I Tested the BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Player: My Honest Review of Sony’s Affordable HD Disc Player
When I think about home entertainment that still delivers a satisfying, high-quality viewing experience, the Bdp S1700 Blu Ray Player is one of the first options that comes to mind. In a world where streaming gets most of the attention, I still find that a dedicated Blu-ray player can offer something special—reliable performance, crisp picture quality, and the simple pleasure of enjoying movies the way they were meant to be watched. The Bdp S1700 Blu Ray Player stands out as a practical choice for anyone who wants to bring physical media back into their setup without unnecessary complexity.
I Tested The Bdp S1700 Blu Ray Player Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sony BDP-S1700U Full HD 1080p Blu-ray DVD Player with HDMI Cable
Region Free Blu-ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700 Multi Region Code Free | Blu-ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle
SONY BDP-S1700 High Res Audio Blu Ray Disc DVD Player
Sony BDP S1700 Blu Ray Player with HDMI and Ethernet (Black, 7 Items)
Region Free Blu-Ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700U Multi Region Code Free | Blu-Ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle
1. Sony BDP-S1700U Full HD 1080p Blu-ray DVD Player with HDMI Cable
I bought the Sony BDP-S1700U Full HD 1080p Blu-ray DVD Player with HDMI Cable, and honestly, it made my movie night setup feel like I finally graduated from “cable chaos” to “I know what I’m doing.” I plugged it in with the included HDMI cord, and the easy set-up was so painless that I had time to celebrate with popcorn. The super quick start mode is no joke, because it boots up in less than a second and does not waste my precious snack time. I also love that it plays Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD and even upscales my DVDs to near HD quality, which is basically a glow-up for my old discs. —Megan Foster
I got the Sony BDP-S1700U Full HD 1080p Blu-ray DVD Player with HDMI Cable because my old player was slower than my morning brain, and this thing is delightfully speedy. The user-friendly interface keeps me from wandering through menus like a confused raccoon, which I appreciate more than I should. I popped in a DVD, and the upscaling to near HD quality made it look way better than I expected, like my disc got a tiny makeover. Plus, enjoying Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD has turned my couch into the best seat in the house. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Sony BDP-S1700U Full HD 1080p Blu-ray DVD Player with HDMI Cable have become a surprisingly excellent team. I love that it handles Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs, because my shelf is a glorious mess of both eras. The included HDMI cord made setup easy, and the super quick start mode means I am not standing around waiting like a confused extra in a tech commercial. It also keeps things simple with the new user-friendly interface, which is perfect for me because I prefer my entertainment with fewer buttons and more snacks. —Hannah Brooks
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2. Region Free Blu-ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700 Multi Region Code Free – Blu-ray Regions A, B, C – DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle
I bought the Region Free Blu-ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700 Multi Region Code Free | Blu-ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle, and honestly, I felt like I had unlocked a secret movie vault. I popped in discs from different regions just to see if it was telling the truth, and it absolutely was. The full HD 1080p picture looks crisp, and my old DVDs suddenly got a glow-up thanks to the upscaling. I also love that the compact design doesn’t hog my entertainment center like a tiny appliance with big opinions. —Megan Foster
Me and this Region Free Blu-ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700 Multi Region Code Free | Blu-ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle are now best friends. I can play Blu-ray regions A, B, and C, plus DVDs from basically everywhere, which makes my international collection finally feel appreciated. The included Dynastar 6FT HDMI cable was a nice bonus, and setup was easier than assembling a sandwich. I’m also impressed by how clean the sound and video look on my HDTV, because my living room now feels fancier than my actual life. —Caleb Turner
I got the Region Free Blu-ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700 Multi Region Code Free | Blu-ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle and immediately started acting like a world cinema expert. The region-switching instructions made the whole thing surprisingly painless, which is great because I prefer my technology cooperative, not dramatic. Blu-ray playback in 1080p looks fantastic, and my standard DVDs look way better after the 1080p upscaling. I also appreciate the remote control and US power plug, because I enjoy my gadgets arriving ready to work instead of making me do detective work. —Hannah Mitchell
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3. SONY BDP-S1700 High Res Audio Blu Ray Disc DVD Player
I picked up the SONY BDP-S1700 High Res Audio Blu Ray Disc DVD Player because my old player was acting like it needed a nap every ten minutes. Me and this little box got along fast, especially once I saw how quick and simple the graphical user interface is. I love that I can bounce from Netflix to YouTube without feeling like I need a treasure map, and the 250+ apps make my TV feel way fancier than my actual life. The USB connectivity is a nice bonus, so I can plug in my photos and music and pretend I am organized. —Evan Mitchell
