Sony BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Disc Player

78%

22%

Ease of Setup

Disc Playback Quality

DVD Upscaling

Load & Boot Speed

Streaming App Selection

Audio Performance

Build Quality & Design

Remote Control

Noise Level During Operation

Connectivity Options

Value for Money

Interface & Navigation

Long-Term Reliability

Energy Efficiency

Overview

The Sony BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Disc Player sits squarely at the practical end of Sony's disc player lineup — built for people who want dependable playback without fuss or a hefty price tag. It won't win any design awards, but the slim black chassis fits neatly under most TVs without drawing attention. At under two pounds, it's light enough to move between rooms easily. This is Sony keeping things honest: a no-frills disc player designed for everyday use, not for home theater enthusiasts chasing the bleeding edge. Reliable, compact, and straightforward — that's the pitch.

Features & Benefits

The BDP-S1700 handles Full HD 1080p Blu-ray playback cleanly and also upscales DVDs to give older discs a noticeably sharper look on modern screens. The Super Quick Start mode is genuinely useful — loading times are short enough that you won't be standing there waiting. A front USB port lets you pull up personal photos, music, or video files without any setup. For audio, it passes through Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to a compatible receiver, which is a real plus for anyone with a decent sound system. The wired Ethernet connection keeps streaming stable, though the app selection is modest compared to a dedicated streaming device.

Best For

This Blu-ray player makes the most sense for a specific kind of buyer. If you have a stack of discs you still watch regularly, it handles them reliably and quietly without drama. It also suits households that want basic streaming access — think Netflix or YouTube — without adding another box to the setup. The simple, clean interface makes it approachable for less tech-savvy users who don't want to dig through complicated menus. It works especially well as a secondary room player where you need something dependable but don't want to overspend. Just note: this is an HD player only, so 4K content is off the table.

User Feedback

Owners of this Sony disc player tend to share a consistent picture. Setup gets praised almost universally — plug in HDMI, connect to the internet, done. People appreciate how quiet the unit runs and how quickly it loads discs compared to older players they replaced. On the downside, the remote is basic to a fault, and the streaming app library is limited enough that some buyers ended up pairing it with a separate stick. A few users report wishing it supported 4K playback. Long-term reliability seems solid, and most buyers feel they got fair value — not flashy, but it does exactly what it promises.

#Blu-ray Players

#Blu-ray Players & Recorders

#Television & Video

#Electronics

Pros

Full HD 1080p Blu-ray playback delivers sharp, stable picture quality on modern HDTVs.
DVD upscaling noticeably improves older discs without any extra configuration needed.
Super Quick Start mode means the player is ready to go in seconds, not minutes.
Setup is genuinely plug-and-play — most users are watching within ten minutes of unboxing.
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio passthrough makes a real difference with a compatible AV receiver.
The front USB port lets you play personal videos and photos without digging behind the unit.
Wired Ethernet keeps streaming stable in households where Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
The BDP-S1700 runs quietly during playback, which matters more than most people expect.
Long-term reliability is solid — many owners report clean performance after two-plus years of regular use.
Compact footprint fits easily in tight entertainment center spaces without rearranging everything.

Cons

No Wi-Fi built in — a wired Ethernet cable is required for any streaming or online features.
The included remote feels cheap, has no backlight, and frustrates many users enough to prompt a replacement.
Built-in app selection is limited and will not fully replace a dedicated streaming device.
No 4K or UHD disc support — buyers with 4K TVs will not get a matching picture quality upgrade.
Stereo-only audio output when connected directly to a TV, with no immersive sound without a separate receiver.
The plastic build feels lightweight in a way that does not inspire long-term confidence.
Streaming app updates have slowed over time, meaning the software side ages faster than the hardware.
Some users report disc-reading inconsistencies with older or lightly scratched media after extended use.

Ratings

The Sony BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Disc Player has been evaluated by our AI rating engine after processing thousands of verified global user reviews, with spam, bot activity, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out to ensure accuracy. What emerges is a clear picture of a reliable entry-level disc player that earns genuine praise for simplicity and dependability, while facing honest criticism in areas like streaming depth and future-proofing. Both the strengths and the frustrations are reflected transparently in the scores below.

Ease of Setup

93%

Users consistently describe the initial setup as taking under ten minutes — connect the HDMI, run a quick network scan, and you are watching. For less tech-savvy buyers, particularly older adults setting this up independently, that plug-and-play experience is a genuine relief and one of the most frequently praised aspects.

