At $249.99, the BD-HP75U is the top-tier Blu-ray player in Sharp's 2011 lineup, but it's still a step down in price from last year's sleek, wall-mountable BD-HP80U and 90U. We have not performed a hands-on review of this player, but here is a more comprehensive look at its features. The BD-HP75U supports 3D playback, and it includes Sharp's Web platform, with access to Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, and Pandora. The BD-HP75U lacks integrated WiFi but comes with a USB WiFi adapter. 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. The BD-HP75U offers better build quality than the step-down 35U and 25U models, with an anti-vibration chassis.
Additional Resources
• Read more Blu-ray player reviews by the staff of HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Look for a 3D HDTV in our 3D HDTV Review section.
• Explore LED HDTVs and Plasma HDTVs to pair with the Sharp BD-HP75U.
The BD-HP75U's connection panel includes one HDMI output and one optical digital audio output; there are no analog A/V outputs. The player also lacks the second HDMI output found on some higher-end 3D models (which is desirable when trying to mate a 3D player with an older, non-3D-ready A/V receiver). The BD-HP75U 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-HP75U 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 supplied VR-WL25 adapter to the back-panel USB port. The BD-HP75U 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. This player is the only model in Sharp's 2011 line to offer RS-232; it also offers an IP control option.
Read about the high points and low points of the Sharp BD-HP75U on Page 2.
High Points
• The BD-HP75U supports 3D playback.
• It has internal decoding and bitstream output of high-resolution audio sources.
• It supports BD-Live and BonusView/PIP.
• The player comes with a USB WiFi adapter.
• Sharp's Web platform includes Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, and Pandora. DLNA media streaming is also supported.
• The BD-HP75U offers RS-232 and IP control.
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.
• 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.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the Sharp BD-HP75U with its competition by reading the reviews for the Onkyo BD-SP309, Panasonic DMP-BDT210, and Sony BDP-S580. Learn more about 3D-capable Blu-ray Players by visiting our Blu-ray Players section.
Conclusion
The BD-HP75U's $250 price point lands it in a crowded field of 3D-capable players. While this model offers a generally solid features package, there are similarly priced models that go a bit farther--offering things like integrated WiFi, dual HDMI outputs, 2D-to-3D conversion, internal memory for BD-Live, and Skype capability. The BD-HP75U does offer RS-232 for easier integration into an advanced control system, which is less common at this price. Plus, this player's street price dips a bit lower than other players with the same MSRP. Basically, if you're looking for a logical mate to your Sharp 3DTV or projector, want the streaming VOD basics, and appreciate the inclusion of RS-232, then the BD-HP75U is worth a look.
