The Sony BDP-S3200 is just above Sony’s entry-level model, but still, it is packed with almost all the features that go into making up a premium Blu-Ray player. It offers high-quality Blu-Ray playback, considerable file formats via USB, built-in “super” Wi-Fi, DLNA streaming, and access to the Sony Entertainment Network.
What’s missing is 3D support and 4K upscaling, but the latter is included in most 4K displays.
PROS:
Attractive compact design
Good variety of online content
Easy to use
TV SideView app
Upgrading DVD to Near HD Quality
Miracast Mobile Device Mirroring
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Quick Start / Quick Charge Mode
CONS:
No 3D or 4K upscaling
XMB interface is outdated
Design
The BDP-S3200 follows the same Sense of Quartz trend as last year’s BDP-S3100. Measuring only 10.4 inches, it is very compact and suitable for most tight spaces. The top slopes towards all four corners and the glossy surface adds to its sleek look, but on the other hand, you are likely to pick up fingerprints. In the upper right corner you’ll find the power and open / close buttons, while the front features a covered USB port and a slim, display-less disk tray. You will have to rely on the on-screen display for its operation.
Connections
Flip the player over and you’ll find just the basics, an HDMI output, a coaxial digital audio output, and an Ethernet port for DSL cable. This is happening with what is expected in this extremely competitive price range.
Specifications and Features
Mirror your smartphone content on your big screen
Thanks to Miracast technology, you can mirror content from your smart device (smartphone or tablet) to your Smart TV. This allows you to share video clips, video streaming, games and much more to your Smart TV, without having to connect any cables.
Use your smartphone as a remote control and more with TV Sideview
The TV SideView app for iPhone or Android allows you to control Sony with your smartphone or tablet, which works as a remote control or mouse for browsing the web. When you’re connected, just enter a four-digit code and you’re good to go.
Fast charging and super quiet operation
Super Quick Start will boot up your player in less than 2 seconds, while Blu-ray disc playback is smooth with faster loading than previous versions. The BDP-S3200 uses a sealed dust resistant mechanism that minimizes mechanical noise.
Image quality
Your Blu-ray Disc movie collection can be enjoyed in Full HD (1080p), while the visual quality of normal DVDs can be upgraded to near HD quality.
Content and file support
Sony’s entertainment network gives you access to over 300 streaming services, including movies, TV shows, music from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora, BBC News, Amazon Instant Video, along with unlimited video services. and music from Sony and much more.
Connect a USB storage device to the USB port and enjoy a variety of video file formats, including MKV, AVC HD, MPEG, AVI, MP4, MOV, WMV, and Xvid formats.
For photos and music, switch to the other side of the XMB, where GIF, JPEG, and PNG photo files are supported, as well as MP4, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, WAV, WMA, and music.
Remote control
The remote feels solid in the hand, with bulky arrow buttons that are well positioned for your thumb. Below the arrow keys, you will find buttons for Home, SEN, and Netflix. There are fewer buttons than previous versions, making for a less cluttered remote.
The BDP-S3200 uses the same Xross Media Bar start menu, which consists of two converging axes, with the categories running horizontally and the opposite options listed vertically. Use the arrow keys to quickly navigate between the options.
Verdict
It is stylish and compact, with a wide range of functions. It will do a fantastic job playing your Blu-Ray collection, but it lacks the streaming media department of its competitors.
For more information, visit http://www.streaming-players.com/Sony-BDP-S3200-Review