Pioneer BDP-94HD Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Profile

The BDP-94HD is the second Blu-ray player from Pioneer to reach the U.S. market. Utilizing blue laser technology (standard DVD utilizes red laser technology), the Blu-ray format allows for true high-definition (720p, 1080i. 1080p) playback of new Blu-ray discs. In addition, the Pioneer BDP-94HD can play back standard DVDs in an upscaled viewing format. To find out more about the Pioneer BDP-94HD, check out the rest of this Product Profile.

The Pioneer BDP-94HD plays Blu-ray discs (including recordable BD-R/RE discs), standard DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW discs. Via the Pioneer BDP-94HD's HDMI output, standard DVDs can be upscaled to match the 720p, 1080i, or 1080p native resolution of HDTV's, providing an improved viewing experience from standard DVDs. In addition, the 94HD can also output in the 1080p/24 native frame rate that is provided on most Blu-ray Discs.

Standard DVD playback is limited to the DVD region where the unit is purchased (Region 1 for Canada and the U.S.) and Blu-ray Disc playback is limited to Blu-ray Region Code A.

The Pioneer BDP-94HD features internal decoding of Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD decoding, as well as standard Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, and uncompressed multi-channel PCM.

The 94HD can also play back standard audio CDs.

High definition outputs: One HDMI (hi-def video and uncompressed digital audio), DVI-HDCP video output compatibility with adapter.

NOTE: 1080p resolution can only be accessed via the HDMI outputs. 720p and 1080i output resolutions for Blu-ray discs can also be accessed via Component video outputs. For more on accessing 1080p resolution on your TV, check out my article 1080p and You

Standard video outputs: Component Video (progressive or interlaced), S-Video, and standard Composite video.

Audio outputs include: 5.1 channel analog (for access to the Pioneer BDP-94HD's built-in surround decoders), two channel analog, Digital Optical, and Digital Coaxial outputs.

The provided audio connection options allow integration with a variety of home theater and stereo-only audio setups.

The Pioneer BDP-94HD has easy control, via wireless remote control and onscreen menus, of the following parameters: Aspect ratio, 720p/1080i/1080p output selection, Resume Play, and any Disc navigation functions that are present - such as subtitles, audio preferences, interactive menu selections, etc...

Additionally, the BDP-94HD can also be controlled via Pioneer's remote system terminal, which allows you to integrate several Pioneer home theater products more easily, using one remote control.

The Pioneer BDP-94HD also features a "Home Media Gallery" function. Via a Home Network, the 94HD can access movies, music, and photos downloaded to and stored on a PC. This allows certain types of media files to play on your home theater system. However, this player cannot access the information from the internet directly.

NOTE: Keep in mind that some copy-protected content may subject to playback restriction via a network.

Depending on disc encoding, high definition output may only be accessible via the HDMI output.

However, if the disc does not contain the complete copy-protection scheme, it may allow output at 720p or 1080i resolution to be accessible via the component video outputs as well. 1080p resolution can only be accessed via the HDMI output.

Access to high-definition output from a Blu-ray player via both the HDMI and Component Video outputs is determined by each studio on a case-by-case basis.

The Pioneer BDP-94HD has a listed MSRP of $999, and is available at select Pioneer dealers that sell higher-end home theater components.

See the Pioneer Electronics BDP-94HD Product Page

With the release of the BDP-94HD Pioneer is bucking the trend towards lower-priced 2nd generation Blu-ray Disc players, such the Sony BDP-S300 ($499) and the Panasonic DMP-BD10A ($599) and sticking with a higher $999 price point.

However, despite a high price point the BDP-94HD does not include some key features. Although the Media Gallery feature and 1080p/24 output capability are welcome, the lack of HDMI 1.3 and no capability to decode DTS-HD is a disappointment. For example, the Sony BDP-S300 offers HDMI 1.3 and the Panasonic DMP-BD10A offers DTS-HD internal decoding for a much lower price. However, from Pioneer's perspective, the 94HD is priced $500 less than its own first generation Blu-ray Disc Player, the BDP-HD1.

Overall, prices of both Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players are becoming more affordable for the average consumer. Sales of both formats have begun to spark. However, questions, such as software availability and format viability over the long term, is still a concern. On the positive side, both Blu-ray and HD-DVD players are compatible with the standard DVD format, as well as most recordable DVD formats, and most are compatible with standard CDs (except where noted).

However, if, down the road, your Blu-ray or HD-DVD player is no longer useful and the rival format is the only one left, you will not be able to play your Blu-ray or HD-DVD discs on the rival format's machine. However, some manufacturers, such as LG and Samsung are addressing this issue with the introduction or announcement of Blu-ray Disc/HD-DVD combo players, but such units are expensive. Also, Warner Bros, which supports both Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD, is planning to release programming on dual format discs that will contain Blu-ray on one side and HD-DVD on the other. So far, no other studios have announced if they will take this appraoach. It remains to be seen if both formats will be successful in the long run, or if one will go by the wayside in the next couple of years or so.

If you ready to take the plunge, and feel comfortable placing your bet on the Blu-ray Disc format, then consider the Pioneer BDP-94HD as a possible choice. Instead of waiting, possibly, for several years for a format shakeout, you can be enjoying true hi-definition DVD right how with the 94HD or other Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player, especially if you have a large screen HDTV or HD-Compatible video projector.