Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)PROS: Excellent AQ/PQ for BD. Very good upscaling for DVD. Ability to decode dts-hd MA. Bd-Live enabled. Source-Direct video output option. Sleek design. Sturdy disc-loading tray.
CONS: SLOW operation. DVD layer change delay. KURO Link doesn't work if connected to a KURO TV via non-pioneer receiver. No blue light on Standby/On button as pictured in stock photo.
This was my upgrade from the PS3 and as far as PQ/AQ is concerned, I am very satisfied. I've always put image quality over speed, but I've been spoiled by the speedy operation of the PS3. The 320 is slow all around, including: start-up, eject, disc-loading, fast forward/rewind command and BD menu navigation (in certain discs like 'Saawariya'). The worst part for me is having to wait for the disc tray to open during start up. It only takes 30 seconds, but when you are standing in front of the player to put a disc in, and not on your couch, it feels a lot longer.
The DVD Layer-change delay is very annoying. A 2009 BD player should not have this issue, period! Especially Pioneer since its previous generation of players (BDP-51) had been plagued with this issue and they had a long time to correct it for the newer units. Many older DVD players costing 1/10 its price don't even have this problem. Its very dissapointing.
HD picture quality is absolutely stunning. Its slightly better than the mighty PS3. In source-direct (my default setting), the picture is slightly more neutral and less-noisy, as if there is less video processing. You'd have to look hard to find the difference though. SD upscaling is also very good. It comparable to the Reon HQV thats in my AVR. Audio quality is about the same as the PS3 when decoded internally and transmitted via HDMI. However, I find my Onkyo 885 doing a better job at decoding. When bitstreamed, Dolby digital track sounds much more dynamic and robust and the bass is more actively present. I've compared it with the DRC turned off on the player. I haven't tried the analog outputs.
Overall this player is O.K. I would recommend the bdp-51 (its cheaper and has better build) if your AVR can docode the high-res audio and you don't care too much about BD-live. If I had a choice, I would get the Oppo bdp-83 over the 320/51 for about $200 more. Its faster, has an excellent Anchor Bay VRS scaler, ability to play SACD/DVD-Audio, and customer service and product support you can count on to fix bugs (if any). Since the 320 is fairly new and has the potential to accommodate major firmware updates with its larger ROM, it may be possible to improve its performace in the future, but as of now, the player gets 3/5 rating in my book. Pictures posted on customer image section.
Edit (12/28/09): With the latest FW update (ver. 3.41), pioneer has resolved the DVD layer change issue. Coupled with the recent price drop and performance improvements, this is the best blu-ray player in its price range.
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Spectacular 1080p Picture Quality: The BDP-320 provides up to 1920 x 1080p resolution for unrivaled picture quality. And with True 24fps, Deep Color: The BDP-320 supports 48-bit* Deep Color, offering high definition images with superb color detail. x.v.Color: An advanced feature which greatly broadens the color space HDMI Precision Quartz Lock system (PQLS) Jitterless Transmission (2-ch): By HDMI connection with a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver, CD music is precisely reproduced with minimum jitter. KURO LINK: By connecting the BDP-320 to a Pioneer KURO flat panel TV or monitor and a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver, KURO LINK lets you operate the entire system’s basic functions such as power on/off and playback through KURO’s remote control. The new KURO LINK Video Adjustment System automatically switches to optimal video settings adjusted by unique parameters developed by Pioneer KURO and Blu-ray Disc player engineers. Picture Control Suite: 13 different video adjustments (Progressive Motion, PureCinema, YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, White Level, Black Level, Black Setup, Gamma Correction, Hue, and Chroma Level) Triple High-Definition NR: BD-Live Compliant (Profile 2.0): USB Input for BD-LIVE Contents Storage 7.1 Channel Analog Audio Outputs: For compatibility with non HDMI equipped receivers and preamps. Internal Audio Decoders: The BDP-320 features internal decoding of all advanced audio formats including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio. Easy Operation and Setup: New Advanced HD GUIs for easy navigation.Multi-Format Compatibility: You can play high definition DVD discs recorded by digital video cameras in AVCHD format. You can also play BD-R/RE, DVD-R/RW, etc. recorded using Blu-ray Disc recorders or DVD recorders as well as CD/CD-R.
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