High Points• The BD-HP25U supports
3D playback.
• It has internal decoding and bitstream output of high-resolution audio sources.
• It supports BD-Live and BonusView/PIP.
• The player is WiFi-ready, with an optional USB adapter.
• Sharp's Web platform includes Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, and Pandora. DLNA media streaming is also supported.
Low Points•
This model does not include dual HDMI outputs to send separate signals
to your 3DTV and A/V receiver. It lacks 2D-to-3D conversion and advanced
3D image adjustments.
• It lacks analog A/V outputs, so it's not the best choice for someone who owns an older HDTV or A/V receiver.
• WiFi is not built-in; it requires an add-on adapter that costs about $50.
• The player lacks internal memory to store BD-Live content.
• Sharp's Web platform isn't as extensive or customizable as some of its competitors.
• There's no advanced control port like RS-232.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the Sharp BD-HP25U with its
competition by reading the reviews for the
Panasonic DMP-BDT110,
Sony BDP-S580,
Toshiba BDX5200,
and
Vizio VBR333.
Learn more about 3D-capable Blu-ray Players by visiting our
Blu-ray
Players
section.
ConclusionWith a street price under $140, the BD-HP25U
represents a very good value for a 3D Blu-ray player with streaming VOD
capabilities. It's a logical mate for a Sharp 3D-capable TV or
projector. Sharp's Web platform doesn't have as many options as you can
get from the competition, but the big-name services--Netflix, VUDU (with
Apps), and YouTube--are here. The step-up BD-HP35U comes with the WiFi
USB adapter and adds IP control, and its street price is only about
$10-$15 higher, which makes it an even better deal. If there's any
chance you might want a wireless network connection in the future, I
recommend you spend a little more now to get the 35U.
Additional Resources• Read
more Blu-ray player reviews from Home Theater Review's staff.
• Find a 3D HDTV in our
3D HDTV Review section.
• Explore
LED HDTVs and
Plasma HDTVs to pair with the Sharp BD-HP25U.