JVC XV-BP1 Blu-Ray Player

After nearly 10 years of reliable use from my JVC brand DVD player, technology upgrade demanded that my family get with the times and get a blu-ray player. 

Since the JVC DVD player had been so reliable all these years, I wanted to stick with this brand.  A quick online search unearthed the JVC XV-BP1.   

I got what I thought was a screamin deal from an online retailer, and purchased online.  A few days later, the JVC XV-BP1 showed up at my office.  Upon returning home, I was eager to connect the new XV-BP1 to the family home entertainment system. 

The connections to the JVC XV-BP1 were exactly like those on my DVD player, so installation took mere seconds.  Connecting the blu, green, and red cables for video, and Left and Right for audio, power, and that was it!  Although, the JVC XV-BP1 has connections for HDMI and even the old fashion composite video, just in case you have an old TV. 

A quick glance at the instructions and I quickly learned that the JVC XV-BP1 came already set up and ready to go for my HD TV set.  No programming was required, just plug and play.  How refreshing!  I hate fiddling with electronics, I was very pleased that the JVC XV-BP1 was ready to go right out of the box. 

For the techno-nerd types (I admit to being one sometimes), there are plenty of menu options to change the default TV screen size (in case you do not have a 16:9 screen), audio preferences, color, you name it.  You can also set a default screen resolution.  I have mine set on 1080p since that is what my TV is.  Although, it seems to figure it out on its own. 

Picture quality is breathtaking, and the JVC XV-BP1 doesn't look choppy when making a fast pan or transition like some others.  Even when looking at the menus of some DVDs, the computer generated text is much clearer than the typical DVD player. If you want to get really hi-tech, you can plug a USB thumb drive into the JVC XV-BP1 front panel and transfer files of almost any type to and from the machine.  I am able to view or listen to MP3 files right off my thumb drive!  That is pretty cool, I admit it.   

The machine feels very solid and durable.  Fit and finish surpasses typical quality standards.  The blue LED backlit display and buttons looks pretty cool, and despite some reports, are not overly bright.  They are plenty bright to be able to see them in the daytime, but not so bright that they are obnoxious at night.  Plus, the blue backlight matches the high-end McIntosh audio gear it sits next to.   

The machine itself makes very little noise, so even if you want to watch movies at real low volume, you won't be able to hear the JVC XV-BP1 working.  It's even quieter than the old DVD player it replaced. 

For those running on solar power or concerned about their overall power consumption, the JVC XV-BP1 is (unfortunately) one of those 'vampire appliances'.  It does have a slight current drain even when 'off'.  Since all the gear in my home is on a switched power strip, it's not an issue as the switch is off when the gear is not in use anyway. 

The power cord on the JVC XV-BP1 is removable, which makes swapping with another unit real quick, no need to fish power cords around.  All connectors on the JVC XV-BP1 look to be of high quality, much better than the chrome plated brass trash connectors you sometimes find on new gear. 

The remote takes just a single 'AAA' battery, which is included in the box. The remote feels like it could be military issue, really tough reinforced polymer with rubber buttons that are well marked.

Seriously, regardless of price, the JVC XV-BP1 is worth it.  I would have paid twice the price for this unit without being disappointed.