The Official Sony BDP-S350 Owners Thread

jlangner · 07-08-08, 11:34 AM

Profile: Currently 2.0 BD Live via upgrade 010.

Latest Firmware: 07.x.020 (released 10/21/09) X = 2 or 4.
x =
2 = CD burned
4 is Players Ethernet

Check your latest firmware version: From the players Home menu, go to System and then System Information.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu...50&region_id=1

Analog Outs: Only 2 channel

Decodes: Currently the unit will internally decode Dolby TrueHD but not DTS-MA. It will bitstream all codecs however.

On Screen Menu System: It is almost identical to the PS3 setup menus.

Owners Manual:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/mod...pl?mdl=BDPS350

Unit Powerup:

6 seconds if Quick Start is enabled in the setup menu.
20 if Quick Start is disabled in the setup menu.

Load Times:

Ratatouille: 0:49 (previews)
Batman Begins: 0:27 (FBI Warning)
POTC-BP: 1:03 (Previews)
POTC-WE: 0:28 (Previews)
3:10 to Yuma: 0:50 (Lionsgate pic)
F4-SS: 1:00 (FBI warning)
Cloverfield: 0:49
Alvin & Chipmunks: 0:35
Spider 3: 0:58 (Sony screen)

Bitstream of DolbyTrueHD & DTS-MA = Yes. I have checked and it will as long as it is set to "Direct".

Additional Memory: Uses usb flash memory, however the width of the flash memory may restrict it's use. So far most "micro" versions work. Memory like "SanDisk" is too big to fit into indention.

Source Direct Option: No

Known Issues: There have been no major issues reported although a few have reported a "Yellow Push". In those cases most have simply returned the player and exchanged for a new one and have had no further problems.

jlangner · 07-08-08, 11:42 AM

Here are a few pages from the manual:

jlangner · 07-08-08, 11:56 AM

One more.

rveras · 07-08-08, 12:00 PM

No Source Direct option for those interested. Ouchhhhhhhh!!!

Blacklac · 07-08-08, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rveras

No Source Direct option for those interested. Ouchhhhhhhh!!!

So far...

But it does output 480i.

jlangner · 07-08-08, 12:10 PM

BD-Live flyer in the box. Says 2008 will be BD-Live.

FCEEVIPER · 07-08-08, 12:13 PM

Mine is getting close...

Quote:

Jul 8, 2008 8:08 AM

On FedEx vehicle for delivery

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA

8:02 AM

At local FedEx facility

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA

Jul 7, 2008 8:34 PM

At dest sort facility

LOS ANGELES, CA

7:28 PM

Left FedEx origin facility

GARDENA, CA

4:10 PM

Picked up

GARDENA, CA

Jul 5, 2008 8:46 PM

Package data transmitted to FedEx

jlangner · 07-08-08, 12:14 PM

I am surprised how small it is. I am coming from a BDP-S350 and this is tiny compared to it.

AKM74 · 07-08-08, 12:14 PM

any DIVX support ?

MrLatte · 07-08-08, 12:26 PM

Does it allow 4x3 material (like old TV shows on DVD) to remain in a 4x3 box without stretching it to fit the 16x9 screen?

jlangner · 07-08-08, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKM74

any DIVX support ?

I don't see it listed, but here is that page.

jlangner · 07-08-08, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrLatte

Does it allow 4x3 material (like old TV shows on DVD) to remain in a 4x3 box without stretching it to fit the 16x9 screen?

I am at work, so no actual on hand testing available.

It appears so:

Micah008 · 07-08-08, 12:32 PM

Can anyone tell from these scans of the manual how the bitstreaming works, and what happens with secondary audio?

I don't even see an option that talks about bitstreaming the HD audio.

MrLatte · 07-08-08, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrLatte

Does it allow 4x3 material (like old TV shows on DVD) to remain in a 4x3 box without stretching it to fit the 16x9 screen?

Looks like there's an option for 4:3 source material for a 16:9 TV but the wording in the choices seems confusing. I'm sure one of them will work!

From page 41 of the manual:

Screen Format: Selects the display configuration for a 4:3 screen picture on a 16:9 wide screen TV.

Original (default): Select this when connecting to a TV with a wide mode function. Displays a 4:3 screen picture in a 16:9 aspect ratio even on a wide-screen TV.

Fixed Aspect Ratio: Changes the picture size to fit the screen size with the original picture aspect ratio.

Ruined · 07-08-08, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rveras

No Source Direct option for those interested. Ouchhhhhhhh!!!

Well, scratch this one and the BDP-S550 off my (already very short) list.

