The Bottom Line
Pros
- Excellent video quality using HDMI high-definition output with Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs
- Very good upscaling capability with standard DVD playback via HDMI output
- Fast start-up time when compared to other Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD players
- Easy to set up and use - Easy-to-read user manual.
- Automatic display resolution detection when using HDMI connection interface.
Cons
- Cannot access iHD content and menu functions available on HD-DVD discs.
- Cannot play standard Audio CDs. No SACD or DVD-Audio Compatibility
- Cannot play BD-R/RE discs.
- Defaulted to 1080i HDMI output setting, even though test monitor used was 1080p input capable.
- Top mounted controls on unit, although easy to use, make component stacking impractical.
Description
- The BH100 plays Blu-ray Discs, HD-DVDs, standard DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW discs.
- Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs play at full HD resolution, up to 1080p, via HDMI and Component video outputs (subject to change).
- Standard DVDs can be upscaled to match the 720p or 1080i native resolution of HDTV's, via the HDMI output.
- Audio: Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD lossless (2-ch.), DTS® and DTS-HD lossless.
- High definition outputs: HDMI, DVI-HDCP video output compatibility with adapter.
- Standard def video outputs: Component Video (progressive/interlaced), and composite. There is no S-Video output on the BH100.
- Audio outputs: 5.1 channel analog, two channel analog, digital optical, and digital coaxial outputs.
- On-screen setup menus. Comprehensive LED display on front panel.
- Top-mounted control buttons on unit. Wireless remote included.
- Component video cable included in box. HDMI cable must be purchased separately.
Guide Review - LG BH100 Blu-ray Disc - HD-DVD Super Multi Blue Combo Player
When comparing both the Blu-ray and HD-DVD video performance against the Sony BDP-S1 and Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray Players, and the Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, the Blu-ray performance seemed to be on par with the Sony, but more consistent than the Samsung. On the other hand, the HD-DVD performance of the HD-XA1 was noticeably better than both the Blu-ray and HD-DVD performance of the BH100 and the other test players.
One important note: full 1080p output from the BH100 requires a video display with 1080p/24 input capability. TV's with 1080p/60 input capability only will will result in the BH100 defaulting to 1080i output, and will not permit a manual change to 1080p.
In addition, although all Blu-ray disc menus were operational, the actual menu structure on HD-DVDs was not accessible. In some cases, when inserting an HD-DVD disc into the BH100, the disc proceeded to go directly to the film and start playing, while in other cases, the disc would display trailers or other info first. However, any animated menus were bypassed.
In terms of audio quality, the BH100 had no problem decoding Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD material and transferring the signals via 5.1 channel analog outputs. Since I did not have a receiver with HDMI inputs available for this review, I was not able to make any observations regarding the Dolby Digital Plus or DTS-HD audio streams through the BH100's HDMI output.
One welcome feature of the BH100 was the relatively fast disc loading time. Blu-ray discs loaded a little faster than HD-DVD discs, however, in neither case, was the time longer than 30 seconds.
