Sony BDP-S1100, S3100, and S5100 Blu-ray Player Comparison

Every year we see a flood of new AV products hit the market, and Blu-ray players are no different. We've already covered Samsung's 2013 offerings, so up next is Sony. This year, Sony has a pretty slim line with only 3 models. Ranging from an MSRP of $89.99 to $139.99, they have settled squarely into the consumer mass market offering everything that you’d expect in this segment (streaming video, Wi-Fi), and nothing that you wouldn’t (analog multi-channel outputs, 4K upscaling).

BDP-S1100 - $89.99

We’ll start with the entry level so that you can get an idea of just what basically functionality is included in all models.  At a price point down in the double digits, you get basic Blu-ray playback and network features without any surprises.  However, the S1100 does not include support for BDLive, which I personally consider a distraction of limited use and wouldn’t miss, but I don’t know how you roll.

The BDP-S1100 does have an Ethernet jack, and you can use it to pull down content from streaming sites like Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Amazon Instant Video, and dozens more. The back of the unit also sports one HDMI and one digital coax outputs. This sparse rear panel is carried through all the way up the line, meaning that individuals who want a second HDMI output or digital optical connections will need to look elsewhere.

A front USB port allows playback of several audio formats including lossless FLAC and LPCM, video including MPEG-4 AVC, and common image formats.  Navigation is provided by Sony’s Xross media bar, which should be familiar to owners of other modern Sony gear. From our past experience, the Xross media bar works fine, not spectacular, but good enough. Those same Sony acolytes may also benefit from Bravia Sync, which allows you to control other connected Sony gear through a single remote via HDMI. This is great if your Blu-ray player will be in a cabinet, out of line-of-sight with the remote, or if you want one-button startup without using a programmable multi-function remote. Even if your TV isn't Sony, in the past we've seen HDMI control work across other TV brands with Sony Blu-ray players.

The BDP-1100 also sports the increasingly popular compact chassis format.  Gone are the days of the standard 17” rack width as all the Sony players have shaved a few inches.  The BDP-1100 (and BDP-3100) hold a narrow stance at only 11.4 inches wide, perfect for freeing up space in your cabinet, or making compact installations in a bedroom or RV possible.  Controls are also mounted on an angled facet on the top of the unit, making them easy to see and operate from above. At the same time, that means you can't really stack anything on top of the player. Overall, we're really impressed with the amount of functionality Sony was able to build into this sub $100 unit.

Sony BDP-S1100 

BDP-S3100 -$119.99

The name of the game with the BDP-3100 is network connected functionality.  It adds built-in Wi-fi and several other features designed to play nice with new media sources. The first is Home Share (DLNA) capabilities, which allows you to simply connect and playback media from other DLNA-certified devices, like a laptop.

The second is compatibility with Sony’s TV SideView software for iOS, Android, and PC.  This allows you to use your device as a program guide with remote control, which is good for scanning other content without interrupting what’s on the big screen. Also included is Sony’s web browser supporting Java, Search, and Streaming, along with BDLive 2.0. Again, it supports all of the features of the BDP-S1100, including the front USB port.

Sony BDP-S3100

BDP-S5100 - $139.99

Perhaps a sign of 3D’s dwindling relevance, it’s not until we take a look at the top of the line BDP-S5100 that we see the 3rd dimension, along with built-in 2D to 3D conversion and 3D .mpo photo support.  Less prominent differentiators include SACD support and a second USB port in the rear.  The S5100 chassis also stretches out a bit at 14.25 inches wide. While there are no analog connections on the BDP-S5100, it should be able to handle most any task a typical consumer would throw its way.

Sony BDP-S5100

Conclusion

If you just want the ability to play Blu-rays and streaming content, along with a fairly robust support list for audio and video via a USB device, the BDP-S1100 has everything you need.  Stepping up to the BDP-3100 will make sense for those who want built-in Wi-Fi, the ability to playback some content from computers and mobile devices, or who really dig BDLive.  The BDP-5100 is for those looking for 3D and/or SACD support.  Across the line, there are no glaring omissions, though there also isn’t much to differentiate the Sony offerings from LG, Samsung, Panasonic, or any of the other players.  In short, the three models represent rational choices in a crowded market. 

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.