Sony BDP-S6500

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

Disc & USB Compatibility

Disc Compatibility: The Sony BDP-S6500 Blu-ray disc player is compatible with many disc types:

Blu-ray Disc: Blu-ray provides these key features and advantages

• 1080p Video Resolution: Blu-ray disc delivers full 1080p video resolution to provide pristine picture quality.
• 25GB/50GB Capacity: Blu-ray disc offers up to 5x the capacity of standard DVDs; 25GB for single layer disc and 50GB for dual layer disc.
• 7.1ch Audio: Blu-ray disc provides as many as 7.1 channels of native, uncompressed surround sound for crystal-clear audio entertainment.
• Enhanced Interactivity: Enjoy such capabilities as seamless menu navigation, bonus features, and network/internet connectivity.
• DVD Compatible: Blu-ray disc players enable you to continue to view and enjoy your existing DVD library.

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-S6500 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. Visit the Sony eSupport Site for the latest firmware update information.

USB Port:  The front-panel USB (type-A) port allows you to play photo, videos, and music 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 500 folders/files. The USB port also allows you to enjoy additional content (such as BonusView) on certain Blu-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).

Compatible Audio/Video/Photo Formats: The Sony Blu-ray disc player supports playback of the following audio/video/photo files recorded on BD-R/RE, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, and CD-R/RW discs; plus compatible USB memory devices.

Video Section

HDMI Output: The BDP-S6500's HDMI output simplifies A/V connections by carrying video and digital audio in one cable. The HDMI resolution can be fixed at 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K, or set to Auto (which selects the highest resolution accepted by your television).

• 4K UHD Upscale: Experience your favorite movies in up to 4x the detail of Full HD with 4K upscaling. Connected to a compatible 4K TV, an advanced video processor inside the Blu-ray player converts standard video into a signal nearer to 4K resolution (3840 x 2160). With 8 million pixels in the picture, you get sharper, more detailed images, and the higher image quality lets you sit closer to the screen.
• 4:4:4 Color Subsampling: The Blu-ray player supports 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:2:0 color subsampling. An "Auto" setting detects the connected TV type and switches to the matching color setting. With 4:4:4, luminance (brightness) and chroma (color) are sampled at the same rate, resulting in an RGB color palette as big as the video sampling rate for a video image with more total colors, plus greater color accuracy and detail.
• 24p Output: 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-S6500 will output that signal to the TV (if the TV will accept the 1080p/24 format) with no need for conversion.
• 3D-Ready w/ 2D-3D Conversion: The Sony BDP-S6500 lets you enjoy 3D Blu-ray disc movies in full HD 1080p. 3D viewing requires compatible 3D content, 3D-ready HDTV, 3D emitter and glasses, and a high-speed HDMI cable (supporting at least 10.2 Gbps) connection. The Sony BDP-S6500 can also convert 2D (two-dimensional) video content into simulated 3D (three-dimensional) video when connected to a 3D-ready TV, with 3D-glasses. You can make adjustments to the 3D image depth.

Note: This player does not offer any analog audio/video outputs.

Advanced Color Technologies: The Sony BDP-S6500 Blu-ray player features Sony's proprietary Triluminos Color technology, as well as supports both Deep Color and x.v. Color

• Triluminos Color: The BDP-S6500 incorporates Sony's Triluminos Color technology to provide a wider color gamut with rich, authentic color and a far more natural viewing experience with a heightened sense of depth.
• 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-S6500 also supports x.v.Color, meaning it's ready for x.v.Color discs when they become available in the future.

IP Content Noise Reduction Pro: See it all clearly with IP Content Noise Reduction PRO, a combination of picture technologies. Noise reduction enhances low-resolution web videos, while HD Reality Enhancer does pixel-by-pixel analysis for texture and color definition. Enjoy more lifelike images with improved contrast thanks to Pure Picture Control, and smooth color gradation from Super Bit Mapping

Video Settings: The BDP-S6500 offers the following video adjustments:

• Picture Quality Mode: You can select from 3 preset pictures settings (Direct, Brighter, Theater, Auto, or Custom) for different lighting environment. The Custom mode lets you adjust the contrast, brightness, color, and hue manually.
• Texture & Contrast Remaster: Texture Remaster adjusts the sharpness and detail of the edges, while Contrast Remaster automatically arranges the black and white levels so that the screen is not too dark and the image is modulated.
• Super Resolution + Smoothing: Super Resolution improves the overall resolution of picture. Smoothing reduces on-screen banding by smoothing gradations on flat areas.
• Clear Black: Adjusts the display of the dark elements of the image. All shading is not suppressed; it allows beautifully reproduced black tones.
• Noise Reduction: BNR reduces the mosaic-like block noise in the picture, MNR reduces minor noise around the picture outlines (mosquito noise), and I/P to enhance the picture quality of streamed network content.

