Introduced a few months back, Toshiba's BDX5200 is a 3D-capable Blu-ray player with an MSRP of $179.99. We have not performed a hands-on review of this product, but here is a more comprehensive look at its features. In addition to 3D capability, the BDX5200 sports integrated WiFi and access to Toshiba's Web platform, which includes Netflix, CinemaNow, Blockbuster On Demand, VUDU, YouTube, and Pandora. The player also supports media streaming from a network-connected server, but it does not offer 2D-to-3D conversion.
Additional Resources
• Read more Blu-ray reviews from the staff at Home Theater Review.
• Explore 3D HDTVs in our 3D HDTV Review section.
• Find an AV Receiver in our AV Receiver Review section.
The BDX5200 supports playback of Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, MKV, WMA, MP3, and JPEG files. The connection panel includes a single HDMI output, as well as composite video, coaxial digital audio, and stereo analog audio outputs. (Beginning this year, manufacturers are no longer allowed to include HD-capable component video outputs, due to copy-protection restrictions.) The player has onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding, and it can pass both of these high-resolution audio formats in their native bitstream form over HDMI, for your A/V receiver to decode. You can add the player to your home network either by using the back-panel Ethernet port or via the integrated WiFi module. The player lacks internal memory to store BD-Live content; a back-panel USB port and front-panel SD card slot are provided for this purpose. These ports also support media playback. The player lacks advanced control ports, such as RS-232 or IR.
High Points
• The BDX5200 supports 3D playback.
• It has internal decoding and bitstream output of high-resolution audio.
• It supports BD-Live and BonusView Blu-ray features.
• The player has integrated WiFi.
• Toshiba has added more services to its Web platform this year, including CinemaNow and YouTube. You can also stream content from a network-connected server.
Read about the low points and competition for the Toshiba BDX5200 on Page 2.
Low Points
• This model does not include dual HDMI outputs to send separate signals to your 3DTV and A/V receiver.
• The BDX5200 doesn't offer 2D-to-3D conversion or any advanced 3D image adjustments.
•
The lack of multichannel analog audio outputs means this player is not
the best choice for someone who owns an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver.
• The player lacks internal memory for BD-Live content.
• There's no advanced control port like RS-232.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the BDX5200 with its competition
by reading the reviews for the Panasonic DMP-BDT110,
Sony BDP-S580,
and Vizio VBR333.
Learn more about 3D Blu-ray players by visiting our Blu-ray Players
section.
Conclusion
The BDX5200 is a very good value in the
realm of 3D-capable Blu-ray players. Its MSRP is on par with other
entry-level models, some of which lack the integrated WiFi that you get
here. Toshiba's Web platform isn't as extensive or customizable as those
of its competitors, but it does include major players like Netflix,
Blockbuster, VUDU, YouTube, and Pandora. If you don't need the
integrated WiFi, you can get an even better deal on the step-down
BDX4200, which is also 3D-capable and has an MSRP of $129.99.
Additional Resources
• Read more Blu-ray reviews from the staff at Home Theater Review.
• Explore 3D HDTVs in our 3D HDTV Review section.
• Find an AV Receiver in our AV Receiver Review section.
