Highlights for Sony BDP-S780 3D Wi-Fi Single Disc Blu-ray Disc Player
Wi-Fi:Yes
Audio Formats:SACD
Marketing Information
Sony's BDP-S780 Blu-ray Disc player is Blu-ray 3D capable and compatible with DVDs, CDs, and SACDs. The model features built in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11n) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) as well as an Ethernet jack for easy access to BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE.
This is my first blu ray player. I was a little apprehensive about buying this player because I had read some reviews that were critical of the setup and configuration for this device. While ...Read complete review
This is my first blu ray player. I was a little apprehensive about buying this player because I had read some reviews that were critical of the setup and configuration for this device. While that did turn out to be the weakest part of the package, I decided to take a chance because I have always been partial to Sony products. I am sure glad I did. The setup presented a few challenges but if you are reasonably tech savvy you won't have any problems. The interface is much better than I was led to believe. If you are familiar with the PS3 it uses the same award winning crossbar navigation. Here are a few tips for setup. First, the main feature I wanted, Netflix support, did not appear on the menu initially. You have to drill down the menus to select something like "add bonus features." It also helps to have someone help you because I had to run back and forth to my computer and router to press buttons and enter configuration codes, etc. I also recommend that the first thing you do once you get connected to the internet is to update the system software. (This is a nice feature because just like a PS3 or Xbox you can get updates to the system as improvements are made. Sony recommends checking for updates every 2 months.# Another tip is that it supports an iPhone app called "Media Remote". That appears on the box but I did not see it in the manual. Just go to the App Store and search for "Media Remote" and you can get an app for no added cost that allows your iPhone #or Android based phone)to act as a remote from anywhere on your network. This is most useful for entering text using the iPhone's software keyboard. It is probably in the specs but there are USB ports on both the front and the back. If you leave a flash drive in the rear port it acts like a disk drive for BD Live content, although so far I have not been that impressed with BD live. I don't know if it will help performance in other ways, but flash drives are cheap so I put a 4GB drive in the rear port. I was also pleasantly surprised at the amount of free content available, such as movies from Crackle. It also supports YouTube, Skype, Facebook, Hulu and many others. Actually I think this would be a great device even if it didn't have the blu-ray disc player. It also supports a DLNA home network allowing you to stream content from a DLNA enabled comptuer. I was mostly interested in the wi-fi capabilities, but it also has an ethernet jack The performance with Netflix and the other video services I have tried is fantastic So in summary the instructions are not very clear but this is a great BD player and so much more with the built-in wi-fi. You will not be disappointed with this player!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent Player, No 5GHz Wireless
This is my third Sony Blu-ray player this year. First one was supposed to be 3D upgradable via firmware. That didn't happen. Returned it. I had also purchased a USB wireless stick for ...Read complete review
This is my third Sony Blu-ray player this year. First one was supposed to be 3D upgradable via firmware. That didn't happen. Returned it. I had also purchased a USB wireless stick for the first one. Returned it because player 2 had built in wireless a/b/g/n (7 series). Second player was 3D, but offered poor upscaling on regular DVDs. It died after 2 weeks. Returned it. Supposedly, the BDP-S780 is the top of the line and I found myself torn between the S770 and the S780. The 770 is better looking but would have been more expensive and "last year's model". I settled on the S780 and was immediately distraught at its inability to connect to my router. Sony has downgraded the wireless card in all 80 series units. This includes the BX-58. These players will NOT connect to 5GHz routers using the 802.11n standard and 802.11a compatibility has been completely removed. The difference (I now know) can be spotted on the box. If you see the "a" wireless, it is the more compatible card. No "a" means the newer 2.4GHz only card. Built in memory was also removed from the 70 to the 80 series. Backlit remote buttons have been replaced with non-backlit buttons. I'm tired of returning players, so I kept this one and bought another Sony USB Wireless stick, which connects to my 5GHz router just fine. This "flagship" Blu-Ray player uses exactly the same case as the entry level Sony player. Also, important features of the S770 were deleted in this model, hence the 1 star for design. Considering the $255.00 price of the router and $80.00 for a wireless stick (To make it work like last year's model), I give this player 1 star for value.
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
I was very disappointed when a "fan error" message began to appear and I had to continually turn the player off and on to get it to work. After spending what seemed like an hour on the phone, she finally told me to unplug and plug in. That seemed like an easy fix unless you use a Control 4 system, which opened up a new can or worms. Eventually the player was up and running.
12/16/2011
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Great BDP
By leeoh
from MS
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
I love the S-780. I have it paired with sony's 55hx929 and the STR-DH820 and everything works seamlessly together. Setup is a little time consuming but simple. The fact that Sony is bundling HP7 1&2 is perfect for me because my wife loves them. Although, based on my short experience with 3D the Potter movies aren't exactly the best examples of quality 3D.