Screen Settings: The Sony BDP-S6500 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 Size: For 3D viewing, you will need to set the screen size of your 3D-compatible TV.
• Screen Format: You can select the display configuration for a 4:3 screen picture on a 16:9 wide screen television. You can choose Full or Normal (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) or Normal (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

Cinema Conversion Mode: The Sony Blu-ray player offers two Cinema Conversion Modes - (1) Auto mode automatically detects whether the material is video-based or film-based, and switches to the appropriate conversion method. (2) The Video mode is suited for video-based material and 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 Section

Surround Sound Decoders: The BDP-S6500 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.

Note: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD are only output via the player's HDMI output.

Digital Music Enhancer: Breathe new life into your digital music with Digital Music Enhancer; a combination of three Sony audio technologies. DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), Dynamic Range Recovery, and Advanced Auto Volume combine to restore detail and prevent volume jumps. The result is immersive sound and maximum impact for dialog, movies, and music.

Audio Settings: The BDP-S6500 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.

Digital Audio Outputs: The BDP-S6500 is equipped with a coaxial (RCA) 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.

Network/Internet Functions

Dual Core Processor: A powerful Dual Core Processor ensures fast, lag-free performance. Web pages load more quickly, movies and media such as YouTube videos stream faster, and playback appears noticeably smoother. Even navigation is quicker and more responsive, so you can enjoy a frustration-free entertainment experience.

Wired or Wireless Network Connection: The Sony BDP-S6500 Blu-ray player supports a wired or wireless network connection. Via the Blu-ray player's network connection your can enjoy music, video, and still-image files stored on your computer. You can also listen to internet radio and watch online movies, via Bravia Entertainment Network.

• Ethernet (LAN) Jack: The Sony BDP-S6500 Blu-ray player is equipped with an Ethernet (LAN) RJ-45 jack for connecting the player to your home network and computer.
• Built-in Wireless LAN: The Sony Blu-ray player also features built-in WiFi which allows you to wirelessly access the Internet and your home network. A new 2.4GHz WiFi module compatible with MIMO provides improved stability and speed performance for a better streaming experience. With this feature, you can easily connect to a wireless LAN and enjoy the benefits of networking in a cable-free environment. A wireless connection requires a home network with an 802.11 b/g/n access point (802.11n recommended) and internet connection. Supports WPS, WEP, and WPA security.

Note: A home network speed of at least 2.5 Mbps is recommended (10 Mbps for HD content). Video quality and picture size vary and are dependent upon broadband speed and delivery by content provider.

Bravia Entertainment Network: Once the Sony BDP-S6500 has been connected to your home network, you can have your favorite internet content delivered to the Sony Blu-ray player via Bravia Internet Audio/Video, PlayStation Now, the Opera TV Store, or the built-in web browser. You can stream movies, videos, music, games, and more with Sony's Bravia Entertainment Network; while the built-in web-browser lets you search on-line content by URL. The Opera TV Store even lets you download additional apps.

