Sharp BD-HP24U Blu-ray Player Reviewed

Published On: June 3, 2010
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Sharp BD-HP24U Blu-ray Player Reviewed

As the new entry-level player in Sharp's Blu-ray lineup, the BD-HP24U lacks features like 3D playback, WiFi-readiness, and DLNA streaming. You do get core Blu-ray features like BD-Live and BonusView, as well as Netflix video-on-demand, for an MSRP of $179.99.

Sharp BD-HP24U 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.

Sharp_bd_hp24u-reviewed.gifSharp'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.

Sharp_bd_hp24u-reviewed.gifHigh 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.

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