I remember the era vividly. The promise of Full HD 1080p had become the standard, and the next frontier, 3D, was invading living rooms, promising a new level of immersion. My home theater was my sanctuary, a place to escape, but it was becoming a tangled mess of devices. I had a Blu-ray player for movies, a separate media streamer for Netflix, and a CD player for my audio collection. The dream was a single, elegant black box that could master physical media with pristine quality while also seamlessly tapping into the growing world of online content. The problem was that early “smart” players were often sluggish, unreliable, and a compromise in every sense. Finding a device that delivered reference-quality video and audio, robust streaming, and broad format support without being a headache to use felt like an impossible quest. This search for a unified, high-performance media hub is precisely what led many of us, myself included, to explore devices like the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi.
- 3D Blu-ray Disc Player with Full HD 1080p playback
- Built-in Wi-Fi, Digital Audio Output(s): 1 Optical (Rear), 1 Coaxial (Rear)
What to Consider Before Buying a Blu-ray Player
A Blu-ray player is more than just an item to play discs; it’s a key solution for unlocking the highest possible audio and video quality from your physical media collection and, increasingly, a gateway to a universe of streaming content. It solves the problem of compressed, artifact-ridden video that can plague streaming services, delivering a stable, bit-perfect picture and uncompressed surround sound that filmmakers intended. The main benefits are unparalleled visual fidelity, superior lossless audio formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, and the reliability of offline playback. For collectors and cinephiles, it’s about preserving the artistic integrity of a film in a way streaming often cannot.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has invested in a quality home theater setup—a large 1080p or 4K TV, a multi-channel sound system—and who values the tangible ownership and superior quality of physical discs. It’s for the movie lover who wants the best possible 3D experience or the audiophile who appreciates formats like SACD. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who have completely abandoned physical media for the convenience of streaming-only platforms. If your media consumption is 100% through apps and you have no collection of DVDs, Blu-rays, or CDs, a dedicated streaming stick or a smart TV’s built-in apps might be a more streamlined, albeit lower-fidelity, solution.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Video and Audio Capabilities: Does the player support the formats you care about most? For a player from this era, key features include 1080p upscaling for DVDs, native 24p playback for Blu-rays (to match the original film cadence), and 3D Blu-ray support. On the audio side, check for decoding or bitstream output for high-resolution formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and compatibility with niche formats like SACD if that’s part of your collection.
- Connectivity & Smart Features: How does it connect to your network and your gear? Built-in Wi-Fi is a massive convenience over Ethernet-only models, but its stability is paramount. Look at the selection of built-in streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) and be aware that on older models, app support can become outdated. Physical connections are also vital: ensure it has at least one HDMI output, plus digital audio outputs (Optical/Coaxial) for connecting to older receivers.
- Format Support & Versatility: A great player should be a media chameleon. Beyond Blu-rays and DVDs, does it handle CD playback? What about file formats from a USB drive? Check for support for common files like MKV, AVI, MP4, and MP3. The more formats it can handle, the more it can serve as a central hub for all your digital and physical media.
- Build Quality & Speed: How quickly does the player boot up and load a disc? This significantly impacts the user experience. A cheap, plastic-feeling tray or a noisy disc drive can detract from a premium movie-watching experience. While most players are fairly compact, consider the chassis design and materials, as better-built units often have better vibration damping and longevity.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi stands out in several areas, particularly for its balance of picture quality and early smart features. You can explore its detailed specifications and see what makes it a compelling choice.
While the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with 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 a Well-Crafted Media Hub
Pulling the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi from its box, the first thing we noticed was its distinctive 2012 Sony design ethos. It features a textured, beveled top panel that gives it a more premium look than the generic glossy black boxes that dominated the market. At just over 4 pounds, it has a reassuring heft, suggesting quality internal components. The front panel is clean, with a flip-down door hiding one of the two USB ports and basic controls, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic when not in use. The disc tray mechanism felt smooth and relatively quiet, not flimsy like some budget players we’ve tested.
Setup was a breeze. We connected it via HDMI to our AV receiver, plugged it in, and were greeted by Sony’s XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface, famous from the PlayStation 3. It was intuitive and snappy to navigate. Connecting to our Wi-Fi network was straightforward initially, though we’re mindful of user reports suggesting potential long-term issues. Included in the box were the standard affair: the RMT-B119A remote, AA batteries, a basic A/V cable (we immediately substituted our own HDMI cable), and the owner’s manual. It felt like a complete, well-thought-out package designed to get you watching in minutes.
Advantages
- Excellent Full HD 1080p and 3D Blu-ray picture quality.
- Built-in Wi-Fi provides easy access to streaming services.
- Supports high-fidelity SACD audio playback, a treat for audiophiles.
