Pioneer has always tried to build a reputation of allowing us to view movies the way the director originally intended. In the past movies shown on TV would have to be converted from 24fps to 30fps. Resulting in a less than stellar images. The BDP-330 Blu-ray Player brings with it, True 24fps and up to 1080p resolution. Providing us with images being displayed at their natural speed. The BDP-330 is an entry level Blu-ray player, but it does have some great media features such as online streaming, Wi-Fi capability and BD-Live support. Another staple you will find in Pioneer products is its sturdy and reliable build quality. The BDP-330 is no exception. It is a very solidly built machine, but still maintaining a sleek, hi-tech look with a glossy black finish and a neon blue light located on the front panel. And there are some control buttons on the front panel as well, like Power, Open/Close, Play and a USB Port. There is an added benefit of shutting off the front display during playback.
VIDEO QUALITY: On the back of the player you have a HDMI, Component Outputs and Composite Outputs for video connections. HDMI connection will bring you 1080/24fps video output on Blu-ray Discs. Most experts tests, including Silicon Optix HQV, show the BDP-330 passing. Even when up-scaling DVDs, the BDP-330 produces clear, crisp, well defined images. Some video features include 36-bit Deep Color support and x.v.Color (Your source material and display screen has to be compatible with these features in order for you to use them). The player is lacking picture adjustment, which is kind of surprising since Pioneer usually equips all their devices with this feature.
AUDIO QUALITY: Audio connection found on the back of the player include HDMI, Optical Digital Outputs and 2.0-ch Analog Outputs. Since the player lacks any multi-channel analog outputs, those with an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver will have to look elsewhere. Digital audio formats, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD, can be transferred as a native bitstream or the player can decode them internally. The player is equipped with high-quality DACs and the Pioneer exclusive PQLS features. This latest iteration of Pioneer's Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) when used with a compatible Pioneer Audio/Video receiver, sources such as Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, even CDs are exactly reproduced with minimum jitter during multi-channel LPCM and bitstream output.
The BDP-330 is a Profile 2.0 player, so it is capable of supporting BD-Live Content. This is downloadable content that can be accessed on certain Blu-ray Discs. However, a USB memory stick is required, with at least 1GB of memory, since the BDP-330 has no built-in storage memory. A USB memory stick can be used to playback MP3 files and JPEG photos as well, but no other media files. It does support recorded CDs and DVDs and the AVCHD format.
The BDP-330 provides us with two options to connect to the internet. There is an Ethernet Port located on the back or you can go wireless and use a AS-WL100 dongle that is inserted into one of the two USB Ports. The wireless LAN adapter is sold separately. Connecting to the internet will give you access to online streaming services Netflix, YouTube and RSS feeds.
The BDP-330 is certainly not overflowing with extra features. What it has going for it is a solid build with great Blu-ray Discs images and audio quality. If these core features are your main reasons for purchasing a Blu-ray Player, the BDP-330 should suit you just fine.
THE PROS: The Pioneer BDP-330 offers internet connection with streaming sites like YouTube and RSS Feeds. You can control the BDP-330 through iPod touch or iPhone. Has internal audio decoders for Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD® High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
THE CONS: It has a wireless option (802.11) for connecting to the internet, but it is not built-in. You will have to use a USB Wireless Adapter (AS-WL100 - Sold Separately). Has no internal memory and has limited streaming media sites. Although Pioneer has recently made Netflix compatible with the BDP-330. There is no DLNA capability.
THE FINAL WORD: The BDP-300 is very basic Blu-ray Player from Pioneer, it does have very good picture and audio quality. Offers you an internet connection (Wired/Wireless), BD-Live access, dual USB Ports, and internal decoding from the latest High Resolution audio formats. However, it does lack the streaming Media Content and Network capabilities of other Blu-ray Players in this price range. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $250.00
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