LG BD 390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player
From the Manufacturer (June 20, 2009)Get the ultimate in picture quality with the LG BD390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player, which features full HD 1080p resolution from Blu-ray Discs and 1080p upscaling from standard DVD video discs. It also allows you to stream movies, TV shows and videos to your HDTV without a computer via Netflix and YouTube. Similar to its sibling BD370 Blu-ray Disc Player, you can connect the BD390 to a broadband home network through the built-in Ethernet port. But the BD390 takes connectivity a step further with integrated Wi-Fi home networking (802.11b/g/n). Additionally, it comes with 1 GB of built-in memory, offering an easier option for enjoying BD Live content from your favorite Blu-ray movies without the need for a flash drive and discrete 7.1 channel audio outputs for exceptional connectivity and performance. The LG BD390 includes LG’s NetCast Entertainment Access functionality, which offers a virtually endless array of content-on-demand option
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Out of the Box and Streaming Netflix in HD in 10 Minutes
I really wasn’t even looking for a Blu-ray player, but I needed a DVD player and didn’t see the logic in paying money for outmoded technology when for more, quite a bit more…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Harpretired
I wasn’t sure about buying this product but the wireless capabilities make it easy to watch movies on-line without worrying about long cables. LG makes great products.
I have to say that I’m impressed with this unit. The wait times are not too bad at all, and as others have said, the picture quality is excellent. Standard DVD upconversion is excellent. There are a few minor issues that I’ve found, which I’ll get to.
Setup out of the box was quick and simple. I plugged it in and set a few audio options, video needed no adjustment from the defaults.
The network setup wasn’t too bad, but I did have some issues with encryption. I also purchased a new wireless router (the Netgear RangeMax WNDR3300 Wireless-N Router) to replace the near-decade-old Linksys I have. I tried two different encryption types, and both both times the player could connect after entering the key, but refused to obtain an IP address. Disabling encryption on the router caused the player to obtain an IP address quickly, and setup was complete. Currently I’m running without encryption but with MAC address filtering. I’m okay with that, but I might go back and try encryption again now that I’ve downloaded a firmware update for the router. Other reviews state no problems setting up with encryption, so the problem might be specific to my setup.
Netflix functionality took a few seconds to set up. Anything in your “Watch Instantly” queue is displayed in the Netflix menu and you can rate any of them from the player. Unfortunately, at this time there is no ability to browse or search for anything that’s not already in your queue. With the right connection, the higher quality video is quite good – as good or slightly better than standard definition cable. At this point, audio doesn’t get any better than stereo, and while it’s not crystal clear, it’s not bad. Hopefully some new features will be added in future firmware updates.
The YouTube player is nice too. This supports searches, “Top Rated”, “Most Viewed”, “Recent Videos”, etc. It’s fun to play around with, and I’m glad the feature exists on this player, even if the novelty might wear off a little over time.
I did a firmware update this morning (it wasn’t available yesterday), and now there is a new menu item for CinemaNow. I haven’t messed with it much, but apparently you can “rent” a movie for around $3.99 or “buy” a movie for $15-$20. There’s a section for TV, but it merely says “Coming Soon”. I don’t see the point in this really, since Netflix covers the rentals (for much cheaper), and the movies seems to be the same price as going out and buying the DVD. I’d rather have the DVD than an over-compressed soft copy for the same price.
I can’t get the Media Server stuff to work at all. So far, I’ve dedicated about 6 or 7 hours to getting this to work. None of the other reviews have mentioned a problem with this, so I guess it must be me. I installed the included Nero MediaHome 4 Essentials software, and added a directory to share. I started the server fine, but the player constantly tells me “No Server Found”. I have tried two different wireless routers and an infinite number of settings adjustments. My firewalls are off. I just can’t get a break. As a software engineer with a degree in the field, you can bet that it’s pretty frustrating for this to beat me. I’ll update the review if and when I get it working. Others have not had the same problem as me, though. So I imagine that this is NOT a problem with the player.
There are also a number of little features related to the playing of DVD’s and BD’s that I like. The player remembers each movie’s last position when it was stopped and/or removed. So the next time you start up that movie, it will resume where you left off.
The video settings are reasonably full-featured as well. Brightness, Contrast, etc. are all adjustable, and you can adjust colors manually (just the reds, just the yellows, etc.) Upconverted DVD’s have a couple of NR options, and there’s an auto-contrast feature which seems to work pretty well. There’s also a zoom feature that let’s you zoom in on a part of the screen to get a closer look. That’s cool.
