The Sony BDP-S3200 is just above Sony’s entry-level model, but still packed with almost all the features that go into the making of a premium Blu-Ray player. It offers high-quality Blu-Ray playback, sizable file formats via USB, built-in ‘super’ Wi-Fi, DLNA streaming and access to the Sony Entertainment Network.
What’s missing is 3D support and 4K upscaling, but the latter is included in most 4K displays.
PROS:
Attractive compact design
Good variety of online content.
Easy to use
TV SideView application
Convert DVD to near HD quality
Miracast Mobile Device Mirroring
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Quick Start / Quick Charge Mode
CONS:
No 3D or 4K upscaling
The XMB interface is outdated
Design
The BDP-S3200 follows the same Sense of Quartz trend as last year’s BDP-S3100. Measuring just 10.4 inches, it’s very compact and suitable for most tight spaces. The top slopes to all four corners and the glossy surface adds to its sleek look, but on the other hand it’s likely to have finger marks. In the upper right corner you’ll find the power and open/close buttons, while the front features a covered USB port and a slim, screenless drive tray. You will have to rely on the on-screen display for its operation.
connections
Flip the player over and you’ll find just the basics, an HDMI output, a coaxial digital audio output, and an Ethernet port for DSL cable. This is on par with what is expected in this extremely competitive price range.
Specification and features
Mirror your smartphone content on your big screen
Thanks to Miracast technology, you can mirror the content of your smart device (smartphone or tablet) to your smart TV. This allows you to share video clips, stream videos, games and much more to your Smart TV, without having to connect any cables.
Use your smartphone as a remote and more with TV Sideview
The TV SideView app for iPhone or Android lets you control Sony with your smartphone or tablet, working as a remote or mouse for browsing the web. When you’re connected, simply enter a four-digit code and you’re ready to go!
Fast charging and super quiet operation
Super Quick Start will launch your player in less than 2 seconds, while Blu-ray Disc playback is smooth with faster loading than previous versions. The BDP-S3200 uses a dust-resistant sealed mechanism that minimizes mechanical noise.
Picture quality
Your Blu-ray Disc movie collection can be enjoyed in Full HD (1080p), while the visual quality of regular DVDs can be upscaled to near HD quality.
Content and file support
Sony’s Entertainment Network gives you access to over 300 streaming services, including movies, TV shows, music from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora, BBC News, Amazon Instant Video, along with Video and Music Unlimited services. from Sony and much more.
Connect a USB storage device to the USB port and enjoy a variety of video file formats, including MKV, AVC HD, MPEG, AVI, MP4, MOV, WMV, and Xvid formats.
For photos and music, turn to the other side of the XMB, where GIF, JPEG, and PNG photo files are supported, as well as MP4, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, WAV, WMA, and music.
Remote control
The remote feels solid in the hand, with bulky arrow buttons that are well-positioned for your thumb. Below the arrow keys, you’ll find buttons for Home, SEN, and Netflix. There are fewer buttons than previous versions, making the remote less cluttered.
The BDP-S3200 uses the same Xross Media Bar home menu, which consists of two converging axes, with the categories running horizontally and the opposite options listed vertically. Use the arrow keys to quickly navigate between options.
Verdict
It is elegant and compact, with a wide range of functions. It will do a fantastic job of playing your Blu-Ray collection, but it lacks the streaming media department of its competitors.
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