Sharp's 2010 Blu-ray lineup includes two new models, the BD-HP24U ($179.99) and BD-HP70U ($249.99). These are the first Sharp Blu-ray players to incorporate Netflix's video-on-demand service. We have not performed a hands-on review of the BD-HP24U, 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-HP24U does not include a built-in wireless network connection, nor is it WiFi-ready like the step-up BD-HP70U. This player features Sharp's AQUOS Pure mode: When you connect the player to a Sharp AQUOS TV via HDMI, it automatically adjusts the image for optimal playback.
Additional Resources
• Read many more Blu-ray player reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Find out more about Sharp and its products.
In terms of video connections, the BD-HP24U offers HDMI, component video and composite video outputs (no S-video). This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI. Audio outputs include HDMI, optical digital (no coaxial), and two-channel analog. The BD-HP24U 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 BD-HP24U supports the BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, MP3 and JPEG formats. You can add the player to your home network using the back-panel Ethernet port; as I mentioned above, the player doesn't include a wireless network connection option. The BD-HP24U has 2GB of internal memory to store BD-Live features, and a USB port is provided for additional storage, as well as digital media playback. Finally, the player lacks the RS-232 port that you will find on the higher-end BD-HP70U.
Read about the high points and low points of the BD-HP24U on Page 2.
High Points
• The BD-HP24U 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 Web content, with internal memory provided, and can play picture-in-picture bonus content.
• The BD-HP24U offers access to Netflix video-on-demand service.
• The USB slot allows for easy playback of digital media files.
Low Points
• The BD-HP24U lacks multichannel analog audio outputs, so it's not the
best choice for someone who owns an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver.
• The player does not support a WiFi network connection, nor does it offer an advanced control port like RS-232.
• The BD-HP24U is not 3D-capable.
• Sharp's Web platform is limited, and the player doesn't support DLNA media streaming.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the Sharp BD-HP24U against its competition by reading our reviews for the LG BD550 Blu-ray player and the Insignia NS-BDLive01 Blu-ray player. Visit our All Things Blu-ray Player section to learn more about many different products.
Conclusion
The BD-HP24U's Blu-ray features are on par with many players in its
price class (the player's street price is around $150). However, even
with the addition of Netflix streaming, Sharp's Web platform isn't as
extensive as the services you'll get from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG,
Vizio and Toshiba. The BD-HP24U is best suited to Netflix subscribers
who are looking for a value-oriented player through which to enjoy
Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and Netflix movies but aren't interested in access
to services like Pandora, YouTube, Picasa, or Twitter.
Additional Resources
• Read many more Blu-ray player reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Find out more about Sharp and its products.