A small number of users encountered confusion when navigating first-time network settings, particularly those with less common router configurations. The on-screen guidance is functional but not deeply instructive, which can leave first-timers briefly stuck.

Disc Playback Quality

88%

Full HD 1080p Blu-ray output is consistently described as sharp and stable, with no stuttering or syncing issues reported during normal playback. Buyers upgrading from aging DVD players are especially satisfied, noting a visible jump in picture clarity on mid-range HDTVs.

This player does not support 4K or UHD discs, which is a hard ceiling for buyers who may be planning ahead. A portion of reviewers flagged this as a disappointment only after purchasing, suggesting the product listing does not always make the HD-only limitation obvious enough.

DVD Upscaling

78%

22%

Upscaling older DVD titles to near-HD quality is a practical benefit that older disc library owners genuinely appreciate. On a 40- to 55-inch screen, the difference versus native DVD output is noticeable without being dramatic — a comfortable improvement for casual viewing.

Upscaling results vary depending on the source disc quality and the display being used. Users with larger or higher-end TVs sometimes find the upscaled output still looks soft, and the improvement is less impressive on screens above 60 inches.

Load & Boot Speed

84%

The Super Quick Start mode draws consistent praise, with users noting that the player is ready and disc menus appear noticeably faster than older machines they replaced. In daily use — sitting down after dinner and wanting to start a film quickly — that responsiveness matters more than buyers expect.

While quick start is genuinely faster than average for the price tier, it still lags behind the instant-on experience of streaming sticks or smart TVs. A handful of users also noted that boot speed slowed slightly after extended ownership, though this was not a dominant complaint.

Streaming App Selection

57%

43%

Having built-in access to major apps means this player can double as a basic streamer, which is convenient for rooms without a smart TV. The customizable home screen layout makes the apps that are available reasonably quick to access on a daily basis.

The app library is noticeably limited compared to dedicated streaming devices or modern smart TVs. Several users expected a broader selection and were surprised to find key services missing. For anyone who streams more than they spin discs, this player alone will not cover all their needs.

Audio Performance

82%

18%

Passthrough support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio is a meaningful spec at this price point, and users with AV receivers confirm the audio signal comes through cleanly. For home theater setups where the receiver handles decoding, this delivers a noticeably richer soundstage than basic stereo-only players.

The player outputs stereo only when connected directly to a TV without a receiver, which limits the audio experience for users without a separate sound system. Buyers expecting immersive audio straight from their TV speakers will be underwhelmed without additional hardware.

Build Quality & Design

71%

29%

The chassis feels solid enough for an entry-level unit and the compact footprint is a practical advantage in crowded entertainment centers. At under two pounds, it is easy to reposition or move between rooms without hassle, which several users in multi-TV households appreciated.

The plastic casing does not feel particularly premium, and some users describe the overall build as feeling lightweight in a way that undermines confidence. The disc tray mechanism, while functional, does not inspire the smooth, solid feel of pricier players.

Remote Control

52%

48%

The included remote covers all core functions and is straightforward enough that most users can navigate without consulting the manual. Button placement is logical for basic playback tasks like play, pause, and home screen access.

The remote is widely criticized as feeling cheap and underpowered, with a small form factor, cramped buttons, and no backlight. Multiple buyers mentioned replacing it with a universal remote shortly after purchase, and several noted that responsiveness felt inconsistent from across the room.

Noise Level During Operation

89%

Quiet operation is one of the most organically mentioned positives in user reviews. During normal disc playback, the fan and disc mechanism run at a level that does not intrude on the viewing experience, even in smaller, quieter rooms.

A small subset of users reported occasional disc spin noise on certain titles, particularly older pressed discs. This was not widespread, but for users watching in very quiet environments, any mechanical noise in an otherwise silent room can become distracting.

Connectivity Options

74%

26%

The front-facing USB port is a genuinely practical feature — slide in a USB drive loaded with personal videos or photos without reaching behind the unit. Wired Ethernet keeps streaming stable in households where Wi-Fi can be inconsistent.

The lack of built-in Wi-Fi is a notable omission that catches some buyers off guard. Users who do not have an Ethernet cable run to their entertainment center are effectively limited to disc playback and USB media, with no wireless streaming option available.

Value for Money

86%

At its price point, buyers broadly agree that this Sony disc player delivers exactly what it promises without any unpleasant surprises. Long-term owners report that the unit holds up well over years of regular use, which reinforces the sense that the upfront cost is well spent.

