In an age dominated by endless streaming menus and subscription fatigue, there’s a quiet revolution taking place in our living rooms. We’re dusting off old DVD box sets, rediscovering our favorite concert Blu-rays, and realizing the tangible value of a physical movie collection. The problem? Many modern “smart” TVs and minimalist media setups have abandoned the humble disc player. This leaves a frustrating gap for those of us who want to enjoy our carefully curated libraries without the hassle of connecting a bulky old console or a laptop. The challenge is finding a device that is simple, reliable, and affordable—a dedicated player that does one job and does it exceptionally well. That’s precisely the void the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI aims to fill, promising Full HD playback without the complexity or cost of high-end home theater equipment.
- This bundle comes with a 6' HDMI cable
- Blu-ray & DVD playback - make the most of your HDTV: Blu-ray Disc playback delivers exceptional Full HD 1080p video performance Along with stunning...
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 full potential of your physical media collection. In a digital-first world, it provides a high-fidelity, buffer-free viewing experience that streaming can’t always guarantee. It’s about preserving access to your favorite films and shows, independent of licensing agreements or internet outages. The main benefit is experiencing movies in crisp 1080p Full HD with superior, uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which is often a significant step up from the compressed audio found on many streaming services. It bridges the gap between your classic DVD library and your growing Blu-ray collection, often enhancing the former with intelligent upscaling technology.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values their disc library, whether it’s vast or just beginning. This includes film enthusiasts, families with a large collection of kids’ movies, or anyone living in an area with unreliable internet. It’s perfect for a secondary setup, like a bedroom, workshop, or even an RV, where simplicity and compactness are paramount. However, it might not be suitable for those who demand the latest 4K Ultra HD resolution, require robust wireless streaming capabilities, or need to play discs from multiple regions. For those users, a high-end 4K player or a dedicated streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV would be a more appropriate investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Modern players are significantly smaller than their predecessors. Consider the footprint of the device. The LG BP175 is exceptionally compact, making it ideal for tight spaces on a media stand, next to a bedroom TV, or packed for a trip. Always measure your available space to ensure a clean, uncluttered fit.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance isn’t just about resolution. Look for support for key audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS to ensure compatibility with your sound system. DVD upscaling is another critical feature, as it intelligently enhances the resolution of your standard-definition DVDs to look better on a modern 1080p or 4K TV. Also, check for file format support if you plan to play media from an external source.
- Materials & Durability: Most budget-friendly players are constructed from lightweight plastic. While this keeps costs down and makes the unit easy to move, it can raise questions about long-term durability. Look for user feedback regarding the player’s lifespan, as some entry-level models may have a shorter operational life than their more robust, metal-cased counterparts.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good Blu-ray player should be a plug-and-play device. The setup should be intuitive, with a simple on-screen interface and a responsive, easy-to-navigate remote control. Long-term care is minimal, usually just requiring occasional dusting and ensuring the disc tray remains free of debris.
Keeping these factors in mind, the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI stands out in several areas, particularly its compact design and straightforward performance. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI 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: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse
Unboxing the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI is a lesson in minimalism. The box contains just the essentials: the player itself, a compact remote control with batteries, a power adapter, and the bundled 6-foot HDMI cable. Our first reaction was to the player’s size—or lack thereof. At just 8 inches wide and 1 inch tall, it’s astonishingly small and feather-light at 2 pounds. This isn’t the hefty, tank-like component of yesteryear; it’s a sleek, unassuming black box designed to disappear into any media setup.
The build is entirely plastic, which is expected at this price point, but it feels reasonably solid. The front panel is clean, with a simple disc tray and a few essential physical buttons. Setting it up was as simple as it gets: plug in the power, connect the HDMI cable to the TV, and it’s ready to go. The initial on-screen setup guide is straightforward, walking you through language and network settings in under two minutes. It’s a refreshingly simple experience. We did note the feedback from some users about the bundled HDMI cable; while it works, it’s a very basic, thin cable. For our testing, we opted for a higher-spec 18Gbps cable to ensure we were getting the best possible signal, a small upgrade we’d recommend to any buyer.
What We Like
- Incredibly compact and lightweight design, perfect for any space.
- Simple, plug-and-play setup gets you watching in minutes.
- Excellent Full HD 1080p picture quality and effective DVD upscaling.
- Very budget-friendly, offering great value for core playback functions.
What We Didn’t Like
- No Wi-Fi connectivity; requires a wired Ethernet connection for online features.
