The Sony BDP-S360 Blu-ray player is the latest player from the brand who helped develop the Blu-ray high definition format, and it is a cracker!
The previous model, the BDP-S350 sold in huge numbers, but we were slightly underwhelmed with it as the player lacked a couple of key features that would have made it great. Firstly there was confusion about what Blu-ray profile the player would come with (the earlier models were profile 1.1) and the player could not decode DTS-HD Master Audio. Thankfully, the Sony BDP-S360 resolves all these issues, and provides more into the bargain.
Firstly, we think the Sony S360 looks great. It’s a subjective thing, but we weren’t that keen on the blue tinged design of the previous version, but this new model has a much more stylish and purposeful look. The remote is also very well laid out, although some people have complained about the lack of an ‘eject’ button on it. You have to walk over to the player to retrieve the disk anyway so we don’t see this an issue at all – in fact not having it prevents any accidental presses of the button leaving the disk tray open for someone to knock!
The rear of the player has an HDMI output to carry the video and sound to your television or home cinema amplifier, and component video, digital coaxial and optical if you need them. There is also an ethernet port for firmware updates or to download BD-LIVE content, and a USB socket to store any downloads. The position of the USB socket on the rear of the player can be a bit difficult to reach, but because it is something you will rarely need to plug and unplug it does mean that at least your USB stick will be hidden out of the way.
Blu-ray performance is fantastic as you would expect, with Sony’s “x.v.Color™” system ensuring that the colours are vivid and more natural looking, and the ‘Precision Cinema HD Upscale’ technology will ensure that your DVD’s will be looking their best too.
This Blu-ray player has been replaced by the Sony BDP-S390.
What to consider before you buy the Sony BDP-S360
Unlike the Samsing BD-P1600 and the Panasonic DMP-BD60 the S360 cannot connect to the internet to view YouTube videos or stream movies. This may be a problem for some, and if so the next model in the range, the Sony BDP-S560 offers this feature.
Who you should buy Sony BDP-S360
The S360 takes all the good points from the previous models and improves upon its shortcomings to make it one of the best players for the money at the moment. Rating: /5
Sony BDP-S360 Best Prices
Read the full specification of the Sony BDP-S360 on the Sony website.
This Blu-ray player also combines with the matching Sony HT-SS360 to create a complete Blu-ray home cinema system.