LG was one of the first Blu-ray Player Manufactures to realize the importance of online streaming. They introduce the concept in their release of the BD300 Blu-ray Player with Netflix streaming. With the entry level BD370, they took this step a little further, offering more streaming media services and internal audio decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio Essential and quicker load times.
The BD370 has a unique design with a glossy black front panel. The front of the player is dominated by a silver square in the middle. The Open/Close and Play buttons are found on this square, while the Power button is the circle within the center of the square. The disc loading tray can be located by flipping down a small automatic door on the left side of the player. Some other basic controls are located behind the front panel along with a USB Port. There is only one USB Port on the player, therefore the front panel must be kept lowered if using any USB device.
The remote control is simple and easy to use, as is the user interface. LG uses great HD graphics and simple icons to let the user access the BD370's functions right form the initial boot up. Each of these large icons in the Home Menu will give you access to one of the Blu-ray Player's features, such as Video, Audio, Netflix, YouTube, etc.
Video Quality: The BD370 is capable of outputting 1080p High Definition playback via the HDMI port located on the back of the player. Another video connection located on the back is the Component Outputs, which will output Blu-ray discs at 1080i and DVDs at 480p. DVDs can be up-scalled to near high definition level if you use the HDMI Port. Experts testing the video image of the BD370 found it somewhat lacking. Describing the image as good but not great.
Audio Quality: The BD370 audio connections include the HDMI Port, Digital Outputs (Coaxial, Optical) and 2.0ch Analog Outputs. It does has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential. Meaning it will decode these soundtrack formats to be played back on almost any HDMI Audio/Video receiver. You also get bitstream output if you want your Audio/Video receiver to to the decoding. Unfortunately, you will have to get a higher level Blu-ray Player if you want to have 7.1ch Analog outputs.
Other features not included in this entry level Blu-ray Player are internal storage and Wi-Fi options. For example, when accessing and downloading BD-Live content, you will have to use the Ethernet Port to connect to the internet. And an USB Storage Drive will be needed to download any BD-Live content.
Once connected to the internet there are a few online streaming media services to choose from. With NetCast Entertainment Access you can get TV shows, music and movies from sources such as Netflix, YouTube and CinemaNow. While there are some minor flaws in getting the correct aspect ratio for some SD content, the experience overall with BD370 online streaming is very good. You can be enjoying your favorite videos and TV shows within minutes.
While lacking slightly in video quality, the the BD370 images are still very good. Many would even find it difficult to tell the difference when compared to other entry level Blu-ray Players. What the BD370 does have are some very strong features that are easy to use and you get this for a very reasonable price.
THE PROS: The LG BD370 is a very good entry level Blu-ray Player. It is Profile 2.0, so it supports all your BD-Live content. It has NetCast™ Entertainment Access, which allows you to get online streaming services such as Netfilx, YouTube and and CinemaNow. Internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential should please almost everyone's HD Audio needs. Load times for the BD370 are relatively fast compare to most Blu-ray Players.
THE CONS: Image quality is lower than most of the entry level Players. There is no internal memory for stage or any Wi-Fi options.
THE FINAL WORD: The LG BD370 is a solid entry level Blu-ray Player. For a very good price you get an easy yo use player with Online Streaming Media Services such as Netflix and YouTube. — Price you should look for when buying Blu-ray Player — Under $200.00
