If you're without a PS5 or Xbox Series X with a disc drive, or you're seeking a more budget-friendly secondary media player for another room, Walmart and Amazon are offering several attractive deals on 4K Blu-ray players ahead of Black Friday 2024. One of the most notable deals is the Sony UBP-X700, available for $158 at Amazon, representing a $92 savings from its $250 list price. Amazon introduced this deal to match Walmart's $159 price, which is part of the retailer's early Black Friday sale. Walmart also features the UBP-X700M for $158, which is the same model but includes an HDMI cord. The X700M is exclusive to Walmart. Additionally, you can find savings on Panasonic 4K Blu-ray players, including the UB154P-K, a budget-friendly option that received positive reviews upon its release last year.
Sony Blu-ray players are well-regarded, and the X700 model on sale offers several features found in Sony's high-end Blu-ray players. Although it's an older model, it remains a versatile choice in 2024, featuring two HDMI ports, a USB connection, and a coaxial digital port. If you have a DVD collection, you can use an optional upscaling tool to enhance their sharpness, though the results may vary depending on the film and your TV. While Blu-ray players are niche products today, they can still be a worthwhile investment. If your favorite movie or TV show is available on 4K Blu-ray, this version likely offers the best experience in terms of both visual and audio quality, even if it's also available to stream in 4K. This is due to 4K discs offering higher bitrates, whereas streaming services prioritize smaller file sizes, which can impact video and audio quality.
That said, streaming services are ubiquitous, and the UBP-X700 is a smart Blu-ray player with access to all popular streaming apps. If you're looking for a dedicated Blu-ray player, this is a more affordable option compared to gaming consoles like the PS5 Slim or Xbox Series X, which regularly cost $500. It's also worth mentioning that the Xbox Series X is discounted to $448 in Walmart's early Black Friday sale, which runs until November 17. If you're interested in purchasing Blu-rays, there are several specials available. Fans of '90s action can preorder a brand-new 4K remaster of Demolition Man, complete with extra content. For a comprehensive film library, Criterion is releasing a 40-film box set titled CC40 on November 19. The collection is one of many Criterion Collection films currently on sale for 50% off at Amazon. On the animated front, you can also grab the first season of Arcane, a critically acclaimed show set in the League of Legends universe.
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