- Dual USB ports for versatile media playback from external drives.
Limitations
- Wi-Fi connectivity can become unreliable over time, as noted by several users.
- As a 2012 model, its app selection and support are dated compared to modern devices.
Performance Deep Dive: Still a Contender in the HD Era?
A decade can be an eternity in technology, but true quality often endures. We put the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi through its paces to see if its performance still holds up in a world dominated by 4K streaming. We tested its video prowess, its networking capabilities, its user interface, and its format flexibility to deliver a comprehensive verdict.
Video and Audio Performance: The Core Cinematic Experience
This is where the Sony BDP-S590 truly shines and reminds us why physical media remains the gold standard for cinephiles. We started with a reference 2D Blu-ray, The Dark Knight. The player rendered the complex details of Gotham’s cityscape with stunning clarity and precision. The deep blacks in the IMAX sequences were rendered without crushing detail, and colors were natural and accurate, a hallmark of Sony’s video processing. There was no visible noise or artifacts; the image was pure, stable, and utterly cinematic. DVD upscaling was equally impressive. We popped in an old copy of Gladiator, and the player did a remarkable job of scaling the standard-definition image to 1080p, sharpening edges and reducing noise without creating an artificial, over-processed look. It breathed new life into our DVD library.
Next, we dove into the world of 3D with James Cameron’s Avatar. The BDP-S590 delivered a fantastic 3D experience, free from the crosstalk and ghosting that plagued lesser players. The sense of depth was profound, drawing us into the lush world of Pandora. The player’s processing power was evident, handling the high-bitrate 3D signal without a single stutter or hiccup. On the audio front, the experience was just as flawless. Bitstreaming a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track to our receiver, the soundstage was expansive and dynamic. The subtle rustling of leaves and the thunderous impact of explosions were delivered with breathtaking clarity. For audiophiles, the inclusion of SACD (Super Audio CD) playback is a massive bonus, a feature often omitted from even modern high-end players. Listening to a multichannel SACD of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon was a revelation, showcasing the player’s audiophile-grade credentials. This is performance that simply cannot be replicated by compressed streaming.
Connectivity and Networking: The ‘Smart’ in Smart Player
For a player from 2012, the inclusion of built-in Wi-Fi was a headline feature, liberating it from the tyranny of the Ethernet cable. During our initial tests, the setup was painless. The player found our network quickly, and we were able to log into services like Netflix and YouTube without issue. The Sony Entertainment Network provided a portal to a decent selection of apps for its time, including Pandora and Hulu Plus. Streaming a 1080p title from Netflix, the quality was good, though perceptibly softer and less stable than the same content played from a Blu-ray disc. This isn’t a fault of the player, but rather the nature of streaming compression.
However, we must address a critical point raised in long-term user feedback: the reliability of the Wi-Fi module. While our short-term testing was positive, we encountered numerous reports from owners who found that after a year or two of use, the Wi-Fi simply stopped working, unable to find any networks at all. This appears to be a potential hardware failure point over time. One user noted, “it is a great product, but now it can not get connected to any wifi network at all… It works just fine with a Cable, but I need it to work with WiFi.” This is a significant caveat. If you plan to use this player primarily for streaming and cannot run an Ethernet cable to it, this long-term reliability issue is a major risk. If, however, you can use a wired connection or your primary focus is disc playback, the player’s core functionality remains intact and superb. The dual USB ports (one front, one back) add great value, allowing us to easily play MKV and MP4 files from a thumb drive with no issues.
User Interface and Usability: Navigating Your Media
Sony’s XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface is a highlight. It’s clean, logical, and fast. Navigating between settings, inputs, and network services is a fluid experience, a far cry from the clunky, text-based menus of many competitors from the same period. Boot-up and disc-loading times are impressively quick. We measured a cold boot to the main menu in under 15 seconds, and a standard Blu-ray disc loaded to its menu in about 25-30 seconds, which was very competitive for its time and still feels responsive today. This speed minimizes the friction of choosing to watch a physical disc over a quick stream.
The included remote control (RMT-B119A) is functional but unremarkable. It’s a standard candy-bar remote with logically laid-out buttons, but it isn’t backlit, which is a miss for a home theater component. One interesting feature, however, is the “Media Remote” app compatibility. We downloaded the app to an Android phone and were able to control the player’s full functionality over our Wi-Fi network. This is a great feature, allowing you to navigate menus with a touchpad, use a QWERTY keyboard for searches (a lifesaver when logging into apps), and even “throw” web pages from your phone to the TV screen via the player’s basic browser. While the browser is too slow for any serious use, the remote app itself is a solid, valuable addition that enhances the overall user experience, making the physical remote almost redundant. The exceptional disc performance and user-friendly interface are why many still seek out this model, and you can find the Sony BDP-S590 available from various online sellers.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into the experiences of long-term owners to get a complete picture. The consensus largely mirrors our findings: the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi is lauded for its exceptional disc playback quality. One user, despite having issues with other aspects, stated they “love the 3D Blu-Ray,” confirming our assessment of its stellar visual performance. This sentiment is common, with most praise centered on the crisp 1080p picture and immersive 3D capabilities.
