Sections
- Page 1 Pioneer BDP-160 Review
- Page 2 Features and Operation Review
- Page 3 Performance and Verdict Review
Verdict
Pros
- Superb pictures
- Good support for mobile devices
- Solid build quality for the money
Cons
- Old-fashioned GUI
- Limited internet content
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £129.99
- 3D Blu-ray playback
- YouTube and Picasa access
- DLNA file streaming
- Built-in Wi-Fi (with Wi-Fi Direct)
- Stream Smoother Link & Sound Retriever Link
What is the Pioneer BDP-160?
It’s Pioneer’s entry-level Blu-ray player, which not only plays high-definition discs in 2D and 3D but also integrates with smartphones and tablets through its built-in Wi-Fi connection and Android/iOS control apps. It’s also DLNA certified and plays media files via USB, making it more of an all-round entertainment hub than a mere Blu-ray player.
Pioneer BDP-160 – Design
The Pioneer BDP-160 is a quietly classy Blu-ray deck with a neutral black or silver finish that eschews the ostentacious gimmicks of many rivals. It should go nicely with most home AV kit. It’s slim and stylish with a brushed black fascia, but what really stands out is the build quality – its aluminium casing and firmly-bolted front panel make it feel more robust than most budget Blu-ray players.
On the front panel is a wide LED display below the disc tray, four buttons for up-close control and a USB port for media playback from flash drives and external HDDs. This uncluttered fascia helps maintain the player’s minimal, discreet appearance.
Pioneer BDP-160 – Connections
Most budget players these days include the bare minimum on the back panel, usually HDMI, Ethernet and a digital audio output. Those are included here, with a digital output of the coaxial variety, but Pioneer adds analogue stereo output and a second USB port, allowing you to keep a USB stick or HDD plugged in without ruining the deck’s dashing looks.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
