Review of Sony BDP-S550

Bravestime · 10-23-2008, 04:23 PM

I received my unit today and the unit is solid and very well built. I had it up and operating in 5 minutes. As you can see the installation is a breeze. Sony encloses a quick set-up instructions that basicly instructs the owner to plug in the necessary audio and video cables. Then the power cable is last. If BD-Live is desired, then one must insert the memory drive and internet connection, this is explained in the manual. Since I do want BD-Live at this time, I did not hook up the internet connection. Also, to eliminate future BD-Live active movies that request internet connecton, I opted for the "Do not allow" on BD Internet connection. It took all of 30 seconds to then go through the menu quick setup, which comes on after your first initial startup of the unit.

I played Ironman and found the picture very clean a crisp. I would say it may have a slightly better PQ than my S300. The audio is absolutely awesome. The True HD on Ironman sounds so much better than my S300, hands down. The load-up speed is much better as well than my S300.

The load-up times and the AQ are the two biggest features I found far superior than my S300. The S550 looks and sounds great.

**PFC5** · 10-23-2008, 06:48 PM

Congrats & enjoy, but I am sure you will.

Bravestime · 10-23-2008, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Congrats & enjoy, but I am sure you will.

Thanks, I'm already enjoying this unit. Sound quality and the faster loading speeds has made it a great investment. Haven't heard a movie with DTS-MA yet, but looking forward to it.

ClashFan · 10-23-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravestime

Thanks, I'm already enjoying this unit. Sound quality and the faster loading speeds has made it a great investment. Haven't heard a movie with DTS-MA yet, but looking forward to it.

I have. I'm still struggling a bit with getting the analog outs to sound right as compared to my XA2 with HDMI. I'm just not getting the same bass/subwoofer response.

I also don't like where the Home button is on the remote. It is right below the arrow keys and I've inadvertently hit it a few times.

However, the player is very nice. It loads up pretty quickly and the picture is very nice. I like the menu structure in getting to the various settings.

As you mentioned, setup is a snap, but the analog sound lacks a sub crossover setting, and if I set my front speakers up as Large I get no sub sound (even if the Sub is set to be on). So, I'm running my full-range fronts as Small. Maybe that's why I'm not getting great bass response so far compared to HDMI sound. I also can't pan around my speakers quickly with the test sound to balance it out. The player does both fronts at the same time unless you hit enter on one to change the output. Then you can get sound from one speaker, but you have to hit enter again and get a pause before you can get to another speaker (like the center). The sub sound is very "soft" compared to the test tones through my receiver when using HDMI sound.

I too have not yet hooked it up to the Internet, but I may this weekend. I'll also be (finally!!) hooking up my rear surrounds for full 7.1 sound.

Hopefully I'll soon get the analog out sound working...

mytime · 10-23-2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClashFan

I have. I'm still struggling a bit with getting the analog outs to sound right as compared to my XA2 with HDMI. I'm just not getting the same bass/subwoofer response.

I also don't like where the Home button is on the remote. It is right below the arrow keys and I've inadvertently hit it a few times accidentally.

However, the player is very nice. It loads up pretty quickly and the picture is very nice. I like the menu structure in getting to the various settings.

As you mentioned, setup is a snap, but the analog sound lacks a sub crossover setting, and if I set my front speakers up as Large I get no sub sound (even if the Sub is set to be on). So, I'm running my full-range fronts as Small. Maybe that's why I'm not getting great bass response so far compared to HDMI sound. I also can't pan around my speakers quickly with the test sound to balance it out. The player does both fronts at the same time unless you hit enter on one to change the output. Then you can get sound from one speaker, but you have to hit enter again and get a pause before you can get to another speaker (like the center). The sub sound is very "soft" compared to the test tones through my receiver when using HDMI sound.

I too have not yet hooked it up to the Internet, but I may this weekend. I'll also be (finally!!) hooking up my rear surrounds for full 7.1 sound.

Hopefully I'll soon get the analog out sound working...

Hope it works out for you Clash. Btw have you enjoyed many movies with it yet?

Bravestime · 10-23-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClashFan

I have. I'm still struggling a bit with getting the analog outs to sound right as compared to my XA2 with HDMI. I'm just not getting the same bass/subwoofer response.

