JVC has finally entered the Blu-ray market with the XV-BP1, a lower-priced model that appears to be based on LG's Blu-ray design, as it sports the exact same user-friendly menu structure. We have not performed a hands-on review of the XV-BP1, but here is an overview of its features. This Profile 2.0 player supports BonusView/picture-in-picture playback and BD-Live Web functionality, and it features bitstream output and onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks. This model does not support any type of video-on-demand streaming or download service, such as those offered by Netflix, Amazon, and CinemaNow.

In terms of video connections, you get HDMI, component video, and composite video outputs (no S-video). This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI. The setup menu doesn't offer any advanced picture adjustments, such as preset picture modes or noise reduction. Audio outputs include HDMI, optical and coaxial digital, and stereo analog. As I mentioned, the XV-BP1 has onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and it also passes these high-resolution audio formats in their native bitstream form over HDMI, for your A/V receiver to decode. The player lacks multichannel analog audio outputs, so the only way to pass decoded high-resolution audio formats is via HDMI.

The XV-BP1's disc drive supports BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, MPEG4, MP3, WMA, and JPEG playback. The back panel offers an Ethernet port for BD-Live features; the player doesn't include a wireless network connection option. The XV-BP1 lacks internal memory, so the addition of an external storage device is required to download BD-Live features; a front-panel USB port is provided, which also supports MPEG4, MP3, WMA, and JPEG/PNG/GIF playback. The XV-BP1 does not have any type of advanced control port, such as IR or RS-232.

High Points
• The XV-BP1 supports 1080p/24 playback of Blu-ray discs.
• The player has internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and can pass these formats in bitstream form over HDMI.
• It supports BD-Live Web content and can play picture-in-picture bonus content.
• The USB port allows for easy playback of digital movies (MPEG4), music and photos.
• The JVC has an intuitive user interface.

Low Points
• The XV-BP1 lacks multichannel analog audio outputs, so it's not the best choice for someone who owns an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver.
• This player does not offer any type of VOD streaming function, nor does it feature a wireless option for connection to your home network.
• The XV-BP1 lacks internal memory, so you must provide your own USB storage device.

Conclusion
The XV-BP1's feature set is on par with other players in the sub-$300 range. It lacks perks like VOD streaming and wireless network connectivity, but it sports the must-have features we look for in a new Blu-ray player.