There’s a unique frustration that only true film lovers understand. You read about a stunning director’s cut of your favorite film, a masterpiece of foreign cinema, or a cult classic with exclusive bonus features, only to discover it’s a “Region B” or “Region 2” release. Your US-based player rejects the disc with a cold, impersonal error message, leaving you locked out of a world of content. For years, I juggled multiple players, complex software workarounds, and the constant fear of buying a disc I simply couldn’t watch. This digital divide felt archaic in an era of global connectivity. The search for a single, elegant solution—a device that could not only play any disc from any country but also elevate my existing collection and integrate seamlessly with modern streaming—was what led me to put the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player through its paces.
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 possible audio and video fidelity from your physical media collection. In a world dominated by compressed streaming, a dedicated disc player ensures you’re seeing and hearing a film exactly as the director intended, with uncompromised picture quality and lossless audio. It’s the cornerstone of any serious home theater setup, providing a stable, high-quality source that isn’t dependent on the whims of your internet connection or the licensing agreements of streaming platforms. The primary benefits are superior visual clarity, immersive sound, and the permanence of owning a physical copy of your favorite media.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of older DVD players or built-in console disc drives. This includes cinephiles wanting to import foreign films, home theater enthusiasts building a dedicated viewing space, or anyone with a 4K TV who wants to get the most out of their existing DVD and Blu-ray collection through upscaling. However, a high-end player like this might not be suitable for those who have completely abandoned physical media for streaming or casual viewers who are satisfied with the quality offered by their gaming console. For those users, a simpler streaming stick or their TV’s built-in apps might be a more cost-effective choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While most modern players are slim, you must account for ventilation. Ensure your media cabinet has enough depth for cable connections and sufficient airflow around the unit to prevent overheating during long movie marathons. The Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player is compact, but proper placement is key to its longevity and performance.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance isn’t just about resolution. Look for features like 4K upscaling, which enhances older media for modern TVs. Consider format support (3D Blu-ray, SACD), connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet), and processing speed for quick disc loading and smooth app navigation.
- Materials & Durability: Most players feature a plastic chassis, which is perfectly adequate for a stationary device. The key is the build quality of the internal components, particularly the disc drive mechanism. A well-built tray and laser assembly will provide years of reliable playback without skipping or errors.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A clean, intuitive user interface is essential for easy navigation of settings and smart apps. For maintenance, a player should only require occasional dusting of its vents and a periodic lens cleaning disc to ensure the laser remains pristine and reads discs accurately.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player 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: Sleek, Smart, and Ready to Play
Unboxing the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player reveals a device that adheres to Sony’s classic design philosophy: minimalist, sleek, and functional. Its compact, lightweight chassis (weighing only 3 pounds) has a much smaller footprint than the bulky players of yesteryear, making it incredibly easy to integrate into any existing media center. The two-tone finish—a glossy front panel and a matte, brushed-metal look on top—gives it a touch of understated elegance. Setup was refreshingly simple. After connecting the power and a single HDMI cable to our test television, the guided on-screen setup wizard had us connected to our Wi-Fi network and ready to go in under five minutes. The user interface is clean and tile-based, immediately familiar to anyone who has used a modern smart TV or streaming device. It’s responsive, with no discernible lag when navigating between apps or settings, a testament to the player’s processing power and Sony’s refined software.
What We Like
- True multi-system, region-free playback unlocks global Blu-ray and DVD collections.
- Impressive 4K upscaling breathes new life into standard Blu-rays and DVDs.
- Integrated Bluetooth allows for private listening on wireless headphones.
- “Super Wi-Fi” provides a strong, stable connection for buffer-free streaming.
Potential Drawbacks
- Region-free functionality is a third-party modification; buyers must verify with the seller.
- Does not support native 4K UHD Blu-ray discs.
