The Vizio VBR231 Blu-ray DVD Player is a mid-range player that has a lot going for it. One: its retail listing of under $200.00 makes it one of the cheapest Blu-ray Disc Players. Second: a wide range of line features including cutting-edge technology in its built-in wireless dual-band-802.11n. The player is not without flaws and cannot be one of the best “brand” name brand artists. But Vizio gave us a mid-player for those who want to add extra features to their Home theater like wireless Internet connection, BD- Free Live Content and Online Media Services that will give you movies, TV shows, music and much more.
Slightly unique in its design, the VBR231 is thicker than most other Blu-ray DVD Players from places like Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic Mainly because it was raised on the top of the list of vices. There is a glossy black finish for the front panel with a chrome like plastic cover for the disc tray. Touch sensitive control buttons for power, eject, pause, previous, play pause and next chapter/drag. A USB Port can be found on the right side of the front panel. And the tray under the disc is loaded with light LED indicating if Wi-Fi is in use. One fault with the design of the front panel is the missing LED screen to display track numbers and time. That’s not a big problem for most people, but it’s strange to be away from the first map.
VIDEO QUALITY:Visio VBR231 has a standard video connection located on the back of the player. You have HDMI, Composite Video Outputs and Component Video Outputs. With an HDMI connection it outputs 1080p video when playing back Blu-ray discs. Vizio also includes an HDMI cable in the packaging. It’s very rare for a Blu-ray DVD player to include this, but it’s definitely a great added accessory. The VBR231 will also upscale standard DVDs to 1080p resolution, however like most other Blu-ray Disc Players the picture will not be as vibrant and clear as a Blu-ray disc when playing.
AUDIO QUALITY:Audio connections for the Vizio VBR231 are HDMI, 2.0 Analog Audio Outputs, Optical Audio Output and Coaxial Audio Output. The VBR231 has support for the latest HD audio formats Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio. They can send these audio signals in native format to an A/V receiver to decode. This has to be done with an HDMI cable as the VBR231 lacks multichannel Analog Audio Outputs.
The setup and user interface of the VBR231 is easy to use and you’ll be enjoying the lines of the player in no time. Remote Control is well laid out and the buttons are laid out in an appropriate manner. Some users have complained that the buttons are hard to press and therefore move. But when you are ready to use the VBR231, it has many features to choose from. In addition to Blu-ray and DVD playback, you can playback MP3s and JPEGs from the USB port.
You can also connect the VBR231 to the internet by using the Ethernet Port or the Integrated Dual Band Wi-Fi – 802.11. no. The VBR231 is equipped with dual-band wireless operating at both 5GHz and 2.4GHz. (5GHz is optimized for streaming-video”>streaming-video and 2.4GHz handles all other types of content.) Great feature if you want to use Vizio Internet Apps (VIA). When connected to the Internet, it provides easy access to streaming online , TV shows, music, and other information Streaming Services such as Netflix, VUDU, Pandora Internet Radio, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, Picasa, AP and New York Times and so many more are available!
This is only the second year Vizio has manufactured Blu-ray DVD Players. But the VBR231 is a nice entry to their growing line up. It lacks some features such as 3D Blu-ray support, DLNA support and internal storage for BD-Live content. But as one of the most affordable players with built-in Wi-Fi, many will choose the Vizio VBR231 as an appealing option.
THE PROS:The Vision VBR231 is a solid Blu-ray DVD player. Capable of 1080p video output on Blu-ray Discs. Digital Audio Output via HDMI. Great Internet Apps allows you to access many online streaming services such as Netflix, VUDU, Pandora Internet Radio, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, The Associated Press and The New York Times. One of the few Blu-ray players that has built-in simultaneous dual-band 802.11n wireless (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for less than $200.00. It also casts on a range of HDMI.
THE CONS:The Vizio VBR231 does not have internal storage. A USB memory device is required to access BD-Live content. NO DlNA lacks support. Some Remote Control find it difficult to press. Some popping noise becomes unnecessary when changing shapes with the head.
THE LAST WORD:The VBR231 offers full HD 1080p playback on Blu-ray Discs when connected via HDMI. With internal decoding of audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It gives you the main features a Blu-ray DVD player should have and will provide you with great pictures and sound on Blu-ray discs. Add Wi-Fi capability and a nice set of online streaming services, the VBR231 is a very affordable Blu-ray player.