I also don't like where the Home button is on the remote. It is right below the arrow keys and I've inadvertently hit it a few times.

However, the player is very nice. It loads up pretty quickly and the picture is very nice. I like the menu structure in getting to the various settings.

As you mentioned, setup is a snap, but the analog sound lacks a sub crossover setting, and if I set my front speakers up as Large I get no sub sound (even if the Sub is set to be on). So, I'm running my full-range fronts as Small. Maybe that's why I'm not getting great bass response so far compared to HDMI sound. I also can't pan around my speakers quickly with the test sound to balance it out. The player does both fronts at the same time unless you hit enter on one to change the output. Then you can get sound from one speaker, but you have to hit enter again and get a pause before you can get to another speaker (like the center). The sub sound is very "soft" compared to the test tones through my receiver when using HDMI sound.

I too have not yet hooked it up to the Internet, but I may this weekend. I'll also be (finally!!) hooking up my rear surrounds for full 7.1 sound.

Hopefully I'll soon get the analog out sound working...

So you are letting the S550 do the decoding? I'm letting my Onkyo 705 decode. I did have to adjust my LFE on the 705, but I adjusted to 0db compensation. I had it set to -10db for my S300. This adjustment now puts the LFE back a "normal" setting of 0 db. After this adjustment, the LFE sounds great. After playing Iron Man, the LFE really sounded good.

I believe I read somewhere that the S550 had a drop in LFE of about 10db through the analog out. You may have to adjust your LFE to compensate for this. I believe I also read that the HDMI was uneffected by this.

Did you try setting all your speakers to small to see if this will help with your LFE output?

Good luck with your setup.

**PFC5** · 10-23-2008, 11:40 PM

Typically, the analog inputs are supposed to be 10db lower from the source and the receiver is supposed to boost the LFE channel 10db automatically per the spec, but many just have a adjustment that makes it a manual selection. I know my Denon has this option and so did my Yamaha. Not sure about Onkyo, but I bet the option is there somewhere. Just make sure the receiver is set to the multi-channel input when you do it and it should only effect the analog inputs.

Hope this helps!

Chris Gerhard · 10-24-2008, 05:17 AM

My understanding of the way that should work is setting the main speakers to small is designed to route bass information intended for the main speakers to the subwoofer because the main speakers aren't full range and can't adequately handle the bass. Setting the speakers to large should still result in 5.1 encoded audio directing the .1 bass to the subwoofer regardless but not redirecting bass intended for the main speakers. No subwoofer information at all with 5.1 encoded audio means something is wrong with your settings or your player or receiver. I am using my analog inputs for SACD/DVD-A and using HDMI for Blu-ray and HD DVD including the HD-XA2 and I haven't noted any difference in subwoofer output over HDMI from the Blu-ray or HD DVD players.

One test to try while trouble shooting is connect the HD-XA2 to analog to see if you have the same issue. My best guess is there might be a setting with the player that you don't have set but I don't own the player and can't do any testing here. I did use my BDP-S1 briefly with analog input and noted no issues with the subwoofer.

Chris

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClashFan

I have. I'm still struggling a bit with getting the analog outs to sound right as compared to my XA2 with HDMI. I'm just not getting the same bass/subwoofer response.

I also don't like where the Home button is on the remote. It is right below the arrow keys and I've inadvertently hit it a few times.

However, the player is very nice. It loads up pretty quickly and the picture is very nice. I like the menu structure in getting to the various settings.

As you mentioned, setup is a snap, but the analog sound lacks a sub crossover setting, and if I set my front speakers up as Large I get no sub sound (even if the Sub is set to be on). So, I'm running my full-range fronts as Small. Maybe that's why I'm not getting great bass response so far compared to HDMI sound. I also can't pan around my speakers quickly with the test sound to balance it out. The player does both fronts at the same time unless you hit enter on one to change the output. Then you can get sound from one speaker, but you have to hit enter again and get a pause before you can get to another speaker (like the center). The sub sound is very "soft" compared to the test tones through my receiver when using HDMI sound.

I too have not yet hooked it up to the Internet, but I may this weekend. I'll also be (finally!!) hooking up my rear surrounds for full 7.1 sound.