The value calculation shifts if a buyer's primary intent is streaming, since the app limitations mean they may end up purchasing an additional device anyway. Those expecting premium features at an entry-level price will find a few gaps that make the trade-off feel less clean.

Interface & Navigation

77%

23%

The customizable home screen is clean and uncluttered, which works well for users who want fast access to a small set of apps or functions. The menu system responds quickly and does not require multiple layers of navigation for routine tasks.

The interface lacks depth for power users — customization options are limited, and advanced settings feel buried. Users accustomed to the richer smart TV interfaces on modern displays may find the experience dated, particularly when managing streaming apps.

Long-Term Reliability

83%

Multi-year ownership reports are generally positive, with many buyers noting the unit is still performing cleanly after two or more years of regular use. Sony's brand reputation for durability at the entry level holds up reasonably well based on the patterns observed across reviews.

A smaller but consistent segment of long-term owners report disc-reading issues emerging after extended use, particularly with scratched or older pressed media. Software update frequency has also slowed, which means the streaming side of the player ages faster than the hardware.

Energy Efficiency

81%

19%

Energy Star 3.0 compliance means the unit draws minimal power in standby, which is a quiet but appreciated detail for environmentally conscious buyers or those mindful of electricity costs across multiple devices running simultaneously.

Energy efficiency is rarely a deciding factor for buyers in this category, so while the certification is a genuine positive, it does not meaningfully shift the overall purchase decision for most users and goes unnoticed by a large portion of the audience.

Suitable for:

The Sony BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Disc Player is a strong fit for anyone who still has a physical disc collection and wants a dependable, no-hassle way to enjoy it on a modern TV. It works especially well for older adults or less tech-savvy households who want a clean, approachable interface without navigating complex menus or settings. Secondary room setups — a bedroom, a guest room, or a basement den — are ideal use cases, where you want reliable brand-name hardware without committing to a higher-tier price. Anyone upgrading from an aging DVD player will notice an immediate improvement in both picture sharpness and audio quality, particularly with Blu-ray titles through a decent AV receiver. It also suits households that want to consolidate basic streaming access without adding yet another device to the entertainment center, as long as expectations around the app library remain realistic.

Not suitable for:

Buyers who are primarily interested in streaming should know upfront that the Sony BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Disc Player is not a replacement for a dedicated streaming stick or smart TV platform — the built-in app selection is limited, and the experience will feel dated compared to modern streaming devices. Anyone with a 4K television looking to get the most out of their display will find this player falls short, as it tops out at Full HD 1080p with no UHD disc support whatsoever. Home theater enthusiasts who value a premium build, backlit remotes, or advanced audio processing options will likely feel constrained by the hardware's entry-level design choices. Users without a wired Ethernet connection nearby may also find the setup frustrating, since this player lacks built-in Wi-Fi and depends on a physical cable for any internet-connected features. If your disc collection is small and streaming is your primary habit, the value case here weakens considerably.

Specifications

Brand: Manufactured by Sony, a globally recognized consumer electronics brand with decades of home theater product experience.
Model Number: The official model designation is BDP-S1700, part of Sony's entry-level Blu-ray disc player lineup.
Dimensions: The unit measures 9.06″ wide by 7.64″ deep by 1.54″ tall, making it compact enough to fit in most standard entertainment centers.
Weight: The player weighs 1.76 pounds, making it one of the lighter options in its category and easy to reposition between rooms.
Video Resolution: Supports Full HD playback at 1920x1080 resolution; this is an HD-only player with no 4K or UHD output capability.
Disc Compatibility: Plays Blu-ray Disc titles and standard DVDs, with built-in DVD upscaling to improve picture sharpness on older media.
Audio Formats: Supports passthrough of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for high-fidelity sound output to compatible AV receivers.
Audio Output Mode: Outputs stereo audio when connected directly to a television without an external AV receiver or amplifier.
Video Connector: Uses an HDMI connector for both audio and video output to a display or AV receiver.
Network Connectivity: Connects to a home network via a wired Ethernet port; there is no built-in Wi-Fi capability on this model.
USB Port: Features one front-facing USB port for direct playback of personal music, photo, and video files from a USB storage device.
Streaming: Includes built-in streaming app support with a customizable home screen, though the available app library is limited compared to dedicated streaming devices.
Boot Technology: Equipped with Super Quick Start mode, which significantly reduces both initial boot-up time and disc loading time during normal use.
Color: Available in a clean matte black finish that blends with most standard home theater equipment.
Power Compliance: Certified as Energy Star 3.0 compliant, meaning it meets established energy efficiency standards during both active use and standby mode.
Batteries: Comes with two AAA batteries included in the box for immediate use with the supplied remote control.
Remote Control: Ships with a basic infrared remote control that covers core playback and navigation functions without a backlight or advanced shortcut keys.
ASIN: The Amazon Standard Identification Number for this product is B01AAH1CYA, useful for locating the exact listing.

