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TechGear
Real discussions from product enthusiasts
Included HDMI Cable Simplifies Setup
The BDP-S1700U comes with an HDMI cable, removing the need for an immediate separate purchase. This convenience is often appreciated by users setting up new media systems, ensuring they can connect the player to their TV right out of the box for Full HD playback.
Quick Start vs. Standard Boot Times
With a boot-up time under one second, the BDP-S1700U's "super quick start mode" significantly reduces waiting periods compared to older players that might take 15-30 seconds to become responsive. This offers a more immediate user experience when starting a movie session.
DVD Upscaling: Near HD vs. Native HD
The player's ability to upscale DVDs to near HD quality (1080p) bridges the gap for users with extensive DVD collections. While not achieving the crispness of native 1080p Blu-ray content, it typically offers a more refined image than standard composite or component connections, making older discs more palatable on modern displays.
Region Lock: Blu-ray (A) and DVD (1)
Users should be aware of the BDP-S1700U's region coding: Blu-rays are restricted to Region A, and DVDs to Region 1. This is a standard feature for many players but can limit access to international film collections if discs are not compatible with these specific regions.
Expert answers based on real user experience
The Sony BDP-S1700U is designed for a simplified setup process, largely due to the inclusion of a high-speed HDMI cable. This single cable transmits both video and audio signals, eliminating the need for multiple connections. Users typically connect the player to their TV via HDMI, plug in the power cord, and insert a disc. The player's boot-up time, under one second with its super quick start mode, means it's ready for initial configuration almost immediately. The user-friendly interface guides users through basic network settings if required, ensuring a smooth transition from unboxing to playback within minutes, even for those with minimal technical experience.
User setup guides
Sony
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Sony Sony BDP-S1700U Blu-ray DVD Player Dolby Digital TrueHD/DTS and DVD upscaling, with Included HDMI Cable, 2025 Model. Features: Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs. Upscale your DVDs to near HD quality. Easy set-up with included HDMI cord. Boot up in less than a second with super quick start mode. Keep things simple with the new user-friendly interface.
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The player's DVD upscaling technology processes standard definition (480p) DVD content to approximate Full HD (1080p) resolution. This involves algorithms that intelligently interpolate pixels, enhancing sharpness and detail where possible. While it cannot create detail that isn't present on the original DVD, the result is typically a cleaner, less pixelated image compared to displaying a 480p signal directly on a 1080p screen. Users often report that their DVD collections appear more watchable on modern televisions, benefiting from improved edge definition and reduced digital artifacts, though it will not match native 1080p Blu-ray clarity.
User reviews and forums
The Sony BDP-S1700U supports playback of standard Blu-ray Discs and DVDs. Region coding is a key consideration: Blu-ray Discs are restricted to Region A (North America, Central America, South America, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong), while DVD Discs are limited to Region 1 (United States, Canada, U.S. Territories). This means discs from other regions may not play. The player also handles common formats like BD-R, BD-RE, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and CD-R/RW, offering broad compatibility for personal archives and purchased media within the specified regions.
Product specifications
The BDP-S1700U features a user-friendly interface designed for simplicity and ease of navigation. Menus are organized logically, with clear icons and text labels that make accessing playback controls, setup options, and system preferences straightforward. The quick start mode ensures that the interface loads rapidly, reducing wait times when powering on the device. This design philosophy prioritizes accessibility, allowing users to quickly find desired functions without extensive menu diving, contributing to an overall pleasant viewing experience.
User feedback
While specific lifespan figures are not provided by the manufacturer, consumer electronics like the Sony BDP-S1700U are generally engineered for several years of reliable operation, assuming typical usage patterns of 2-4 hours per day. Key components such as the laser pickup and the disc drive motor are subject to wear over time. Professional servicing or replacement of these parts can extend the unit's life. Factors like consistent ventilation to prevent overheating, avoiding frequent power cycling, and using clean discs can contribute to longevity, potentially exceeding the 5-year mark for many users.
Expert analysis
The player's title indicates support for 'Dolby Digital TrueHD/DTS', which implies compatibility with advanced lossless audio codecs crucial for Blu-ray. It is designed to decode and output Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio signals via HDMI. This ensures that users with compatible sound systems can experience high-fidelity audio, mirroring the original studio master's quality with full dynamic range and clarity, enhancing the immersive experience of watching Blu-ray films.
Technical specification interpretation
The Sony BDP-S1700U is primarily designed as a disc player and does not feature built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity for internet access. Consequently, it does not support streaming applications such as Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube directly. Its user-friendly interface is focused on media playback from discs and simple setup. For users seeking smart capabilities or access to online content, a separate streaming device or a different model with integrated network features would be necessary. This model focuses on delivering high-quality Blu-ray and upscaled DVD playback.
Product feature comparison
