Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Disc Compatibility
Video Features
Audio Features
USB/Internet Functions
Convenience Features
Remote Control

Disc Compatibility

Disc Compatibility: The Sony BDP-S580 Blu-ray disc player is compatible with many disc types:

Blu-ray Disc Overview: Blu-ray Disc (BD) is a new high-definition disc format designed to take advantage of today's high quality HDTVs. The resolution is up to 1920 x 1080 (1080p) and the data transfer rate is up to 54 mbps. Blu-ray Disc discs and players offer several advantages over the standard DVD format:

• Better Picture Quality: Blu-ray Disc is a true high-definition format offering video at 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution. While standard DVDs look very good on an HDTV, they don't provide a high-definition signal (not even when you use an up-converting DVD player). Blu-ray Disc delivers an extraordinarily sharp, clean, detailed picture, with deeper, richer colors.
• Better Sound Quality: In addition to the same multi-channel sound formats you're accustomed to with DVD (Dolby Digital and DTS), Blu-ray Disc offers Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, and uncompressed 7.1 channel PCM.
• Much Greater Storage Capacity: What makes Blu-ray Disc's superior picture and sound possible is the much higher storage capacity of Blu-ray Disc discs. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 25 gigabytes of data, over five times the amount a standard DVD can hold. Dual-layer Blu-ray Discs hold 50 gigabytes, which equates to nine hours of High Definition or 23 hours of Standard Definition video, plus high-resolution multi-channel audio and the added features and material that require multiple discs with standard DVD.
• Backward Compatible: To ensure backward-compatibility with your existing library of discs, Blu-ray Disc players use a dual-laser mechanism: a blue laser for playing high-definition Blu-ray Discs, and a conventional red laser for playing DVDs and audio CDs.

Note: Like DVD, BD uses region codes. The region code on your disc must match the region code on your player, otherwise the disc will not play. The BDP-S580 is Blu-ray region A and DVD region 1. Blu-ray Disc uses the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) to prevent unauthorized recording of copyrighted material.

Firmware Updates: As Blu-Ray technology continues to evolve, new disc types with enhanced functionality will become available. In order for you to enjoy this new functionality, you will likely be required to update the firmware in your player. These firmware updates will become available for downloading from the Internet. Occasionally, Sony may release updated firmware for this unit that may add or improve the way a feature operates. These updates are available free of charge. This unit is capable of checking the firmware automatically when connected to the Internet via broadband connection.

Note: The tested Sony BDP-S580 Blu-ray player contained firmware version M07.R.0427 (as of 11/18/2011). There was an immediate firmware upgrade (M07.R.0553) available. Visit the Sony eSupport Site for the latest firmware update information.

3D-Ready: The Sony BDP-S580 lets you enjoy 3D Blu-ray disc movies in full HD 1080p.

Note: 3D viewing requires compatible 3D content, 3D-ready HDTV, 3D emitter & glasses, and a high-speed HDMI cable (supporting at least 10.2 Gbps) connection.

AVCHD: AVCHD (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) is a high definition digital video camera format used to record in high definition or standard definition on DVD, using an efficient data compression coding technology. The format is designed to compress video and audio (Dolby Digital or Linear PCM) data, enabling a high definition video signal shot on a digital video camera recorder to be recorded on DVD discs, in the same way as it would be for a standard definition signal.

MPEG Playback: The Sony Blu-ray disc player supports playback of MPEG (1-2-4) video files recorded on BD-RE, BD-R, DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW discs.

JPEG Playback: This unit will play JPEG still picture files recorded onto BD-RE, BD-R, DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW discs. Still images on your disc can be viewed in a Slide-Show as well as rotated 90-degrees left or right.

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The BDP-S580 supports MP3/WMA/AAC audio files recorded on BD-R/RE, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CD-R/RW discs. When stopped and restarted, playback resumes at the same point as long as the tray hasn't been opened and the player hasn't been turned off.

