Most consumers don't realize that their Blu-ray player can do much more than simply play shiny silver discs. Most players feature USB ports and some type of network connectivity (either wi-fi or Ethernet--and sometimes both). This enhanced functionality allows you to copy files from any computer or storage device on your home network to your Blu-ray player. Enjoy photos, music, and video with little effort and no burning CDs (so 20th century). Network connectivity also allows you to remotely control your player using your smartphone or tablet, avoiding the crappy bundled remote (they almost always suck). Both USB and network connections also allow you to easily perform firmware updates, keeping your player bug-free and up-to-date.

2. Blu-ray Players:
More than Discs
From the Kindle book
Home Theater
for the Internet Age

3. Three Inputs
 Most people use Blu-ray players only for shiny
silver discs
—We play music CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray movies
—Typically, that’s about it
 But Blu-ray players offer much more
—Play any disc (yea, we knew that, dude)
—Plug in a USB flash drive for media playback
—Use wi-fi or Ethernet

4. So What?
 Why should I go to the expense of adding
network connectivity to my player?
— Play any media file on any PC on your home network
— Remotely control your Blu-ray player using your
mobile device
— Effortlessly install firmware updates
 Better value
— You paid for all the functionality of your player
— Using only 1/3 of that functionality is silly

5. The USB Port
 Most modern Blu-ray players feature a front-facing
USB port
 USB can be used to “sneakernet” media files from
a computer to your player
 Most players can interpret a wide variety of file
types
—Music, video, and photos
 No more burning files to disc on your PC
— Instead, simply copy them to your USB flash drive and
plug it into your Blu-ray player

6. Network Connectivity
 Most Blu-ray players support some type of
network connectivity
—Wi-fi is common (built-in or an add-on)
—Ethernet (many models feature an Ethernet port,
sometimes labeled “LAN”)
 Wi-fi or Ethernet allow you to:
—Play music or video files from another PC or
storage device (NAS) on your home network
—Stream music from the internet

7. Blu-ray Ethernet
 Best connection available
— Superior to wi-fi, which is prone to interference
— Faster and more robust: Better in all respects
 Involves cabling, not wireless
— This makes it more difficult to install, but eliminates—
eliminates—local interference and drop outs
 Must run CAT6 cabling from your internet router
to your Blu-ray player
— If DIY isn’t your thing, hire a professional installer
— While this might cost you a couple hundred bucks, it
will give your Blu-ray player the best connection

8. Blu-ray Wi-Fi
 The easiest and most affordable connection
 Less reliable than Ethernet
— Prone to interference from common devices
— Garage door openers, microwave ovens, baby
monitors, and cordless phones
 If wi-fi is a feature of your Blu-ray player (like
many Sony models), try it
— It’s free
— Can always switch to Ethernet if unhappy with quality

9. More about Wi-Fi
 If you have to add a dongle or accessory to your
player to get wi-fi….
— Consider instead investing that $$ into Ethernet cable
installation
— My Pioneer Elite player offered a $130 wi-fi dongle; I
put that money into CAT6 cable installation and now
have super-fast, very reliable Ethernet
 Wi-fi not only more interference, but slower
— A concern when streaming high-def video
— With UltraHD (4K) video right around the corner,
wi-fi not the best way to go

10. Remote Control
 Another huge benefit of network connectivity
to your Blu-ray player: Remote control
 Gives you the option of installing a
manufacturer app on your mobile device and
controlling the player from it
 No more crappy bundled remote controls
—Bundled remotes almost always suck
—You already have your mobile device; why not use
it to control your home theater equipment?

11. Firmware Updates
 Firmware = software on your Blu-ray player that
helps control it
— Firmware updates are common on home theater
equipment (including AV receivers)
— You should always install firmware updates
 Firmware updates facilitated via USB or your
network connection
— You can download and copy firmware update files to
a USB flash drive and install from there
— If you have wi-fi or Ethernet on your player, you can
use the player’s menus to update the firmware

12. New Blu-ray Player
 When shopping for a Blu-ray player, ensure
that:
—It features either wi-fi or Ethernet
—Both is nice; it gives you options
 Ensure that the player has a front-facing USB
port (rear-facing is a huge pain)
—Some Blu-ray players feature a rear-facing USB
port that works only for firmware updates

13. These slides are
derived from
the Amazon
Kindle book
Home Theater
for the
Internet Age
by
Curt Robbins

14. Other Books by Curt Robbins
 Understanding Personal Data Security
 Understanding Digital Music
 Understanding Cutting the Cord
 Understanding Home Theater

15. About Curt Robbins
 Publishes a blog: Middle Class Tech
 Flipboard magazine: Middle Class Tech
 Twitter: @CurtRobbins

17. Surround Sound Formats
Excerpt from
Home Theater for the Internet Age