The Sony UBP-X700 Blu-ray player, introduced at an affordable price point, has remained relevant in home entertainment with features like Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos, and DTSsoundtracks, supporting an array of media formats. With a current price around $199, it offers competitive value, especially for movie lovers seeking an engaging visual and audio experience.
Design and Build Quality
Compact and efficient, the Sony UBP-X700’s physical design is ideal for those who need space-saving technology. At 12.5 x 1.7 x 8.5 inches and weighing a mere 3 pounds, it fits snugly into smaller setups. While the design is functional, it lacks a front LED display, leaving users to rely on on-screen information through the TV interface.
The design simplicity may appeal to some, but others may find it lacks the sophistication of other models in the same price range. Additionally, the remote control, while fully functional, may feel somewhat dated compared to more premium remotes from brands like Panasonic.
Video Performance
Performance-wise, the UBP-X700 shines, particularly with 4K content. It delivers dynamic, vibrant colors and high contrast, especially when utilizing Dolby Vision HDR. The Blu-ray player’s handling of 4K imagery is remarkable, with vibrant, accurate color rendition.
Whether it’s the vivid colors in La La Land or the deep, immersive blacks in The Batman, this player ensures a cinematic experience right in your living room.
Upscaling Capabilities
The Sony UBP-X700 does a respectable job of upscaling Blu-ray content to 4K, enhancing texture and sharpness even on standard Blu-ray and DVD formats. However, it may soften textures slightly compared to premium options, such as the Panasonic DP-UB820, which is known for its refined upscaling.
Despite this, the Sony UBP-X700 manages to produce clear and enhanced imagery, particularly with Blu-ray over DVD, which may lose a bit of fidelity. Fans of older films will appreciate the Sony UBP-X700’s minimal grain interference on legacy formats, although the unit may slightly soften the film’s original grain.
Audio Capabilities
In the audio department, the Sony UBP-X700 is built to impress. Supporting both Dolby Atmos and DTSbitstream soundtracks, it provides a surround sound experience suited for modern home theater setups. CD playback is also clean and consistent, with no lag or stutter, further enhancing the versatility of this player. While it lacks high-end audio processing of pricier models, it effectively captures a wide sound range, balancing audio clarity and depth.
Features and Connectivity
One of the most significant strengths of the Sony UBP-X700 lies in its feature set. Dolby Vision support, combined with HDR10 compatibility, allows the player to deliver a dynamic viewing experience, though it does miss out on HDR10+ compatibility. Additionally, the device’s built-in Wi-Fi provides access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube, catering to both disc and streaming users.
For connectivity, the player includes two HDMI outputs—one for audio and video, and one audio-only output—alongside coaxial digital audio and Ethernet ports. The dual HDMI setup allows a flexible audio setup, ideal for connecting to both modern and older A/V systems.
User Interface
The interface, while basic, is easy to navigate and provides various settings for adjusting picture quality, sound options, and more. The menu includes options for 4K upscaling and a digital music enhancer, allowing users to fine-tune playback to suit individual preferences. Some users may find the settings a bit sparse, but the simple layout keeps things accessible, especially for those new to Blu-ray players.
Performance Analysis
In terms of load times, the Sony UBP-X700 surpasses many competitors in its price range, with disc load times averaging 30 seconds or less. This quick responsiveness enhances the viewing experience, allowing users to dive into their favorite movies without delay.
The player’s settings, especially regarding Dolby Vision, can be a bit cumbersome, requiring manual toggling to suit different formats, which may disrupt the seamless experience some viewers expect.
Value and Competitiveness
Priced at $199, the Sony UBP-X700 offers excellent value for the range of features and performance it provides. It sits between basic players and premium models, bringing high-end features to those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. While the Panasonic DP-UB820 may have the edge on features and processing, the Sony UBP-X700 strikes a balance between performance and cost that makes it a smart choice for most consumers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent 4K picture quality with vibrant color reproduction
- Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 for dynamic visuals
- Fast load times and responsive interface
- Compact and lightweight design
- Great audio support with Dolby Atmos and DTScompatibility
Cons:
- Lacks HDR10+ support, limiting its versatility with some formats
- Manual toggling required for Dolby Vision settings across different formats
- No front LED display, making it less intuitive to operate in the dark
- Dated remote control design
Conclusion
The Sony UBP-X700 4K Blu-ray player is an affordable and impressive option, well-suited for those seeking great visuals, good audio support, and built-in streaming capabilities. With its range of compatible media, 4K upscaling, and Dolby Vision support, it caters to viewers who want a high-quality cinematic experience on a budget. While there are some minor downsides, such as the lack of HDR10+ support and manual Dolby Vision toggling, these are balanced out by the excellent value it offers in terms of performance and feature set.
In conclusion, the Sony UBP-X700 provides a strong case for itself in the mid-range 4K Blu-ray player market, offering a versatile, quality experience that both disc collectors and streaming enthusiasts will appreciate.
