[Liam @ Prog AV]

Forgot to feedback yesterday. I ran the HQV test quickly through our S550 and what I remember most is just how good the video mode deinterlacing is. Loads of detail retained and barely any jaggies to be concerned about either. It just barely failed the hardest rotating bar test but otherwise some really good results. However, it lets itself down with film. 3-2 it locks to eventually (i.e. R1 DVD) and can add in a little bit of weirdo judder (I think it got confused with the material). There was line twitter on the colour bar tests too which never got resolved. Big time though, it cannot do 2-2 (i.e. R2 DVD).

Over the Panasonic it is still clearly better. The Panasonic can barely hold on to 3-2 let alone 2-2, and it's video mode deinterlacing is truly apalling. The Sony's strength is that even when it can't lock on to a film cadence, the video mode deinterlacing is so strong it hides a lot of artefacts. Mixed bag of results, to be fair as good as any mainstream DVD player of around 200 quid or more (not your Oppos and the like, but a typical Pioneer/Sony/Panasonic standalone).

Audiowise I'm getting more and more into it but haven't had much playtime. In a weird way I'm hoping for a gloomy and miserable end to the week so I can lock myself away and watch movies all weekend!!!

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by AGP64

[/B]
It has been 12 months since my last visit Hope it still works.

Can anyone recommend any stores where they sell Blu-Ray players I would love to have a chance to test before leaving the store Anyone

If you can travel down to the Kent countryside we've got demo unit and loads of stock. You can also tempt yourself with a set of OB1i's while you're here.......

[kingfats]

Originally Posted by Liam @ Prog AV

The Sony's strength is that even when it can't lock on to a film cadence, the video mode deinterlacing is so strong it hides a lot of artefacts. Mixed bag of results, to be fair as good as any mainstream DVD player of around 200 quid or more (not your Oppos and the like, but a typical Pioneer/Sony/Panasonic standalone).

!!!

Not too bad then considering the price the Sony is selling at.
Cheers for the post.

[Liam @ Prog AV]

I think so. Would have really liked to see source direct though!

[samhain]

Liam,

Are you specifically referring to SD perfomance only in your review so far which is clearly better than the BD50, although the BD55 is likely to be similar if not a touch better than the Sony.

However, what's the Blu Ray performance like in your opinion?

[AGP64]

Originally Posted by Liam @ Prog AV

If you can travel down to the Kent countryside we've got demo unit and loads of stock. You can also tempt yourself with a set of OB1i's while you're here.......

Must admit I do like the OB1i's::
I could be tempted you are about 80km from Mayfair is that about right
Are you close to the rail service by any chance?
Any Bryston gear.

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by samhain

Liam,

Are you specifically referring to SD perfomance only in your review so far which is clearly better than the BD50, although the BD55 is likely to be similar if not a touch better than the Sony.

However, what's the Blu Ray performance like in your opinion?

Yes SD DVD performance. The Panasonic fails grandly, and the BD55 is exactly the same chip as BD50 (and BD30/BD35 and a lot of their standalone DVD players and recorders). So I would read this as accurate comparison of S550 vs BD55 in terms of SD DVD reproduction. The BD50 is now gone so I haven't got a chance to see if there are any other minor differences e.g. mpeg decoding quality and the like. Most is lost through iffy deinterlacing anyway LOL!

On Blu-Ray both are equal in terms of video output I would say.

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by AGP64

Must admit I do like the OB1i's::
I could be tempted you are about 80km from Mayfair is that about right
Are you close to the rail service by any chance?
Any Bryston gear.

Sorry no Bryston here (yet!). We're running fmj AV9 and P7 with PMC OB1i, CB6i, Velo DD-12 sub, Wafer 1 rears. fmj DV139, Sony S550 and Freesat sources. Phone ahead if you do want to visit as I am often on-site and/or some of the kit isn't always here.

Tonbridge Station isn't far from here, but we are literally out in the country. From my desk I can see horses and trees and a farmer battling with his tractor!

[mentasm]

Originally Posted by kieranar

have seen the S550 @ 249.99 robertwhyteltd.co.uk

That's an incredibly good price, and extremely annoying after I paid £25 more for it less than a week ago (well, £18 if you take shipping into account)!

[Ralphy1981]

So, how does the 550 compare to people's PS3's ?

Audio side of things is what I would really like to know. Does the 550 offer better audio?

I change my mind every day, yesterday I was happy to wait and get a BD55 but now I think the 550 might be my choice

[xavier71]

not quite read all this thread yet so apologies if this has already been discussed.

i have an HD80 projector, excellent pj but with respect to 1080/24p it needs to be forced/on for it to display it correctly........

can anyone confirm wether this player does this

thanks

[Event Horizon]

Hi!
Yes it can, you can manualy select Vertical Resolution and you can turn 24fps on or off,
It doesnt have the source direct mode that the older 300 and 500 models had.
It also has a feature where you can bypass the programed Sony video modes(Cinema, standard, bright room) the 350 doesnt have this option AFAIK.
I think its a very flexible player considering the price tag with Audio and Video settings in mind.
Best Regards
Nick.

