Yamaha recently added two new models to its Blu-ray lineup. The BD-S1065 is the least expensive of the two, priced at $599.95. We have not performed a hands-on review of the BD-S1065, but here is an overview of the player's features. This Profile 2.0 player 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. The BD-S1065 does not support any type of video-on-demand platform, such as those offered by Netflix and Amazon.
In terms of video connections, the BD-S1065 offers HDMI, component video, S-video, and composite video outputs. This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI. The setup menu does not include any advanced picture adjustments, such as preset picture modes or noise-reduction options. The BD-S1065 has the full complement of audio connections: HDMI, optical and coaxial digital, and 2- and 7.1-channel analog. As I mentioned, the player has onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and it also passes these high-resolution audio formats in bitstream form over HDMI, for your A/V receiver to decode. You can set speaker size, level, and delay for the analog audio outputs.
Additional Resources
The BD-S1065's disc drive supports BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, and JPEG playback, but not MP3 or WMA music files. The back panel features an Ethernet port for BD-Live Web connectivity; this player does not have built-in wireless functionality. The BD-S1065 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. The USB port is also used for firmware updates (you can't update the firmware via the network connection), and it does not support playback of media files, such as MP3 or JPEG. The player lacks RS-232, but it does have remote control in/out ports. The unit is compatible with the SCENE function available in many Yamaha receivers, which automatically launches a series of codes for certain tasks like "DVD Viewing."
The step-up BD-S1900 ($699.95) adds RS-232 and a Pure Direct audio mode.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the Yamaha BD-S1065 Blu-ray player against its competition by reading our reviews for the Oppo Digital BDP-83 universal player and the Panasonic DMP-BD55 blu-ray player. You can also learn more by visiting our Yamaha brand page as well as our All Things Blu-ray Player section.
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High Points
• The BD-S1065 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 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.
• It has remote control in/out ports.
Low Points
• The player lacks internal memory, so you must add your own USB storage device.
• It doesn't support wireless connectivity to your home network.
• The BD-S1065 doesn't support MP3 or WMA playback, nor does it provide access to any Web-based video-on-demand portal.
Conclusion
Purely from a Blu-ray standpoint, the BD-S1065 has the most desirable features to suit any A/V setup--such as 1080p/24 output, BD-Live, and HD audio decoding with multichannel analog outputs--and would be a logical fit for anyone who owns a Yamaha receiver. However, you can find other Blu-ray players that cost less and offer more perks, like video-on-demand and wireless network connectivity.
