Overview of the Blu-ray Format
Blu-ray is one of the two major High Definition disc formats that were vying to replace the current DVD standard in the U.S. market. The other format was HD-DVD. However, as of February 19, 2008, HD-DVD was discontinued and now Blu-ray is the remaining high definition disc format available to consumers. Blu-ray utilizes Blue Laser and sophisticated video compression technology to achieve high definition video playback on the same size disc as a standard DVD. For a more details on Blu-ray, as well as historical information on HD-DVD, check out my reference articles: Blu-ray and HD-DVD - What You Need To Know, Blu-ray and HD-DVD FAQs, and Before Your Buy a Blu-ray Disc Player.
Overview of DVD Upscaling
In addition to Blu-ray Discs, the Sherwood BDP-5003 can also upscale standard DVDs to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (in addition to 480p) to your HDTV, provided you are using the HDMI connection option.
720p is 1,280 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 720 pixels down the screen vertically. This arrangement yields 720 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn, displayed progressively, or each line displayed following another.
1080i represents 1,920 pixels displayed across a screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down a screen vertically. This arrangement yields 1,080 horizontal lines, which are, in turn, displayed alternately. In other words, all the odd lines are displayed, followed by all the even lines.
The Practical Side Of DVD Upscaling
The capability of the BDP-5003 to upscale standard DVDs in 720p, 1080i, or 1080p format allows a closer match to the capabilities of today's HDTVs.
Although this is not the same as watching your DVDs in true-high definition, such as the results you get when watching Blu-ray Discs, it does provide a better DVD viewing experience on an HDTV, especially with today's larger screen sizes.
Sherwood BDP-5003 Product Features
1. The Sherwood BDP-5003 Blu-ray Disc player features Profile 1.1 functionality with 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 Resolution output capability via HDMI 1.3a audio/video output.
2. The BDP-5003 offers multi-format playback capabilities for: BD-ROM, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, AVCHD, CD/CD-R/CD-RW.
3. Undecoded Bitstream output for Dolby Digital and DTS via eithr Digital Optical/Coaxial/HDMI and Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD via HDMI. Note: The BDP-5003 does does have onboard Dolby or DTS decoding - Must use a Home Theater Receiver with built-in decoders.
4. High definition video outputs include: HDMI, DVI-HDCP video output compatibility with adapter.
6. The audio outputs of the BDP-5003 include: Two channel analog stereo (via RCA outputs), digital optical, digital coaxial and HDMI outputs. NOTE: The BDP-5003 does not have 5.1 channel analog outputs.
7. Compact and Stylish design. The BDP-5003 continues the trend towards a more compact design, making it easier to fit in the increasing crowded space in many home entertainment centers. In addition, the BDP-5003 is also has a little more style than some players out there.
8. Well lit front panel controls. Unlike many Blu-ray disc players, the front panel controls are well-lit in blue light (of course) which make them easier to identify, especially in a darkened room.
9. A Wireless Infrared Remote Control and full color high definition onscreen GUI (Graphical User Interface) is provided for easy setup and function access.
10. Suggested Retail Price - $299
Hardware Used in This Review
The additional home theater hardware used in this review included:
Home Theater Receivers: Onkyo TX-SR705 (up to 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD MA/PCM Multi-channel audio via HDMI input), Harman Kardon AVR147 (up to 5.1/6.1 channel Dolby Digital/DTS audio via Digital Optical or Digital Coaxial input).
Source Components: Sony BD-PS350 and LG BH100 Blu-ray/HD-DVD Combo Player and OPPO DV-983H DVD Player (used for standard DVD upscaling comparison)
Loudspeaker System 1 (7.1 Channels): 2 Klipsch F-2's, 2 Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-2 Center , 2 Polk R300s.
Subwoofers: Klipsch Synergy Sub10 - System 1., Polk Audio PSW10 - System 2.
TV/Monitors: A Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 1080p LCD Monitor, and Syntax LT-32HV 720p LCD TV. Displays calibrated using SpyderTV Software.
Audio/Video connections made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire used.
Level checks made using a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter
DVD Upscaling performance measured by the Silicon Optix HQV DVD Benchmark Test Disc.
Software Used in This Review
The software used in this review included the following:
Blu-ray Discs used included scenes from from the following: 300, Across The Universe, Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian, Iron Man, Master and Commander, Shakira - Oral Fixation Tour, The Dark Knight, and Wall-E.
Standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: The Cave, House of the Flying Daggers, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut), Lord of Rings Trilogy, Moulin Rouge, and V For Vendetta.
CDs: Al Stewart - A Beach Full of Shells, Beatles - LOVE, Blue Man Group - The Complex, Joshua Bell - Bernstein - West Side Story Suite, Eric Kunzel - 1812 Overture, HEART - Dreamboat Annie, Lisa Loeb - Firecracker, Nora Jones - Come Away With Me.
Proceed to Page 2: Evaluation and Final Take