[kingfats]

Originally Posted by xavier71

not quite read all this thread yet so apologies if this has already been discussed.

i have an HD80 projector, excellent pj but with respect to 1080/24p it needs to be forced/on for it to display it correctly........

can anyone confirm wether this player does this

thanks

Hi xavier71.
There is 1080p/24 "ON" which is forced mode.
All the best.

[Event Horizon]

Originally Posted by Ralphy1981

So, how does the 550 compare to people's PS3's ?

Audio side of things is what I would really like to know. Does the 550 offer better audio?

I change my mind every day, yesterday I was happy to wait and get a BD55 but now I think the 550 might be my choice

Hi Mate!
It can bitstream Audio and also has 7.1 Analogue output which the ps3 doesnt.
As for the quality i cant comment as ive not heard a PS3 partnered with a descent Amp, Mind you some would say ive not heard the 550 partnered with a descent Amp
It also makes use of both the rear speakers when playing 6.1 Audio if thats of interest to anyone, although there are only a handfull of Blu-ray titles that have 6.1 Audio.
Best Regards
Nick.

[xavier71]

Originally Posted by Event Horizon

Hi!
Yes it can, you can manualy select Vertical Resolution and you can turn 24fps on or off,
It doesnt have the source direct mode that the older 300 and 500 models had.
It also has a feature where you can bypass the programed Sony video modes(Cinema, standard, bright room) the 350 doesnt have this option AFAIK.
I think its a very flexible player with Audio and Video settings.
Best Regards
Nick.

Originally Posted by kingfats

Hi xavier71.
There is 1080p/24 "ON" which is forced mode.
All the best.

Thanks for the reply guys, and im thinking that this is my next purchase.........................maybe

[Ralphy1981]

Originally Posted by Event Horizon

Hi Mate!
It can bitstream Audio and also has 7.1 Analogue output which the ps3 doesnt.
As for the quality i cant comment as ive not heard a PS3 partnered with a descent Amp, Mind you some would say ive not heard the 550 partnered with a descent Amp
It also makes use of both the rear speakers when playing 6.1 Audio if thats of interest to anyone, although there are only a handfull of Blu-ray titles that have 6.1 Audio.
Best Regards
Nick.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm close to ordering one of these direct from Sony. Just not sure

[Richardod]

I've decided on this player to go with a Sony HT-SF 1300 and a sky hd box not being an expert in any way shape or form I just hope I have made a good choice.
Anyone agree//Disagree

[Nic Rhodes]

I think you will like this player.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Richardod

I've decided on this player to go with a Sony HT-SF 1300 and a sky hd box not being an expert in any way shape or form I just hope I have made a good choice.
Anyone agree//Disagree

That's the same kit I've got mate.

You won't be disappointed.

[Vimto]

Woo - got my 550 in yesterday, cant wait for the TV to arrive so I can get it set up properly (or as properly as I can without surround.)

Question for those who have already got theirs - a lot of the 550s came with an offer for two discs (apparently) which I think was something from Sony - is it something in the box which I cant find or is it an offer you get when you register online? Or was it simply something from a few suppliers and I've missed out.

[Liam @ Prog AV]

There's a CD in the box with a link to online registration which will get you your two free discs.

[durk]

Wow hoo! got mine today £270 quids! bargin only tryd ironman on blu ray but so far so good! tonight ill a DVD a check its upscaling abilities

[Rod83]

Hey everybody .

Is it possible to make the s550 DVD region free without a "one-for-all" remote?

Thanks in advance,

Rod83

[kingfats]

Originally Posted by Rod83

Hey everybody .

Is it possible to make the s550 DVD region free without a "one-for-all" remote?

Thanks in advance,

Rod83

Hi Rod83.
I'm sure i read it does work will need confirm though.
All the best.

[Rod83]

Originally Posted by kingfats

Hi Rod83.
I'm sure i read it does work will need confirm though.
All the best.

Thank you king .

[TallPaul]

I was really close to buying one in a Sony store today, £329, and with the two disc offer (which Sony store boy didn't know also applied to 550 and thought it was s350 only ).

Just got home though, and looking on Sony site to see if you get a choice of discs, and I see sonystyle online is now £299.

I am guessing there are better prices out there on the big wide internet then, anyone got any recommendations?

[mentasm]

Robertwhyte £257 delivered.

[woolz]

thats not multiregion though.

[Nic Rhodes]

takes 5 mins to make multi region with a cheap remote from Argos, if you don't have a suitable one already.

[Richard]

Looking at the size of the 350 thread compared to this one it seems that the majority have gone for the 350 over the 550.