The Toshiba BDX2100KE

The cheapest Blu-ray player in this test field comes from the one-time HD DVD pioneer Toshiba. How well the Japanese manufacturer already understands the handling of the blue disks, the intensive image and tone test has resulted.


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Hardly a TV manufacturer on its latest TV so closely to what signals it receives via HDMI - which would be helpful in the optimization of the picture. With the BDX2100KE, Toshiba TVs have found their perfect partner, since hardly a Blu-ray player offers such comprehensive settings - especially not in this price range.


Picture gallery


In the rather unadorned menu, for example, it is possible to specify the bit-depth colors that are output. Red, green and blue can be readjusted according to brightness, color saturation and color tone. A configurable noise filter is also included.


BD-Live: More than additional infos


In spite of all these image-optimizing wheels, high-scaled DVD material retains artifacts around sharp edges that catch the eye. The picture is not quite as sharp as with the competitors. Also vertical taps have seen the testers run quieter across the screen.


If you place a Blu-ray disc in the disc tray, the drive announces quite loudly, but to mute during playback. Then the player shows fine pictures that are not exaggerated.


Testimonial


Toshiba BDX2100KE


€ 200, www.toshiba.com


+ Playback of AVCHD recordings as well as TS files via USB + Fast disc read-in times - Easy artefacts for DVD-free menus


Overall rating: very good 77%


Price / Performance: good


The digital sound output via HDMI or S / PDIF is as appropriate. The stereo analog sound output may sound slightly harsh for sound fanatics, but is convincing by the exemplary noise margin.


The Toshiba player does not offer gimmicks like the media retrieval from connected network servers or internet TV. For this, he scores when playing FAT-formatted USB memories. The only one in the test field, he plays AVCHD camcorder recordings from here.


Even before TV recordings in the form of TS files he does not shrink back. For the benefit of the music, it is useful for the album tags to be displayed next to the ID tags of MP3s. Self-play lists can be created.


The operation works intuitively despite the little meaningful labeling of the encoder after a short familiarization period. More help would have been expected by the tester of the concise, slightly unclear manual.


With BD-Live the user can download extras to a Blu-ray from the Internet. Trailer, additional film scenes, online games, access to online comununities, or optional live infos to actors or directors (MovieIQ) - the possibilities are immense. Precondition: The player must have the Bluray profile 2, which is the case with all new devices.


In addition to Internet access, an additional memory of at least 1 GB is necessary. If this is not present in the device, a message appears as in the left image. However, the memory can be retrofitted externally via USB memory or SD card. An interesting BD-Live offer comes with the Toshiba player: The Blu-ray by videociety provides access to the eponymous BD-Live online video store.