For me at least,
No Source Direct = No Reon/Realta/VP50/etc for 1080i Blu-ray and 480i DVD = NO SALE!

Thanks for the quick work in scanning the manual guys, this cements my decision for the Pioneer BDP-51FD based on my needs to use the Reon chip in my processor for maximum quality. The BDP-51FD has no competition in its pricerange for use with an external video processor IMO.

For someone who does not have a receiver or processor with something like Reon/Realta and have no intention of buying one, though, the S350 unit is obviously still a good deal.

beckp · 07-08-08, 01:27 PM

Seems to me that a lot of folks are looking for advanced features in an entry level BD player ... frankly I want a player that doesn't take forever to load, doesn't reject/refuse to play many disc's and will give me at least the ability for 5.1 sound via optical (or analog) to my older receiver. I know others are looking for more but at some point you have to distinqish between entry level player and higher models.

Woodshed · 07-08-08, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacklac

So far...

But it does output 480i.

Over HDMI?

thebland · 07-08-08, 01:36 PM

Looking at the manual, No DTS MA or DTS HR over HDMI (LPCM). That's not good. Core only.

rveras · 07-08-08, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlangner

I am at work, so no actual on hand testing available.

It appears so:

jlangner,

As a AVS member you should know that new toys always comes before work. You have disrespected your fellow AVS members that are anxiously awaiting you comments on this player. We are willing to forgive you if you leave work right now and start playing with your new toy

rveras · 07-08-08, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebland

Looking at the manual, No DTS MA or DTS HR over HDMI (LPCM). That's not good. Core only.

That job will be handled by the Sony S550.

Micah008 · 07-08-08, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebland

Looking at the manual, No DTS MA or DTS HR over HDMI (LPCM). That's not good. Core only.

You are just saying it can't decode them into LPCM, correct? (Which was not an expected feature)

It can bitstream somehow, right?

Allan2 · 07-08-08, 01:52 PM

Just received mine and set it up. SD play is just fine (not great, not quite as good as my OPPO, but just fine). One minor issue for me is that I connect to my TV via HDMI but also output via composite cables for distribution through a modulator to the rest of the house. Well, you can only set the 350 to ouput to one connection and if you configure it for HDMI and set it for AUTO or 1080P, the other connections will not output. However, I set it up for composite output instead of HDMI and ALL connections work fine - including the HDMI. I don't know if it's outputting 1080i or 1080p, but either way it looks GREAT.

rveras · 07-08-08, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micah008

It can bitstream somehow, right?

Yes if you set the HDMI audio out to Auto instead of PCM.

hellerbrewing · 07-08-08, 01:58 PM

Only 5.1 with DTS-MA?

slimm · 07-08-08, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan2

Just received mine and set it up. SD play is just fine (not great, not quite as good as my OPPO, but just fine). One minor issue for me is that I connect to my TV via HDMI but also output via composite cables for distribution through a modulator to the rest of the house. Well, you can only set the 350 to ouput to one connection and if you configure it for HDMI and set it for AUTO or 1080P, the other connections will not output. However, I set it up for composite output instead of HDMI and ALL connections work fine - including the HDMI. I don't know if it's outputting 1080i or 1080p, but either way it looks GREAT.

What is the startup time and load times for discs?

drewzus · 07-08-08, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellerbrewing

Only 5.1 with DTS-MA?

I was just looking at that as well. Bummer.

gordon@1310 · 07-08-08, 02:01 PM

Alan,

Which Oppo do you have? I have the 980 and am curious how it looks compared to that.

Thanks.

Allan2 · 07-08-08, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimm

What is the startup time and load times for discs?

Reasonable - faster than previous Sony models. I'd say on a par with my Oppo.

thebland · 07-08-08, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micah008

You are just saying it can't decode them into LPCM, correct? (Which was not an expected feature)

It can bitstream somehow, right?

Looks exactly like the Pioneer Audio page.

rjacob60 · 07-08-08, 02:02 PM

quick question for the non-savy.

I have an older DVD player, with an optical connection to my surround sound receiver (oldie but works fine for me). If the DVD is DTS or Dolby, a blue light comes on and I enjoy 5.1 sound.

With the S350, will I have the same ease with blu-ray and my old DVD's on my old receiver with just an optical connection?