- Limited “smart” functionality with no app store to add new services.
A Deep Dive into the LG BP175’s Performance
A budget player can have all the features in the world, but it’s worthless if it can’t handle its primary job: playing discs. We put the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI through its paces with a wide range of media to see if this compact contender could truly deliver a high-quality cinematic experience. We tested everything from pristine, brand-new Blu-rays to old, well-loved DVDs and even a few scratched-up CDs.
The Core Mission: Flawless Disc Playback and Upscaling
This is where the LG BP175 truly shines. We started with a visually rich Blu-ray, and the player delivered a crisp, vibrant 1080p picture. The image was stable and clear, with deep blacks and accurate color reproduction that faithfully represented the source material. We observed no stuttering, artifacts, or distracting processing. The player also capably passed through high-resolution audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, to our connected soundbar, resulting in immersive, dynamic sound that filled the room. It simply works, providing a pure, direct-from-disc experience that streaming often compromises.
Perhaps more impressive was its handling of standard-definition DVDs. The built-in 1080p upscaling is a standout feature. We loaded an old DVD from the early 2000s, and the BP175 did a commendable job of sharpening the image, smoothing out jagged edges, and reducing blockiness. While it can’t magically transform a 480p source into true HD, the improvement was significant and made our classic DVD collection far more watchable on a large 4K television. This feature alone makes it a worthy upgrade from an old DVD-only player. Echoing one user’s experience, we also tested a few discs with minor scratches. The player’s error correction was surprisingly robust, playing through scuffs that had caused other players to skip or freeze, a bonus for anyone with a less-than-perfect collection.
A Design for Any Space: Compactness and Connectivity
The physical design of the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI is one of its strongest selling points. Its diminutive size cannot be overstated. We were able to place it in several locations where a traditional player wouldn’t fit: on a shallow bookshelf, tucked behind a monitor in an office, and even on the small counter in our test kitchen. This makes it an incredibly versatile device. As one user aptly noted, its compact, lightweight nature and low power draw make it an absolutely perfect solution for an RV or travel trailer, where space and weight are at a premium. The jarring of road trips might be a concern for longevity, but at this price, it’s a low-risk investment for on-the-go entertainment.
On the connectivity front, the player keeps things simple, perhaps to a fault. The back panel features a single HDMI output, a coaxial digital audio out, and the Ethernet port. The lack of Wi-Fi is the most significant omission and a critical decision point for potential buyers. This player requires a physical cable connection to your router to access its online features. For a media center where an Ethernet switch is already present, this is a non-issue and can even provide a more stable connection than Wi-Fi. However, for a TV mounted on a wall far from the router, this limitation could be a deal-breaker. It’s a clear cost-saving measure that defines the BP175 as a “wired” smart device.
The “Smart” Conundrum: Navigating the Onboard Apps
LG markets the BP175 as having streaming capabilities, and while technically true, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. The player comes with a handful of popular apps pre-installed, including Netflix and YouTube. When connected via Ethernet, these apps load reasonably quickly and provide a functional, if basic, streaming experience. We were able to log into our Netflix account and stream content in HD without any buffering issues. It gets the job done for basic viewing.
However, the biggest point of confusion, and a source of frustration for some users, is the complete absence of an app store. You cannot add new services like Disney+, Hulu, or Max. What you see on the home screen is what you get. One user detailed an entire web chat with an LG representative who seemed to believe an app store should be present, only to confirm it doesn’t exist on this model. This is a critical distinction: the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI is not a replacement for a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV. It should be viewed as a disc player first and foremost, with a few bonus streaming apps included as a convenience. If your primary need is robust streaming, a dedicated media streamer is the way to go. If your primary need is disc playback, the included apps are a perfectly adequate, if limited, extra feature. The value of this player hinges on understanding that priority. For those who want a reliable disc player that just works, the LG BP175 delivers exceptional performance for its price.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from a wide range of buyers, a clear picture of the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI emerges. The sentiment is largely positive, especially when expectations are aligned with the product’s price and feature set. Many users echo our findings, praising its “great little” size and how it “takes up little space.” One reviewer celebrated it as a “gem” that “packs a punch for such a small appliance,” highlighting its clear picture and responsive remote. Another happy customer bought it specifically for their RV, noting its small size made it perfect for a compact installation, and confirmed it “performs as we need it to.”