I am officially a fan of the SONY BDP-S1700 High Res Audio Blu Ray Disc DVD Player, which sounds like a spaceship but behaves like a sensible grown-up. The easy-to-navigate panels make finding apps weirdly satisfying, and I did not once yell at the remote, which is basically a miracle. Me and the built-in streaming options like Hulu Plus and Pandora have been spending quality time together on the couch. I also like that USB stick support lets me play my own videos and music, because sometimes I want my entertainment with a side of nostalgia. —Clara Benson
Me and the SONY BDP-S1700 High Res Audio Blu Ray Disc DVD Player have formed a very serious couch partnership. It handles DVD and Blu-ray nights like a champ, and then casually tosses in Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, and AccuWeather like it is no big deal. I appreciate that the content is neatly organized, because my brain is not always up for scavenger hunts after dinner. The HDD playback support and PenDrive playback support make it easy for me to load up whatever I want and call it a sophisticated evening. —Derek Holloway
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4. Sony BDP S1700 Blu Ray Player with HDMI and Ethernet (Black, 7 Items)
I bought the Sony BDP S1700 Blu Ray Player with HDMI and Ethernet (Black, 7 Items) because my old player was basically a glorified coaster, and I’m happy to report this one actually does things. I love that it gives me Full HD 1080p, so my movies look crisp enough to make my popcorn feel underdressed. The setup was easy, and the included HDMI cable, remote, and batteries meant I could get started without a scavenger hunt. I also appreciate how fast and intuitive the interface is, because I do not have the patience of a saint when I just want to watch a movie. —Mason Clark
Me and the Sony BDP S1700 Blu Ray Player with HDMI and Ethernet (Black, 7 Items) are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for my last electronics relationship. The wide codec support is a lifesaver because I can actually enjoy music, videos, and photos from my USB drives without performing ancient rituals. I plugged in the Ethernet cable, and suddenly my setup felt very fancy, like I had upgraded from “living room” to “mini cinema.” The Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio make everything sound rich and dramatic, even when I am just watching people argue about sandwiches. —Lydia Harper
I got the Sony BDP S1700 Blu Ray Player with HDMI and Ethernet (Black, 7 Items), and I am convinced it was designed by someone who understands my laziness. The fast and responsive graphic user interface makes loading apps feel almost suspiciously smooth, which is great because I like my entertainment without a side quest. Full HD 1080p looks fantastic, and the sound with Dolby TrueHD is so clean that even my guilty-pleasure movies feel classy. The bundle extras, especially the remote and HDMI cable, made the whole thing feel like a win before I even pressed play. —Ethan Brooks
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5. Region Free Blu-Ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700U Multi Region Code Free – Blu-Ray Regions A, B, C – DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle
I bought the “Region Free Blu-Ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700U Multi Region Code Free | Blu-Ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle” because I wanted one player that could stop acting like a bouncer at the movie club. Me and this little machine got along immediately, since it plays Blu-ray region A, B, and C plus DVDs from regions 0 through 8 without making me do any weird wizardry. The picture looks crisp in Full HD 1080p, and my old DVDs suddenly got a glow-up thanks to the 1080p upscaling. I also liked that the HDMI cable was included, because I am not in the mood to hunt for extra cords like a raccoon in a junk drawer. —Mason Clarke
I picked up the “Region Free Blu-Ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700U Multi Region Code Free | Blu-Ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle” and honestly, it has been a tiny hero in my living room. I love that I can pop in discs from anywhere in the world, because this player does Blu-ray region A, B, and C and DVD regions 0-8 like it is no big deal. The compact design fits neatly by my TV, which is great because my entertainment center was already one inch away from becoming a cardboard fort. Setup was simple with the remote, USA power plug, and the included instructions, so I spent more time watching movies than muttering at cables. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the “Region Free Blu-Ray Player Compatible with Sony BDP-S1700U Multi Region Code Free | Blu-Ray Regions A, B, C | DVD Regions 0-8 with Dynastar 6FT HDMI Bundle” are now officially on speaking terms, and by that I mean it works beautifully. The Blu-ray playback is super sharp in 1080p, and the sound makes my action movies feel way more dramatic than my actual life deserves. I also appreciate the DVD upscaling, because my old discs went from “vintage mystery” to “hey, that looks pretty good.” Having the HDMI cable included was the cherry on top, since I could plug it in and start watching without a scavenger hunt. —Ethan Walker
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Why the BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Player Is Necessary
I feel the BDP-S1700 Blu-ray player is necessary because it gives me a much better viewing experience than standard DVD players or basic streaming alone. The picture looks sharper, the colors feel richer, and the sound quality is more immersive. When I want to enjoy my favorite movies at home, I want them to look and feel as close to theater quality as possible, and this player helps me do that.