Overall, this player was definitely worth the money for me. I’m looking forward to the day when I can get the media server working, but even without that feature, I love this player. It’s worth every cent. Great video, great audio, and instant Netflix that doesn’t involve me using composite cables to mirror my laptop screen to the TV. Progress!
—————- Update 05/27/2009 ——————
Now I seem to be having an additional problem. I tried two DVD’s that have an alternate picture-in-picture track that can be enabled. They pop up with a small video in the corner of the screen every so often when the option is turned on (like a video commentary track). I can’t get either of them to play with sound. The video shows up but you can’t hear anything. There is no mention of this in the manual, and nothing that I can find online about it. One person with the same problem (but a different player) said that their player had a “Secondary Audio” option that was turned off by default, and turning it on fixed the issue. This player does not have that option. None of the standard audio tracks contain the PIP audio. I’ve just about given up. If someone can tell me how to fix this, I’d be grateful. Otherwise I’d knock this down to three stars until it’s fixed in firmware. For reference, the two Blu-Ray discs I’m talking about are Futurama: Into The Wild Green Yonder and Groundhog Day.
—————- Update 06/05/2009 ——————
Following the recommendation of xoco (see Comments), I changed the audio from Primary Pass-Through to DTS Re-Encode. This fixes the PIP audio track problem. I’m satisfied with that, although I’m not sure if I have lost anything by making the switch.
Bottom line, this is simply the best network Blu-ray player on the market. Blu-ray playback, flawless. Streaming Netflix via wireless internet connection, flawless. Any complaints are most likely user error or due to slow internet connection speed, so I have an important bit of advise to potential buyers. HD Netflix requires an internet data rate of ~8mbps. Entry level cable or DSL data rates are 5 and 3 mbps respectively. You will need to upgrade (usually costs $5-$10 per month) to stream HD Netflix. Cable users will be able to watch SD no problem at ~5mbps but SD requires about 3.5 mbps minimum, so entry level DSL users will have some problems streaming SD Netflix. Some DSL service is only 1.5mbps which is well, silly.
One more note: I am a Mac user and I can connect the BD390 to the internet and run all the available applications advertised just fine. The only thing you can’t do is route iTunes directly from your computer to your TV via the BD390, which you don’t really need if you use Netflix. Not a deal breaker.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Blu Ray Player Indeed
Amazing blu ray player. My waiting and research paid off. You can’t go wrong with this player. The connection was easy to my 50″ Panasonic Viera Plasma and the wireless…
This player is unbelievable. You can stream all of your Video, Music, and Pictures wireless from your PC with the included Nero software. The WiFi is built in no need for a wireless dongle – sorry Samsung – LOL.
The menus are easy to use and fun. It is like having a second computer in my living room. I love this player so much that I am going to buy the extended warranty today so that nothing happens to it. I am an electronics geek. I have had the samsung 1600, 3600, and LG BD370. This one takes the cake. I don’t care that I paid full price. I would have paid another $150 for this unit. Trust me you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! I am in love with this unit. LG you blew me away with this player.
I have been having so much fun with this unit I can’t explain. Do your selves a favor and buy this unit. You can respond to my review and I guarantee you will agree.
1.0 out of 5 stars
A piece of junk with worthless customer support
Out of the box this player gave the message NO DISK with Blu Ray and DVDs. It also recognised my network once and then never again (despite resetting router etc).
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Blu-Ray player
This is my first blu-ray player and I couldn’t be more pleased. I am not at all technically adept but set up was very simple and straight forward.
5.0 out of 5 stars
great player , with great added features
Solid Blu Ray performance. Netflix streaming in minutes. Easy setup and great quality. solid performer.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Netflix Streamer; YouTube, myMedia interface could be better
I am going to skip over the review of the BD and DVD playback features (which are both excellent, by the way) and get to the point right away.
1.0 out of 5 stars
false advertising
This player does not work with Mac products, including Airport. I called LG customer service six times, and finally I talked to someone who said it is not Mac compatible, but…
2.0 out of 5 stars
Wait until the Problems are Fixed.
Like others, I had a problem with sound synchronization on some (not all) blu-ray discs. There was no such problem when I played the same discs in my PS3.
5.0 out of 5 stars
LG BD 390 Blu-ray Disc Player
I purchased the LG BD 390 Blu-ray Disc Player in early June, 2009. After researching the various brands and models of Blu-ray players available, I decided on the LG BD 390.