Verdict

Pros

• Sublime HD pictures
• Slick operating system
• Excellent feature list

Cons

• No DivX support and won't stream MKV
• No 4K upscaling or second HDMI
• Needs more catch-up TV apps

What is the Sony BDP-S5100?

Sitting just below the premium Sony BDP-S790 (which continues from last year) and the enthusiast-focused BDP-A6000, the BDP-S5100 is the best-specced of Sony’s budget Blu-ray players. It’s equipped with a generous range of features including 3D support (not found on the BDP-S3100) and the ability to stream media files and internet content though its built-in Wi-Fi connection.

 At £140, it’s towards the upper end of the budget price bracket, but
those looking for a deck that does everything could consider it money
well spent.

SEE ALSO: Best Blu-ray players

Sony BDP-S5100 – Design

The Sony BDP-S5100 is one of the most eye-catching players on the market. Sony has eschewed the usual straight edges and clean lines of its rivals for a pointy top panel that’s supposed to mimic the ‘gleaming facets of rock crystal’ – all part of its Sense of Quartz design concept. Whatever – we just think it looks really cool. If you’d prefer a conventional oblong shape to match an AV receiver then go for the Sony BDP-S790 or Sony BDP-A6000.

It sports a sleek black finish and compact dimensions (360mm wide x 199mm deep) that make it easy to slip into tight spaces, perhaps in a bedroom or playroom. There’s a row of four discreet buttons along the front edge, below which is a disc tray, a small LED panel and a covered USB port.

Overall, the design is distinctive yet low-key, attractive without going OTT. The plasticky bodywork has a distinctly budget air but it’s as good as you’d expect for the money.

Sony BDP-S5100 – Connections

In terms of connections, the slender rear panel proffers the bare minimum, but modern TVs and receivers dictate that you don’t really need anything more.

There’s a single HDMI v1.4 output – two would have been nice at this price, but that’s reserved for the S790. It’s joined by a coaxial digital audio output, Ethernet port and a second USB port. On cheaper models the latter would be used to connect a wireless LAN dongle, but with built-in Wi-Fi there’s no need – instead you can use it to play media from USB devices or external HDDs without it sticking out the front.