In a world dominated by instant-access streaming, there’s a quiet, dedicated group of us who still cherish the tangible. We have shelves lined not with algorithm-generated suggestions, but with the spines of our favorite films and TV shows on Blu-ray and DVD. For us, movie night is an intentional act—selecting a disc, hearing it spin up, and enjoying the uncompressed, high-bitrate picture and sound that streaming often can’t match. The problem? The hardware that supports this passion seems to be fading into the background. My trusty old player, a behemoth from a decade ago, finally gave up the ghost, leaving me with a library of physical media and no reliable way to play it. This sent me on a quest for a replacement: something modern, compact, affordable, and from a brand I trust. This is the exact predicament that leads many, including myself, to the door of the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player.
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Upscale your DVDs to near HD quality
What to Consider Before Buying a Blu-ray Player
A Blu-ray player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the highest quality playback from your physical media collection. In an age of buffering and internet outages, a disc player offers unparalleled reliability and performance. It’s the bridge between your carefully curated movie library and your high-definition television, ensuring that you see and hear a film exactly as the director intended, with support for formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. For collectors and cinephiles, it’s about preserving the integrity of the art form, free from the digital compression and licensing whims of streaming platforms.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has an existing or growing collection of DVDs and Blu-rays and values superior picture and sound quality. It’s for the family that wants a simple, dedicated device for movie nights, or the individual living in an area with inconsistent internet who can’t rely on streaming. However, it might not be suitable for those who have completely embraced a digital-only lifestyle and have no interest in physical media. If your entertainment is sourced exclusively from services like Netflix, Hulu, or a Plex server, a dedicated streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick would be a more streamlined and feature-rich choice, offering a vastly superior app ecosystem.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Modern players are significantly smaller than their predecessors. The Sony BDP-BX370 is incredibly compact, making it perfect for tight spaces in media centers, bedrooms, or even dorm rooms. Always measure your available shelf space to ensure a good fit, paying attention to depth and height to allow for proper ventilation.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance isn’t just about picture quality. Consider the startup speed; a “quick start” mode can have you watching a movie in seconds. Look for key performance features like DVD upscaling, which enhances the quality of your old standard-definition discs on an HD or 4K TV. Also, verify supported audio formats (like Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD) to ensure compatibility with your soundbar or A/V receiver.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern, budget-friendly players are constructed from lightweight plastic. While this keeps costs down, it can sometimes raise questions about long-term durability. Look for a solid feel and be mindful of potential issues like a fragile disc tray or unresponsive buttons, which can be indicators of the overall build quality.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good player should be plug-and-play. An intuitive user interface and a simple, ergonomic remote are essential. For maintenance, the main concern is the laser lens; keeping your discs clean and free of fingerprints and dust is the best way to ensure the player functions correctly and avoids read errors over time.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player stands out in several areas, particularly its compact design and core playback capabilities. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player is an excellent choice for disc playback, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Compact Size: Space-saving design allows this Blu Ray DVD player for tv to fit neatly in narrow spaces and on thin racks. Dimensions: Approx. 9 5/8" W x 1...
- See the unrivalled visual clarity of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Unboxing the Sony BDP-BX370: Simplicity in a Small Package
Upon its arrival, the first thing that struck me about the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player was the size of the box—it’s tiny. Sony has truly mastered the art of miniaturization. Inside, the packaging is straightforward and efficient. You get the player itself, a compact remote control with batteries, the power adapter, and, refreshingly, an included HDMI cable. This is a small but significant touch, as it means you have everything you need to get started right out of the box without an extra trip to the store.
The player itself is incredibly lightweight, weighing just over a pound, and has a very small footprint. The chassis is made entirely of black plastic with a simple, minimalist design—a glossy front panel and a matte top. It feels like a budget device, but a well-constructed one. There are two physical buttons on the front for power and eject, but otherwise, the design is clean. Setting it up was an absolute breeze. I plugged in the power, connected the included HDMI cable to my TV, and was greeted by the Sony startup screen in moments. The initial on-screen setup for language and Wi-Fi was simple and took less than five minutes to complete.
Key Benefits
- Excellent Full HD 1080p picture quality for Blu-ray discs
- Effective DVD upscaling breathes new life into older collections
- Extremely compact and lightweight design fits anywhere
- Very fast “super quick start” mode boots up in under a second
- Simple, straightforward setup process includes an HDMI cable
Drawbacks
- Extremely limited and outdated selection of “smart” streaming apps
- Software is prone to freezing and performance errors
- Disc reader can be very sensitive to smudges or minor scratches
- Reports of long-term reliability issues are common
Putting the Sony BDP-BX370 to the Test
A Blu-ray player has one primary job: play discs flawlessly. Everything else is secondary. With this in mind, I put the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player through its paces, testing its core functionality, its so-called “smart” features, and its overall usability. The results were a study in contrasts—excellence in some areas and profound disappointment in others.