SACD: Super Audio CD use a technology called Direct Stream Digital (DSD) to convert music into a digital signal that can be stored on a disc. Compared to the traditional PCM method (the technology used for CD), DSD offers a much higher resolution by following more closely the original waveform of music. With a frequency response of over 100kHz and a dynamic range over 120dB across the audible frequency range - some 64 times higher resolution then CD - Super Audio CD offers music reproduction that reveals details you just cannot hear on a normal CD.\

Video Features

Video Outputs: The Sony BDP-S580 Blu-ray disc player features one high-definition HDMI output and two standard-definition video outputs (Component/composite).

• HDMI (ver.1.4): The BDP-S580's HDMI output simplifies A/V connections by carrying video and digital audio in one cable. The HDMI output is version 1.4, which supports 3D video content. The HDMI resolution can be fixed at 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, or 1080p, or set to Auto, which selects the highest resolution accepted by your television.
• Component Video: The component video output supports 480p for DVD playback and 480i for Blu-ray.
• Composite Video: The composite video output will only output 480i, no matter the source.

1080p HDMI Output with DVD Upscaling: Through the HDMI output, the BDP-S580 is capable of upscaling the resolution of your standard DVDs. Output options include Auto (highest resolution accepted by the TV), 1080p (60 Hz video or 24 Hz), 1080i, or 720p. If necessary the output resolution can also be set to 480p or 480i.

24p True Cinema: Movies are typically recorded on film with a frame rate of 24 frames per second. When a movie is transferred to Blu-ray Disc at 24 frames per second the BDP-S580 will output that signal to the TV (if the TV will accept the 1080p/24 format) with no need for conversion.

Deep Color: The Sony Blu-ray player supports a color depth of up to 12 bits. Connecting the player and a TV that supports Deep Color via HDMI allows more accurate color reproduction than when connecting it to a TV that does not support Deep Color. The Deep Color function can be set to 10-bit, 12-bit, Auto, or Off.

x.v.Color: The BDP-S580 supports x.v.Color, meaning it's ready for x.v.Color discs when they become available in the future.

Screen Settings: The Sony BDP-S580 features the following screen settings:

• TV Type: You can select a 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio for the unit's video output to match your connected Television's screen aspect ratio.
• Screen Format: You can select the display configuration for a 4:3 screen picture on a 16:9 wide screen television. You can select from the following:
  • Original: select when connected to a TV with a wide mode function; displays a 4:3 screen picture in 16:9 aspect ratio even on a wide-screen TV
  • Fixed Aspect Ratio: changes the picture size to fit the screen size with the original picture aspect ratio
• DVD Aspect Ratio: You can select the display configuration for playback of 16:9 screen pictures on a 4:3 screen TV. You can select from Letter Box or Pan & Scan.

Video Settings: The BDP-S580 offers the following video adjustments:

• Picture Quality Mode: You can select from 3 preset pictures settings (Standard, Brighter, Theater) for different lighting environment.
• FNR: Reduces the random noise appearing in the picture.
• BNR: Reduces the mosaic-like block noise in the picture.
• MNR: Reduces minor noise around the picture outlines (mosquito noise)
• I/P Noise Reduction: Improves the picture quality of Internet entertainment.

Cinema Conversion Mode: The Sony Blu-ray player offers two Cinema Conversion Modes - Auto and Video.

• Auto: The player automatically detects whether the material is video-based or film-based, and switches to the appropriate conversion method.
• Video: The conversion method suited for video-based material will always be selected regardless of the content.

BonusView: The BonusView feature provides picture-in-picture capability with select Blu-ray Disc titles. You can view addition content (such as director/actor commentary) in a small display window while the movie is playing.

Audio Features

Surround Sound Decoders: The BDP-S580 has built-in Dolby Digital and DTS surround processors; multi-channel PCM Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio are output through the HDMI jack (when encoded on the Blu-ray Disc).

