Sharp BD-HP20H Bluray Player Review

The sharp BD-HP20H is a relatively low priced Blu ray player but is it worth the money?

It is certainly aesthetically pleasing with a pleasingly minimalistic look. The fascia is mirrored and the top section is jet black in comparison. There are some pretty lights that let you know which kind of DVD you’re playing but you can turn this option off, if pretty lights aren’t your thing.

The connection line-up has an HDMI 1.3 output, which can output video up to 1080p at 24 frames per second (if you love movies this is great) plus 7.1-channel audio bitstreams. There is also component, composite, S-video and stereo audio outputs on the rear, plus coaxial and optical digital audio outputs for regular DTS and Dolby Digital playback although there is no USB port or memory card slot at all.

There's analogue audio outputs that give you Dolby Digital Plus, high-resolution Dolby True HD and Dolby Digital Plus soundtracks to an amplifier. They are only 5.1 though, not 7.1, which means that users without HDMI-equipped receivers can't take advantage of 7.1-channel Blu-ray soundtracks at all which is a definite negative point.

While we’re talking negative, this is only a profile one player, meaning it can’t, won’t and is unable to play Profile 1.1 which is disappointing. Also it doesn’t support many different formats meaning you’ll have to hang on to your DVD player or throw out all your old DVD’s which seems a bit extreme.

But more pluses, there’s a great, easy to use remote control, the picture is incredibly crisp and clear, giving you just what you expect from your blu-ray DVD experience and there is a great quick start option that means you can get to view your movie quickly.

All in all, this isn’t a bad little player considering it’s small price tag.