12/13/2011
(12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
This player competely blew me away!
By Braun00
from Chicago IL
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
This is my first blu ray player. I was a little apprehensive about buying this player because I had read some reviews that were critical of the setup and configuration for this device. While that did turn out to be the weakest part of the package, I decided to take a chance because I have always been partial to Sony products. I am sure glad I did. The setup presented a few challenges but if you are reasonably tech savvy you won't have any problems. The interface is much better than I was led to believe. If you are familiar with the PS3 it uses the same award winning crossbar navigation. Here are a few tips for setup. First, the main feature I wanted, Netflix support, did not appear on the menu initially. You have to drill down the menus to select something like "add bonus features." It also helps to have someone help you because I had to run back and forth to my computer and router to press buttons and enter configuration codes, etc. I also recommend that the first thing you do once you get connected to the internet is to update the system software. (This is a nice feature because just like a PS3 or Xbox you can get updates to the system as improvements are made. Sony recommends checking for updates every 2 months.# Another tip is that it supports an iPhone app called "Media Remote". That appears on the box but I did not see it in the manual. Just go to the App Store and search for "Media Remote" and you can get an app for no added cost that allows your iPhone #or Android based phone)to act as a remote from anywhere on your network. This is most useful for entering text using the iPhone's software keyboard. It is probably in the specs but there are USB ports on both the front and the back. If you leave a flash drive in the rear port it acts like a disk drive for BD Live content, although so far I have not been that impressed with BD live. I don't know if it will help performance in other ways, but flash drives are cheap so I put a 4GB drive in the rear port. I was also pleasantly surprised at the amount of free content available, such as movies from Crackle. It also supports YouTube, Skype, Facebook, Hulu and many others. Actually I think this would be a great device even if it didn't have the blu-ray disc player. It also supports a DLNA home network allowing you to stream content from a DLNA enabled comptuer. I was mostly interested in the wi-fi capabilities, but it also has an ethernet jack The performance with Netflix and the other video services I have tried is fantastic So in summary the instructions are not very clear but this is a great BD player and so much more with the built-in wi-fi. You will not be disappointed with this player!
12/10/2011
(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Streaming A Breeze
By dirtboy
from Lima,OH
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
This is my first blu ray player. I wanted a device to stream netflix in HD with surround sound. Setup was simple and the picture quality while watching was amazing. It puts wii to shame. I have yet to watch a blu ray disc. I would highly recommend to have a HD sony A/V reciever and sony HD TV and sync all of them together. It makes your home theater much easier to use.This was a great purchase and I am a happy customer.
12/6/2011
(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Great Blu-ray player
By John91C
from Woodway, WA
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
Great Blu-ray player! The setup was very easy and connecting to wireless router was a breeze. Extremely satisfied and love the way you can program the player to fit your tv size!
11/18/2011
(10 of 16 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Sony BDP-S780
By Richej57
from Seaside
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
Sony Has All Ways ben OK but now this is #1 of The best SONY BDP-S780
11/16/2011
(6 of 10 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
S780 Blu-ray
By wkonow
from Neenah,
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
Nice unit, great picture
11/13/2011
(10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Awesome Blu-ray Player
By wcdba13
from NC
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
Easy setup and easy to operate. Sony online sales person was very good and very helpful with all my questions and I had lots. I would definitely purchase from Sony again!!!
9/21/2011
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player
By richievon
from lewis center,ohio
Pros
does everything sony says it will right from the get go
Cons
a little slow to start on energy saving
Noise
Best Uses
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
beautiful style,and never thought i would say this but price, inexpensive for such a high end unit.good speed on your wi-fi is important if you want to watch netflix or surf the web.over-all content that comes loaded is incredible,some you have a pay service plan.i am running 2D but people look at the picture and think it's 3D,and it does enhance older dvd's. I am totally happy with this purchase and works so well the the bravia flat screens.
8/24/2011
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
First Blue-ray and I love it
By MalV
from Walnut Creek, CA
Pros
Ease of connection
Quality
Remote
streaming
Wi-fi
Cons
none
Best Uses
Comments about Sony BDP-S780 3D Blu-ray Disc Player:
This is my first Blue-ray, I have seen a lot of others at my friends, none came even close to the BDP-S780. The streaming is fantastic with Netflix and of course many others. Everything about the remote, with a DVD or streaming is unbelievable, it is wonderful to watch a DVD and be able to change chapters or go back with one button each. The price is great as the one HDMI connection for all connections. Don't miss out spend the few extra dollars and get the best.