A Deep Dive into the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player’s Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a device, you have to live with it. We spent weeks putting the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player through its paces, throwing everything from dusty old DVDs to pristine foreign Blu-rays and high-bitrate streaming at it. It became the central hub of our entertainment system, and in doing so, revealed its profound strengths and minor quirks. This is where the player truly distinguishes itself from the competition, moving beyond a simple disc spinner to become a versatile media powerhouse.
Video Performance: 4K Upscaling and 3D Playback Put to the Test
The headline feature here is 4K upscaling, and we were eager to see if it was more than just a marketing buzzword. We started with a standard 1080p Blu-ray of a visually dense film, and the results were immediately impressive on our 65-inch 4K OLED TV. The player’s conversion algorithm is remarkably sophisticated. It doesn’t just stretch the image; it intelligently analyzes and enhances it, sharpening edges, improving color gradation, and reducing visible noise. The result is a picture that is noticeably crisper and more detailed than native 1080p playback, closing the gap with true 4K content. As one user noted, the picture is “very clear,” even before activating 4K features, which speaks to the quality of the baseline processing. We then tested it with standard DVDs, and this is where the upscaling engine truly worked its magic. While it can’t miraculously transform a 480p source into a 4K masterpiece, it made our old DVD collection more watchable than ever, smoothing out jagged edges and adding a surprising degree of depth and clarity. For those with extensive DVD libraries, this feature alone is a significant upgrade.
We also tested the 3D capabilities. While 3D has become a niche feature, for enthusiasts with a compatible TV and a collection of 3D Blu-rays, this player is a fantastic performer. Playback was flawless, with no crosstalk or ghosting, delivering the immersive, depth-filled experience that 3D promises. The 2D-to-3D conversion is a fun novelty, adding a simulated sense of depth to any content, but it can’t replicate the experience of a native 3D film. Still, its inclusion demonstrates the comprehensive feature set Sony aimed for with this model.
The Region-Free Advantage: Unlocking a World of Cinema
This is arguably the most critical feature for serious film collectors and the primary reason many will seek out this specific version of the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player. Standard players sold in North America are locked to Region A for Blu-rays and Region 1 for DVDs. This player is professionally modified to be region-free, and in our tests, it delivered on that promise unequivocally. We tested discs from the UK (Region B/2), Japan (Region A/2), and Australia (Region B/4). The player handled them all seamlessly. There’s no complex menu to navigate or code to enter; it automatically detects the disc’s region and plays it. This is a game-changer. It opens up access to thousands of films and special editions from boutique labels like Arrow Video and Eureka that are often unavailable in the US. This sentiment was echoed by a user who specifically bought it for this purpose, stating, “I’ve been wanting a region free player for quite some time… So far it has worked flawlessly.”
However, it is crucial to address a potential pitfall highlighted by other users. Some have reported receiving units that were not, in fact, region-free. This happens because the region-free capability is a post-manufacturing modification performed by the seller, not by Sony. It is absolutely essential that you purchase from a reputable seller who explicitly guarantees the region-free modification. The negative feedback serves as a vital cautionary tale: always verify the seller’s claims and check the unit immediately upon receipt to ensure it plays discs from other regions. When purchased from the right source, this feature is liberating and works perfectly.
Connectivity and Streaming: A Hub for All Your Media
Sony equipped the BDP-S6700 with what it calls “Super Wi-Fi.” The internal antenna is positioned to maximize signal reception, and in our testing, this proved effective. The player maintained a rock-solid connection to our network, even when positioned further from the router than other devices. This stability is crucial for streaming, and we experienced buffer-free playback from services like Netflix and YouTube in high definition. The selection of built-in apps is decent, covering the major services, though it’s not as extensive as a dedicated Roku or Apple TV device. The real star of the show, however, is the Bluetooth connectivity.
