Vizio has announced two 3D-capable Blu-ray players, the VBR333 ($189.99) and the VBR334 ($179.99). These two players have identical specs but are sold through different retailers (the VBR334 will be sold exclusively through clubs and comes packaged with a 6-foot HDMI cable). We have not performed a hands-on review of the VBR333, 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 the full suite of high-resolution audio decoders. The VBR333 features built-in 802.11n for a wireless network connection, and the player supports the Vizio Internet Apps platform, which includes access to Netflix, VUDU Apps, Pandora, Flickr, Twitter, and more.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the Vizio VBR333 with its competition by reading the reviews for the Panasonic DMP-BDT350 and DMP-BDT100, the LG BX580, the Samsung BD-C6900 and BD-C7900, the Sony BDP-S570, and the Sharp BD-HP80U. Learn more about 3D-capable Blu-ray players by visiting our Blu-ray Players section.
In terms of video connections, the VBR333 offers HDMI, component video, and composite video outputs (no S-video). This player doesn't include the second HDMI output found on some 3D-capable models, which allows you to send the 3D video signal directly to your 3D-capable display via an HDMI 1.4 output and still send HDMI audio to your A/V receiver via HDMI 1.3 (so you don't have to upgrade to a 3D-compatible receiver). The VBR333 does not offer any advanced picture adjustments, like noise reduction, preset picture modes, etc. Audio outputs include HDMI, optical and coaxial digital, and 2-channel analog. The VBR333 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.
Additional Resources
The VBR333 supports playback of Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, CD audio, JPEG, PNG, WMA, and MP3. You can add the player to your home network using either the back-panel Ethernet port or the internal 802.11n wireless module. The VBR333 lacks internal memory to store BD-Live content; a back-panel USB port is provided for this purpose. The USB port also supports music and photo playback. The player lacks advanced control ports, such as RS-232 or IR.
Click to Page 2 for The High Points, The Low Points and The Conclusion.
High Points
• The VBR333 supports 3D playback, when mated with other 3D-capable components.
• The player supports 1080p/24 playback of Blu-ray discs.
• It has internal decoding and bitstream output of high-resolution audio sources.
• It supports BD-Live and BonusView.
• You can wirelessly connect the VBR333 to your network.
• Vizio Internet Apps includes access to Netflix, VUDU Apps, Pandora, and more.
Low Points
• This model doesn't include dual HDMI outputs to send separate signals to your 3D TV and A/V receiver.
• It also lacks multichannel analog audio outputs, so it's not the best
choice for someone who owns an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver.
• This player lacks onboard memory to store downloadable BD-Live content.
• You can't stream digital media from a PC or DLNA server.
• The VBR333 lacks an advanced control port like RS-232.
Conclusion
Not surprising for a Vizio product, the VBR333 is currently one of the
best deals in town for a Blu-ray player that offers both 3D playback and
integrated WiFi. It doesn't include some of the features you get in the
higher-end 3D players, such as dual HDMI outputs, DLNA media streaming,
and 7.1-channel analog audio outputs, but it has the essentials. If
you've taken the 3D TV plunge and are now looking for a 3D-capable
Blu-ray player to mate with your new TV, the VBR333 is definitely worth a
look.
Additional Resources