However, the negative feedback focuses on two key areas: smart features and longevity. One detailed review, complete with screenshots of a chat with LG support, confirms our findings about the “big con” of the missing app store, stating “half the apps as they claim is not there.” This is a recurring theme for those who expected a full-fledged smart device. The most concerning feedback revolves around durability. One user reported their unit “no longer works” and “won’t read disks anymore” less than two months after purchase. While many others report months of heavy use with no issues, these reports suggest potential quality control inconsistencies, which is a risk inherent in many budget electronics.
How the LG BP175 Stacks Up Against the Alternatives
The LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI operates in a competitive market. While it carves out a strong niche as a compact, budget-friendly player, several alternatives cater to slightly different needs and priorities.
1. Panasonic DMP-BD90P-K Blu Ray DVD Player
- Compact Size: Space-saving design allows this Blu Ray DVD player for tv to fit neatly in narrow spaces and on thin racks. Dimension: Approx. 9 10/16" W x 1...
- High Quality Picture Resolution: With full HD support, the BD90P-K beautifully up-converts images to high-definition image quality (1080p) video, rendering...
The Panasonic DMP-BD90P-K is often seen as the choice for the pure cinephile on a budget. Like the LG, it is a no-frills player focused on its primary mission. Where Panasonic often excels is in its video and audio processing. Many users find its picture quality, particularly with DVD upscaling, to be a slight cut above other players in this price bracket. It also supports a wide range of file formats via a front-facing USB port. However, it completely forgoes any smart features—no Netflix, no YouTube, no Ethernet port. This is a pure disc-spinner. If you already have a smart TV or a dedicated streaming stick and want a player solely for the best possible disc playback quality without paying a premium, the Panasonic is a compelling alternative.
2. HeroFiber Blu-ray Player with WiFi
- Includes: Sony BDP BX370 Blu-ray Player (Blu-ray player), Remote Control, 2 AAA Batteries, High-Speed HDMI Cable, Ultra Gentle Cleaning Cloth, AC Adapter...
- WiFi and Wireless Streaming: Connect to your home network for wireless streaming of YouTube, Netflix and more. Works with all Miracast compatible...
This bundle, featuring a Sony Blu-ray player, directly addresses the LG BP175’s most significant weakness: the lack of Wi-Fi. With built-in Wi-Fi, this Sony player offers far more flexibility in its placement, as it doesn’t need to be tethered to an Ethernet cable. Sony’s players are also known for their fast loading times and reliable performance. This model typically includes a broader array of streaming apps than the LG, making it a more viable all-in-one solution for a bedroom or guest room. The trade-off is usually a higher price. For users who absolutely require wireless connectivity and are willing to spend a bit more for the convenience, this Sony-based bundle is the logical step up.
3. Dynastar Blu-ray Player Multi Region HDMI Bundle
- REGION FREE / MULTI REGION VERSION - NO RESTRICTIONS: PLAYS BLURAY REGION A, REGION B, & REGION C & PLAYS standard DVDs from ANY REGIONS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,...
- BLU-RAY & DVD PLAYBACK - Make the most of your HDTV. Blu-ray disc playback delivers exceptional Full HD 1080p video performance along with stunning...
The Dynastar player serves a very specific but important audience: the film importer and world traveler. The LG BP175 is a Region A/1 player, meaning it will only play Blu-rays and DVDs released for the North American market. This Dynastar model is region-free, meaning it can play discs from anywhere in the world (Regions A, B, and C for Blu-ray; Regions 0-8 for DVD). This is an essential feature for enthusiasts who collect foreign films, anime, or special editions from the UK or Asia. While its core performance is similar to other basic players, its key feature is this global compatibility. If you have a diverse, international disc collection, a region-free player like this isn’t just an alternative; it’s a necessity.
Final Verdict: An Excellent, Focused Player for the Right User
After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI is a fantastic piece of hardware for a specific type of user. If you are looking for a simple, ultra-compact, and highly affordable way to play your Region 1/A Blu-ray and DVD collection, this player is one of the best values on the market. Its 1080p picture quality is excellent, its DVD upscaling breathes new life into older discs, and its setup is effortlessly simple. It is the perfect secondary player for a bedroom, a kid’s room, a workshop, or an RV.
You must, however, be aware of its limitations. It is not a replacement for a dedicated streaming device. The app selection is minimal and cannot be expanded, and the lack of Wi-Fi requires a wired connection to your network. While many users report reliable operation, some concerns about its long-term durability persist. But for the price, it delivers exceptional performance on its core promise: to play your discs beautifully. It’s a no-frills workhorse that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
If you’ve decided the LG BP175 Blu-Ray DVD Player with HDMI is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API