New Tests: Five Blu-ray Players

This week, we've been putting some Blu-ray disc players through their paces in our labs.

Today we've got the test results and reviews for:

• The Sigmatek SBR-100--the first model to fall below the symbolic barrier of 250 euros (320 USD / 220 GBP), and it's going for a lot less than that online.

• Two entry-level models that are both affordable and powerful--the Sony BDP-S350 and the Panasonic DMP-BD35.

• Finally, at the more expensive and more impressive end of the scale, the presence of 7.1 analog audio separates the Panasonic DMP-BD55 from the other model in today's round-up, and they're also available on the excellent Samsung BD-P2500.

In general, one trend is clear: Blu-ray technology is reaching maturity, and all the big manufacturers have now got a good grip of how it works. 

The fact that video quality so universally excellent that we couldn't use it to distinguish between different models in today's round-up is testament to how far the standard has come. 

Today, accessories and extra functions are what sets each product apart: some players can read DivX, while others have 7.1 analog outputs; or maybe a backlit remotre will be what seals the deal for you on a particular model.  For the time being, though, none of the players in our Product Survey is yet compatible with DivX HD.
> Product Survey: Blu-ray Players