The BD-HP25U is the entry-level model in Sharp's 2011 line of Blu-ray players, with an MSRP of $179.99. We have not performed a hands-on review of this player, but here is a more comprehensive look at its features. The BD-HP25U supports 3D playback, and it includes Sharp's Web platform, with access to Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, and Pandora. The BD-HP25U lacks the supplied WiFi USB adapter you get with the step-up BD-HP35U and BD-HP75U, but it will work with the adapter, should you choose to purchase it for about $50. DLNA media streaming is available, as is 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 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.
The BD-HP25U's connection panel includes one HDMI output and one optical digital audio output; there are no analog A/V outputs. The player 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 setup menu includes a feature called Super Picture, which is designed to improve the quality of streaming video; no advanced 3D adjustments are available.
The BD-HP25U supports the BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, Divx HD, MP3, and JPEG formats. You can add the player to your home network using the back-panel Ethernet port or by attaching the optional VR-WL25 adapter to the back-panel USB port. The BD-HP25U lacks internal memory to store BD-Live features; you must add a USB storage device via the back- or front-panel USB port, both of which also support media playback. Finally, the player lacks the RS-232 port that you will find on the higher-end BD-HP75U.
Read about the high points and low points of the Sharp BD-HP25U on Page 2.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.
Conclusion
With 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.
