Sony UBP-X700M 4K Ultra HD Home Theater Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player with Wi-Fi, 4K upscaling, HDR10, Hi Res Audio, Dolby Digital TrueHD/DTS, Dolby Vision, and included HDMI cable
The Sony UBP-X700M Blu-ray player brings top-notch performance and versatility at an affordable price. With exceptional 4K upscaling, wide media compatibility, and an array of features, it’s a solid choice for cinephiles looking for premium picture quality without breaking the bank.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
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The Sony UBP-X700M Blu-ray player stands out for its exceptional 4K Ultra HD performance, delivering stunning visuals with HDR support that enriches colors and contrast. It expertly upscales DVDs and Blu-rays to near-4K quality, offering unparalleled clarity and detail. This player’s versatility extends to handling various media formats, including SACDs, ensuring users can enjoy their entire collection without format limitations.
Audio quality matches the stellar visuals, thanks to dual HDMI outputs that enhance A/V separation for clearer sound. While its user interface is straightforward, offering easy navigation and setup, the player’s app selection for streaming services is more limited compared to dedicated streaming devices. However, it excels in seamlessly playing different media formats, providing an impressive viewing experience for movie aficionados and music enthusiasts alike.
The Sony UBP-X700M’s emphasis on exceptional disc playback performance shines through in its ability to convert lower-resolution content into high-quality visuals. It prioritizes high-fidelity disc playback over extensive streaming app choices, making it an excellent choice for those valuing top-notch picture and sound quality. Overall, this Blu-ray player stands as an affordable option for users seeking superior 4K upscaling, versatile media compatibility, and enhanced audio output, ensuring an immersive home theater experience.
Design & Build Quality
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Boasting a compact size and an intuitive interface, this player is user-friendly and easy to set up. Its sleek design complements modern entertainment setups, and the included HDMI cable simplifies the initial installation process. Despite a slightly lacking user interface, its functionality shines through, appealing to both tech novices and enthusiasts.
Power & Performance
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The Sony UBP-X700M Blu-ray player is a true powerhouse in home entertainment, boasting exceptional capabilities that redefine the viewing experience. Its standout feature lies in its ability to upscale content to near-4K quality, breathing new life into standard DVDs and Blu-rays. Coupled with HDR support, this player enhances colors, contrasts, and brightness, delivering an immersive, captivating visual experience that’s unparalleled.
Beyond its visual prowess, this player stands out for its versatility in media playback. From Blu-rays to DVDs and even SACDs, it caters to a wide array of formats, ensuring users can indulge in their entire collection without limitations. Audio quality is equally impressive, thanks to dual HDMI outputs that enhance A/V separation, resulting in crisper, more defined sound quality that complements the exceptional visuals.
This Blu-ray player seamlessly integrates its power with performance, effortlessly handling diverse media formats while maintaining consistency in delivering near-4K quality. Its ability to transform lower resolutions, coupled with its exceptional audio finesse and versatile playback options, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive entertainment experience that surpasses expectations.
Compatibility & Connectivity
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With its ability to play almost any disc and file format, the UBP-X700M showcases impressive versatility in media playback. The dual HDMI outputs contribute to enhanced audio quality, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. However, its selection of streaming apps may fall short for those seeking a broader range of options.
What’s the Alternative?
Image credit: Panasonic
When comparing the Sony UBP-X700M to the Panasonic DP-UB820, the decision largely hinges on what you prioritize in a Blu-ray player. The Panasonic DP-UB820 sets a new standard for home entertainment with its exclusive HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) technology, delivering stunning 4K Ultra HD playback and multiple HDR formats including HDR10+ and Hybrid Log-Gamma. This technology ensures that colors, clarity, and detail are rendered with exceptional precision. Additionally, the DP-UB820 offers studio-grade sound with its high-resolution audio capabilities and dual HDMI outputs, which significantly enhance the auditory experience. Moreover, its extensive support for 4K streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video provides a comprehensive entertainment solution. However, some users may find the interface to be a bit slow and the remote control bulky.
In contrast, the Sony UBP-X700M excels in providing an affordable yet high-performing option, particularly for users who prioritize 4K upscaling and versatile media playback. It offers impressive 4K Ultra HD clarity and HDR support, which transform standard Blu-rays and DVDs to near-4K quality. While its selection of streaming apps is limited compared to the DP-UB820, it still supports essential services, ensuring basic streaming capabilities. The UBP-X700M is user-friendly, featuring an easy setup process and a compact design that fits seamlessly into modern entertainment setups. Although it may not match the DP-UB820’s advanced HCX technology and HDR format diversity, the Sony player remains a solid choice for those seeking superior disc playback performance and value for money without the need for extensive streaming options.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Sony UBP-X700M?
For individuals seeking a budget-friendly yet high-performance Blu-ray player, the Sony UBP-X700M ticks many boxes. Its exceptional 4K upscaling, versatile media playback, and easy setup make it a compelling choice for movie enthusiasts. However, if extensive streaming options are crucial, users might need to supplement the player with additional devices. Overall, for unparalleled 4K picture quality and reliable disc playback, this Sony player offers great value for its price.