Related Reviews

Sony BDP-S390 Blu-ray Disc Player

85%

Video Quality

Wi-Fi Streaming Performance

Ease of Setup

Build Quality

Remote Control & App Integration

Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray Disc Player

66%

Picture Quality

DVD Upscaling

Audio Performance

Disc Loading Speed

Build Quality

Sony BDP-S480 Blu-ray Disc Player

75%

Picture Quality

Build Quality

Ease of Setup

Streaming App Experience

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Sony BDP-S570 3D Blu-ray Disc Player

77%

Disc Playback Quality

Build Quality & Durability

Boot & Load Speed

Wi-Fi & Network Connectivity

Streaming App Support

Sony BDP-S6700 Multi-System Blu-ray Player

79%

Multi-Region Playback

4K Upscaling Quality

Audio Performance

Ease of Setup

Streaming App Ecosystem

Sony BDP-S3700 Streaming Blu-ray Disc Player

78%

Ease of Setup

Streaming Performance

Audio Quality

Picture Quality

Build Quality

Sony BDP-BX510 3D Blu-ray Disc Player

71%

Disc Playback Quality

Ease of Setup

Streaming Performance

Build Quality

Remote & Interface

Sony BDP-S5200 Region-Free Blu-Ray Player

72%

Region-Free Playback

PAL/NTSC Conversion

Build Quality

Worldwide Voltage Compatibility

Picture Quality

Sony BDP-S2500 Blu-ray Player

71%

Value for Money

Picture Quality

Audio Performance

Build Quality

Ease of Setup

Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray Player

76%

Picture Quality

Ease of Setup

Streaming App Selection

Remote Control

Build Quality & Design

FAQ

No, it does not. The Sony BDP-S1700 Blu-ray Disc Player is an HD-only device, topping out at 1080p Full HD resolution. If you have a 4K television and want to get the most out of it with 4K discs, you would need to look at a UHD-capable player instead.

This player does not have built-in Wi-Fi — you will need a wired Ethernet cable to connect it to your home network for streaming and app access. If your router is in a different room, you may need a powerline adapter or a long Ethernet run to make that work practically.

You can absolutely use it with just your TV over HDMI — no receiver required. That said, the audio output in that setup is stereo only, so if you want to take advantage of the Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio support, you will need a compatible AV receiver in the chain.

The built-in app selection is modest — expect access to a handful of major services, but do not count on finding every platform you use. If streaming is a big part of how you watch content, you may want to pair this player with a dedicated streaming stick to fill in the gaps.

Yes, the difference is noticeable compared to older players. With Super Quick Start enabled, the unit goes from standby to ready in just a few seconds, and discs load significantly faster than what most people are used to from budget players. It is one of the features users mention most positively in real-world use.

Yes, it will upscale standard DVDs to improve the picture on HD displays. The result is a cleaner, sharper image than native DVD output, though how noticeable the improvement is depends on your TV size and how close you sit. On screens up to about 55 inches, most users find the upscaling worthwhile.

Not at all — this is one of the aspects buyers praise most. You connect the HDMI cable to your TV, plug in the power, and follow a short on-screen setup to connect to the internet. Most users are up and running in under ten minutes without needing to consult any documentation.

The front USB port supports playback of common music, photo, and video file formats from a USB flash drive or compatible storage device. It is handy for watching personal home videos or listening to music without needing to burn a disc or stream anything.

Honestly, it is functional but basic. It covers all the core playback and navigation controls you need, but the buttons are small, there is no backlight for use in a dark room, and the overall feel is on the cheap side. A number of users end up replacing it with a universal remote fairly quickly.

The general pattern from longer-term owners is positive — many report the hardware still running cleanly after two or more years of regular use, which is reassuring at this price point. The one area that ages faster is the software side: app support and firmware updates have slowed over time, which can make the streaming functionality feel increasingly dated compared to newer devices.