LG BD550 Blu-ray Player Review

The BD550 is a new entry level Blu-ray Player from LG. One of four new players LG is introducing in 2010. The BD550 is the least expensive, with a price range of under $200.00. It is very similar to the BD570 model. The big difference between the two is that this model does not have any Wi-Fi options. However, the BD550 is equipped with some great features and has a very reasonable price tag.

Like all of LG's line up of Blu-ray Players this year, the BD550 has a slim and sleek looking design, with a black finish. The disc loading tray and the control panel buttons are located on the front of the player. All other connections are at the rear of the player. There is an Ethernet Port to connect to the internet, but no Wi-Fi capability. If you are looking to go wireless with your Blu-ray Player, you will have to look else where. Both of LG's new models the BD570 and the BD590 have Wi-Fi capabilities.

Video Quality: The LG BD550 has very good picture quality for an entry level Blu-ray Player. The video connections are located on the back. You can use one of the following to connect the video: HDMI, Component or Composite Video Outputs. Connecting via HDMI will give you the best possible picture quality at Full 1080p when playing back Blu-ray discs on a compatible HDTV. The BD550 will improve DVD viewing as well. It upscales standard DVDs to near 1080p High Definition levels.

Audio Quality: The BD550 has internal audio decoding for PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS. It can be connected through the HDMI port, Analog audio Out(2ch) or the digital coaxial audio out. When connected via the HDMI connection you will get 7.1ch output for all the latest high resolution audio formats. It has an Audio Digital to Analog Converter of 24bit / 192KHz.

Beside playback of Blu-ray discs and DVDs, the BD550 has NetCast Entertainment. Providing 1000's of online movies, music, photos and videos. You get access to Netflix, CinemaNow, VUDU, YouTube, Pandora, AccuWeather and many more. Of course you will need to be connected to the internet to take advantage of this online streaming content.

Once connected to the internet, via the LAN port, you can get firmware upgrades and BD-Live content. BD-Live content is available through some Blu-ray discs that give you access to a whole array of extra features. Such as updated movie trailers, deleted scenes, interactive online games, chat rooms, and live commentary. The BD550 also has an USB Media Host feature which lets you view photos, music and video files through the USB port.

THE PROS: The LG BD550 Blu-ray Player has great video and audio quality. It has internal audio decoding for PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS. Online Streaming Services including Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube. It is also DLNA compliant.

THE CONS: It has no Wi-Fi option, so if you want to go wireless you will have to look elsewhere, such as the BD570 or BD590.

THE FINAL WORD: The LG BD550 is a very good entry level Blu-ray Player. It provides great video and audio quality. It is filled with many great features such as online streaming services, SimpLink and USB Media Host. It would make a very good introduction to the High Definition Blu-ray experience. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $200.00

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