• Dolby Digital Plus: Dolby Digital Plus was developed as an extension to Dolby Digital. The audio coding technology supports 7.1 channel surround sound. Dolby Digital Plus also includes the standard Dolby Digital bit stream and is compatible with all current Dolby Digital processors using the coaxial digital output.
• Dolby TrueHD: Dolby TrueHD is a lossless coding technology that supports up to 8 channels of multi-channel surround sound for the next generation optical discs. The reproduced sound is true to the original source bit-for-bit.
• DTS-HD High Resolution Audio: DTS-HD High Resolution Audio supports a maximum sampling frequency of 96 kHz, and 7.1 multi-channel surround. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio has a maximum transmission rate of 6 Mbps, with a lossy compression.
• DTS-HD Master Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio has a maximum transmission rate of 24.5 Mbps and uses lossless compression (Lossless), and DTS-HD Master Audio corresponds to a maximum sampling frequency of 192 kHz, and maximum of 7.1ch.

Audio Settings: The BDP-S580 allows you to adjust the following audio settings:

• AV SYNC: synchronize the picture and sound by delaying the audio output in relation to the picture output; 0 to 120 milliseconds
• Audio DRC: The player offers three dynamic range compression levels - Auto, On, Off.

Audio Outputs: The Sony BDP-S580 Blu-ray disc player features a digital audio output (coaxial) and one analog audio output (RCA)

• Digital Audio Outputs: The BDP-S580 is equipped with a coaxial digital output. The Audio menu allows you to select the digital audio format that is passed through the coaxial digital output. Settings allow you to transfer Dolby Digital and/or DTS sound tracks, or down-mix surround bitstreams to 2-channel PCM audio.
• Analog Audio: There is a pair of stereo analog RCA outputs.

USB/Internet Functions

LAN (100) Port: Connect the player's rear panel LAN (100) terminal to your Internet modem or router using a CAT-5 network cable (Ethernet cable sold separately) to access Internet video and music content or update the unit's software.

Built-in Wi-Fi: In addition to the unit's Ethernet port (LAN) connection, you can also easily connect wirelessly to your home's broadband network using the Blu-ray player's built-in Wi-Fi.

Note: Requires home network with an 802.11 access point (802.11n recommended) and internet connection. Supports WPS, WEP, and WPA security.

USB Ports: The Sony BDP-S580 features a front and rear panel USB (Type-A) port:

• Front Panel: The front-panel USB port allows you to play photo (JPEG), videos (MPEG), and music (MP3/WMA/AAC) files on a connected USB device. The player can recognize Mass Storage Class (MSC) Devices that are FAT-compatible and Still Image Capture Devices (SICD) class devices. The player can recognize up to 5 folders and 500 files per folder.
• Rear Panel: The BDP-S580 features a rear panel USB Type-A port which allows you to enjoy additional content (such as BonusView) on certain Blue-ray Disc titles. Some BD-ROMs have bonus content and other data which can be downloaded to an inserted USB Flash Drive (minimum 1 GB recommended, sold separately).

Note: Not all USB devices are supported.

DLNA Certified: DLNA allows you to share music (MP3/WMA), video (MPEG2), and photo (JPEG) files between DLNA compatible devices using your DLNA home network and the Sony BDP-S580. The player can recognize up to 20 folders and 999 filers per folder from a DLNA server. A DLNA network can be setup hardwired (using Ethernet port) or wirelessly (built-in WiFi).

Note: Requires home network and DLNA enabled device (such as a Windows PC).

Party Streaming: You can play music in other rooms simultaneously by connecting Sony products which are compatible with DLNA and the Party Streaming function.

BRAVIA Internet Video: The Sony BDP-S580 lets you instantly access millions of online entertainment choices from BRAVIA Internet Video. Using your home network and broadband connection, you can access a wide variety of movies, videos, music, and more. This can be done through the Blu-ray player's Ethernet terminal or built-in WiFi. Currently BRAVIA Internet Video offers the following online content (as of November 2011).

