Samsung BD-C7900 Blu-ray Player Reviewed

Published On: August 31, 2010
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Samsung BD-C7900 Blu-ray Player Reviewed

The new top-shelf model in Samsung's Blu-ray lineup, the 3D-ready BD-C7900 ($399.99) adds a second HDMI output, for use with non-3D-capable A/V receivers. This sleek player also sports integrated WiFi, DLNA streaming, and the Samsung Apps service.

Samsung BD-C7900 Blu-ray Player Reviewed

By Author: Adrienne Maxwell
Adrienne Maxwell is the former Managing Editor of HomeTheaterReview.com, Home Theater Magazine, and HDTVEtc.com. Adrienne has also written for Wirecutter, Home Entertainment Magazine, AVRev.com, ModernHomeTheater.com, and other top specialty audio/video publications. She is an ISF Level II-certified video calibrator who specializes in reviews of flat-panel HDTVs, front video projectors, video screens, video servers, and video source devices, both disc- and streaming-based.

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Samsung recently added four new 3D-capable models to its Blu-ray player line, including the portable BD-8000 and the new "top-shelf" BD-C7900. At $399.99, the BD-C7900 replaces the original BD-C6900 as the most expensive of the non-portable Blu-ray models (the BD-C6900 is now $349.99). We have not performed a hands-on review of the BD-C7900, but here is an overview of its features. This Profile 2.0 player supports BD-Live Web functionality and BonusView/picture-in-picture playback, and it offers both onboard decoding and bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The BD-C7900 features built-in 802.11n for a wireless network connection, and the AllShare feature allows you to stream digital media content from a PC or DLNA-compliant server. The player supports the Samsung Apps Web platform, which includes access to VUDU, Netflix and Blockbuster video-on-demand, as well as YouTube, Pandora, Flickr, Twitter and more. Samsung recently added the Hulu Plus service to its Apps platform.

Additional Resources
• Find more Blu-ray player reviews on HomeTheaterReview.com's resource page.
• Learn more about Samsung and its products.
• Read about Samsung's amazing 3D innovation.

In terms of connections, the BD-C7900's big addition is a second audio-only HDMI output. The benefit of dual HDMI outputs is that you can send the 3D video signal directly to your 3D-capable display via an HDMI 1.4 output and still send HDMI audio to your A/V receiver via HDMI 1.3 (so you don't have to upgrade to a new 3D-capable receiver). The BD-C7900 also offers component video and composite video outputs (no S-video). This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI. Picture adjustments include the ability to choose between three preset picture modes or go with a user mode in which you can adjust sharpness and noise reduction. The Screen Fit function zooms in on 2.35:1 movies to remove the black bars.

On the audio side, Samsung chose to omit the multichannel analog audio outputs found on the BD-C6900. At first, this decision surprised me, but it actually makes perfect sense. This player's major selling point is that second, audio-only HDMI output; if that feature appeals to you, then you probably have no need for multichannel analog outputs. Other audio outputs include optical digital (no coaxial) and 2-channel analog. The BD-C7900 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 audio setup menu includes audio sync (delay) and the ability to set up DTS Neo:6 Music and Cinema modes for stereo sources.

The BD-C7900 supports playback of BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, Divx HD, WMA, MP3 and JPEG. You can add the player to your home network using either the back-panel Ethernet port or the internal 802.11n wireless module. The BD-C7900 has 1GB of internal memory to store BD-Live content, and a front-panel USB port is provided for additional storage. This USB port also supports music, photo and movie playback. The player lacks advanced control ports, such as RS-232 or IR.

Competition and Comparison
Compare the Samsung BD-C7900 with its competition by reading the reviews for the Panasonic DMP-BDT350 , the LG BX580 and the Sony BDP-S570. Learn more about 3D Blu-ray players by visiting our Blu-ray Players section.

Read more on Page 2

samsung_bd-c7900_bluray_review.gifHigh Points
• The BD-C7900 supports 3D playback, when mated with other 3D-capable components. It includes dual HDMI outputs to send separate signals to your 3D HDTV and A/V receiver.• The BD-C7900 supports 1080p/24 playback of Blu-ray discs.

• The player has internal decoding and bitstream output of high-resolution audio sources.

• It supports BD-Live and BonusView.

• You can wirelessly connect the BD-C7900 to your network, and it has internal memory for BD-Live storage.

• The BD-C7900 supports DLNA media streaming and Samsung Apps, for video-on-demand and other Web services.

Low Points
• The BD-C7900 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 lacks an advanced control port like RS-232.

Conclusion

If your 3D Blu-ray player is going to be part of a complete home
theater system, with all of the audio signals running through a preamp
or A/V receiver, then don't underestimate the convenience of dual HDMI
outputs on the player. You've already paid to upgrade to a 3D-capable
TV and Blu-ray player, and you've probably had to purchase several
pairs of 3D glasses. Do you really want to upgrade to a 3D-capable
receiver, too? If not, then the BD-C7900 is definitely worth a look.
For those of you who have already upgraded your receiver or just don't
need the dual HDMI outputs, you might want to consider the new BD-C6800
instead. It offers the same features as the BD-C7900 - like built-in
WiFi, onboard memory, DLNA media streaming, and Samsung Apps - for an
MSRP of $279.99.

Additional Resources
• Find more Blu-ray player reviews on HomeTheaterReview.com's resource page.
• Learn more about Samsung and its products.
• Read about Samsung's amazing 3D innovation.

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