Offerings vary by brand and sometimes by models within a brand. Players are compatible with different video services, so make sure a particular model supports the movie services of interest to you. Some models may also offer stereo RCA connections for use with older stereo gear.Īn internet-enabled Blu-ray or Ultra HD player lets you enjoy streaming video on any HDTV the TV doesn’t need to have internet capability. These support multichannel audio, as well as stereo. In addition to HDMI outputs, many players also have digital optical or digital coaxial audio connections, or both. Some Blu-ray players may have composite (yellow, red, and white) RCA connections for use with older gear. Those that support HDR require HDMI 2.0a connections. Regular Blu-ray players have HDMI 1.4 outputs, but newer 4K Ultra HD models have HDMI 2.0 outputs. Blu-Ray Players RatingsĪll regular and 4K Blu-ray players have HDMI outputs, which carry audio and video on a single cable to your TV or A/V receiver, simplifying connections. In addition to playing 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, all Ultra Blu-ray players will also upconvert standard HD Blu-rays to quasi-4K resolution, something the TV can do as well. But your TV will also have to support Dolby Vision for this to work. In addition to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, Ultra HD players will also play regular Blu-rays, as well as DVDs and CDs, and most can connect to streaming video services, such as Amazon Prime and Neflix, that offer 4K content.Īll 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players support the HDR10 high dynamic range format, but some now also support another HDR format, called Dolby Vision. These newer players also support a wider range of color and have high dynamic range (HDR) capability, which can greatly improve contrast between the brightest and darkest images. These new players offer the best picture quality you can get today, with 4K (3840x2160) resolution-four times that of a standard Blu-ray player. Some models may support other types of specialized discs, such as audiophile Super Audio CDs (SACDs).Ī 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player is the way to go if you have, or plan to buy, a 4K UHD TV. The models we’ve seen so far all support high dynamic range (HDR) content, which can greatly enhance contrast and provide specular highlights, such as the glint of sunlight off a metallic object.Īll types of Blu-ray players can also play standard DVDs and CDs, so you can use one player for all your discs. A UHD Blu-ray player-paired with a high-performing UHD TV-will provide the best picture quality-and sound-available today, and it will futureproof you for the time when most programming is offered in 4K. Some models come with AC and car battery adapters.īut now that prices have fallen, you should consider a new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player if you have–or are thinking about buying–a 4K TV. For movies on the go, there are still a few portable models that have rechargeable batteries. Most have built-in WiFi for connecting to your network. ![]() Regular Blu-ray players are a good match for high-definition TVs, offering the best 1080p picture quality available. Ultra HD players are still a bit pricier, but you can now buy a decent model for less than $200, and more 4K content is becoming more available. ![]() Standard Blu-ray players often cost less than $100, and most models now include the ability to stream from several widely used online services, such as Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix. Streaming movies and TV shows has become an increasingly popular pastime, but there are still good reasons to consider buying a regular Blu-ray player or an Ultra High Definition (4K) model.
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