The newest addition to Sony's Blu-ray line is a Profile 2.0 player that offers a wide variety of Internet-based media options. Its $249.99 MSRP puts it at the lower end of the price spectrum for Sony players. We have not performed a hands-on review of the BDP-N460, but here is an overview of the player's features. As a Profile 2.0 player, the BDP-N460 supports BonusView/picture-in-picture playback and BD-Live Web functionality, and it offers both onboard decoding and bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Via its network connection, the player provides access to numerous online media platforms: Netflix and Amazon VOD, YouTube, Slacker Radio, Sony Pictures Television, Blip.tv, Wired, and more.
In terms of video connections, the BDP-N460 offers HDMI, component video, and composite video outputs (no S-video). This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI. The only picture adjustment is the ability to choose between three preset picture modes (standard, brighter room, and theater room). Audio outputs include HDMI, optical and coaxial digital, and two-channel analog. As I mentioned, the BDP-N460 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. Audio adjustments include A/V lip sync and an audio filter (sharp or slow) for analog signals.
The BDP-N460's disc drive supports BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, MP3, and JPEG playback. The back panel features an Ethernet port for Web connectivity and firmware updates; this player does not have the built-in 802.11n wireless connectivity found on the BDP-S560, but you can add the optional Linksys Wireless Ethernet Bridge. The BDP-N460 also lacks internal memory, so the addition of an external storage device is required to download BD-Live features; a back-panel USB port is provided for this purpose. A second, front-panel USB port supports photo playback, but not digital music or movie playback. The player lacks advanced control ports, such as RS-232 or IR.
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High Points
• The BDP-N460 supports 1080p/24 playback of Blu-ray discs.
• The player has internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and can pass these formats in bitstream form over HDMI.
• It supports BD-Live Web content and can play picture-in-picture bonus content.
• This player supports a wide variety of online media platforms, including Netflix and Amazon VOD, YouTube, and more.
Low Points
• The BDP-N460 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 lacks internal memory, so you must add your own USB storage device.
• The player does not have built-in wireless connectivity to your home network; you must pay for an optional wireless bridge.
Conclusion
The BDP-N460 is the Blu-ray player many Sony fans have been waiting for: It combines key Blu-ray features (like 1080p/24 output, BD-Live, and high-resolution audio decoding) with multiple Internet video options--all at an entry-level price point.