The ability to pair wireless headphones directly to the player is a fantastic feature for late-night viewing without disturbing others. We paired a set of Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, and the process was instant. The audio was perfectly in sync with the video, with no noticeable latency, thanks to modern Bluetooth standards. One user perfectly captured the value of this complete package, celebrating its “built in WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphone use.” This turns the player into a personal cinema, allowing for fully immersive, high-volume audio without a single wire. The front USB port is another convenient touch, easily playing a wide variety of video, music, and photo files from a flash drive, further cementing its role as a versatile media hub.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from various users provides a well-rounded picture of the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player. The positive sentiment overwhelmingly centers on its core promises. One happy customer noted they had been “wanting a region free player for quite some time” and found this model had “all of the options I could want,” including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, concluding that it “worked flawlessly.” This aligns perfectly with our findings about its versatility and performance as a global media player.
However, the negative feedback highlights an important caveat regarding the “region-free” modification and seller diligence. One user in France reported receiving a unit that was locked to “zone is 1A,” making it impossible to play their other-region DVDs. Another received a box that was not factory sealed and appeared to be a used, scratched product. This feedback is invaluable. It doesn’t point to a flaw in a properly modified unit but underscores the critical importance of purchasing from a trusted seller who guarantees the modification and sells new, unopened products. It’s a reminder to be a discerning online shopper to ensure you receive the product as advertised.
How Does the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player Compare to the Alternatives?
The Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player carves out a unique niche, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular models in the market, especially those from its main competitor, Samsung.
1. 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 player is a more direct, budget-oriented competitor. It offers the essentials: 1080p Blu-ray and DVD playback, Full HD upconversion for DVDs, and built-in Wi-Fi for basic streaming. However, it lacks several of the Sony’s key advantages. It does not support 3D playback, lacks the more advanced 4K upscaling engine, and most importantly, it is not a region-free player out of the box. It also omits the convenient Bluetooth output for wireless headphones. This Samsung model is a solid choice for someone who needs a simple, reliable player for their domestic (Region 1/A) disc collection and doesn’t require the advanced features of the Sony.
2. 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...
This Samsung model represents a step up in the product hierarchy. The key difference is its ability to play native 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, which the Sony BDP-S6700 cannot. If you are building a premium home theater and plan to invest heavily in the 4K UHD disc format for the absolute best picture quality with HDR (High Dynamic Range), this Samsung player is the superior choice for video fidelity. However, it typically comes at a higher price point and, like the other Samsung, is region-locked. The choice here is clear: if native 4K playback is your top priority, the UBD-M8500 is the way to go; if region-free playback and 4K upscaling of your existing library are more important, the Sony is the better fit.
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
This older Samsung model is a closer competitor to the Sony BDP-S6700, as it also features 3D playback and built-in Wi-Fi. When it was released, it was a very capable machine with a well-regarded smart hub. However, being an older model, its processor and Wi-Fi technology are not as advanced as the Sony’s. This can translate to slower loading times and potentially less stable streaming. It also lacks the Sony’s 4K upscaling and Bluetooth audio output. While it might be found at a discount, the Sony BDP-S6700 is the more modern and feature-rich device, making it a better investment for future-proofing your setup.
Our Final Verdict on the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player
After extensive testing, the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player has proven itself to be a uniquely powerful and versatile device that punches well above its weight. Its true strength lies in its combination of features that are rarely found together in a single, affordable package. The 4K upscaling is genuinely effective, making your entire 1080p Blu-ray and even standard DVD collection look better than ever on a modern 4K TV. The addition of Bluetooth audio is a thoughtful, modern convenience that significantly enhances the personal viewing experience.
However, the crown jewel is its region-free capability. For any serious film collector, this feature is nothing short of liberating, transforming the player from a simple playback device into a passport to a global library of cinema. While it doesn’t play native 4K UHD discs, it is the absolute perfect solution for the cinephile who wants to unlock international films, upscale a large existing library, and enjoy modern conveniences like stable streaming and wireless audio. Provided you purchase from a reputable source that guarantees the region-free modification, we can recommend it without hesitation.
If you’ve decided the Sony BDP-S6700 Blu Ray Player 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