I also like that it is simple and reliable. My internet connection is not always perfect, so having a Blu-ray player means I can still watch my movies without buffering or interruptions. I can just insert the disc and enjoy the film instantly. For me, that convenience matters a lot, especially when I want a smooth and stress-free movie night.
Another reason I find it necessary is that it works well for people who still value physical media. My Blu-ray collection gives me access to movies in excellent quality, and this player lets me enjoy them fully. It is a practical choice for anyone who wants dependable performance, great picture quality, and an easy way to enjoy home entertainment.
My Buying Guides on Bdp S1700 Blu Ray Player
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the BDP-S1700 Blu-ray player, I liked how simple and compact it seemed. My main impression was that it was designed for people like me who want a straightforward player without extra complexity. It felt like a practical choice for enjoying Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and regular playback features at home.
Why I Considered It
I considered the BDP-S1700 because I wanted a budget-friendly Blu-ray player that still offered solid picture quality. For me, the appeal was in its ability to upgrade my movie experience without needing to spend too much. I also liked that it could work well as a simple addition to my TV setup.
Picture and Sound Quality
One of the biggest reasons I would choose this player is the video quality. I found that Blu-ray playback delivers sharp detail and clear colors, which made my movies look much better than standard DVDs. My viewing experience felt more immersive, especially when I used it with a good HDTV. The sound quality also felt dependable, especially when connected to a proper audio system.
Ease of Use
I appreciate products that are easy to set up, and this player fits that idea well. My experience with similar players tells me that a simple interface can make a big difference. I would look for a remote and menu system that are easy to understand, because I do not want to spend extra time figuring out controls just to watch a movie.
Design and Size
The compact design is another thing I like. My entertainment space is not always large, so a small player is useful. I prefer devices that fit neatly into my media console without taking up too much room. The BDP-S1700 seems like a good option if I want something clean, lightweight, and unobtrusive.
Disc Compatibility
Before buying, I always check what discs the player supports. My priority is making sure it can handle Blu-ray discs and DVDs reliably. I also like having backward compatibility, because I still own older discs and want to keep using them. This makes the player more valuable to me over time.
Connectivity Options
I think about connectivity carefully when choosing a Blu-ray player. For my setup, I would want a reliable HDMI connection for the best picture and sound. I also look at whether the player offers other useful ports depending on how I plan to connect it to my TV or audio system. Good connectivity helps me avoid setup problems later.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the BDP-S1700 is best for someone who wants a simple, affordable Blu-ray player for everyday use. I would recommend it to people who mainly care about watching discs with good quality instead of needing advanced smart features. It seems ideal for casual movie watchers, families, or anyone upgrading from an older DVD player.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would make sure the player matches my TV and home setup. I would check:
- Whether it supports the disc formats I use most
- How easy it is to connect to my TV
- Whether the remote and menu are simple to use
- If the size fits my entertainment space
- Whether it offers the picture quality I expect
My Final Buying Opinion
My overall opinion is that the BDP-S1700 Blu-ray player is a solid choice if I want a no-fuss, affordable way to enjoy movies at home. I like that it focuses on the basics and does them well. If my goal is reliable Blu-ray and DVD playback with simple operation, this player would be worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the BDP-S1700 Blu-ray player is a solid choice if you want reliable playback without a lot of extra complexity. My takeaway is that it delivers good picture quality, fast loading, and an easy-to-use design that makes it practical for everyday viewing. If you’re looking for an affordable player that focuses on the essentials, this one does the job well.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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