3D TV

The BD-C7900 is one of Samsung’s newest 3D Blu-ray Players. At a list price of $399.99 it should be considered their “Top of the Line” model. It replaces the earlier model BD-C6900, which is now listed at $349.99. Very similar in style and features, however the BD-C7900 is equipped with two HDMI Outputs. This added feature can be very useful for those wanting to enjoy 3D entertainment at home with the least amount of upgrading to their Home Theater System.

Samsung has always taken the extra effort to produce uniquely styled Blu-ray DVD Players. The BD-C7900 is no exception. Measuring just 1.6 inches in height, the BD-C7900 3D Blu-ray DVD Player has touch sensitive control buttons located on the front top edge. It has a cool looking see through top where you can see the disc drive. This is illuminated with a blue light, as well as the 3D Blu-ray logo (this can be turned off). The remote is fairly comfortable to hold with easy to use buttons and is non-illuminated.

VIDEO QUALITY: You can connect the BD-C7900 video via the HDMI(ver1.4) Output, Component Video Outputs or the Composite Outputs. The best connection would be through the HDMI Output which can support both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions. Making adjustment to the images can be done through three preset picture modes or through a user mode which allows you to adjust sharpness and noise reduction. Samsung has included a feature called Screen Fit that automatically changes 21:9 aspect ratio movies to 16:9 aspect. This will get rid of those irritating black strips that crowd the TV screen.

AUDIO QUALITY: You can connect the audio of the BD-C7900 through the HDMI(ver1.4) Output, Digital Optical Audio Output or the Analog Audio Outputs(2.0-ch). Unfortunately, it does not have mulitchannel analog outputs, therefore those with older Audio/Video receivers without HDMI this player may not appeal to you. It does have internal audio decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It can also transfer these high-resolution audio formats in their native bitstream form through HDMI, for your A/V receiver to decode. Other audio features include an audio sync (delay)  and also the ability to set up DTS Neo:6 Music and Cinema modes for stereo sources.

The main addition to the BD-C7900 Blu-ray Disc Player is the second audio-only HDMI Output. There is a great benefit for having dual HDMI outputs when it comes to 3D viewing. You can use one HDMI connection to send the 3D video signal directly to your 3D TV. And then use the other HDMI audio connection to send the sound to your Audio/Video receiver. There would be no need to upgrade to a 3D capable Audio/Video receiver.

Besides 3D Blu-ray disc playback, the BD-C7900 supports DVD, CD audio AVCHD, Divx HD, WMA, MP3 and JPEG. It is DLNA certified so you can connect the Blu-ray DVD Player to your Home Network via the Ethernet Port or the built in 802.11n wireless, and stream videos, movies, music and photos directly to your TV screen. The BD-C7900 has 1 GB of internal memory so it makes it easy to download and store BD-Live content, or you can use a USB storage device. The USB port can support music, movies and photo playback as long as the files are either JPEG, MP3, DivX, AVCHD, or MKV files.

If you want to stream online movies the player supports the Samsung Apps platform. This includes access to great online streaming media services such as Hulu Plus, VUDU, Netflix, Blockbuster video-on-demand, YouTube, Pandora, Flickr, Twitter and many more.

THE PROS: The BD-7900 Blu-ray Player from Samsung  is very similar to its earlier release, the BD-C6900 3D Blu-ray Player. The main difference between the two Blu-ray DVD Players is that the BD-C7900 has two HDMI(ver1.4) Outputs. Which means you can send 3D video directly to your 3D HDTV using one HDMI output. Then use the second HDMI Output for your audio signal to your current receiver (Provided it has an HDMI Input). No further updating is required to enjoy the 3D experience with full surround sound. It also has Wi-Fi built-in with 1GB of internal memory, BD-Live Ready, and is DLNA certified. Supports online media services: Internet@TV/Samsung Apps(provides content from Netflix, Pandora, Vudu, Blockbuster, Picasa and Twitter)

THE CONS: To enjoy 3D at home, you still require a 3D TV and 3D glasses. And of course 3D Blu-ray Content which is scarce at the moment. Does not have multichannel analog outputs, not good for someone with a non-HDMI A/V receiver. Does not have advanced control port like RS-232.

THE FINAL WORD: The Samsung BD-C7900 3D Blu-ray Player provides excellent video and audio quality on both 2D and 3D Blu-ray discs. Has many great features that make up a great Blu-ray Disc Player, such as Online Streaming and DLNA support. It’s dual HDMI outputs is a very convenient feature and its value should not be underestimated. It will allow you to enjoy 3D at home with the minimal of upgrading.  It has an Ultra Fast feature that should allow to enjoy 2D and 3D Blu-ray movies as fast as possible. And Samsung’s Anynet+ feature allows you to use one remote control to operate your whole 3D home theater. — Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $350.00