• Bravia Internet Audio/Video: Bravia Internet Audio/Video serves as a gateway to online audio/video content, delivering a variety of on-demand entertainment straight to the Sony Blu-ray player. Bravia Internet Audio/Video allows you to instantly stream a wide variety of movies, TV episodes, videos, and music from a large selection of entertainment apps. Popular apps include -
  • Movies & TV Shows: PlayStation Video, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Flixster, & YuppTV.
  • Music & Radio: Pandora, SiriusXM, Qello, & Berliner Philharmoniker.
  • Social Media & Videos:  Facebook & YouTube.
  • News & Sports: Fox News, TMZ, MLB.TV, NHL GameCenter, & NBA Game Time.
• PlayStation Now: The Sony BDP-S6500 is PlayStation Now compatible, allowing  you instant access to a catalog of hundreds of streamed PS3 games (no game console required). You can stream PlayStation 3 games through a monthly subscription or rent games individually. Sony's DualShock 4 control (sold separately) is also required. Click here for more information about PlayStation Now. 
• Opera TV Store: The Opera TV Store provides a collection of additional downloadable web apps that are optimized for TV viewing. These apps range from videos, games, weather, news, world clocks, and social networks.
• Opera Internet Browser: The built-in Opera Internet Browser allows you to access select web content through the Sony Blu-ray player. Using the Opera Internet Browser, you gain access to Sony.com and Gracenote Music Services. The built-in internet browser also allows you to do basic keyword searches, so you can browse other select websites (text-based only). The Opera Internet Browser is not a full search engine for the Internet and Web. For Internet audio/video/photo content, use Sony's Bravia Internet Video service. Some web-pages maybe too large for download.

Note: Online content may require additional fees and/or PC registration. Available online content may change without notice.

Miracast & WiFi Direct: Miracast is a "screen mirroring" function which lets you wirelessly send the display from your compatible Windows 8.1+ or Android 4.2+ device (with support for Miracast) through the Blu-ray player and to your TV. This allows you to view pictures and videos that are playing on your compatible Windows or Android device on your TV screen. And thanks to WiFi Direct, no wireless router or access point required.

DLNA Certified: DLNA certification allows you to enjoy various content from your home network, such as photo (JPEG/PNG/GIF), music (MP3/WMA/WAV), and video (AVCHD/MPEG/WMV/XVID) files stored on your Windows 7/8 PC (or other DLNA Certified media server/Android device) through the Sony BDP-S6500 - up to 999 files/folders. The Blu-ray player can be connected to your compatible PC using a hardwired Ethernet (LAN) connection or WiFi connection (via built-in WiFi). This eliminates the need to copy your photo, video, and music files to a separate USB storage device.

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 to connect to the Internet via your home network and features front-panel USB port for additional storage.

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

Convenience Features

Quick Start: Quick Start speeds up the load time on movies, so discs start faster after they're inserted into the Blu-ray player. The Sony Blu-ray player has a start-up time of approximately 0.3 seconds in Quick Start mode (12.4 seconds in normal mode). In Quick Start mode, it takes approximately 17.1 seconds for a Blu-ray disc to begin playback (31.7 seconds in normal mode).

Note: The Start Up/Play Back Time tests were started with the Blu-ray player initially turned off and 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.

On-Screen Display w/ Screen Saver: The Sony BDP-S6500 provides an OSD via its HDMI output. The on-screen text can be set to English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. The unit does not offer a front-panel display. 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.

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

Auto Standby: If any button on the player or remote is not pressed for more than 20 minutes, the player automatically returns to standby mode.

Parental Control: The Sony BDP-S6500 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.

Energy Star Compliant: The Sony BDP-S6500 Blu-ray player meets Energy Star standards. Electric power consumption is significantly reduced during both use and standby.

Remote Control

Multibrand Remote: The supplied remote operates the Blu-ray player and a Sony TV's power on/off, input select, and volume up/down. The remote even has a dedicated Netflix button for immediate access to your Netflix movies. 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.

Sony TV SideView App: With the free Sony TV SideView App, you can control the BDP-S6500 Blu-ray player and browse content from your Apple iPod touch/iPhone/iPad (5.0+) or Android smartphone/tablet (2.2+). Simply download this app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The TV SideView App will allow your compatible Apple iOS or Android device to act as a remote control and software keyboard for the Sony Blu-ray player. You can also view disc information and search for Sony Bravia Internet apps from your compatible mobile device. In addition, you can use your Apple iOS/Android device to stream your videos, pictures, and music stored on your Windows computer or DLNA server to the Blu-ray player and your connected TV.

Note: The Sony TV SideView App requires that the Sony Blu-ray player and your Apple iOS or Android device be connected to the same compatible wireless network with the remote device connected through an 802.11 access point (802.11n recommended).

USB Keyboard Compatible: The Sony Blu-ray player also supports the connection of a USB 101 keyboard, which makes web browsing simpler.