Samsung BD-D5500 Blu-ray DVD Player review: The BD-D5500 from Samsung offers a great value 3D Wi-Fi 'Ready' Blu-ray player which many appealing features such as Smart Hub, 3D and DLNA media streaming at a great cheap price.
The BD-D5500 entry-level Blu-ray Disc Player from Samsung does
something remarkable. Despite being one of the less-expensive players,
Samsung has manage to equipped it with many nice Blu-ray features
usually only found on higher-end players. Features such as Smart Hub, 3D
playback and DLNA support. The only real drawback is that the BD-D5500
is WI-Fi 'Ready'. Meaning you need to buy a wireless USB adapter. But if
built-in Wi-Fi is not a concern for you, than the BD-D5500 is a very
solid choice for those on a budget.
While the price and extra
features of the BD-D5500 make this Blu-ray Player a very good value,
there are still some compromises Samsung had to make. For example, if
you are familiar with Samsung's higher-end models, you will quickly
notice how well-built and stylish they are. Missing from the BD-D5500 is
the high-tech looking silver finish or unique design. Instead you get a
glossy back finish and a normal design layout. However, the BD-D5500 is
slim, measuring only 1.5 inches, and its operation is easy to use with
sensor touch control buttons.
Video Quality: The
BD-D5500 Blu-ray DVD Player is capable of FUll HD 1080p video
resolution on Blu-ray discs and can up-convert standard DVDs to near HD
levels. You get superb picture quality that highlights every detail of
the images. The player produces clear, natural colors that stay
consistent throughout. Video connections for the BD-D5500 consists of a
HDMI Output, Component Outputs and Composite Outputs. Of course you
would want to use the HDMI output, as it provide the best possible
picture quality.
Audio Quality: Audio
connections include the HDMI Output, Optical Digital Output and
2.0-channel Analog Outputs. The BD-D5500 delivers high-def audio with
decoding of Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. Providing
brilliant, realistic soundtracks to all your Blu-ray movies. You get
multichannel movie theater audio when you connect the player to your A/V
receiver via HDMI. Unfortunately, there is no multichannel analog
outputs, only 2-channel. This is not surprising, considering this is an
entry-level model.
One big advantage you get with this
entry-level player is the ability to playback 3D Blu-rays discs. It is
very rare for an entry-level player to have 3D capability. Even if you
don't own a 3D HDTV, having this feature means you will not have to
update your player in the future if you do get a 3D HDTV. Saving you
money. If you do have a 3D HDTV, than don't worry about the 3D
performance of the BD-D5500. The video quality on 3D images is also
excellent, providing crisp details, nice colors and smooth motion.
Other
great feature you get with the BD-D5500 includes Samsung's Smart Hub
with Web connected Apps. Giving you access to online streaming content
from Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora and social media sites like
Twitter and Facebook. There is a Search All feature where you can find
videos or files on apps or on other devices through Samsung's AllShare
DLNA Technology (Stream media files from your computer to your TV
screen). Also, you have a Your Video feature which will recommend movies
you might like based on your previous viewing habits.
Of course
to access these features you will need an internet connection. The
BD-D5500 can connect to the internet through its Ethernet Port or with a
Wireless USB adapter. The USB adapter is sold separately. This is a
major drawback and if want Wi-Fi; you should consider buying a Blu-ray
Player with Built-in Wi-Fi. It is cheaper to buy a mid-level player with
built-in Wi-Fi, than purchasing a player and a wireless USB adapter.
The
BD-D5500 also has 2 USB ports. The USB port can be used to playback
videos, music or photos. The supported files include AVCHD, MKV, AVI,
DIVX HD, XviD, MPS,WMA, WMV and JPEG. These files are also supported by
the AllShare DLNA feature as well. Great for any one who has a wide
range digital media collection.
The BD-D5500 Blu-ray Disc Player
is fast and easy to operate compared to other players. The main menu is
simply a row of options at the bottom of the screen. These large icons,
which are easy to identify, can be selected by moving left or right with
the remote. This straightforward structure is duplicated through-out
the player's menu system.
For its asking price, the Samsung
BD-D5500 Blu-ray DVD Player provides many great features and delivers
excellent performance on both 2D and 3D Blu-rays, as well as DVDs. The
Smart Hub feature is one of the better online streaming media services
and if you add in the player's DLNA and USB capabilities, you have a
Blu-ray Player that will give you endless hours of Home Entertainment.
THE PROS:
The BD-D5500 Blu-ray DVD Player is an entry-level model in Samsung’s
2011 line-up. Beside playing Full HD 1080p, the player has many other
great features. Such as being 3D capable and is equipped with Samsung’s
Smart TV. Giving you access to thousands of movies, TV shows and music
from Netflix, Blockbuster, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora and social
updates from Facebook or Twitter. The player has an Ethernet Port and is
also Wi-Fi “Ready’ if you want to connect wirelessly. Other features
include DLNA capability, 2 USB ports (DivX HD, MKV, MP3, WMA and JPEG
support) and Ultra-fast Play.
THE CONS: The
player is capable of handling BD-Live content, but a USB memory device
of 1 GB is required to download any material. This is needed because
there is no internal memory located on the player. Also, if you want to
have a wireless connection, a wireless LAN Adapter is required – which
must be purchased separately. The BD-D5500 is also not as well-built or
stylish as some of the other higher-end models.
THE FINAL WORD: The
Samsung BD-D5500 is a solid entry-level Blu-ray DVD Player. Offering
all the standard blu-ray features like excellent Full HD 1080 video
resolution on Blu-ray discs and audio decoding of of Dolby Digital
TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. What separates it from other entry-level
players is the extra features like DLNA and 3D playback. Most
entry-level player are 2D players. If you are not interested in the 3D
function, you may want to check out the BD-D5300 which is not 3D and is
even cheaper. Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $150.00
... Get all the information on the 2011 Blu-ray Players: A List of 2011 Best Blu-ray Players. I would also like to offer a FREE BLU-RAY PLAYERS BUYING GUIDE when you visit http://www.Bluray-DVD-Players.com. Copyright 2011. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.
