The Bottom Line
Pros
- Fast start-up and disc load time.
- Very good Blu-ray Disc video playback perfornance
- Excellent audio performance
- HDMI1.3a connectivity, RS-232C connection for Custom Control Applications
- Easy to use remote control and onscreen menu
Cons
- Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) specification - Not upgradable to Profile 2.0 (BD-Live)
- Lackluster standard DVD upscaling performance.
- No Ethernet connection
- No SACD, DVD-Audio, Divx, WMA, or VCD playback. No music or video access from SD Card.
- High price point
Description
- The BD-S2900 features Profile 1.1 functionality with 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 Resolution output via HDMI 1.3a output.
- The BD-S2900 offers multi-format playback capabilities for: BD-ROM, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, AVCHD, CD/CD-R/CD-RW.
- Internal decoding of Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD, and HDMI Bitstream out for all sound formats, including DTS-HD.
- High definition video outputs include: HDMI, DVI-HDCP video output compatibility with adapter.
- Standard definition video outputs include: Component Video (progressive or interlaced), S-Video, and composite video.
- Audio outputs: Two channel analog stereo and 5.1 Channel analog audio, digital optical, digital coaxial and HDMI outputs.
- Front Mounted SD Card Slot for playback of digital still images, as well as access to Virtual Package Data.
- A Wireless Remote Control and full color HD onscreen menu is provided for easy setup and function access.
- RS-232C connection provided for smooth integration with control applications used in custom home theater installations.
- Suggested Retail Price: $1,199
For a closer look at the features and functions of the BD-S2900, check out my Photo Gallery.
Guide Review - Yamaha BD-S2900 Blu-ray Disc Player - Review
The BD-S2900 had a fast start-up time, about 10-15 seconds, 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 BD-S2900 certainly held its own when compared to other players I have reviewed. Color and detail were excellent, although I felt that a little improvement in black level performance and, to a lesser extent, video noise reduction, could be in order.
With regards to standard DVD upscaling, the BD-S2900 did only an average job on tests using the Silicon Optix HQV DVD Benchmark Test Disk, and also fell short in comparison to the OPPO DV-983H upscaling DVD player used as additional DVD upscaling performance reference.
On the audio side, the BD-S2900 offers both on-board audio decoding and bitstream output for compatible home theater receivers. Also, Yamaha offers a complete array of audio output options, including a set of 5.1 channel analog audio outputs option, which increased its connection flexibility with non-HDMI-equipped home theater receivers.
Whether playing Blu-ray, DVD, or CD source material, I found no fault with the BD-S2900, with regards to audio performance. This is certainly a Blu-ray Disc player that delivers in the audio department.
It is a disappointment that although BD-S2900 offers Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) functionality, it does not have an Ethernet port to allow access to Profile 2.0 (BD Live) functionality and cannot be upgraded.
I give the Yamaha BD-S2900 a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
