offers you a full entertainment hub rather than a mere blu-ray player. For $250, it is as good as it gets.

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