Hopefully I'll soon get the analog out sound working...

dan.crouthamel · 10-24-2008, 03:26 PM

Hi Bravestime,

So how are you liking the combination of the BDP-S550 with the Onkyo TX-SR705? I have the same receiver and I'm looking to update my Toshiba SD-6200 DVD player from 2000

Bravestime · 10-24-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan.crouthamel

Hi Bravestime,

So how are you liking the combination of the BDP-S550 with the Onkyo TX-SR705? I have the same receiver and I'm looking to update my Toshiba SD-6200 DVD player from 2000

I love this reciever. Use to have a Sony AVR, but I like the Onkyo better. The combination of the Sony S550 and the Onkyo 705 is a great match. I probably could've got the S350, but I rather have a player that would decode to Hd codecs.

Right now I have a issue with my Onkyo, it appears to have the pop/gunshot problem. Some movies that output HD-DTS MA will have pops/gunshot effect, which is pretty loud enough to damage your speakers. However, there is a firmware to correct this problem. In the meantime I set my S550 to do the decoding and this will circumvent the problem. Onkyo will send a FW to correct this. Onkyo has great support.

dan.crouthamel · 10-24-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravestime

I love this reciever. Use to have a Sony AVR, but I like the Onkyo better. The combination of the Sony S550 and the Onkyo 705 is a great match. I probably could've got the S350, but I rather have a player that would decode to Hd codecs.

Right now I have a issue with my Onkyo, it appears to have the pop/gunshot problem. Some movies that output HD-DTS MA will have pops/gunshot effect, which is pretty loud enough to damage your speakers. However, there is a firmware to correct this problem. In the meantime I set my S550 to do the decoding and this will circumvent the problem. Onkyo will send a FW to correct this. Onkyo has great support.

Good information to know. Thanks!!

ClashFan · 10-24-2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravestime

So you are letting the S550 do the decoding? I'm letting my Onkyo 705 decode. I did have to adjust my LFE on the 705, but I adjusted to 0db compensation. I had it set to -10db for my S300. This adjustment now puts the LFE back a "normal" setting of 0 db. After this adjustment, the LFE sounds great. After playing Iron Man, the LFE really sounded good.

I believe I read somewhere that the S550 had a drop in LFE of about 10db through the analog out. You may have to adjust your LFE to compensate for this. I believe I also read that the HDMI was uneffected by this.

Did you try setting all your speakers to small to see if this will help with your LFE output?

Good luck with your setup.

I have to let the S550 do the decoding b/c my receiver does not decode HD audio. Thus I've waited for this player.

HOWEVER, my S550 is NOT decoding DTS HD Master. I have 2 movies, Shoot 'em Up and Dark City, which claim 7.1 DTS MA on the box and in the setup menus, but when I play them, I just get DTS 3/2.1 48 kHz (via the onscreen info when the movie is playing).

I can confirm that I'm getting no rear surround during these movies. Now, my 7.1 setup does work (test tones sound fine in my receiver and in the S550. Also, I'm getting matrixed 7.1 when watching cable TV).

I thought this was supposed to decode DTS MA right out of the box? Is my player bad or is there supposed to be a firmware upgrade??

ClashFan · 10-24-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

My understanding of the way that should work is setting the main speakers to small is designed to route bass information intended for the main speakers to the subwoofer because the main speakers aren't full range and can't adequately handle the bass. Setting the speakers to large should still result in 5.1 encoded audio directing the .1 bass to the subwoofer regardless but not redirecting bass intended for the main speakers. No subwoofer information at all with 5.1 encoded audio means something is wrong with your settings or your player or receiver. I am using my analog inputs for SACD/DVD-A and using HDMI for Blu-ray and HD DVD including the HD-XA2 and I haven't noted any difference in subwoofer output over HDMI from the Blu-ray or HD DVD players.

One test to try while trouble shooting is connect the HD-XA2 to analog to see if you have the same issue. My best guess is there might be a setting with the player that you don't have set but I don't own the player and can't do any testing here. I did use my BDP-S1 briefly with analog input and noted no issues with the subwoofer.

Chris

I went all over my settings and simply cannot find anything wrong. In the S550 setup, if I set the speakers to Large, I get crappy subwoofer, esp. when listening to CDs (2 channel sound...no subwoofer at al.!!). If I set to Small, the subwoofer booms. Oh well, I'll just stick with them set to Small.

