Review: Yamaha BD-S673

As a global, world class innovator and a company known to occasionally boast the slogan “Tuned to Perfection”, it’s not surprising that Yamaha knows a thing or two about picture quality. The BD-S673 Blu-ray player is their top level player, offering some very intriguing options and the high-quality manufacturing that you would come to expect from Yamaha.
 
In this review, we’re using a region-free version of the BD-S673. The region free model is not sold direct from the manufacturer, nor is it available at most retailers. It’s a professionally modified model, available from retailers who specialize in region-free blu-ray players and comes with some very useful upgrades in addition to the already impressive features that Yamaha has packed in.
region free yamaha BD-S673
 
One of the main features that have been added to the region-free model is the ability to play discs from anywhere in the world, regardless of the disc’s region code. It provides playback for DVD regions 1-6, and all 3 Blu-ray regions – A,B, and C. The benefit of this feature is that you can purchase foreign movies, alternate versions or simply purchase movies from overseas to save money. Either way, you can be assured that the region-free BD-S673 will play any Blu-ray disc or DVD you can find.
 
The other modifications are worldwide voltage capability and PAL/NTSC conversion. Worldwide voltage is an added feature allowing the player to operate at either 110 volts or 220 volts – meaning it’s ideal for those who travel and live abroad or are relocating overseas. This feature eliminates the need for a voltage converter, as no matter where you go, you’re either going to find a 110 or a 220 volt electrical standard. Simply choose the proper voltage via a switch on the rear and plug it in. It’s that easy.
The built-in PAL/NTSC conversion is what makes the Yamaha BD-S673 compatible with literally any TV. In different parts of the world, there are different color systems used with TV’s. Typically, if you try to use a North American player with a European TV, they will be incompatible. To do so, you’d be required to purchase an external video converter and wire it between the player and television. Since this Blu-ray player has a built-in converter, there’s no need to worry about compatibility – again, it’s compatible with any TV in the world that a Blu-ray player can connect to.
 
The region-free features of this player alone make it a valuable purchase, because it can be taken anywhere in the world, connected to any TV, and will play any disc from anywhere. While not everyone will need or use the features that come with the region-free BD-S673, many people find them to be an indisposable and hassle free solution to a variety of compatibility issues. These features are especially important to movie fans who enjoy foreign cinema, those who travel abroad and people who plan to move internationally or relocate in the near future.
 
Moving back to the core features of the Yamaha BD-S673, we have to say that this model delivers a nice array of options and unparallelled picture quality that would be an excellent addition to any home theater.
 
Beginning with the audio and video, the BD-S673 comes out of the box 3-D ready with 1080P Full HD. It uses HDMI video output for flawless transfer of data, delivering the highest possible picture quality right to your TV. It also supports playback of all current HD audio formats, allowing lifelike acoustics to be pumped through your home theater’s surround sound with incredible clarity.
 
Next, and probably the second most important feature of this player other than its ability to play movies is built-in Wi-Fi. It’s a very convenient feature that gives this Blu-ray player a lot of flexibility, including:
 
DLNA compatibility: This lets you connect to your laptop, PC, or other devices connected to your home network. Share music, movies, photos and more from one device to another with ease.
BD-Live: An array of online features that increase interactivity of the movies you watch. Download extended/excluded scenes, watch exclusive trailers, chat with other movies fans, find games, and more!
AV Controller: A specialized app that can be downloaded and turns your iPhone, android or tablet into a remote that you can use to control your player from anywhere in your home.
Streaming Media: Access Netflix, Picasa, and Youtube directly on your TV with the BD-S673 Blu-ray Player
 
The Region-free Yamaha BD-S673 comes loaded with features that enhance both its usability and performance, it also has the additional standard perks that you’re looking for, which include:
 
– 1 frontal USB input
– 1 rear USB input
– Composite video output
– Composite audio output
– 2-channel mixed audio output
– Digital audio output (optical/coaxial)
– 1 Ethernet port
 
The BD-S673 is a top notch unit that’s built to last, and it shows. From the solid exterior housing to the easy to use graphic interface, this is a region-free player that’s well worth the investment. Fans of Yamaha will be pleased to learn that the product lives up to Yamaha’s stringent standards for quality, workmanship and performance. This player gets an excellent rating, as that’s what it delivers – excellence.
 
IMPORTANT: Please note that Blu-ray Players are NOT produced as Region Free from the manufacturer, and are NOT available in major retail stores. Region Free units require professional hardware & software modification and are only sold by specialty retailers. Be sure to check the player’s specifications before making a purchase to ensure the player is being advertised and sold as a unit with region free capability.


Comments

Review: Yamaha BD-S673 — 2 Comments

  1. This BluRay player does not play my Region A BluRay. I have gone into the menu and change the country to Australia and USA. Still nothing.

    How can I play these BluRay?

    Thanks.

    • Is your player a Region-Free model? If it’s not, then it’s not going to play discs from other regions. You’ll need to purchase a region-free model from a reputable retailer.

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