The Sony UBP-X1100ES has arrived, replacing the well-received Sony UBP-X1000ES. The UBP-X1100ES is, in many ways, just an upgraded version of the X1000ES. Many of its selling points remain the same, such as its rigid construction and attention to detail in regard to preserving audio and visual quality. For a general overview of features not referenced here, check out our review of the UBP-X1000ES upon which this review is based. The specific unit we are reviewing is region-free, and has been professionally modified to be so. You can purchase your own by clicking here. Units purchased from websites other than the ones linked in this article will likely not be region-free.

**This region-free player we’re reviewing has been professionally modified and is not available in department stores, however, you can buy one here**

Changes From the UBP-X1000ES

As we stressed in our initial review of the UBP-X1000ES, Sony has sought to fill the market gap left after Oppo left the business. In short, Oppo is a company that used to make high-end Blu-ray players for audiophiles and fans of high-end video. Unfortunately, they are no longer creating Blu-ray players. These Sony devices are now the closest one can get in quality and purpose to Oppo’s high-end Blu-ray players. These are high-end devices meant to provide the absolute best sound and video quality.

Similar to the UBP-X1000ES, the UBP-X1100ES supports HDR10 and 4K Upscaling. New to this model is support for Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma HDR. This model features built-in WiFi, simplifying the act of connecting it to the internet for streaming services such as Netflix. The X1100ES can even stream 3D content, when available!

The most prominent changes seen in the X1100ES are the supported formats. Obscure formats such as HEVC and Monkey’s Audio are now supported, expanding the options that users have in regard to viewing and listening experiences. The new “Bravia” mode also enhances video quality from sub-4K videos when using a compatible Sony television. While not at all necessary, this feature does offer some incentive for using this device with a Sony television.

Region-Free Features

The region-free Sony UBP-X1100ES that we tested was professionally modified by a team of experts. Those who purchase this device on websites such as Amazon will find that theirs is not region-free. This is why we suggest the modifications done by the team that did ours. Our modified unit plays Blu-rays and DVDs from every region. Swapping between voltages is also as simple as flipping a switch. These modified units are usable regardless of whether you live or travel to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, or elsewhere. Internal Pal/NTSC conversion offers further compatibility with most TVs, removing the need for expensive and frustrating conversion kits. These modifications work out of the box.

Those who purchase this device on websites such as Amazon will find that theirs is not region-free. We recommend the modifications done by the team that did ours, 220-Electronics.com. Our modified unit plays Blu-rays and DVDs from every region. Swapping between voltages is also as simple as flipping a switch. These modified units are usable regardless of whether you live or travel to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, or elsewhere. Internal Pal/NTSC conversion offers further compatibility with most TVs, removing the need for expensive and frustrating conversion kits. These modifications work out of the box.

Overall, this device is perfect for those seeking to upgrade from the X1000ES. If you are interested in the X1000ES and are considering going for the newer model instead, you will not be disappointed. There is nothing that the UBP-X1100ES does worse than its predecessor, offering a straight upgrade to ones experience. Again, these modified region-free units are not available in most stores. We suggest 220-Electronics.com, as they did the modifications for ours and we have been quite happy with their work. Purchase your own here while they are still in stock.