LG BD550 Network Blu-Ray Disc Player Review (B0036WT1WC)
Want a Blu-ray player, something to play upscale DVDs, streaming networked entertainment, outstanding audio reproduction, and the ability to play back your family memories, all in one machine? Then the LG BD550 is for you!
This compact unit can play Blu-Ray discs in life-like 1080p HD sharpness, can upscale older DVDs, and give superb 7.1 audio in virtually all Dolby formats to make you feel you are in the cinema.
Add to that the ability to stream NetCast entertainment via the internet to your living room and you have all you will ever need in one package!
Pros
It seem the one feature that stands out among the users is the speed at which the Netfix media runs – almost without exception they feel it is faster than any comparable model on the market.
Many users commented on the ease of setting up and use, and liked the fact that the supplied remote control could be used to control nearly all the units in the home entertainment setup.
Several users commented on the useful information which is presented when various buttons on the remote are pressed and the quick response time when in use.
The range of service partners was also commented favourably upon which means that just about any entertainment genre you could possible want can be catered for with the LG.
Cons
A common gripe with the detractors of the LG was skipping or freezing of discs when played. However many of those who loved it made no mention of it, or, if they did, found the firmware update solved the problem.
Another problem seems to be that the Netfix offerings are not the same as the standard fare and some have said that it is far more limited in choice.
A further common thread of complaint is the longer term reliability of the unit when it comes to playing Blu-Ray. Some users have reported going through as many as three units before getting one that works consistently and reliably.
Some hesitation about service was also voiced. Firstly in that firmware update took an age to download, and secondly that there can be a long wait for customer service to respond.
It is hard to reconcile the two extremes in the reviews of the LG BD550. At one end of the scale is users who simply love it to pieces and are very, very satisfied. At the other end are users who have had nothing but problems.
The solution? Buy from a reliable source (like Amazon) who have a clear returns policy and a good reputation, and give it a try! You may find you have a real ‘keeper’ on your hands.