There’s a familiar, frustrating scene that plays out in living rooms everywhere. You decide it’s the perfect evening to revisit a classic film from your collection. You pull the disc from its case, a nostalgic smile on your face, only to be met with a whirring, clicking sound from your old player. It skips, it freezes, or worse, it flatly refuses to read the disc at all. I’ve been there. My trusty player from the late 2000s, once a marvel of technology, had become a source of cinematic disappointment, struggling with newer Blu-rays and firmware that was hopelessly out of date. This decline of a once-loved piece of tech is precisely why a modern, reliable disc spinner like the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi is not just a luxury, but a necessity for anyone who still values their physical media library. In an age of compressed streaming, the uncompromised video and audio quality of a Blu-ray disc remains the gold standard for a true home theater experience.
- ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment with the Sony BDP-BX370 network bluray dvd player for TV. Instantly...
- SUPERIOR WI-FI PERFORMANCE - Experience faster and more stable wireless connectivity with Sony's Wi-Fi blu-ray players for TV. Engineered with...
What to Consider Before Buying a Blu-ray Player
A Blu-ray player is more than just an item to check off a list; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your high-definition television and sound system. It serves as the bridge between your carefully curated collection of films and a truly immersive viewing experience. The primary benefit is fidelity. Unlike streaming services, which adjust quality based on your internet speed and employ heavy data compression, a Blu-ray disc delivers a consistently flawless 1080p picture and lossless, high-resolution audio. It’s about seeing the film exactly as the director intended, with every detail sharp and every sound crystal clear, free from buffering or pixelation.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has invested in a physical media collection, from cherished DVDs to modern Blu-rays, and wants a simple, high-quality way to enjoy them. This includes cinephiles who demand superior audio-visual quality, families looking for a reliable player for movie nights, or individuals who live in areas with inconsistent internet. However, a 1080p player like this might not be suitable for those who have fully committed to a 4K ecosystem, including a 4K TV and a 4K UHD Blu-ray collection. For those users, a dedicated 4K player would be a more future-proof investment to take advantage of technologies like HDR and Dolby Vision.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Physical space in a media center is often at a premium. Measure your shelf or cabinet before purchasing to ensure a good fit. Modern players like the BDP-BX370 are incredibly compact, but you still need to account for proper ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating during long movie marathons.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance isn’t just about picture quality. Consider boot-up speed and disc loading times; a player with a “Quick Start” mode can significantly reduce waiting. Also, evaluate its streaming capabilities. Does it have the essential apps you use, and how stable is its Wi-Fi connection? MIMO Wi-Fi, for instance, offers a more robust signal than older standards.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern players feature a plastic chassis to keep costs down and weight low. However, look for players from reputable manufacturers known for quality components. The internal laser assembly and drive mechanism are the most critical parts, and a well-regarded brand often signifies better long-term reliability.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A clean, intuitive user interface is paramount for a frustration-free experience. Look for a simple menu system and a remote control with a logical layout. For maintenance, a player that’s easy to wipe down and a front-facing USB port for firmware updates or media playback adds a layer of convenience for long-term care.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi stands out in several areas, particularly in its compact design and performance features. You can explore its detailed specifications and see if it meets your needs here.
While the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi is an excellent choice, 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
First Impressions: Unboxing the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370
Upon its arrival, the first thing we noticed about the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi was the compact, efficient packaging. Inside the box, the player itself is impressively small and lightweight, a far cry from the bulky A/V components of yesteryear. Measuring just 9 by 8 inches, it’s a device that promises to disappear into your media center, not dominate it. This sentiment was echoed by users, one of whom noted, “Works great and it’s very compact. I like not having a big machine on my shelf.”
The bundle, curated by ZDIRECT, includes everything needed to get started immediately: the Sony BDP-BX370 player, a remote control with batteries, a high-speed HDMI cable, and a handy Zdirect lens cloth. The inclusion of the HDMI cable is a thoughtful touch that prevents a last-minute trip to the store. The player itself feels solid despite its plastic construction, a testament to Sony’s manufacturing standards. The front panel is minimalist, featuring a disc tray, a USB port, and physical buttons for power and eject. Setup is as straightforward as it gets: plug in the power, connect the HDMI cable to the TV, and you’re ready for the on-screen configuration.
What We Like
- Super-compact and lightweight design fits in any media setup.
- Fast boot-up and disc loading times enhance the user experience.
- Stable and reliable Wi-Fi with MIMO technology for smooth streaming.
- Excellent Full HD picture quality and impressive DVD upscaling.
What We Didn’t Like
- Streaming app selection is limited and cannot be expanded.