Disc Playback Performance: The Core Functionality
Let’s start with the good news. When it comes to its fundamental purpose, this player shines. I began by loading a pristine copy of a visually rich Blu-ray. The disc tray slid out smoothly, and after loading, the movie began playing remarkably fast, thanks to the “super quick start” mode. The picture quality was exactly what you’d expect from Sony: crisp, vibrant, and beautifully rendered in Full HD 1080p. Colors were accurate, motion was smooth, and the level of detail was superb. It delivered the uncompromised viewing experience that physical media promises.
Next, I tested its DVD upscaling. I have a vast collection of standard-definition DVDs, and how a modern player handles them is a critical test. The Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player did an admirable job. It took a 480p source and upscaled it to near-HD quality, sharpening edges and reducing the blockiness that can be so jarring on a large 4K TV. While it can’t perform miracles—it won’t make a DVD look like a Blu-ray—it makes older content significantly more watchable and enjoyable.
However, this is where we encounter the first major caveat, one echoed in numerous user experiences. The disc reader is exceptionally finicky. I inserted a DVD that had played fine in my old machine, only to be met with a “Cannot read disc” error. I ejected it, inspected it, and saw a few minor fingerprints. After giving it a thorough cleaning with a microfiber cloth, I re-inserted it, and it played flawlessly. One user documented this exact journey, initially thinking their unit was dead on arrival before realizing a spotless disc was required. While diligence in disc care is good practice, this player’s sensitivity is far higher than any I’ve used before, suggesting a laser assembly that has very little tolerance for imperfection. This also raises concerns about its ability to play slightly scratched discs from a rental service or a used collection.
The ‘Smart’ Features: A Promise Unfulfilled
This is, without a doubt, the single biggest failure of the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player. The marketing suggests a capable streaming device, but the reality is a frustratingly barren and outdated platform. Upon navigating to the apps section, my hopes sank. The available selection is shockingly small, featuring Netflix, YouTube, and a handful of obscure, niche services. Conspicuously absent are essentials like Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, or virtually any other major streaming service you would expect in a modern device. Many users reported buying this player hoping for a two-in-one solution, only to feel, as one person put it, “lied to.”
The performance of the apps that are present is equally problematic. The user interface feels sluggish and dated. More alarmingly, the player frequently struggles to run these applications. I repeatedly encountered an error message stating, “The application is too large,” which would sometimes pop up even in the middle of watching a YouTube video, causing it to crash. This suggests the player has insufficient processing power or memory to handle even these basic apps reliably. Several users reported the system freezing entirely, forcing them to unplug the unit to reboot it. This isn’t a minor glitch; it’s a fundamental flaw that renders the “smart” functionality almost entirely useless. If you’re looking for a device to handle both your discs and your streaming subscriptions, you absolutely must look elsewhere. This player should be considered a “dumb” player that happens to have Netflix and YouTube, not a true smart device.
Connectivity and Audio: Getting the Basics Right
On the connectivity front, the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player covers the essentials. The built-in Wi-Fi is a key feature, and for me, the setup was straightforward. It found my network quickly and maintained a stable connection. However, one user reported significant issues, unable to connect even with the player right next to their router, which could indicate a weak internal antenna or potential quality control inconsistencies.
In terms of physical ports, the selection is minimal but adequate for most setups: one HDMI output to connect to your TV or receiver, one coaxial digital audio output, and one front-facing USB port. The USB port allows for playback of various media files, a feature we explore more deeply in our broader guides. The coaxial output is a fantastic inclusion for those with older or audiophile-grade A/V receivers that may not have spare HDMI inputs. One user specifically praised this, noting they connected it to their Cambridge Audio integrated amp and the sound was “Amazing!” This highlights that the player is capable of outputting high-quality audio signals. It supports both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, so when paired with a capable sound system, it can deliver the immersive, lossless audio that is a hallmark of the Blu-ray format. While it may fail as a streaming box, it succeeds as a component in a quality home theater audio setup. If crystal-clear playback of your physical media is your top priority, you can find this capable disc-spinner available here.
Design, Usability, and the Remote
The ultra-compact design is one of the player’s strongest selling points. It can be tucked away almost anywhere without drawing attention. However, this minimalism comes with a trade-off: there is no front-panel LED display. You won’t be able to see the runtime or chapter number without pulling up the on-screen display, a feature some users, including myself, miss from older players.