07-08-08, 11:34 AM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
jlangner Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 173	The Official Sony BDP-S350 Owners Thread Profile: Currently 2.0 BD Live via upgrade 010. Latest Firmware: 07.x.020 (released 10/21/09) X = 2 or 4. x = 2 = CD burned 4 is Players Ethernet Check your latest firmware version: From the players Home menu, go to System and then System Information. http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu...50&region_id=1 Analog Outs: Only 2 channel Decodes: Currently the unit will internally decode Dolby TrueHD but not DTS-MA. It will bitstream all codecs however. On Screen Menu System: It is almost identical to the PS3 setup menus. Owners Manual: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/mod...pl?mdl=BDPS350 Unit Powerup: 6 seconds if Quick Start is enabled in the setup menu. 20 if Quick Start is disabled in the setup menu. Load Times: Ratatouille: 0:49 (previews) Batman Begins: 0:27 (FBI Warning) POTC-BP: 1:03 (Previews) POTC-WE: 0:28 (Previews) 3:10 to Yuma: 0:50 (Lionsgate pic) F4-SS: 1:00 (FBI warning) Cloverfield: 0:49 Alvin & Chipmunks: 0:35 Spider 3: 0:58 (Sony screen) Bitstream of DolbyTrueHD & DTS-MA = Yes. I have checked and it will as long as it is set to "Direct". Additional Memory: Uses usb flash memory, however the width of the flash memory may restrict it's use. So far most "micro" versions work. Memory like "SanDisk" is too big to fit into indention. Source Direct Option: No Known Issues: There have been no major issues reported although a few have reported a "Yellow Push". In those cases most have simply returned the player and exchanged for a new one and have had no further problems. __________________ Blu-Ray: 40 Yamaha RX-V663 Sony BDP-S350 Last edited by jlangner; 11-14-09 at 12:21 AM..

07-08-08, 12:14 PM	#8 \| Link
jlangner Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 173	I am surprised how small it is. I am coming from a BDP-S350 and this is tiny compared to it. __________________ Blu-Ray: 40 Yamaha RX-V663 Sony BDP-S350

07-08-08, 12:26 PM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
MrLatte Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Washington State Posts: 158	Does it allow 4x3 material (like old TV shows on DVD) to remain in a 4x3 box without stretching it to fit the 16x9 screen?

07-08-08, 01:36 PM	#18 \| Link
thebland Nostradamus of HT AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Detroit, Michigan USA Posts: 20,115 Classified Rating: 100% (3)	Looking at the manual, No DTS MA or DTS HR over HDMI (LPCM). That's not good. Core only. __________________ Jeff

07-08-08, 01:52 PM	#22 \| Link
Allan2 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 193	Just received mine and set it up. SD play is just fine (not great, not quite as good as my OPPO, but just fine). One minor issue for me is that I connect to my TV via HDMI but also output via composite cables for distribution through a modulator to the rest of the house. Well, you can only set the 350 to ouput to one connection and if you configure it for HDMI and set it for AUTO or 1080P, the other connections will not output. However, I set it up for composite output instead of HDMI and ALL connections work fine - including the HDMI. I don't know if it's outputting 1080i or 1080p, but either way it looks GREAT. __________________ Allan Forum Admin Tweaks.com

07-08-08, 12:00 PM	#4 \| Link
rveras AVS Special Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Haverhill, MA Posts: 1,728	No Source Direct option for those interested. Ouchhhhhhhh!!!

07-08-08, 12:14 PM	#9 \| Link
AKM74 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 60	any DIVX support ?

07-08-08, 12:32 PM	#13 \| Link
Micah008 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 470	Can anyone tell from these scans of the manual how the bitstreaming works, and what happens with secondary audio? I don't even see an option that talks about bitstreaming the HD audio.

07-08-08, 01:27 PM	#16 \| Link
beckp Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 124	Seems to me that a lot of folks are looking for advanced features in an entry level BD player ... frankly I want a player that doesn't take forever to load, doesn't reject/refuse to play many disc's and will give me at least the ability for 5.1 sound via optical (or analog) to my older receiver. I know others are looking for more but at some point you have to distinqish between entry level player and higher models.

07-08-08, 01:58 PM	#24 \| Link
hellerbrewing Threadkiller Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 730	Only 5.1 with DTS-MA?

07-08-08, 02:01 PM	#27 \| Link
gordon@1310 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 163	Alan, Which Oppo do you have? I have the 980 and am curious how it looks compared to that. Thanks.

07-08-08, 02:02 PM	#30 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
rjacob60 New Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6	quick question for the non-savy. I have an older DVD player, with an optical connection to my surround sound receiver (oldie but works fine for me). If the DVD is DTS or Dolby, a blue light comes on and I enjoy 5.1 sound. With the S350, will I have the same ease with blu-ray and my old DVD's on my old receiver with just an optical connection?