- Lacks 4K UHD playback, making it unsuitable for high-end 4K setups.
A Deep Dive into the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370’s Performance
After spending considerable time with this player, putting it through its paces with a variety of discs and streaming content, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities. It’s a device that focuses on doing the fundamentals exceptionally well, delivering a high-quality experience where it matters most, while trimming features that might be non-essential for its target audience.
Uncompromising Picture and Sound Quality
The absolute cornerstone of any Blu-ray player is its ability to deliver pristine images and sound, and in this regard, the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi is a resounding success. We tested it with a range of Blu-ray discs, from visually complex blockbusters like Blade Runner 2049 to richly detailed animated films. The player consistently output a sharp, vibrant, and stable 1080p signal. Colors were accurate, motion was smooth without any noticeable judder, and the level of detail was exactly what you’d expect from the high-bitrate Blu-ray format. It’s a tangible step up from compressed HD streaming, with no artifacts or banding in sight.
Where the player truly impressed us, however, was with its DVD upscaling. We have a vast library of standard-definition DVDs that we’re not ready to part with, and the BDP-BX370 breathed new life into them. The player’s upscaling engine intelligently sharpens the image and smooths out jagged edges, presenting a picture on a modern HDTV that is remarkably close to HD quality. While it can’t invent detail that isn’t there, it does an admirable job of making old favorites perfectly enjoyable again. As one user simply put it, it “plays dvds great,” and our testing confirms this simple statement holds true thanks to sophisticated underlying technology.
On the audio front, the player supports both Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats. Connected via HDMI to our A/V receiver, it correctly passed through multi-channel audio streams, enveloping our testing room in immersive sound. Explosions had weight, dialogue was crisp and centered, and ambient environmental effects were placed accurately. For anyone with even a modest soundbar or surround sound system, this player will deliver the dynamic audio experience that physical media is known for.
Seamless Setup and Blazing-Fast Performance
From the moment we opened the box, the experience was defined by simplicity and speed. The physical setup took less than two minutes: one cable for power, one HDMI cable to the television. The on-screen software setup was equally painless. We were greeted by a clean, straightforward menu that guided us through connecting to our Wi-Fi network. This is where the MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) Wi-Fi technology first shows its value; it found our network instantly and established a strong, stable connection. One user who upgraded from an older, more cumbersome unit highlighted this, stating it “was very easy to connect to my WIFI” and “worked flawlessly.” Our experience mirrored this precisely.
The most standout performance feature is Sony’s “Quick Start & Fast Loading” technology. With this mode enabled in the settings, the player boots up in less than a second. From a powered-off state to the main menu screen is nearly instantaneous. Disc loading is similarly swift. We timed it: a standard Blu-ray disc went from tray-in to playing the opening studio logo in just over 12 seconds. This dramatically reduces the downtime between choosing a movie and watching it, making the entire experience feel more responsive and modern. When you’re eager to start a movie, these saved seconds make a huge difference.
It’s also important to address a point of potential confusion noted by one user regarding cables. The included HDMI cable is the only one required to connect the player to any modern TV for both video and audio. The player does have a coaxial digital output, which is intended for connecting to older A/V receivers that may not have HDMI inputs. This is an output-only port for audio and is not needed for a standard TV setup, which is why a coaxial cable is not included. The bundle provides everything necessary for the vast majority of users.
Smart Streaming and Connectivity Features
While disc playback is its primary function, the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi is also a competent streaming device, albeit with some important limitations. The built-in Wi-Fi with MIMO support is the star here, providing a connection that was rock-solid throughout our testing. We streamed hours of content from YouTube and Netflix without a single buffer or drop in quality, something that can’t always be said for the Wi-Fi modules in other budget-friendly electronics.
The player comes pre-loaded with a selection of popular apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora. The interface for these apps is functional and easy to navigate with the included remote. However, it is crucial to understand that this is a closed ecosystem. The app selection is fixed; you cannot download or add new ones. Notably, Amazon Prime Video is absent, which will be a significant drawback for subscribers of that service. You should view the streaming feature as a convenient bonus for accessing a few key services, not as a full-replacement for a dedicated streaming stick like a Roku or Fire TV.