The user experience is a mixed bag. The main menu is simple to navigate for disc playback, but as mentioned, it becomes sluggish when dealing with apps. The included remote control is small, simple, and functional for controlling the player itself. The buttons, however, can feel slightly delayed or unresponsive at times. I experienced moments where a press to pause took a second to register, which was confirmed by a user who missed subtitles because of this lag. A more significant drawback noted by another user is the remote’s limited compatibility with other television brands; it failed to control their Vizio TV’s power or volume, forcing them to juggle two remotes. This lack of a robust universal remote function is a small but constant annoyance that detracts from the overall user-friendliness.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring user feedback reveals a very clear and consistent picture of the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player. The sentiment is sharply divided between those who love it for its primary function and those who are deeply frustrated by its secondary features and reliability.
On the positive side, many users echo our findings, praising it as an “excellent and cost effective” solution for playing their disc libraries. Comments like “excellent picture quality you expect with Sony” and “perfect compact size” are common. Many appreciate its simplicity and how easy it is to set up, especially with the included HDMI cable. For those who simply want a device to play Blu-rays and DVDs, and do it well, the player often earns high marks.
However, the negative feedback is specific and recurring. The most prominent complaint, by far, is the abysmal “smart” app selection. One user bluntly stated, “I feel lied to,” after discovering there were only a handful of apps and no way to add major ones like Prime Video. The second major theme is long-term reliability. We found multiple reports of the player failing just outside the warranty period. One user’s device developed a “very distracting pixelation” after only a few uses, while another’s suffered a complete “disc reader” failure after about 18 months. An even more troubling account describes the player freezing completely during playback, refusing to power off or eject the disc, forcing the user to physically disassemble the unit to retrieve their movie. These reports paint a picture of a device that, while great at first, may not be built to last.
How Does the Sony BDP-BX370 Compare to the Competition?
While the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player operates in a shrinking market, it still faces competition, particularly from renewed models and older, feature-rich players. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.
1. Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player
- PlayStation Now : Stream and enjoy PlayStation 3 games instantly
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback & DVD upscaling
This is essentially the wired-only cousin of the BX370. The primary difference is the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, requiring an Ethernet connection for any online features. For someone whose media center is already wired with an Ethernet port, this is a fantastic way to save a little money. You get the same excellent disc playback, Full HD picture, and DVD upscaling in a similar compact chassis. As a renewed product, it offers great value, but it’s important to be aware that it will likely share the same extremely limited app ecosystem as the BX370.
2. PHILIPS BDP1502 Blu-Ray/DVD Player HD Upscaling
- Blu-ray Disc playback for sharp images in full HD 1080p
- DVD video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI for near-HD images
The Philips BDP1502 is a no-frills disc player for the purist. It focuses entirely on doing one job well: playing Blu-ray and DVD discs. It also features HD upscaling for your DVD collection. This is a strong alternative for anyone who has read about the Sony’s buggy software and useless apps and wants to avoid them entirely. If all you need is a reliable machine to spin discs and you already have a separate smart TV or streaming stick, this certified renewed Philips model presents a very compelling and cost-effective option without the pretense of being a “smart” device.
3. Samsung BD-F5900 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback
- Access streaming content and the web with built-in Wi-Fi and Smart Hub
Though an older 2013 model, the Samsung BD-F5900 is an interesting alternative for a specific user: the 3D Blu-ray collector. This is a feature that the Sony BDP-BX370 lacks entirely. In its heyday, this Samsung player had a much more robust smart hub than the current Sony offering. However, given its age, it’s very likely that many of those apps are no longer supported or updated. This player is the best choice for someone with a 3D-capable TV who wants to enjoy their 3D movie collection and is willing to overlook the potentially dated smart interface.
Final Verdict: A Capable Disc Player Trapped by Flawed ‘Smart’ Tech
The Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player is a device of two halves. As a pure disc player, it is excellent. It delivers the crisp, beautiful 1080p picture quality Sony is known for, does a commendable job of upscaling older DVDs, and boasts a super-fast startup time in an wonderfully compact package. If your sole goal is to find an affordable, simple, and effective machine to play your physical media collection, it performs its primary duty very well.
Unfortunately, it is severely hamstrung by its other half. The “streaming” and “smart” features are so poorly implemented that they are effectively useless. With a barren app store, buggy performance, and frequent crashes, it cannot be considered a viable alternative to even the most basic dedicated streaming stick. Furthermore, the consistent user reports of finicky disc reading and long-term hardware failures raise serious questions about its durability. We can only recommend this player to individuals who will strictly use it for disc playback and completely ignore its online features. For them, it’s a solid, if sensitive, performer. For everyone else, the frustrations will likely outweigh the benefits.
If you’ve decided the Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player is the right fit for your disc-focused needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API