I bosted my sub's output level (via the dial on the back of it) from about the 50% mark (where I've always had my subwoofers set....I have no idea if this is correct or not, but I've always done so) to about 60% to get the bass thumping.

I wish the S550 had a sub crossover setting, but it does not. I think that using the analogs for sound means that my receiver's crossover settings and EQ adjustments have no effect for that sound.

ClashFan · 10-24-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Typically, the analog inputs are supposed to be 10db lower from the source and the receiver is supposed to boost the LFE channel 10db automatically per the spec, but many just have a adjustment that makes it a manual selection. I know my Denon has this option and so did my Yamaha. Not sure about Onkyo, but I bet the option is there somewhere. Just make sure the receiver is set to the multi-channel input when you do it and it should only effect the analog inputs.

Hope this helps!

I think my Onkyo receiver just boosts 10 db automatically. There is a setting to cut the sub by either 5, 10, or 15 db, but I have that off. I fiddled with it today, and it sure does LOWER the LFE, not boost it.

As I noted to Chris, I just boosted my sub's out (via the knob on the back) from about the 50% mark to about the 60% mark. The bass sounds much better with the S550/analog outs.

Chris Gerhard · 10-25-2008, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClashFan

I went all over my settings and simply cannot find anything wrong. In the S550 setup, if I set the speakers to Large, I get crappy subwoofer, esp. when listening to CDs (2 channel sound...no subwoofer at al.!!). If I set to Small, the subwoofer booms. Oh well, I'll just stick with them set to Small.

I bosted my sub's output level (via the dial on the back of it) from about the 50% mark (where I've always had my subwoofers set....I have no idea if this is correct or not, but I've always done so) to about 60% to get the bass thumping.

I wish the S550 had a sub crossover setting, but it does not. I think that using the analogs for sound means that my receiver's crossover settings and EQ adjustments have no effect for that sound.

With 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 audio and analog output the player will not create LFE with speakers set to large, that is by design and I have owned several SACD/DVD-A players that work the same way. Again the concept is full range speakers with adequate bass and you might want to handle bass differently than if you have small speakers all around. Setting speakers to small and the player creates the .1 for you since you likely want the subwoofer to handle it.

You might report the low LFE output to Sony and go to AVSForums and see if that is a known issue. If it is, it is likely an issue that can be fixed by firmware.

Chris

10-23-2008, 04:23 PM	#1
Bravestime Supporter of HiDef Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Aiken, SC Age: 53 Posts: 4,506	Review of Sony BDP-S550 I received my unit today and the unit is solid and very well built. I had it up and operating in 5 minutes. As you can see the installation is a breeze. Sony encloses a quick set-up instructions that basicly instructs the owner to plug in the necessary audio and video cables. Then the power cable is last. If BD-Live is desired, then one must insert the memory drive and internet connection, this is explained in the manual. Since I do want BD-Live at this time, I did not hook up the internet connection. Also, to eliminate future BD-Live active movies that request internet connecton, I opted for the "Do not allow" on BD Internet connection. It took all of 30 seconds to then go through the menu quick setup, which comes on after your first initial startup of the unit. I played Ironman and found the picture very clean a crisp. I would say it may have a slightly better PQ than my S300. The audio is absolutely awesome. The True HD on Ironman sounds so much better than my S300, hands down. The load-up speed is much better as well than my S300. The load-up times and the AQ are the two biggest features I found far superior than my S300. The S550 looks and sounds great. __________________ Life is Short, Watch a Movie

10-23-2008, 06:48 PM	#2
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,820	Congrats & enjoy, but I am sure you will. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

10-23-2008, 11:40 PM	#7
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,820	Typically, the analog inputs are supposed to be 10db lower from the source and the receiver is supposed to boost the LFE channel 10db automatically per the spec, but many just have a adjustment that makes it a manual selection. I know my Denon has this option and so did my Yamaha. Not sure about Onkyo, but I bet the option is there somewhere. Just make sure the receiver is set to the multi-channel input when you do it and it should only effect the analog inputs. Hope this helps! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

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10-24-2008, 03:26 PM	#9
dan.crouthamel What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2	Hi Bravestime, So how are you liking the combination of the BDP-S550 with the Onkyo TX-SR705? I have the same receiver and I'm looking to update my Toshiba SD-6200 DVD player from 2000