Sony has redesigned the traditional Blu-ray player with its BDP-S186, which looks more like a compact version of its PlayStation 3 console than anything else. It's identical to the BDP-S185 that we tested in our lab, except that this version is white instead of black.
Both Blu-ray discs and DVDs look excellent, and we couldn't detect any problems at all with the video signal it produced, which handled the various colour spaces perfectly.
For more information, you can read our full review of the Sony BDP-S185 Blu-ray player.
Summary
The BDP-S186's stylish design is somewhat undermined by a poor-quality finish, but the user-friendly XrossMediaBar makes it easy to access online content. Using it as a real treat. For offline content, the media player can handle AVC and VC-1 files, including separate audio tracks, subtitles and chapters. All of this points to a successful future for the BSP-S186.Both Blu-ray discs and DVDs look excellent, and we couldn't detect any problems at all with the video signal it produced, which handled the various colour spaces perfectly.
For more information, you can read our full review of the Sony BDP-S185 Blu-ray player.
Pros
- Stylish design takes after the PS3
- Small
- Energy consumption of only 6 W
- Well-designed user interface
- Online content well integrated into the interface
- Media player supports lots of formats
- Accurate colour reproduction
Cons
- Feels a bit cheap
- Non-powered USB port
- No WiFi
Conclusion
The Sony BDP-S186 is an attractive Blu-ray player with a lot going for it, starting with a stylish design that makes it look like a mini PS3. Unfortunately, though, Sony hasn't paid as much attention to detail and it's ultimately a fairly average device that is nevertheless capable of producing a reasonably good picture quality.
OUR SCORE
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