Last year, Toshiba introduced its first Blu-ray player, the BDX2000. This year, the company is ramping up the line with three new models that offer a nice array of features. First to arrive are the BDX2500 ($179.99) and step-up BDX2700 ($249.99), to be followed later this year by the 3D-capable BDX3000 (price TBD). We have not performed a hands-on review of the BDX2500, 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 BDX2500 is WiFi-ready (the BDX2700 has built-in WiFi). Toshiba has added video-on-demand service to the new Blu-ray models: The BDX2500 can access VUDU, Netflix and Blockbuster VOD, as well as Pandora Internet radio.
Additional Resources
• Read a review of Toshiba's BDX2700 Blu-ray Player from Adrienne Maxwell.
• Read over 100 top performing, best Blu-ray players for home theater systems from HomeTheaterReview.com.
In terms of video connections, the BDX2500 offers HDMI, component video and composite video outputs (no S-video). This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI. It does not offer video adjustments, like preset picture modes or noise reduction. On the audio side, the BDX2500 has HDMI, optical digital (no coaxial) and both 2- and 7.1-channel analog outputs. It 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. You can set speaker size for the multichannel analog audio outputs.
The BDX2500 supports the BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, WMA, MP3, and JPEG formats. You can add the player to your home network using the back-panel Ethernet port or by attaching the optional WLM-10UB1 wireless LAN adapter ($49.99) to the back-panel USB port. The BDX2500 lacks internal memory to store BD-Live features; either the USB port or the front-panel SD card slot can be employed for this purpose. Both of these ports also support media playback. Finally, the BDX2500 lacks RS-232 or IR for integration into an advanced control system.
Competition and Comparison
To compare the Toshiba BDX2500 Blu-ray player against its competition, read our reviews for the Sharp BD-HP24U Blu-ray player and the Insignia NS-BDLive01 Blu-ray player. Another source for information on many different products is our All Things Blu-ray Player section.
Read Page 2 for The High Points, Low Points and Conclusion
High Points
• The BDX2500 supports 1080p/24 playback of Blu-ray discs.
• The player has internal decoding and bitstream output of high-resolution audio sources, and it has multichannel analog audio outputs for use with older A/V receivers.
• It supports BD-Live Web content and can play picture-in-picture bonus content.
• This player can access video-on-demand services from VUDU, Netflix and Blockbuster VOD.
• The SD card slot and USB port allow for easy playback of digital media files.
Low Points
• The BDX2500 lacks internal memory for BD-Live content.
• It also lacks built-in WiFi, but you can purchase an optional USB adapter.
• This model does not support DLNA media streaming.
• There's no advanced control port like RS-232.
• The BDX2500 is not 3D-capable.
Conclusion
Toshiba may have entered the Blu-ray game a bit later than other manufacturers, but the company has gained ground quickly with its second-generation lineup. The BDX2500 is a well-adorned Blu-ray player offered at a very competitive price. This is one of the better deals you'll find for a player with multichannel analog audio outputs, which makes it a good choice for people who own older, non-HDMI-equipped A/V receivers. The Web platform doesn't include quite as many services as some competitors, but desirable video-on-demand options like Netflix, Blockbuster and VUDU are all here.
Additional Resources
• Read a review of Toshiba's BDX2700 Blu-ray Player from Adrienne Maxwell.
• Read over 100 top performing, best Blu-ray players for home theater systems from HomeTheaterReview.com.
