UHD is a consumer standard (3840 x 2160p). For some reason, people settled on 4K because it's roughly 4,000 pixels wide. Strictly speaking, 4K and UHD are not exactly the same: 4K is a cinematic standard, (4096 x 2160p). Now we have 2160p (ultra-high definition, Ultra HD, or UHD), usually called 4K. The previous big step forward was from 720p to 1080p (known as high definition or HD). It is the most recent advance in visual standards.

It has a shorter wavelength than the red laser used in older players, so more information can be stored in the same amount of space. This curated list of the best Blu-ray player options should help you find the right setup for your needs.“Blu-ray” refers to the laser that reads the disc. Plus, if you don't have a 4K TV and a library of only regular Blu-rays, you can save money by buying a 1080p-only player like the Sony BDP-S3700.Īre you ready to make the most of your 4K content? Grab an HDMI cable and get ready to enjoy the excellent playback and top-notch viewing experience that Blu-ray players have to offer. But if you miss those glitches, the vast majority of the best Blu-ray players can accommodate your streaming service of choice, including Netflix (some even in 4K), Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.Ĭurrent gaming consoles like the high-end PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X can play both types of Blu-ray in addition to the latest games. Problems you encounter with streaming apps like dropouts, bandwidth caps and buffering are nonexistent. Even better, all Blu-ray players will work with your DVD and CD collections, too. Both are a step up from a traditional DVD player, but getting a 4K model will let you play both kinds of Blu-rays and give you access to Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, DTS:X and HDR10 formats for top-rate image quality. Not only will having a hardware player prevent this problem (assuming you own the title you would like to watch), but the best Blu-ray player options also offer the best image and sound quality available, thanks to the enhanced storage capacities of Blu-ray discs.Ĭurrently, there are two types of Blu-ray player available: 4K UHD Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray. One major concession is that rights constantly change hands and sometimes the show or film you would like to watch is unavailable through a streaming service you have a subscription through. We are in the age of streaming, but there are still plenty of good reasons to watch movies on a Blu-ray player.

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