However, the praise is consistently tempered by criticism of its peripherals and long-term network reliability. The most common and significant complaint, as we also highlighted, is the Wi-Fi module’s tendency to fail over time. As one frustrated owner pleaded, “it can not get connected to any wifi network at all… It works just fine with a Cable, but I need it to work with WiFi.” Another user downgraded their rating specifically because of issues with the remote and the tricky wireless connectivity, noting it was “a bit tricky, but… doable” before potential failure. This feedback paints a clear picture: as a pure disc spinner connected via Ethernet or for someone who doesn’t need smart features, it’s a top-tier performer. As a wireless streaming device, it carries a significant risk of future failure.
How Does the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi Compare to Alternatives?
While the BDP-S590 was a star in its day, the market has evolved. It’s crucial to see how it stacks up against more modern alternatives, especially if your needs extend beyond 1080p Blu-ray playback.
1. Samsung UBD-M8500/ZA 4K UHD Blu-Ray Player
- Play 4K Ultra HD movies at 4x the resolution of full 1080p HD, letting you watch your favorite scenes with a level of detail and clarity like never...
- HDR allows for a greater range of color contrast and brightness, enhancing details. The player recognizes HDR content and automatically optimizes...
The most significant difference here is the jump to 4K Ultra HD. The Samsung UBD-M8500 is built for the modern 4K HDR television. It not only plays the newer 4K Blu-ray discs but also provides superior upscaling for your existing 1080p Blu-rays and DVDs to a 4K resolution. If you own a 4K TV and want the absolute best picture quality possible, this Samsung is the clear winner. It offers a much wider color gamut and high dynamic range (HDR) that the Sony BDP-S590 simply cannot produce. However, it lacks 3D Blu-ray support, making the Sony the preferred choice for anyone with a 3D TV and a collection of 3D movies.
2. Samsung BD-F5900 Blu-ray Player
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback
- Access streaming content and the web with built-in Wi-Fi and Smart Hub
The Samsung BD-F5900 is a more direct competitor, released a year after the Sony. Like the BDP-S590, it’s a 3D Blu-ray player with built-in Wi-Fi and smart features. The Samsung’s smart hub was often considered slightly more modern and user-friendly at the time, with a more app-like grid interface compared to Sony’s XMB. Performance-wise, both offer excellent 1080p and 3D playback, making them very close rivals. The choice between them often comes down to brand preference, user interface design, and any specific app availability that might differ. The Samsung might be a slightly safer bet for Wi-Fi reliability, given the known issues with the Sony model.
3. Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player with Wi-Fi
- Full HD 1080p playback via HDMI - this Blu-ray player supports full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback from its HDMI output
- Built-in Wi-Fi - with built-in Wi-Fi, you can access all your smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly. Sync and stream content to other devices as well,...
This Samsung model represents a more basic, modern alternative. It focuses on the core functionalities: playing Blu-rays and DVDs with 1080p upconversion and providing access to streaming apps via built-in Wi-Fi. Crucially, it omits 3D playback capabilities. This makes it an ideal choice for someone who has no interest in 3D but wants a reliable, newer player for their 1080p disc collection and basic streaming. It’s a more streamlined, budget-friendly option, whereas the Sony BDP-S590 is a more feature-rich “classic” machine for enthusiasts who specifically want 3D and SACD support in addition to standard Blu-ray playback.
Our Final Verdict: A High-Fidelity Player for the Physical Media Purist
After extensive use, the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi reveals itself as a product of two eras. On one hand, it is an absolutely masterful disc player. Its 1080p 2D and 3D video performance is flawless, and its support for high-resolution audio formats like SACD makes it a dream for audiophiles. For the core task of playing physical media, it remains an outstanding performer that can still anchor a high-quality HD home theater system.
On the other hand, its “smart” features are a product of their time. While functional, the app ecosystem is dated, and more importantly, the widely reported long-term Wi-Fi reliability issues are a serious drawback for anyone relying on a wireless connection. Therefore, we recommend the BDP-S590 wholeheartedly to a specific user: the physical media enthusiast with a large collection of Blu-rays, 3D Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, who can connect it via an Ethernet cable or doesn’t need streaming features. For this person, it’s a high-performance bargain that delivers true cinematic quality.
If you’ve decided the Sony BDP-S590 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi is the right fit for your home theater, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API