Expert Review:
Considering its performance, the LG BD670 is one of the most reasonably priced BD players on the market today. Unlike many of the BD players sold currently, LG has chosen to reject features such as 3D conversion and on-board memory, instead focusing on covering the basics to the fullest extent. Because of this, the BD670 is priced more like an entry-level player without giving up important capabilities like built-in Wi-Fi, and therefore, internet TV. LG's Smart TV offers video streaming from major sources like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, CinemaNow, and YouTube, while music lovers have access to Pandora, Napster, etc. However, content from Hulu Plus and Qriosity is inaccessible – disappointing, to say the least. Aside from internet TV, the BD670 is especially adept at handling different media files. This BD player goes far beyond the minimum required for DLNA certification, and includes support for directly playing back h.264 AVCHD files on top of the standard (and expected) MKV, DivX, MP4, etc. If you're a multimedia fan, the BD670 should be your top choice.
As you would expect with any current Blu-ray disc player, video and audio quality are high thanks to the high definition media. While there are other BD players that offer superior video quality, only the most dedicated videophiles are likely to notice the difference. The BD670 supports lossless high-definition audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, though a receiver with an HDMI port is required for full 7.1 channel sound output. For watching movies on a normal-size HDTV, the BD670 leaves little to be desired. Movies load up faster than they do on the PlayStation 3, though the primary competitors such as Panasonic's DMP-BDT210 and Sony's BDP-S580 are generally quicker. With that said, the BD670 is hardly 'slow' - especially when compared directly to first-generation BD players.
Drawbacks are few, but they do exist. Other than the slower-than-expected speeds, the LG BD670 does not come with any on-board memory. This means that BD-Live content is not playable unless an external drive is connected through the USB port. This is easy enough to do, and can be overlooked if you rarely view BD-Live content. Also, while the BD670 includes component video outputs, video resolution is limited to 480i thanks to the new 2011 AACS rules. Since most people hook up BD players via HDMI, this is more of an annoyance than anything. Otherwise, it's hard to find any faults with the LG BD670 without resorting to nitpicking. With its versatile multimedia capabilities and attractive price, the BD670 is easily one of the best of the current crop of BD players.
