The Bottom Line
The Blu-ray quality was very good, with a slight oversaturation of reds. DVD upscaling was good, and could use improvement in video noise reduction. The audio performance was very good.
However, a firmware upgrade is needed to add Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) functionality and correct some playback issues with newer BD+ copy-protected discs.
Pros
- Fast start-up and disc load time
- Very good Blu-ray Disc Video Playback.
- Good standard DVD upscaling.
- Very good audio performance.
- Easy-to-use onscreen menu system.
Cons
- Needs future firmware update for Profile 2.0 (BD Live) functions.
- No 5.1 Channel analog audio outputs.
- Reds and Blues slightly oversaturated.
- Remote not backlit.
- May not play recent Blu-ray Discs with added BD+ Copy-Protection
Description
- Profile 1.1 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, DVD-RAM, CD/CD-R/CD-RW.
- Internal decoding of Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD. Bitstream output (via HDMI) for all surround sound formats, including DTS-HD.
- High definition outputs: HDMI, DVI-HDCP video output compatibility with adapter.
- SD video outputs: Component Video (progressive or interlaced), and composite video.
- Audio outputs: Stereo analog, digital optical, digital coaxial and HDMI outputs. NOTE: No 5.1 Channel analog output option.
- Dynamic Range Control evens out audio levels from Dolby Digital tracks: loud parts are softer and soft parts are louder.
- Dialog normalization feature improves quality of low volune dialog parts of a Dolby Digital soundtrack.
- Wireless Infrared Remote Control and full color high definition onscreen GUI (Graphical User Interface).
- Very thorough and easy-to-read user manual.
Retail price: $229 - May be lower during sales.
Guide Review - Insignia NS-2BRDVD Blu-ray Disc Player - Short Review
Its physical profile is slim and compact compared to previous Blu-ray Disc players from many companies, and is not much larger than many standard DVD players.
The NS-2BRDVD had a reasonably fast startup time to get into disc loading mode. However, although faster than my comparison Blu-ray Disc players in terms of actually loading a Blu-ray disc, it still took some time, depending on the contents of the disc.
With regards to Blu-ray video quality, the NS-2BRDVD did well. However, the NS-2BRDVD did exhibit more color saturation on reds, with a slight shift towards orange.
With regards to standard DVD upscaling, the NS-2BRDVD did fairly well on the Silicon Optix HQV Tests, but did not provide the stellar upscaling performance of the OPPO DV-983H upscaling DVD player.
On the audio side, the NS-2BRDVD offers some onboard decoding and bitstream output for compatible home theater receivers. It is important to note that there is no 5.1 channel analog audio output option, which decreases its connection flexibility with non-HDMI home theater receivers.
Another disappointment is that although NS-2BRDVD offers Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) functionality, it needs a forthcoming firmware upgrade to meet Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) specifications.
Despite a few disappointments, including compatbility issues with BD+ copy-protected titles (firmware update forthcoming), the NS-2BRDVD delivers and good audio and video experience from Blu-ray Discs and DVDs and deserves consideration if you are looking for a reasonably priced Blu-ray Disc player.
For an additional close-up look at the NS-2BRDVD and its performance, check out my supplementary Photo Profile and Video Performance Test Results.
Note: Insignia is Best Buy's house brand.