Note: BRAVIA Internet Video Requires home network with a connection speed of at least 2.5 Mbps recommended (10 Mbps for HD content). Video quality and picture size vary and are dependent upon broadband speed and delivery by content provider. Online content may require additional fees and/or PC registration. Available online content may change without notice (visit Sony.com for latest information regarding online content).

Web Browser: Once you have connected to the Internet via the Blu-ray player's Ethernet terminal or built-in WiFi, you can browse select websites (text-based only) by entering a URL address. Some web-pages may be to large for download.

Note: Requires a broadband internet connection. This is not a full search engine for the Internet and Web. For Internet audio/video/photo content, use Sony's Bravia Internet Video service.

Gracenote Metadata Service: The Gracenote Metadata service instantly gives you access to detailed information about the movies you are watching through the Blu-ray disc player internet connectivity. This easy-to-navigate service displays information such as cast information, genre, jacket art and more right on the TV screen. You can also access select internet apps including YouTube and Qriocity to find related entertainment

Note: Requires Internet connectivity. Some disc titles may not be supported by the Gracenote service.

BD-Live: BD-Live technology allows you to download and stream bonus content such as additional scenes, shorts, trailers, movie-based games, and more from a broadband Internet and home network connections (fees may apply). The Sony Blu-ray player features an Ethernet port and built-in WiFi to connect to the Internet via your home network and features rear-panel USB port for additional storage.

Note: You must have a minimum 1GB USB memory device inserted in the unit's rear-panel USB port in order to download content from BD-Live.

Convenience Features

Start Up/Play Back Time: The Sony BDP-S580 Blu-ray player has a start-up time of approximately 26 seconds. It takes approximately 55 seconds for a Blu-ray disc to begin playback.

Note: The Start Up/Play Back Time tests were started with the Blu-ray player initially turned off & in standby mode. The Start Up Time test was stopped when the player's Home Menu screen appeared. The Play Back Time test was stopped when the Blu-ray disc began playback.

Quick Start: This feature shortens the startup time (only 3 seconds) & playback time (25 seconds) from standby mode. When the Quick Start Mode is turned on the standby power consumption is higher.

Auto Display: The player automatically displays information on your TV screen when changing the viewing titles, picture modes, audio signals, etc..

Parental Control: The Sony BDP-S580 offers Parental Control settings to limit BD, DVD, and streamed Internet video according to the age of the users. You can also Allow or Block all unrated Internet video. The control settings are protected by a custom 4-digit password. You can also lock the disc tray to prevent it from being opened by mistake.

Dimmer: You can adjust the lighting of the unit's front panel display from Bright, Dark, or Off.

Screen Saver: The screen saver image appears when you do not use the player for more than 10 minutes while an on-screen display, such as the home menu, is displayed on your TV screen. The screen saver image helps prevent your display devices from becoming damaged.

Remote Control

Multi-brand Remote: The supplied remote operates this unit and a Sony TV's power on/off, input select, and volume up/down. The remote is also pre-programmed with power, input, and volume controls for several other brand TVs.

HDMI Control (Bravia Sync): Sony components compatible with the HDMI Control function can be controlled via the HDMI connection. This includes convenient features like One-Touch Play and System Power-Off.

Mobile Device Control: You can turn your iPod touch, iPhone, iPad (requires iOS 3.1.3 or later), or compatible Android phone into a versatile remote when you download the free "Media Remote" app. Enjoy basic remote functions, a full QWERTY keyboard, plus search for information about the movies you're watching on YouTube, Wikipedia, Twitter, and many BRAVIA Internet Video services.

Note: Application must be downloaded from the iTunes application store or Android Market application store. Check Android Market from your device for compatibility. Requires that the Blu-ray Disc Player and remote device be connected to the same wireless network with the remote device connected through an 802.11 access point (802.11n recommended).