Vizio VBR333 Blu-ray Player Review

Region A / Profile 2.0 / Full HD 3D

Video:
Video Resolution:
1080p/24p
DVD upscaling:
1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 2.0
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD

Other:
HDMI version: N/A
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
December, 2010

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Vizio has recently introduced two new 3D capable Blu-ray Players, the VBR333 and the VBR334. They are identical players, with the same specifications. The only difference is the VBR334 comes with a HDMI cable and can only be purchased in clubs. The VBR33 is a Profile 2.0 supporting BD-Live features and Bonus View. Has high-definition playback on 3D Blu-rays and Blu-ray discs. With support for high-resolution audio formats. It comes equipped with integrated Wi-Fi, making access to Vizio Internet Apps very easy.

Full HD 3D 1080p Video Playback: VIZIO brings you the ultimate movie experience! This 3D Blu-ray™ Player unlocks a new dimension with breathtaking, crystal-clear Full HD 3D
VIZIO Internet Apps: You can connect to the Internet and stream movies, TV shows, music, news, sports and weather. You get access to VUDU, Netflix, Pandora Internet Radio, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Associated Press and The New York Times. You get 3 free HD movie rentals on VUDU (Limited time offer).
Profile 2.0 compatible: Get more out of a Blu-ray Disc. BD-Live or Profile 2.0 lets studios future-proof their Blu-ray titles, so they can continually add content to BD-Live Ready discs, even after they have been shipped. You simply connect your Blu-ray player to the Internet (via the included Ethernet port or through Wi-Fi option) to download images, subtitles and more. Text-chat with friends during a movie, or play against others in online trivia games to unlock exclusive video content and earn discounts on other products.
Up-conversion of standard-definition DVDs that will enhanced picture quality at up to 1080p via HDMI.
7.1 multi-channel surround sound via HDMI
USB: You can playback JPG and MP3 media files through USB port.

Video Quality:
Video connections for the VBR333 come in the form of a HDMI Output, Composite Video Outputs and Component Video Outputs. Unlike some 3D Blu-ray Players, it only has one HDMI Output. You will have to bypass your Audio/Video receiver if it is not 3D capable. The HDMi connection will produce a 1080p/24 video resolution for both 3D Blu-ray and Blu-ray discs. And of course it will upscale any standard DVD to high-definition levels.

Audio Quality:

Audio connections are the HDMI Output, 2.0-ch Analog Outputs and Digital Audio Outputs – Optical and Coaxial. The player can handle decoding high-resolution Audio formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Or you have the option of sending these audio signals in their native bitstream form to a Audio/Video receiver to decode. This has to be accomplished trough a HDMI connection, since the player lacks any multi-channel outputs.

While the VBR333 can handle 3D Blu-ray discs, it also supports Blu-ray, DVD, CD audio, MP3, PNG, JPEG and WMA. The USB Port can be used to playback music and view photos. It has an integrated wireless 802.11n to access the internet. Making access to BD-Live (a USB device is required for storing BD-Live content), firmware updates and online streaming much more convenient. The Vizio Internet Apps includes Vudu, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, Flickr and many more online services.

THE PROS: The Vizio VBR333 Blu-ray Player is capable of 1080p/24 playback on Blu-ray Discs. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio high-resolution formats can be decoded internally or transferred in their native bitstream form via a HDMI cable to be decoded externally. The player supports 3D playback, BD-Live and Bonus View, Vizio Internet Apps and Wi-Fi.

THE CONS: Only has one HDMI output, can not transfer two separate signal to your 3D TV and A/V receiver. No multi-channel analog outputs or internally memory to store downloaded content. A USB memory device is required for the BD-Live function. The player is also lacking any DLNA capability.

THE FINAL WORD: The Vizio VBR333 is one of the best deals around if you are looking for a Blu-ray player with 3D capability and integrated Wi-Fi. It provides solid 1080p video resolution playback on Blu-ray Discs, with high-resolution audio formats. While not loaded with extra features, you can access online streaming services such as Netflix, VUDU Apps, Pandora, Flickr and Twitter. If you are looking for a player to go with your new 3D TV, the VBR333 is worth checking out. — Price you should look for when purchasing — $180.00