Sony BDP-BX38 Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi / Internet Apps and Bonus HDMI Cable
December 14, 2011 by Cherry
Filed under Blu-ray Players
Sony BDP-BX38 Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi / Internet Apps and Bonus HDMI Cable
- Internet streaming: Netflix, YouTube, Pandora and more
- App for iPhone/iPad and Android phones
- Quick Start/Load to watch movies faster than ever. Wi-Fi adapter ready.
- Access and search detailed movie info with Gracenote. Enjoy music, photos and video via front USB slot.
- HDMI cable included
Enjoy full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc movies plus connect to the Internet and stream a wide variety of online entertainment including movies, TV episodes, videos, music and live sports from Netflix, YouTube, HuluPlus, Pandora and more. HDMI cable included.
List Price: $ 85.99
Price: $ 85.99
Functional Sony Blu-Ray player,
I didn’t purchase this via Amazon.com but I did research it here before purchase. I also checked out the chat with Sony feature on their web site to get some information that I couldn’t find in the reviews on any site.
This device is the BDP-BX38. It is sold primarily via membership only outlets. It is almost identical to the BDPS380. Both devices come with the same user manual which lists both devices on the cover. Via PDF’s sent to me directly from Sony I learned the differences are as follows: The BDP-BX38 comes with an HDMI cable;
BIVL: Live Streaming, Entertainment DB Browser (Gracenote etc.);
Bit rate indicator for streaming;
3D: BD-ROM & 3D streaming from Camcorder.
Neither one comes with built in WiFi but can have it via a SONY WiFi adapter added to either one of the USB ports.
Both come with the exact same remote.
Armed with this knowledge I read the reviews for both devices before deciding the BDP-BX38 was the one for me.
I decided this based on the fact that though I do have a WiFi N network set up in my home the Wireless Router is parked on the same shelf and directly behind the Blu-Ray player so an Ethernet cable is an easy secure solution to that for me and I don’t have to pay for a feature I would never use.
I had a horrible Samsung Blu-Ray player that I tried to get to work for close to a year before taking a sledge hammer to the thing for some enjoyment prior to recycling the pieces at the e-waste collection center in my area. Setting up the Sony was far less of a headache than setting up the Samsung. The Sony updated itself in under 5 minutes compared to hours of being locked out of my Samsung. It played my collectors edition 3 disc Avatar Blu-Ray disc without a hiccup compared to an hour or so of will it or won’t it games with the Samsung. I only wish I’d discovered this one sooner and or given up on the Samsung sooner! Oh and the Sony comes with a cool app for Android & Apple devices that replaces the remote control. For those that dislike the non flashy Sony menus and the clunky way of entering text I highly recommend the phone app if you have a phone that supports it. If I ever grow to loathe or detest this Sony Blu-Ray player I will update this review. In the meantime I will enjoy it!
Update: July 24, 2011 – I’ve now tried Neflix streaming via Time Warner cable. We have broadband cable internet however we do not pay for the extra high speed package. With the wired connection from my router to my Blu-Ray player the movies are flawless with no jerks or pixelation. I’m less satisfied with the selection but that is another review entirely! The Sony product does its job to perfection.
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|Love it,
Bought this a few days ago and love it. I opted for this model because 1. It’s a Sony and 2. I was intrigued by the remote control app. Blu rays look great. I love the system menu, similar to the PS3.
I don’t know why people write negative about it being wireless ready. It clearly says wireless adapter not included on the box. It is wireless ready in that it has a usb port on the back to insert a Sony wifi adapter.
The only thing I would like to see from this device would be the ability to see media servers like the PS3. Sony, if you’re reading this, you will make my Christmas card list for that firmware upgrade.
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|Exactly what I wanted!,
I have been waiting for my six year old Sony DVD player to quit working before I upgraded to a Blu-ray player. It just happened. I have been researching for about a year now and had several players in my Amazon cart ready to order. I didn’t need/want a wi-fi player because I already have Apple TV which does all of the streaming I will ever use. I specifically bought this player because it did not have integrated wi-fi which I didn’t want to pay extra for. I don’t understand the other reviewers being confused by this. It is clearly marked on the box! Oh well. Costco had an instant manufacturer’s rebate of $40 yesterday when I was there so I picked it up for $99. I unplugged the dead DVD player, plugged in the new Blu-ray player and was playing a disc in less that 10 minutes. It seems like the right player for the right price to me.
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