The Bottom Line
After reading this review, also check out my BDP-95FD Photo Profile
Pros
- Excellent Blu-ray Disc Video Playback
- Excellent audio performance
- Ethernet Connectivity for Direct Firmware downloads via the internet is easy.
- Home networking capability works very well and is easy to use once setup.
- HDMI1.3a connectivity.
Cons
- Profile 1.0 specification - No Access to Web-enabled Disc Features when present.
- Standard DVD upscaling quality could be better.
- Home network setup may be tricky for novices.
- No SACD or DVD-Audio playback.
- Pricey
Description
- Profile 1.0 Blu-ray Disc Player with 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 Resolution output capability via HDMI 1.3a audio/video output.
- Multi-Format Playback capabilities for: BD-ROM, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, MP3, WMA, and JPEG photo.
- Sigma Designs SMP8634 Secure Media Processor for video decoding, deinterlacing, and upscaling functions.
- Internal decoding of Dolby Digital Plus, Bitstream output (via HDMI) for Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
- High definition outputs: HDMI, DVI-HDCP video output compatibility with adapter.
- SD video outputs: Component Video (progressive or interlaced), S-Video, and composite video.
- Audio outputs: 5.1 channel analog, two channel analog, digital optical, digital coaxial and HDMI outputs.
- Ethernet Port for online firmware update access and Home Media Gallery functions. This features allows access to PC network.
- Wireless Infrared Remote Control and Onscreen GUI (Graphical User Interface).
- Suggested Retail Price - $999
Guide Review - Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review
When comparing the Blu-ray performance against two comparison Blu-ray disc players, the 95FD was top notch. On the other hand, although the standard DVD upscaling performance of the 95FD was acceptable, it did fall a little short when compared to two comparison upscaling DVD players, but was on par with the upscaling capability of two other Blu-ray Disc players, and also measured by the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD Test Disc.
The HDMI interface passes audio signals for most audio formats, including both multi-channel PCM for Blu-ray Discs and 2-Channel PCM for audio CDs. An added benefit is that the 95FD can send Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio in Bitstream form via HDMI, enabling external decoding by Home Theater Receivers with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoders.
The 95FD also features direct firmware update capability via the internet (which bypasses the need for firmware update discs), and access to still, video, and audio files stored on a home network (referred to as Media Gallery). Both functions are accessed by a built-in Ethernet port on the 95FD.
However, a disappointment is that although the 95FD has direct internet access, it cannot access web-enabled content that is now starting to appear on some new Blu-ray Disc titles. In other words, the 95FD only adheres to Profile 1.0 specifications.
The BDP-95FD is well constructed and easy to use. Blu-ray Disc video and audio quality is excellent and the Media Gallery is a great bonus. Also, even though its standard DVD upscaling is not the best I have seen, it is about the same as the upscaling capability of the two comparison Blu-ray players. However, it does have a high $999 price tag.
