Reviewed by: dvdirv on 01-Aug-09 Rating: 
Strengths:Fast load times, easy setup, wireless connectivity
Weaknesses:Remote lacking features found in previous model
Summary:The Sony BDP-S560 is a capable Blu-ray player. This is basically an updated 360 with wireless connectivity for BD Live functions.
Sony finally got it right by building wireless connectivity into the player itself. Previously, you needed to have a PS3 or buy a wireless add-on to have this feature. My viewing room is too far away from a wired connection, so wireless was the only way to go.
The 560 loads quickly and has most of the standard features you would expect from Sony. Setup was very fast and simple including the wireless feature. You just needed to search for your network and then manually input your password--that was it!
The only negative feature I could find was in the 560\'s remote. Sony took a step backward by offering less features than its predecessor, the BDP-S550. The last remote offered a lighted display. In addition, you had an open/close button which this new player does not offer. Buttons are not clustered logically around the center button . Even the BDP-S350, the former lower end player offered a better remote. Of course for $63 you can buy the 550\'s remote from Sony and use it with the 560.
The Sony BDP-S560 is a good player with the added wireless feature. It could have been an even better player with a decent remote.
Sony finally got it right by building wireless connectivity into the player itself. Previously, you needed to have a PS3 or buy a wireless add-on to have this feature. My viewing room is too far away from a wired connection, so wireless was the only way to go.
The 560 loads quickly and has most of the standard features you would expect from Sony. Setup was very fast and simple including the wireless feature. You just needed to search for your network and then manually input your password--that was it!
The only negative feature I could find was in the 560\'s remote. Sony took a step backward by offering less features than its predecessor, the BDP-S550. The last remote offered a lighted display. In addition, you had an open/close button which this new player does not offer. Buttons are not clustered logically around the center button . Even the BDP-S350, the former lower end player offered a better remote. Of course for $63 you can buy the 550\'s remote from Sony and use it with the 560.
The Sony BDP-S560 is a good player with the added wireless feature. It could have been an even better player with a decent remote.
