The heavyweight Pioneer BDP-LX71 costs big bucks (over half a grand), but that’s because it’s one of the best Blu-ray players around capable of squirting out the full range of DVD formats, DivX and AVC-HD and upscaling to 1080p!
And it’s that picture quality that makes the Pioneer BDP-LX71 stand out among its peers like an Albino holidaying in Italy. Thanks to a range of digital filters, processors and systems, the picture quality is just as immense if you’re watching from a Blu-ry disc or DVD. The BDP-LX71 reduces noise, sharpens edges and spruces up colours, giving your old DVDs a real pick me up.
It also boasts Wolfson DACs a full complement of 7.1 analogue outputs for audiophile level sound that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve just got out of a very hot sonic bath.
The Pioneer BDP-LX71′s not perfect, though, which is almost scandalous given the price. For starters it’s an unconnected Profile 1.1 player, so you won’t be able to get bonus content for your Blu-rays online. Also, for best results, you’ll need a Pioneer amp and KURO plasma (while they’re still available) – and we all know how much pricey they are!
It’s those niggles and that high price that keep the Pioneer BDP-LX71 from getting top marks. It’s a shame, because it produces some of the best images we’ve seen from a Blu-ray player.