Another handy feature is Miracast screen mirroring. We tested this with an Android smartphone, and it worked seamlessly. With a few taps on the phone, we were able to mirror its screen directly onto the TV through the player, which is perfect for quickly sharing photos, videos, or presentations without fumbling with cables. It’s important to note that this technology is not compatible with Apple (iOS) devices, which use their proprietary AirPlay standard. If you’re in an Android household, it’s a valuable addition; if not, it’s a feature you won’t be able to use.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus among users aligns closely with our own findings, painting a picture of a reliable and compact player that excels at its core mission. Many, like one satisfied customer, came to this player after their old one “refused to play the newer disks.” They found the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi to be a perfect, modern replacement, praising its easy Wi-Fi setup and “flawless” initial performance. This speaks to the product’s primary appeal as a hassle-free upgrade.
The player’s small footprint is another frequently lauded feature. A user who appreciated not having “a big machine on my shelf” sums up the appeal of its minimalist design that fits into any space. Positive comments often keep it simple, like one that just says, “Love it, plays dvds great,” which underscores that the player delivers on its fundamental promise of high-quality playback. The single point of critique we found concerned a user who was unclear about cabling, noting that “an additional cable must be purchased.” This seems to be a misunderstanding about the purpose of the coaxial audio port, as our testing confirmed the included HDMI cable is all that’s needed for a standard setup.
How Does the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi Compare to Alternatives?
While the BDP-BX370 is a strong contender in its class, the market offers several alternatives catering to different needs and budgets. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular models.
1. Sony UBP-X700M 4K UHD Blu-ray Player
- Bring Movies to Life in 4K HDR: Get the best seat in the house with this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player. Advanced surround sound, 4K detail, and vibrant High...
- Get More From Your Movies with 4K Ultra HD: Experience movies with four times the resolution of conventional Blu-ray (Full HD), with new 4K Ultra HD...
The Sony UBP-X700M is the logical step-up for anyone with a 4K television. While our reviewed BDP-BX370 maxes out at 1080p Full HD, the UBP-X700M plays 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays, offering four times the resolution. More importantly, it supports high-dynamic-range formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which provide dramatically better contrast and a wider range of colors on a compatible TV. It’s the clear choice for home theater enthusiasts who want the absolute best picture quality from their physical media and are willing to pay a premium for it. If you don’t have a 4K TV, however, these features are unnecessary, making the BDP-BX370 the more cost-effective choice.
2. Sony BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Player
- SONY USA AUTHORIZED - Includes Full SONY USA COVERAGE
- Sony BDP-S1700 Streaming Blu-ray Disc Player
The Sony BDP-S1700 is the BDP-BX370’s more basic, non-Wi-Fi sibling. It offers the same excellent 1080p Blu-ray and upscaled DVD picture quality, but it strips away the wireless connectivity and built-in streaming apps. To access any online features, you must connect it directly to your router via a wired Ethernet cable. This makes it an ideal choice for users who simply want a high-quality, no-frills disc player and already have their streaming needs covered by a smart TV or a separate device. If you don’t need Wi-Fi, the S1700 can save you a bit of money while delivering identical disc performance.
3. Panasonic DP-UB420-K 4K Blu Ray Player
- Premium home entertainment enjoy high-dynamic range playback in three 4K/HDR formats HDR10+, HDR10 and hybrid log-gamma (hog)
- Panasonic HCX Processor (Hollywood Cinema experience) delivers powerful, precise Chroma and HDR processing for beyond-dazzling color and detail in your...
The Panasonic DP-UB420-K is a direct competitor to the Sony UBP-X700M in the 4K player space and represents a significant upgrade from the BDP-BX370. Panasonic is renowned among videophiles for its superior video processing, particularly its exclusive “HDR Optimizer” feature. This technology tone-maps HDR content to match the specific brightness capabilities of your display, often resulting in a more detailed and impactful picture than other players. For users who are serious about calibrating their home theater and squeezing every last drop of performance from their 4K discs, the Panasonic DP-UB420-K is often considered the best choice in its price range.
Our Final Verdict: Is the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently recommend the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi to a specific and large group of users: anyone with a 1080p HDTV who wants a fast, reliable, and compact player to enjoy their Blu-ray and DVD collection. Its core strengths are undeniable. It delivers a fantastic Full HD picture, does an amazing job of upscaling older DVDs, and its Quick Start mode makes it a joy to use. The inclusion of stable Wi-Fi and essential streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube is a convenient bonus that adds real value.
This player is the perfect solution for bringing your physical media library into the modern age. It’s an ideal primary player for a living room 1080p setup or an excellent secondary player for a bedroom or den. However, it’s not for the 4K power user. If you own a 4K TV and want to experience HDR, you should invest in a dedicated 4K player. But for everyone else, this device hits the sweet spot of performance, features, and price.
If you’ve decided the ZDIRECT Blu-ray DVD Player BDP-BX370 Streaming Wi-Fi is the right fit for your movie nights, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API