Strengths: Excellent picture quality utilizing HDMI in combination with a AV Reciever and LCD HDTV.

Weaknesses: Unit is a bit large and has many setting options, otherwise no complaints.

Summary: Just purchased the Sony and installed it last Tuesday. Very easy installation utilizing a single HDMI cable between the Sony and the AV Receiver then on to the LCD HDTV via HDMI. The Sony takes 45 seconds to fully power up and almost 30 seconds to load a Blu Ray DVD. Not bad considering the amount of information on Blu Ray DVD?s. The only issue I?m having right now is figuring out why I?m not getting any audio when playing a music CD. I?m sure the answer is somewhere either in the Sony?s or AV Receiver?s owners manual. Other than that issue, I would recommend the Sony BDP-S500.

Strengths: Although my time with my new unit is brief, I am totally pleased with its performance. It is different in operation from the older format DVD players; sounds emenating are more computer like.

Weaknesses: None really, it turns on/ready to play is slower than standard DVD players. Who is in a hurry when relaxing to enjoy a movie anyway.

Summary: This unit is a great addition to my home theater system and is greatly enhancing the SONY LCD TV which it is connected to. I look forward to many hours of enjoyment with this new unit and experiencing all there is to this new format of HD on DVD. I recommend this unit to anyone who enjoys movies at home.

Strengths: Very clear picture, saturated colors, upscaling of regular dvd to near 1080 quality, very easy to use

Weaknesses: Unit takes a long time to start up. This one takes over a minute to warm up. Not a major inconvenience unless you are in a rush..can live with it.

Summary: At first I wasn't sure if I wanted (or needed) a blu ray player but I'm really glad I purchased this unit. It plays all types of cds and dvds, including non-high definition cds and upscales them to a beautiful image. The only thing I dont like is the amount of time it takes to start up. but other than this the machine itself is very sleek and easy to use. Highly recommended for anyone who needs electronic toys and needs to have the latest gadget!

Strengths: Sleek looking! HDMI and optical cable connections. Plays all formats of disk except HD-DVD(which sucks).

Weaknesses: There isn't enough control buttons on the player itself.

Summary: The Sony BDP-500 is very clean looking. The drive bay is hidden behind a panel that move up and down. The setup menu is very easy to go through and setup was no problem, it looks like the PSP menu. You can play your music cd and all movie formats except HD-DVD. The player even makes regular DVDs look spectacular. Since Sony helped develop the Blu-ray technology I figured I couldn't go wrong purchasing a Sony Blu-ray player and I was correct. This is the next generation movie player which all movie studios are pushing so be one of the first and experience what you've been missing.

Strengths: clear and clean picture on both BlueRay and SD/DVDs

Weaknesses: so far so good

Summary: Sony has got it together.products work beautifly together.i have Sony BDP-S500 and Toshiba HD-AX2.Sony wins.BlueRay just simply has better picture and easier to use.i have not had any problems at all with my sony equipment.

Strengths: good picture, easy to connect

Weaknesses: none I can see

Summary: This unit is solidly built and the connections are easy.The picture is clear and crisp and is far better than the standard definition dvd players.If I had to make a choice today, I would still choose this model.This unit allows you to play discs burned on your computer as well.